recommended LEXUS RX450H 2016 Owners Manual

411-1. For safe use
1
For safety and security
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
WARNING
■SRS airbag precautions
Observe the following precautions regarding the SRS airbags.
Failure to do so may cause death or serious injury.
●The driver and all passengers in the vehicle must wear their seat belts properly.
The SRS airbags are supplemental devices to be us ed with the seat belts.
●The SRS driver airbag deploys with considerable force, and can cause death or seri-
ous injury especially if the driver is very close to the airbag. The National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises:
Since the risk zone for the driver’s airbag is the first 2 - 3 in. (50 - 75 mm) of inflation,
placing yourself 10 in. (250 mm) from your driver airbag provides you with a clear
margin of safety. This distance is measured from the center of the steering wheel to
your breastbone. If you sit less than 10 in. (250 mm) away now, you can change your
driving position in several ways:
• Move your seat to the rear as far as you can while still reaching the pedals com-
fortably.
• Slightly recline the back of the seat. Although vehicle designs vary, many drivers can achieve the 10 in. (250 mm) dis-
tance, even with the driver seat all the way forward, simply by reclining the back of
the seat somewhat. If reclining the back of your seat makes it hard to see the road,
raise yourself by using a firm , non-slippery cushion, or raise the seat if your vehicle
has that feature.
• If your steering wheel is ad justable, tilt it downward. This points the airbag toward
your chest instead of your head and neck.
The seat should be adjusted as recommended by NHTSA above, while still maintain-
ing control of the foot pedals, steering whee l, and your view of the instrument panel
controls.

58
RX450h_U_OM0E013U1-2. Child safety
●It is recommended that children sit in the rear seats to avoid accidental con-
tact with the shift lever, wiper switch, etc.
●Use the rear door child-pro
tector lock or the window lock switch to avoid
children opening the door while driving or operating the power window acci-
dentally.
●Do not let small children operate equipment which may catch or pinch body
parts, such as the power wind ow, hood, back door, seats etc.
Riding with children
Observe the following precautions when children are in the vehicle.
Use a child restraint system appropriate for the child, until the child becomes
large enough to properly wear the vehicle’s seat belt.
WARNING
Never leave children unattended in the vehicl e, and never allow children to have or use
the key.
Children may be able to start the vehicle or sh ift the vehicle into neutral. There is also a
danger that children may injure themselves by playing with the windows, the moon roof
or panoramic moon roof, or other features of the vehicle. In addition, heat build-up or
extremely cold temperatures inside the vehicle can be fatal to children.

1533-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors
3
Operation of each component
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
WARNING
■Operating the power back door
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may cause parts of the body to be caught, resulting in death or serious
injury.
●Remove any heavy loads, such as snow and ice, from the power back door before
opening it. Failure to do so may cause the power back door to suddenly shut again
after it is opened.
●When opening or closing the power back door, thoroughly check to make sure the
surrounding area is safe.
●If anyone is in the vicinity, make sure they are safe and let them know that the power
back door is about to open or close.
●Use caution when opening or closing the power back door in windy weather as it may
move abruptly in strong wind.
●Do not pull on the back door spindle ( P. 156) to close the power back door, and
do not hang on the back door spindle.
Doing so may cause hands to be caught or the back door spindle to break, causing
an accident.
●If a bicycle carrier or similar heavy object is attached to the power back door, it may
suddenly shut again after being opened, causing someone’s hands, arms, head or
neck to be caught and injured. When inst alling an accessory part to the power back
door, using a genuine Lexus part is recommended.
●The power back door may suddenly shut if it is
not opened fully, while on a steep incline.
Make sure that the power back door is secure
before using the luggage compartment.
●When closing the power back door, take
extra care to prevent your fingers, etc., from
being caught.
●When closing the power back door, make
sure to press it lightly on its outer surface. If
the back door handle is used to fully close the
power back door, it may result in hands or
arms being caught.

1553-2. Opening, closing and locking the doors
3
Operation of each component
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
WARNING
●If a bicycle carrier or similar heavy object is attached to the power back door, the
power back door may not operate, causin g a malfunction, or the power back door
may suddenly shut again after being opened, causing someone’s hands, arms, head
or neck to be caught and injured. When installing an accessory part to the power
back door, using a genuine Lexus part is recommended.
■Jam protection function
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may cause death or serious injury.
●Never use any part of your body to intentionally activate the jam protection function.
●The jam protection function may not work if something gets caught just before the
power back door fully closes. Be careful not to get fingers caught or anything else.
●The jam protection function may not work depending on the shape of the object that
is caught. Be careful not to catch fingers or anything else.

1923-5. Opening, closing the windows and moon roof
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■Opening and closing the windows
●The driver is responsible for all the power window operations, including the operation
for the passengers. In order to prevent acci dental operation, especially by a child, do
not let a child operate the power windows. It is possible for children and other passen-
gers to have body parts caught in the powe r window. Also, when riding with a child, it
is recommended to use the window lock switch. ( P. 189)
●When using the wireless remote control or mechanical key and operating the power
windows, operate the power window after checking to make sure that there is no pos-
sibility of any passenger having any of their body parts caught in the window. Also do
not let a child operate power window by the wireless remote control or mechanical
key. It is possible for children and other passengers to get caught in the power win-
dow.
●When exiting the vehicle, turn the power switch off, carry the key and exit the vehicle
along with the child. There may be accidental operation, due to mischief, etc., that
may possibly lead to an accident.
■Jam protection function
●Never use any part of your body to intentionally activate the jam protection function.
●The jam protection function may not work if something gets caught just before the
power window fully closes.
■Pinch protection function
●Do not use a hand, arm, or clothing to inte ntionally activate the pinch protection func-
tion.
●The pinch protection function may not oper ate if something gets caught just before
the power window is fully opened. Take care so that your hands, arms, or clothing do
not get caught.
●Check to make sure th at all passengers donot have any part of their body in a position
where it could be caught when a window is
being operated.

2064-1. Before driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
■Breaking in your new Lexus
To extend the life of the vehicle, observin g the following precautions is recommended:
●For the first 200 miles (300 km):
Avoid sudden stops.
●For the first 500 miles (800 km):
Do not tow a trailer.
●For the first 1000 miles (1600 km):
• Do not drive at extremely high speeds.
• Avoid sudden acceleration.
• Do not drive continuously in low gears.
• Do not drive at a constant speed for extended periods.
■Operating your vehicle in a foreign country
Comply with the relevant vehicle registration laws and confirm the availability of the cor-
rect fuel. ( P. 591)
■Eco-friendly driving
 P. 121
WARNING
Observe the following precautions.
Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.
■When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped with the “READY” indicator is
illuminated. This prevents the vehicle from creeping.
■When driving the vehicle
●Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accelerator ped-
als to avoid depressing the wrong pedal.
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal will
result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident.
• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to difficulty in operat-
ing the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.
• Make sure to keep a correct driving po sture even when moving the vehicle only
slightly. This allows you to depress the brake and accelerator pedals properly.
• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal using your left foot may delay response in an emergency, resulting in an accident.
●The driver should pay extra attention to pedestrians when the vehicle is powered only
by the electric motor (traction motor). As there is no engine noise, the pedestrians
may misjudge the vehicle’s movement.
●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 flammable material nearby.

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.
■Tongue Weight
The load placed on the trailer hitch
ball. ( P. 221)
(With brakes)
(Without brakes)

2214-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
●A recommended tongue weight varies in accordance with the types of trailers
or towing as described below.
●To ensure the recommended values shown below, the trailer must be loaded
by referring to the following instructions. • Tongue Weight
The gross trailer weight should be dist ributed so that the tongue weight is
9% to 11%.
(Tongue weight /Gross trailer weight x 100 = 9% to 11%)
Gross trailer weight
Tongue weight
The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight can be mea-
sured with platform scales found at a highway weighing station, building
supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities. Lexus recommends the
use of Lexus hitch/bracket for your ve hicle. For details, contact your Lexus
dealer.
●If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Lexus dealer.
●Use only a hitch that conforms to the gross trailer weight requirement of your
vehicle.
●Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.
●Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coating of grease.
●Remove the trailer hitch whenever you ar e not towing a trailer. After removing
the hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle body to prevent entry of any
substances into the vehicle.
Trailer Tongue Weight
1
2
Hitch

2294-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
WARNING
■Hitch
Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities established by the hitch manu-
facturer. Even though the vehicle may be physically capable of towing a higher weight,
the operator must determine the maximum weight rating of the particular hitch assem-
bly and never exceed the maximum weight rating specified for the trailer-hitch.
Exceeding the maximum weight rating set by the trailer-hitch manufacturer can cause
an accident resulting in death or serious personal injuries.
■When towing a trailer
Lexus recommends trailers with brakes that conform to any applicable federal and
state/provincial regulations.
●If the gross trailer weight exceeds unbraked TWR, trailer brakes are required. Lexus
recommends trailers with brakes that conform to all applicable federal and state/pro-
vincial regulations.
●Never tap into your vehicle’s hydraulic system, as this will lower the vehicle’s braking
effectiveness.
●Never tow a trailer without using a safety chain securely attached to both the trailer
and the vehicle. If damage occurs to the co upling unit or hitch ball, there is danger of
the trailer wandering into another lane.
NOTICE
■When installing a trailer hitch
Use only the position recommended by your Lexus dealer. Do not install the trailer
hitch on the bumper; this may cause body damage.
■Do not directly splice trailer lights
Do not directly splice trailer lights. Directly splicing trailer lights may damage your
vehicle’s electrical system and cause a malfunction.

3864-5. Using the driving support systems
RX450h_U_OM0E013U
WARNING
■Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on the hill-start assist control. The hill-start assist control may not
operate effectively on steep inclines and roads covered with ice.
●Unlike the parking brake, hill-start assist control is not intended to hold the vehicle
stationary for an exte nded period of time. Do not atte mpt to use hill-start assist con-
trol to hold the vehicle on an incline, as doing so may lead to an accident.
■When the VSC/Trailer Sway Control is activated
The slip indicator light flashes. Always drive carefully. Reckless driving may cause an
accident. Exercise particular care when the indicator light flashes.
■When the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems are turned off
Be especially careful and drive at a speed appropriate to the road conditions. As these
are the systems to help ensure vehicle stability and driving force, do not turn the
TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems off unless necessary.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern and total load
capacity. In addition, make sure that the tire s are inflated to the recommended tire infla-
tion pressure level.
The ABS, TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway Contro l systems will not function correctly if
different tires are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Lexus dealer for further information when replacing tires or wheels.
■Handling of tires and the suspension
Using tires with any kind of problem or modi fying the suspension will affect the driving
assist systems, and may cause a system to malfunction.
■Trailer Sway Control precaution
The Trailer Sway Control system is not able to reduce trailer sway in all situations.
Depending on many factors such as the condit ions of the vehicle, trailer, road surface,
and driving environment, the Trailer Sway Control system may not be effective. Refer to
your trailer owner’s manual for information on how to tow your trailer properly.
■If trailer sway occurs
Observe the following precautions.
Failing to do so may cause death or serious injury.
●Firmly grip the steering wh eel. Steer straight ahead.
Do not try to control trailer sway ing by turning the steering wheel.
●Begin releasing the 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. ( P. 227)