suspension LEXUS RX450h 2016 Owners Manual

451-1. For safe use
1
For safety and security
RX450h_U_OM0E013U WA R N I N G ■
SRS airbag precautions ●
If breathing becomes difficult after the SRS airbags have deployed, open a door or
window to allow fresh air in, or leave the vehicl e if it is safe to do so. Wash off any resi-
due as soon as possible to prevent skin irritation. ●
If the areas where the SRS airbags are stored, such as the steering wheel pad and
front and rear pillar garnishes, are damaged or cracked, have them replaced by your
Lexus dealer. ●
Do not place anything, such as a cushion, on the front passenger’s seat. Doing so will
disperse the passenger’s weight, which prevents the sensor from detecting the pas-
senger’s weight properly. As a result, th e SRS front airbags for the front passenger
may not deploy in the event of a collision. ■
Modification and disposal of SRS airbag system components
Do not dispose of your vehicle or perform any of the following modifications without
consulting your Lexus dealer. The SRS airb ags may malfunction or deploy (inflate)
accidentally, causing de ath or serious injury.●
Installation, removal, disassembl y and repair of the SRS airbags●
Repairs, modifications, removal or replac ement of the steering wheel, instrument
panel, dashboard, seats or seat upholstery, front, side and rear pillars, roof side rails,
front door panels, front door trims, or front door speakers ●
Modifications to the front door pa nel (such as making a hole in it)●
Repairs or modifications of the front fend er, front bumper, or side of the occupant
compartment ●
Installation of a grille guar d (bull bars, kangaroo bar, etc.), snow plows, winches or
roof luggage carrier ●
Modifications to the vehicle’s suspension system ●
Installation of electronic devices such as mobile two-way radios and CD players●
Modifications to your vehicle for a person with a physical disability

116 2. Instrument cluster
RX450h_U_OM0E013U Displays suggestions to the driver in the following situations. To select a response
to a displayed suggestion, use the meter control switches. The suggestion function can be turn ed on/off. (Customizable features:  P. 6 0 7 )■
Suggestion to enable the power back door
If the power back door system is disabled (setting on set to off) and the
power back door switch on the instru ment panel is operated, a suggestion
message will be displayed asking if yo u wish to enable the power back door
system. To enable the power back door system, select “Yes”. After enabling the power back door syst em, press the power back door switch
again to open or close the power back door.■
Suggestion to turn off the headlights
If the headlights are left on for a certain amount of time after the power switch
has been turned off, a suggestion message will be displayed asking if you wish
to turn the headlights off. To turn the headlights off, select “Yes”.If a front door is opened after the power sw itch is turned off, this suggestion mes-
sage will not be displayed.■
Background color of the indicator/shift position display area (except F SPORT models)
The background color of the indicator/shift position display area is changed according to
the driving mode as follows (  P. 377):●
Eco drive mode: Blue ●
Sport mode: Red ■
G-force display (if equipped) ●
The G-force values may not be zero even when the vehicle is parked, such as when it is
parked on an incline. ●
Depending on the vehicle usage conditions, the brake fluid pressure display may not
reach its maximum reading even though the brake pedal is fully depressed.●
If a 12-volt battery terminal is disconnected and reconnected, the steering amount dis-
play may be disabled temporarily. After driv ing the vehicle for a while, the display will
be enabled. ■
Suspension of the settings display ●
Some settings cannot be changed while driv ing. When changing settings, park the
vehicle in a safe place. ●
If a warning message is displayed, operation of the settings displa y will be suspended.Suggestion function

226 4-1. Before driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Matching trailer ball height to trailer coupler height
■
Before towing
Check that the followin g conditions are met:●
Ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated. (  P. 5 8 9 )●
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, an d check for improper to ngue weight, overload-
ing, worn suspension, or other possible causes. ●
The trailer cargo is securely loaded. ●
The rear view mirrors conform to all applicable federal, state/provincial or local regula-
tions. If they do not, install rear view mirrors appropriate for towing purposes. ■
AVS (adaptive variable suspension system) (if equipped)
The suspension can be switched fo r improvement in driveability. (  P. 3 8 2 )No matter which class of tow hitch
applies, for a more safe trailer hookup,
the trailer ball setup must be the proper
height for the coupler on the trailer.
Coupler
Trailer ball 1
2

280 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ◆ Pre-collision warning
When the system determines that
the possibility of a frontal collision is
high, a buzzer will sound and a warn-
ing message will be displayed on the
multi-information display to urge the
driver to take evasive action.
◆ Pre-collision brake assist
When the system determines that the po ssibility of a frontal collision is high,
the system applies greater braking force in relation to how strongly the brake
pedal is depressed.
◆ Pre-collision braking
* 3
When the system determines that the po ssibility of a frontal collision is high,
the system warns the driver. If the system determines that the possibility of a
collision is extremely high, the brakes are automatically applied to help avoid
the collision or reduce the collision speed.
* 3
: Depending on the region in which the vehi cle was sold, the pre-collision braking func-
tion may not be available.
◆ Suspension control (if equipped)
When the system determines that the po ssibility of a frontal collision is high,
the Adaptive Variable Suspension System (  P. 382) will control the damping
force of the shock absorbers.

2954-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U WA R N I N G ■
Before using LKA system
Do not rely solely upon the LKA system. LKA is not a system which automatically
drives the vehicle or reduces the amount of attention that must be paid to the area in
front of the vehicle. The driver must always assume full responsibility for driving safely
by always paying careful attention to the surrounding conditions and operate the steer-
ing wheel to correct the path of the vehicle. Also, make sure to take adequate breaks
when fatigued, such as from driv ing for a long period of time.
Failure to perform appropriate driving operat ions and pay careful attention may lead to
an accident, resulting in death or serious injury. ■
To avoid operating LKA by mistake
When not using the LKA system, use the LKA switch to turn the system off. ■
Situations unsuitable for LKA
Do not use the LKA system in the following situations.
The system may not operate properly and le ad to an accident, resulting in death or
serious injury. ●
A spare tire, tire chains, etc., are equipped. ●
When the tires have been excessively worn, or when the tire inflation pressure is low. ●
Tires which differ by structure, manufa cturer, brand or tread pattern are used.●
Objects or patterns that could be mistaken for white (yellow) lines are present on the
side of the road (guardrails, curbs, reflective poles, etc.).●
Vehicle is driven on a snow-covered road. ●
White (yellow) lines are difficult to see due to rain, snow, fog, dust, etc. ●
Asphalt repair marks, white (y ellow) line marks, etc., are present due to road repair.●
Vehicle is driven in a temporary lane or restricted lane due to construction work. ●
Vehicle is driven on a road surface which is slippery due to rainy weather, fallen snow,
freezing, etc. ●
Vehicle is driven in traffic lanes other than on highways and freeways. ●
Vehicle is driven in a construction zone. ●
When your vehicle is towing a trailer or during emergency towing ■
Preventing LKA system malfunctions and operations performed by mistake●
Do not modify the headlights or place stickers, etc., on the surface of the lights. ●
Do not modify the suspension etc. If the suspension etc. needs to be replaced, con-
tact your Lexus dealer. ●
Do not install or place anything on the hood or grille. Also, do not install a grille guard
(bull bars, kangaroo bar, etc.). ●
If your windshield needs repair s, contact your Lexus dealer.

304 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_U_OM0E013U WA R N I N G ■
Before using LDA system
Do not rely solely upon the LDA system. LDA is not a system which automatically
drives the vehicle or reduces the amount of attention that must be paid to the area in
front of the vehicle. The driver must always assume full responsibility for driving safely
by always paying careful attention to the surrounding conditions and operate the steer-
ing wheel to correct the path of the vehicle. Also, make sure to take adequate breaks
when fatigued, such as from driv ing for a long period of time.
Failure to perform appropriate driving operat ions and pay careful attention may lead to
an accident, resulting in death or serious injury. ■
To avoid operating LDA by mistake
When not using the LDA system, use the LDA switch to turn the system off. ■
Situations unsuitable for LDA
Do not use the LDA system in the following situations.
The system may not operate properly and le ad to an accident, resulting in death or
serious injury. ●
A spare tire, tire chains, etc., are equipped. ●
When the tires have been excessively worn, or when the tire inflation pressure is low. ●
Tires which differ by structure, manufa cturer, brand or tread pattern are used.●
Objects or patterns that could be mistaken for white (yellow) lines are present on the
side of the road (guardrails, curbs, reflective poles, etc.).●
Vehicle is driven on a snow-covered road. ●
White (yellow) lines are difficult to see due to rain, snow, fog, dust, etc. ●
Asphalt repair marks, white (y ellow) line marks, etc., are present due to road repair.●
Vehicle is driven in a temporary lane or restricted lane due to construction work. ●
Vehicle is driven on a road surface which is slippery due to rainy weather, fallen snow,
freezing, etc. ●
Vehicle is driven in traffic lanes other than on highways and freeways. ●
Vehicle is driven in a construction zone. ●
When your vehicle is towing a trailer or during emergency towing ■
Preventing LDA system malfunctions and operations performed by mistake●
Do not modify the headlights or place stickers, etc., on the surface of the lights. ●
Do not modify the suspension etc. If the suspension etc. needs to be replaced, con-
tact your Lexus dealer. ●
Do not install or place anything on the hood or grille. Also, do not install a grille guard
(bull bars, kangaroo bar, etc.). ●
If your windshield needs repair s, contact your Lexus dealer.

3454-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ■
Sensor detectio n information●
The sensor’s detection areas are limited to the areas around the vehicle’s bumper. ●
Certain vehicle conditions and the surround ing 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 the sensor . (Wiping the sensors will resolve this prob-
lem.)
• The sensor is frozen. (Thawing th e area will resolve this problem.)
In especially cold weather, if a sensor is frozen the screen may show an abnormal
display, or obstacles may not be detected.
• The sensor is covered in any way.
• The vehicle is leaning co nsiderably 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 sensors in the vicinity.
• The sensor is coated with a sheet of spray or heavy rain.
• The vehicle is equipped with a fender pole or wireless antenna.
• Towing eyelets are installed.
• The bumper or sensor receives a strong impact.
• The vehicle is approaching a tall or curved curb.
• In harsh sunlight or intense cold weather.
• The area directly under the bumpers is not detected.
• If obstacles draw too close to the sensor.
• A non-genuine Lexus suspension (low ered suspension etc.) is installed.
• People may not be detected if they are wearing certain types of clothing.
In addition to the examples above, there are instances in which, because of their shape,
signs and other objects may be judged by a sensor to be closer than they are.●
The shape of the obstacle may prevent a sensor from detecting it. Pay particular atten-
tion to the following obstacles:
• Wires, fences, ropes, etc.
• Cotton, snow and other materials that absorb sound waves
• Sharply-angled objects
•Low obstacles
• Tall obstacles with upper sections projecting outwards in the direction of your vehi-
cle ●
The following situations may occur during use.
• Depending on the shape of the obstacle and other factors, the detection distance
may shorten, or detect ion may be impossible.
• Obstacles may not be detected if they are too close to the sensor.
• There will be a short delay between obst acle detection and display. Even at slow
speeds, there is a possibility that the obstacle w ill come within the sensor’s detection
areas before the display is shown and the buzzer sounds.
• Thin posts or objects lower than the sensor may not be detected when approached,
even if they have been detected once.
• It might be difficult to hear beeps due to th e volume of audio system or air flow noise
of the air conditioning system.

3774-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U 
Vehicles without Adaptive Variable Suspension System
Normal mode
Provides an optimal balance of fuel economy, quietness, and dynamic perfor-
mance. Suitable for city driving. Press the switch to change the driving mode to normal mode when Eco drive mode or
sport mode is selected.
Eco drive mode
Helps the driver accelerate in an eco- friendly manner and improve fuel econ-
omy through moderate throttle characteristics and by controlling the opera-
tion of the air conditioning system (heating/cooling). When not in Eco drive mode, if the driving mode select switch is tu rned to the left, the
Eco drive mode indicator will come on.
Sport mode
Controls the hybrid system to provide quick, powerful acceleration. This
mode also changes the steering feel, maki ng it suitable for when agile driving
response is desired, such as when driving on roads with many curves.When not in sport mode, if the driving mode select switch is turned to the right, the
“SPORT” indicator will comes on.Driving mode select switch The driving modes can be selected to suit driving conditions.
1
2
3

378 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_U_OM0E013U 
Vehicles with Adaptive Variable Suspension System
Normal mode/Customized mode
Normal mode and customized mode are selected by pressing the driving
mode select switch. Each time the switch is pressed, the driving mode
changes between normal mode and customized mode. When customized
mode is selected, the “CUSTOMIZE” indicator will be illuminated. When Eco drive mode or sport mode is se lected, pressing the switch changes the
driving mode to normal mode.
• Normal mode
Provides an optimal balance of fuel economy, quietness, and dynamic per-
formance. Suitable for city driving.
• Customized mode
Allows you to drive with the following functions set to your preferred set-
tings.
Customized mode settings can only be changed on the drive mode cus-
tomization display of the audio system screen.
(Displaying the drive mode customization display:  P. 6 0 7 )1

382 4-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_U_OM0E013U ◆ E-Four (AWD models)
Electronic On-Demand AWD system. Automatically switches from front-
wheel drive to all-wheel drive (AWD) according to the driving conditions,
helping to ensure reliable handling and stability. Examples of conditions where
the system will switch to AWD are when cornering, going uphill, starting off or
accelerating, and when the road surface is slippery due to snow, rain, etc.
◆ Adaptive Variable Suspension System (if equipped)
Controls the damping force of the shock absorber of each wheel according to
the road and driving conditions, helping achieve a comfortable ride, excellent
driveability and a high level of stability.
If SPORT S+ mode is selected using the driving mode select switch, the
damping force will become more su itable for sporty driving. (  P. 3 7 8 )
◆ VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management)
Provides integrated control of the ABS, brake assist, TRAC, VSC, hill-start
assist control, and EPS systems
Helps to maintain vehicle stability when swerving on slippery road surfaces by
controlling the brakes and hybrid system output
◆ Trailer Sway Control
Helps the driver to control trailer sway by selectively applying brake pressure
for individual wheels and reducing dr iving torque when trailer sway is
detected.
Trailer Sway Control is part of the VSC system and will not operate if VSC
turned off or experi ences a malfunction.