steering LEXUS RX350 2021 Owner's Manual

1413-4. Adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors
3
Before driving
1To select a mirror to adjust, press
the switch.
Left
Right
Pressing the same switch again will put the
switch in neutral.
2To adjust the mirror, press the
switch.
Up
Right
Down
Left
■Mirror angle can be adjusted when
The engine switch is in ACCESSORY or
IGNITION ON mode.
■Defogging the mirrors
The outside rear view mirrors can be
cleared using the mirror defoggers. Turn on
the rear window defogger to turn on the
outside rear view mirror defoggers.
(  P.294)
■Automatic adjustment of the mirror
angle (if equipped)
A desired mirror face angle can be entered
to memory and recalled automatically by
the driving position memory. ( P.133)
■Auto anti-glare function (if equipped)
When the anti-glare inside rear view mirror
is set to automatic mode, the outside rear
view mirrors will activate in conjunction with
the anti-glare inside rear view mirror to
reduce reflec ted light. (P.140)
■Linked mirror function when reversing
When either “L” or “R” of the mirror select
switch is selected, the outside rear view mir-
rors will automatically angle downwards
when the vehicle is re versing in order to
give a better view of the ground.
To disable this function, select neither “L”
Outside rear view mirrors
The rear view mirror’s position can
be adjusted to enable sufficient
confirmation of the rear view.
WARNING
■Important points while driving
Observe the following precautions while
driving.
Failing to do so may result in loss of con-
trol of the vehicle and cause an accident,
resulting in death or serious injury.
●Do not adjust the mirrors while driving.
●Do not drive with the mirrors folded.
●Both the driver and passenger side
mirrors must be extended and prop-
erly adjusted before driving.
Adjustment procedure
A
B
A
B
C
D

1423-4. Adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors
nor “R”.
To set the mirror angle used when the vehi-
cle is reversing, adjust the mirror angle at a
desired position with the shift lever in R.
The adjusted angle will be memorized and
the mirror will automatically tilt to the mem-
orized angle whenever the shift lever is
shifted to R from next time.
The memorized downward tilt position of
the mirror is linked to the normal position
(angle adjusted with the shift lever in other
than R). Therefore, if the normal position is
changed after adjustment, the tilt position
will also change.
When the normal position is changed, read-
just the angle in reversing.
Push the mirror back in the direction of
the vehicle’s rear.
■Using the switch
Press the switch to fold the mirrors.
Press it again to extend them to the original
position.
■Setting automatic mode
Automatic mode allows the folding or
extending of the mirrors to be linked to
locking/unlocking of the doors.
Press the “AUTO” switch to set auto-
matic mode.
The indicator will come on.
Pressing the switch on ce more will return
to manual mode.
■When disconnecting and reconnecting
battery terminals (power type)
The automatic folding/extending mirror
function will return to off as default. To turn
the function on, press the switch again to
select on.
■Using automatic mode in cold weather
(if equipped)
When automatic mode is used in cold
weather, the door mirror could freeze up
and automatic stowing and return may not
be possible. In this case, remove any ice and
WARNING
■When the mirror defoggers are oper-
ating
Do not touch the rear view mirror sur-
faces, as they can become very hot and
burn you.
Folding the mirrors (manual
type)
Folding and extending the mir-
rors (power type)
A

1433-4. Adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors
3
Before driving
snow from the door mirror, then either
operate the mirror using manual mode or
move the mirror by hand.
■Customization
Some functions can be customized.
(  P.461)
WARNING
■When a mirror is moving
To avoid personal injury and mirror mal-
function, be careful not to get your hand
caught by the moving mirror.

1544-1. Before driving
4-1.Before driving
■Starting the engine
 P.174
■Driving
1 With the brake pedal depressed,
shift the shift lever to D. ( P.178)
2 Release the parking brake.
(P.183)
If the parking brake is in automatic mode,
the parking brake is released automatically
when shifting the shift lever to any position
other than P. ( P.184)
3 Gradually release the brake pedal
and gently depress the accelerator
pedal to accelerate the vehicle.
■Stopping
1 With the shift lever in D, depress the
brake pedal.
2 If necessary, set the parking brake.
(P.183)
If the vehicle is to be stopped for an
extended period of time, shift the shift lever
to P or N. ( P.178)
■Parking the vehicle
1 With the shift lever in D, depress the
brake pedal.
2 Set the parking brake ( P.183),
and shift the shift lever to P
( P.178).
3 Press the engine switch to stop the
engine. 4
Lock the door, making sure that you
have the electronic key on your
person.
If parking on a hill, block the wheels as
needed.
■Starting off on a steep uphill
1 With the brake pedal depressed,
shift the shift lever to D. ( P.179)
2 Pull the parking brake switch and
parking brake is set manually.
(P.183)
3 Release the brake pedal and gently
depress the accelerator pedal to
accelerate the vehicle.
4 Press the parking brake switch and
parking brake is released manually.
■When starting off on a uphill
The hill-start assist control will activate.
(  P.275)
■Driving in the rain
●Drive carefully when it is raining, because
visibility will be reduced, the windows
may become fogged-up, and the road
will be slippery.
●Drive carefully when it starts to rain,
because the road surface will be espe-
cially slippery.
●Refrain from high speeds when driving on
an expressway in the rain, because there
may be a layer of wa ter between the tires
and the road surface, preventing the
steering and brakes from operating prop-
erly.
■Engine speed while driving
In the following conditions, the engine
speed may become high while driving. This
is due to automatic up-shifting control or
down-shifting implementation to meet driv-
ing conditions. It does not indicate sudden
acceleration.
●The vehicle is judged to be driving uphill
or downhill
Driving the vehicle
The following procedures should be
observed to ensure safe driving:
Driving procedure

1564-1. Before driving
WARNING
●Do not drive the vehicle over or stop
the vehicle near flammable materials.
The exhaust system and exhaust gases
can be extremely hot. These hot parts
may cause a fire if there is any flamma-
ble material nearby.
●During normal driving, do not turn off
the engine. Turning the engine off
while driving will not cause loss of
steering or braking control, but the
power assist to these systems will be
lost. This will make it more difficult to
steer and brake, so you should pull
over and stop the vehicle as soon as it
is safe to do so.
However, in the event of an emer-
gency, such as if it becomes impossible
to stop the vehicle in the normal way:
P.394
●Use engine braking (downshift) to
maintain a safe speed when driving
down a steep hill.
Using the brakes continuously may
cause the brakes to overheat and lose
effectiveness. (
P.178)
●Do not adjust the positions of the
steering wheel, the seat, or the inside
or outside rear view mirrors while driv-
ing.
Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle
control.
●Always check that all passengers’
arms, heads or other parts of their
body are not outside the vehicle.
●AWD models: Do not drive the vehicle
off-road.
This is not an AWD vehicle designed
for off-road driving. Proceed with all
due caution if it becomes unavoidable
to drive off-road.
●Do not drive across a river or through
other bodies of water.
This may cause electric/electronic
components to short circuit, damage
the engine or cause other serious
damage to the vehicle.
●Do not drive in excess of the speed
limit. Even if the legal speed limit per-
mits it, do not drive over 85 mph (140
km/h) unless your vehicle has
high-speed capability tires. Driving
over 85 mph (140 km /h) may result in
tire failure, loss of control and possible
injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer
to determine whether the tires on your
vehicle are high-speed capability tires
or not before driving at such speeds.
■When driving on slippery road sur-
faces
●Sudden braking, acceleration and
steering may cause tire slippage and
reduce your ability to control the vehi-
cle.
●Sudden acceleration, engine braking
due to shifting, or changes in engine
speed could cause the vehicle to skid.
●After driving through a puddle, lightly
depress the brake pedal to make sure
that the brakes are functioning prop-
erly. Wet brake pads may prevent the
brakes from functioning properly. If the
brakes on only one side are wet and
not functioning properly, steering con-
trol may be affected.
■When shifting the shift lever
●Do not let the vehicle roll backward
while the shift lever is in a driving posi-
tion, or roll forward while the shift lever
is in R.
Doing so may cause the engine to stall
or lead to poor brake and steering
performance, resulting in an accident
or damage to the vehicle.
●Do not shift the shif t lever to P while
the vehicle is moving.
Doing so can damage the transmission
and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.
●Do not shift the shift lever to R while
the vehicle is moving forward.
Doing so can damage the transmission
and may result in a loss of vehicle con-
trol.

1584-1. Before driving
WARNING
●Always apply the parking brake, shift
the shift lever to P, stop the engine and
lock the vehicle.
Do not leave the vehicle unattended
while the engine is running.
If the vehicle is parked with the shift
lever in P but the parking brake is not
set, the vehicle may start to move, pos-
sibly leading to an accident.
●Do not touch the exhaust pipes while
the engine is running or immediately
after turning the engine off.
Doing so may cause burns.
■When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the engine off. Otherwise, if
you accidentally move the shift lever or
depress the accelerator pedal, this could
cause an accident or fire due to engine
overheating. Additionally, if the vehicle is
parked in a poorly ventilated area,
exhaust gases may collect and enter the
vehicle, leading to death or a serious
health hazard.
■When braking
●When the brakes are wet, drive more
cautiously.
Braking distance increases when the
brakes are wet, and this may cause one
side of the vehicle to brake differently
than the other side. Also, the parking
brake may not securely hold the vehi-
cle.
●If the brake booster device does not
operate, do not follow other vehicles
closely and avoid hills or sharp turns
that require braking.
In this case, braking is still possible, but
the brake pedal should be depressed
more firmly than usual. Also, the brak-
ing distance will increase. Have your
brakes fixed immediately.
●Do not pump the brake pedal if the
engine stalls.
Each push on the brake pedal uses up
the reserve for the power-assisted
brakes.
●The brake system consists of 2 individ-
ual hydraulic systems; if one of the sys-
tems fails, the other w ill still operate. In
this case, the brak e pedal should be
depressed more firmly than usual and
the braking distance will increase.
Have your brakes fixed immediately.
■If the vehicle becomes stuck (AWD
models)
Do not spin the wheels excessively when
any of the tires is up in the air, or the vehi-
cle is stuck in sand, mud, etc. This may
damage the driveline components or
propel the vehicle forward or backward,
causing an accident.
NOTICE
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not depress the accelerator and
brake pedals at the same time during
driving, as this may restrain the engine
output.
●Do not use the accelerator pedal or
depress the accelerator and brake
pedals at the same time to hold the
vehicle on a hill.
■When parking the vehicle
Always set the parking brake and shift
the shift lever to P. Failure to do so may
cause the vehicle to move or the vehicle
may accelerate suddenly if the accelera-
tor pedal is accidentally depressed.
■Avoiding damage to vehicle parts
●Do not turn the steering wheel fully in
either direction and hold it there for an
extended period of time.
Doing so may damage the power
steering motor.
●When driving over bumps on the road,
drive as slowly as possible to avoid
damaging the wheels, underside of the
vehicle, etc.

1594-1. Before driving
4
Driving
Cargo capacity depends on the total
weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capac-
ity) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load
Limit —
(1) Locate the statement “The com-
bined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX
lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of
the driver and passengers that will be
riding in your vehicle.
(3) Subtract the combined weight of
the driver and passengers from XXX
kg or XXX lbs.
(4) The resulting figure equals the
available amount of cargo and luggage
load capacity.
For example, if the “XXX” amount
equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five
150 lb passengers in your vehicle, the
amount of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 − 750
(5  150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined weight of
luggage and cargo being loaded on
the vehicle. That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and lug-
NOTICE
■If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged ti re may cause the fol-
lowing situations. Hold the steering
wheel firmly and gradually depress the
brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.
●It may be difficult to control your vehi-
cle.
●The vehicle will make abnormal
sounds or vibrations.
●The vehicle will lean abnormally.
Information on what to do in case of a flat
tire (
P.416)
■When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded
after heavy rain etc. Doing so may cause
the following serious damage to the vehi-
cle:
●Engine stalling
●Short in electrical components
●Engine damage caused by water
immersion
In the event that you drive on a flooded
road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure
to have your Lexus dealer check the fol-
lowing:
●Brake function
●Changes in quantity and quality of oil
and fluid used for the engine, transaxle,
transfer (AWD models), rear differen-
tial (AWD models), etc.
●Lubricant condition for the propeller
shaft (AWD models), bearings and
suspension joints (where possible),
and the function of all joints, bearings,
etc.
Cargo and luggage
Take notice of the following infor-
mation about storage precautions,
cargo capacity and load.
Capacity and distribution

1614-1. Before driving
4
Driving
WARNING
●Do not stack cargo and luggage in the
luggage compartment higher than the
seatbacks.
●When you fold down the rear seats,
long items should not be placed
directly behind the front seats.
●Never allow anyone to ride in the lug-
gage compartment. It is not designed
for passengers. They should ride in
their seats with their seat belts prop-
erly fastened.
●Do not place cargo or luggage in or on
the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)
• On the luggage cover
• On the instrument panel
•On the dashboard
●Secure all items in the occupant com-
partment.
■Capacity and distribution
●Do not exceed the maximum axle
weight rating or the total vehicle
weight rating.
●Even if the total load of occupant’s
weight and the cargo load is less than
the total load capacity, do not apply the
load unevenly. Improper loading may
cause deterioration of steering or
braking control which may cause
death or serious injury.
■Roof luggage carrier precautions
Observe the following precautions:
●Place the cargo so that its weight is dis-
tributed evenly between the front and
rear axles.
●If loading long or wide cargo, never
exceed the vehicle overall length or
width. (
P.442)
●Before driving, make sure the cargo is
securely fastened on the roof luggage
carrier.
●Loading cargo on the roof luggage
carrier will make the center of gravity
of the vehicle higher. Avoid high
speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns,
sudden braking or abrupt maneuvers,
otherwise it may result in loss of con-
trol or vehicle rollover due to failure to
operate this vehicle correctly and
result in death or serious injury.
●If driving for a long distance, on rough
roads, or at high sp eeds, stop the vehi-
cle now and then during the trip to
make sure the cargo remains in its
place.
●Do not exceed 165 lb. (75 kg) cargo
weight on the roof luggage carrier.
NOTICE
■When loading cargo (vehicles with a
moon roof or panoramic moon roof)
Be careful not to scratch the surface of
the moon roof or panoramic moon roof.

1624-1. Before driving
■Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire
and loading information label. ( P.373)
Vehicle load limits
Vehicle load limits include total
load capacity, seating capacity,
trailer weight rating and cargo
capacity.
 Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight):  P.442
Total load capacity means the com-
bined weight of occupants, cargo
and luggage.
 Seating capacity
(RX350): P.443
Seating capacity means the maxi-
mum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb.
(68 kg) per person.
 Seating capacity
(RX350L): P.443
Seating capacity means the maxi-
mum number of occupants whose
estimated average weight is 150 lb.
(68 kg) per person.
 TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)
(vehicles with towing package):
P.168, 442
TWR means the maximum gross
trailer weight (trailer weight plus its
cargo weight) that your vehicle is
able to tow.
 TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)
(vehicles without towing pack-
age)
Lexus does not recommend towing
a trailer with your vehicle.
 Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or
decrease depending on the weight
and the number of occupants.
WARNING
■Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tires,
but also degrade steering and braking
ability, resulting in an accident.

1644-1. Before driving
for a more safe trailer hookup, the trailer
ball setup must be the proper height for the
coupler on the trailer.Coupler
Trailer ball
■Before towing
Check that the following conditions are
met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are prop-
erly inflated. ( P.448)
●Trailer tires are inflated according to the
trailer manufacturer’s recommendation.
●All trailer lights work as required by law.
●All lights work each time you connect
them.
●The trailer ball is set at the proper height
for the coupler on the trailer.
●The trailer is level when it is hitched.
Do not drive if the trailer is not level, and
check for improper tongue weight, over-
loading, worn suspension, or other possi-
ble causes.
●The trailer cargo is securely loaded.
●The rear view mirrors conform to all
applicable federal, state/provincial or local regulations. If they do not, install
rear view mirrors appropriate for towing
purposes.
■Adaptive Variable Suspension System
(if equipped)
The suspension can be switched for
improvement in driveability. ( P.275)
■Break-in schedule
If your vehicle is new or equipped with any
new power train components (such as an
engine, transaxle, transfer [AWD models],
rear differential [AWD models] or wheel
bearing), Lexus recommends that you do
not tow a trailer until the vehicle has been
driven for over 500 miles (800 km).
After the vehicle has been driven for over
500 miles (800 km), you can start towing.
However, for the next 500 miles (800 km),
drive the vehicle at a speed of less than 50
mph (80 km/h) when towing a trailer, and
avoid full throttle acceleration.
■Maintenance
●If you tow a trailer, your vehicle will
require more frequent maintenance due
to the additional load. (See “Warranty
and Services Guide”, “Owner’s Manual
Supplement” or “Scheduled Mainte-
nance”.)
●Retighten the fixing bolts of the towing
ball and bracket after approximately 600
miles (1000 km) of trailer towing.
■If trailer sway occurs
One or more factors (crosswinds, passing
vehicles, rough roads, etc.) can adversely
affect handling of your vehicle and trailer,
causing instability.
●If trailer swaying occurs:
• Firmly grip the steering wheel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer swaying by
turning the steering wheel.
• Begin releasing th e accelerator pedal
immediately but very gradually to reduce
speed.
Do not increase speed. Do not apply
vehicle brakes.
If you make no extreme correction with the
steering or brakes, your vehicle and trailer
should stabilize. (if enabled, Trailer Sway
A
B