LEXUS RX450h 2016 Owners Manual

2114-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U NOTICE ■
When driving the vehicle ●
Do not depress the accelerator and brake peda ls at the same time during driving, as
this may restrain driving torque. ●
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 shift the shift lever to P, set the parking brake. Failure to do so may cause the
vehicle to move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the acce lerator pedal is acci-
dentally 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 in the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid damaging
the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc. ■
If you get a flat tire while driving
A flat or damaged tire may cause the follo wing situations. Hold the steering wheel
firmly and gradually depress the brak e pedal to slow down the vehicle.●
It may be difficult to control your vehicle. ●
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. 5 4 9 )■
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 vehicle: ●
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 following: ●
Brake function ●
Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, hybrid transmis-
sion, rear differential (AWD models), etc. ●
Lubricant condition for the bearings and susp ension joints (where possible), and the
function of all joints, bearings, etc.

212 4-1. Before driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Cargo capacity depends on the to tal weight of the occupants.
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capaci ty) — (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 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 ava ilable 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 am ount 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 luggage
load capacity calculated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred
to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
(  P. 2 1 6 ) Vehicles without towing package: Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with
your vehicle. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.Cargo and luggage Take notice of the following information about storage precautions, cargo
capacity and load.
Capacity and distribution

2134-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle capacity
weight) (  P. 5 8 2 )
When 2 people with the combined weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in your vehicle,
which has a total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight) of B lb. (kg), the avail-
able amount of cargo and 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 load will be reduced E lb. (kg) as follows:
C lb. (kg)  D
* 4
lb. (kg) = E
* 5
lb. (kg)
* 4
: D = Additional weight of people
* 5
: E = Available cargo and luggage load
As shown in the example above, if the number of occupants increases, the cargo
and luggage load will be reduced by an amount that equals the increased weight
due to the additional occupants. In other words, if an increase in the number of
occupants causes an excess of the total load capacity (combined weight of occu-
pants plus cargo and luggage load), you must reduce the cargo and luggage on
your vehicle. Calculation formula for your vehicle 1
2

214 4-1. Before driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U WA R N I N G ■
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 prevent the pedals from being depressed properly, may block the
driver’s vision, or may result in items hittin g the driver or passengers, possibly causing
an accident. ●
Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possible. ●
Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment higher than the seat-
backs. ●
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 luggage compartment. It is not designed for pas-
sengers. They should ride in their seats with their se at belts properly fastened.●
Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver
• On the front passenger or re ar seats (when stacking items)
•On the luggage cover
• On the instrument panel
•On the dashboard ●
Secure all items in th e occupant compartment.■
Capacity and distribution ●
Do not exceed the maximum axle weight ra ting 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 distributed evenly between the front and rear
axles. ●
If loading long or wide cargo, never exce ed the vehicle overall length or width.
(  P. 5 8 2 ) ●
Before driving, make sure the cargo is secu rely fastened on the roof luggage carrier.●
Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of gravity of the vehi-
cle higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking or abrupt
maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control 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 speeds, stop the vehicle 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.

2154-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U 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.

216 4-1. Before driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ◆ Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight):  P. 5 8 2
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo and lug-
gage.
◆ Seating capacity: 5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)
Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose estimated
average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person.
◆ TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) (Vehicles with towing package):
 P. 220, 582
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 package)
Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.
◆ Cargo capacity
Cargo capacity may increase or decrea se depending on the weight and the
number of occupants. ■
Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information label. (  P. 4 9 6 )Vehicle load limits Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, trailer weight
rating and cargo capacity.
WA R N I N G ■
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.

2174-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Contact your Lexus dealer for further in formation about additional requirements
such as a towing kit, etc.Trailer towing (vehicles with towing package) Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load-carrying vehicle.
Towing a trailer can have an adverse impact on handling, performance, brak-
ing, durability, and fuel consumption. Fo r 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 equipment has been
installed correctly and used properly, and that you employ the requisite driv-
ing habits.
Vehicle-trailer stability and braking pe rformance are affected by trailer sta-
bility, brake performance and setting, tr ailer brakes, the hitch and hitch sys-
tems (if equipped).
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme ca re and drive the vehicle in accordance
with your trailer’s characteristics and operating conditions.
Lexus warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing a
trailer for commer cial purposes.

218 4-1. Before driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross com-
bination weight. The gross combina-
tion weight is the sum of the total
vehicle weight (including the occu-
pants, cargo and any optional equip-
ment installed on the vehicle) and
the weight of the trailer being towed
(including the cargo in the trailer). ■
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross vehi-
cle 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).Towing related terms
Front GAWR
Rear GAWR

2194-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross trailer
weight. The gross trailer weight is
the sum of the trailer weight and the
weight of the cargo in the trailer.
TWR is calculated assuming base
vehicle with one driver, one front
passenger, towing package (if avail-
able), hitch and hitch systems (if
required). Additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in the vehicle will reduce the
trailer weight rating so as not to exceed GCWR, GVWR and GAWR.
If the gross trailer weight exceeds 3000 lb. (1360 kg), it is recommended to use a
trailer with 2 or more axles.■
Unbraked TWR (Unbraked Trailer Weight Rating)
The trailer weight rating for towing a
trailer without a trailer service brake
system.
■
To n g u e We i g h t
The load placed on the trailer hitch
ball. (  P. 221) (With brakes)
(Without brakes)

220 4-1. Before driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ●
The gross trailer weight must never exceed 3500 lb. (1588 kg). ●
The gross combination weight must never exceed 9500 lb. (4309 kg). ●
The gross vehicle weight must never
exceed the GVWR indicated on the
Certification Label. ●
The gross axle weight on each axle
must never exceed the GAWR indi-
cated on the Certification Label. ●
If the gross trailer weight is over the unbraked TWR, trailer service brakes are
required. ●
If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lb. (907 kg), a sway control device with
sufficient capacity is required.
Confirm that the gross trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross vehicle
weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight are all within the limits.■
GCWR
*9500 lb. (4309 kg) ■
TWR
* 3500 lb. (1588 kg) ■
Unbraked TWR
*1000 lb. (453 kg)
* : These models meet the tow-vehicle traile ring requirement of SAE International per
SAE J2807.Weight limits
GCWR, TWR and Unbraked TWR