tow LEXUS RX450h 2015 Owner's Manual

2462-4. Using other driving systems
CAUTION■
Situations unsuitable for dynamic radar cruise control
Do not use dynamic radar cruise contro l in any of the following situations.
Doing so may result in inappropriate sp eed control and could cause an accident
resulting in death or serious injury. ●
In heavy traffic●
On roads with sharp bends●
On winding roads●
On slippery roads, such as thos e covered with rain, ice or snow●
On steep downhills, or where there are sudden changes between sharp up and
down gradients
Vehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep hill.●
At entrances to expressways●
When weather conditions are bad enough that they may prevent the sensors
from functioning correctly (fog, sn ow, sandstorm, heavy rain, etc.)●
When an approach warning buzzer is heard often●
When your vehicle is towing a trailer or during emergency towing■
When the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead
Apply the brakes as necessary when any of the following types of vehicles are in
front of you.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect these types of vehicles, the
approach warning (  P. 241) will not be activated, and a fatal or serious accident
may result. ●
Vehicles that cut in suddenly●
Vehicles traveling at low speeds●
Vehicles that are not moving
●
Vehicles with small rear ends (tra ilers with no load on board etc.)
●
Motorcycles traveling in the same lane

2562-4. Using other driving systems
■
Sensor detection information ●
Certain vehicle conditions and the su rrounding environment may affect the
ability of a sensor to correctly detect an obstacle. Particular instances where this
may occur are listed below.
• There is dirt, snow or ice on a sensor.
• A sensor is frozen.
• A sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning considerably to one side.
• On an extremely bumpy road, on an incline, on gravel, or on grass
• The vicinity of the vehicle is noisy due to vehicle horns, motorcycle engines,
air brakes of large vehicles, or other loud noises producing ultrasonic waves.
• There is another vehicle equipped with parking assist sensor s in the vicinity.
• A sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain.
• The vehicle is equipped with a fender pole or radio antenna.
• Towing eyelets are installed.
• A bumper or sensor receives a strong impact.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or right-angled curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
• A non-genuine Lexus suspension (low ered suspension, etc.) is installed.
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of their
shapes, signs and other objects may be judg ed by a sensor to be closer than they
are. ●
The shape of the obstacle may prevent a sensor from detecting it. Pay particular
attention to the following obstacles:
• Wires, fences, ropes, etc.
• Cotton, snow and other materi als that absorb sound waves
• Sharply-angled objects
•Low obstacles
• Tall obstacles with upper sections projec ting outwards in the direction of your
vehicle
■
If a message is displayed
 P. 74 3

2882-4. Using other driving systems
■
Conditions under which the Blind Spot Monitor will not detect a vehicle
The Blind Spot Monitor is not designed to detect the following types of vehicles
and/or objects: ●
Vehicles traveling from the opposite direction●
Small motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians etc.*●
Guardrails, walls, signs, parked vehicles and similar stationary objects*●
Following vehicles that are in the same lane*●
Vehicles driving 2 lanes across from your vehicle*
*: Depending on conditions, detection of a vehicle and/or object may occur ■
Conditions under which the Blind Spot Monitor may not function correctly ●
The Blind Spot Monitor may not detect vehicles correctly in the following condi-
tions:
• During bad weather such as heavy rain, fog, snow etc.
• When ice, mud etc. is attached to the rear bumper
• When driving on a road surface that is wet due to rain, standing water etc.
• When there is a significant difference in speed between your vehicle and the
vehicle that enters the detection area
• When a vehicle is in the detection area from a stop and remains in the detec-
tion area as your vehicle accelerates
• When driving up or down consecutive steep inclines, such as hills, a dip in the
road etc.
• When multiple vehicles approach with only a small gap between each vehicle
• When vehicle lanes are wide, and the vehicle in the next lane is too far away
from your vehicle
• When the vehicle that enters the detect ion area is traveling at about the same
speed as your vehicle
• When there is a significant difference in height between your vehicle and the
vehicle that enters the detection area.
• Directly after the BSM switch is set to on.
• When towing a trailer
• When items such as a bicycle carrier are installed on the rear of the vehicle

2952-5. Driving information
2
When driving NOTICE■
To prevent water damage
Take all necessary safety measures to ensure that water damage to the hybrid bat-
tery, hybrid system or other components does not occur. ●
Water entering the engine compartment may cause severe damage to the hybrid
system. Water entering the interior may cause the hybrid battery stowed under
the rear seats to short circuit.●
Water entering the hybrid transmission will cause deterioration in transmission
quality. The malfunction indicator may come on, and the vehicle may not be driv-
able.●
Water can wash the grease from wheel bearings, causing rusting and premature
failure, and may also enter the hybrid transmission case, reducing the gear oil’s
lubricating qualities.■
When you drive through water
If driving through water, such as when crossing shallow streams, first check the
depth of the water and the bottom of the riverbed for firmness. Drive slowly and
avoid deep water.■
Inspection after off-road driving ●
Sand and mud that has accumulated around brake discs may affect braking effi-
ciency and may damage brake system components.●
Always perform a maintenance inspection after each day of off-road driving that
has taken you through rough terrain, sand, mud, or water. For scheduled mainte-
nance information, refer to the “Warra nty and Services Guide/Owner’s Manual
Supplement/Schedul ed Maintenance”.

2962-5. Driving information
Cargo and luggage
Capacity and distribution
Cargo capacity depends on the to tal weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capa city) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit 
(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo
should never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard.
(2) Determine the combined weight of th e 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 av ailable 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 ve hicle, 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 no t safely exceed the available cargo
and luggage load capacity calculated in Step 4. Take notice of the following information about storage precautions, cargo
capacity and load.
● Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever
possible.
● Be sure all items are secured in place.
● Be careful to keep the vehicle level. Placing the weight as far for-
ward as possible helps maintain vehicle balance.
● For better fuel economy, do not carry unnecessary weight.

2972-5. Driving information
2
When driving (6)If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be
transferred to your vehicle. Consul t this manual to determine how this
reduces the available cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehi-
cle.
(  P. 7 9 8 )
Calculation formula for your vehicle
Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight) (  P. 7 9 8 )
When 2 people with the combined weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in your
vehicle, which has a total load capacity (vehicle ca pacity weight) of B lb.
(kg), the available amount of cargo an d luggage load capacity will be C
lb. (kg) as follows:
B* 2
lb. (kg) - A* 1
lb. (kg) = C* 3
lb. (kg)
* 1
: A =Weight of people
* 2
: B =Total load capacity
* 3
: C =Available cargo and luggage load
In this condition, if 3 more passengers with the combined weight of D lb. (kg)
get on, the available cargo and luggage lo ad will be reduced E lb. (kg) as fol-
lows:
C lb. (kg) - D* 4
lb. (kg) = E* 5
lb. (kg)
* 4
: D =Additional weight of people
* 5
: E =Available cargo and luggage load

2982-5. Driving information
As shown in the example above, if the number of occupants increases,
the cargo and luggage load will be re duced by an amount that equals the
increased weight due to the addition al occupants. In other words, if an
increase in the number of occupants ca uses an excess of the total load
capacity (combined weight of occupants plus cargo and luggage load),
you must reduce the cargo and luggage on your vehicle. CAUTION■
Things that must not be carri ed in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compartment: ●
Receptacles containing gasoline●
Aerosol cans■
Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury. ●
Stow cargo and luggage in the lugga ge compartment whenever possible.●
Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment higher than the
seatbacks.
Such items may be thrown about and possib ly injure people in the vehicle in the
event of sudden braking or in an accident.●
Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations as the items may
get under the brake or accelerator pedal and prevent the pedals from being
depressed properly, block the driver’s vision, or hit the driver or passengers,
causing an accident:
• 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 compartment, as they may shift and injure some-
one in the event of sudden braking, sudden swerving or an accident.

3012-5. Driving information
2
When driving Vehicle load limits
■
Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on th e tire and loading information label.
(  P. 6 7 9 )
CAUTION
■
Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.
It may not only cause damage to the tire s, but also degrade steering and braking
ability, resulting in an accident. Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, TWR
(Trailer Weight Rating) and cargo capacity.
■ Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight): (  P. 7 9 8 )Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo and
luggage.
■ Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3) Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose esti-
mated average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
■ TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) (AWD models with towing package):
(  P. 310, 798)TWR means the maximum gross trailer weight (trailer weight plus its
cargo weight) that your vehicle is able to tow.
■ TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) (2WD models and AWD models
without towing package) 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.

3062-5. Driving information
Trailer towing (AWD models with towing package)
Towing related terms
■ GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross
combination weight. The gross
combination weight is the sum of
the total vehicle weight (including
the occupants, cargo and any
optional equipment installed on
the vehicle) and the weight of the
trailer being towed (including the
cargo in the trailer).Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load-carrying vehi-
cle. Towing a trailer can have an adverse impact on handling, performance,
braking, durability, and fuel consumpt ion. For your safety and the safety of
others, you must not overload your vehicle or trailer. You must also ensure
that you are using appropriate towing equipment, that the towing equip-
ment has been installed correctly and used properly, and that you employ
the requisite driving habits.
Vehicle-trailer stability and braking performance are affected by trailer
stability, brake performance and settin g, trailer brakes, the hitch and hitch
systems (if equipped).
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accor-
dance with your trailer’s characteristics and operating conditions.
Lexus warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing
a trailer for commercial purposes.
Contact your Lexus dealer for furt her information about additional
requirements such as towing kits, etc.

3072-5. Driving information
2
When driving ■ GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross
vehicle weight. The gross vehicle
weight is the total weight of the
vehicle. When towing a trailer, it is
the sum of the vehicle weight
(including the occupants, cargo
and any optional equipment
installed on the vehicle) and the
tongue weight.
■ GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross axle
weight. The gross axle weight is the
load placed on each axle (front
and rear).Front GAWR
Rear GAWR