LEXUS RX450h 2018 Owners Manual

2214-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UCargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle capacity
weight) ( → P. 710)
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 w ill 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 nu mber 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 increa se in the number of
occupants causes an excess of the total load capacity (combined weight of occu-
pants plus cargo and luggage load), yo u must reduce the cargo and luggage on
your vehicle. Calculation formula for your vehicle 1
2
WARNING ■
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

222 4-1. Before driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UWARNING ■
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 passeng ers, 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 the occupant compartment. ■
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 whic h 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 exceed the vehicle overall length or width.
( → P. 710) ●
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 star ts, sharp turns, sudden braking or abrupt
maneuvers, otherwise it may re sult 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 road s, 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.
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.

2234-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U◆ Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight): → P. 710
Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo and lug-
gage.
◆ Seating capacity 
RX450h
5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3) 
RX450hL
6 occupants (Front 2, Rear 4)
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. 227, 710
TWR means the maximum gross trailer we ight (trailer weight plus its cargo
weight) that your vehicle is able to tow.
◆ TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) (V ehicles 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. ■
Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information label. ( → P. 620)Vehicle load limits Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, trailer weight
rating and cargo capacity.
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.

224 4-1. Before driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UContact 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 im pact 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 characteri stics and operating conditions.
Lexus warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing a
trailer for commercial purposes.

2254-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
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

226 4-1. Before driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U■
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 recommend ed 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. 228) (With brakes)
(Without brakes)

2274-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U●
The gross trailer weight must ne ver exceed 3500 lb. (1585 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. (1585 kg) ■
Unbraked TWR
*1000 lb. (453 kg)
* : These models meet the tow-vehicle trailering requirement of SAE International per
SAE J2807.Weight limits
GCWR, TWR and Unbraked TWR

228 4-1. Before driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85U●
A recommended tongue weight varies in accordance with the types of trailers
or towing as described below. ●
To ensure the recommended values show n 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 th e vehicle body to prevent entry of any
substances into the vehicle.Trailer Tongue Weight 1
2
Hitch

2294-1. Before driving
4
Driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UUse the correct trailer ball for your application.
Trailer ball load rating Matches or exceeds the gross trailer
weight rating of the trailer.
Ball diameter Matches the size of the trailer coupler.
Most couplers are stamped with the
required trailer ball size.
Shank length Protrudes beyond the bottom of the lock washer and nut by at least 2 threads.
Shank diameter Matches the ball mount hole diameter size.
Weight carrying ball position:
44.96 in. (1142 mm)
Hitch receiver pin hole position:
35.94 in. (913 mm)Selecting trailer ball 1
2
Trailer class Typical trailer ball size
IV 2 5/16 in.
II and III 2 in.
I 1 7/8 in.
Positions for towing hitch receiver and hitch ball 3
4
1
2

230 4-1. Before driving
RX450h_RX450hL _U_OM48F85UUse the wire harness stored in the rear
end under body. ■
Auto current cut-off function
In case of over current, the auto cut-off function stops the power flowing to the trailer
lights to prevent damage to the vehicle’s electrical system.
This function is activated when the rated current of any of the following trailer light circuit
components is exceeded: ●
Tail lights: maximum 7.8 A ●
Stop/turn signal light (right): maximum 4.5 A ●
Stop/turn signal light (left): maximum 4.5 A ■
When the auto current cu t function is activated
If a trailer light does not come on due to th e activation of the auto current cut function,
the light system will need to be reset.
Follow the reset procedure shown below. ●
If a tail light does not come on, turn off the headlight switch. ●
If the right-side stop/turn signal light does not come on, put the turn signal in the off
position or remove foot from the brake pedal.●
If the left-side stop/turn signal light does not come on, put the turn signal in the off posi-
tion or remove foot from the brake pedal.
If the emergency flashers do not operate, press the emergency flasher switch to turn
them off.
After the light system is reset, operate the lig ht switches again to see if the lights operate
normally.
If the lights do not operate normally, have the vehicle inspected by your Lexus dealer.Connecting trailer lights