TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID 2021 Owners Manual

3714-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
*: PCS will also be disabled (only Pre-Collision warning is avail-
able). The PCS warning light will
come on and a message will be
displayed on the multi-information
display. ( P.257)
■When the message is dis-
played on the multi-information
display showing that TRAC has
been disabled even if has
not been pressed
TRAC is temporary deactivated. If
the information continues to show,
contact your Toyota dealer.
■Operating conditions of hill-
start assist control
When the following four conditions
are met, the hill-start assist control
will operate:
●The shift lever is in a position
other than P or N (when starting
off forward/backward on an
upward incline).
●The vehicle is stopped.
●The accelerator pedal is not
depressed.
●The parking brake is not engaged.
■Automatic system cancelation
of hill-start as sist control
The hill-start assis t control will turn
off in any of the following situations:
●The shift lever is shifted to P or N.
●The accelerator pedal is
depressed.
●The parking brake is engaged.
●No more than 2 seconds have
elapsed after the brake pedal is
released.
■Sounds and vibrations caused
by the ABS, brake assist, VSC,
Trailer Sway Control, TRAC and
hill-start assist control systems
●A sound may be heard from the
engine compartment when the
brake pedal is dep ressed repeat- edly, when the h
ybrid system is
started or just after the vehicle
begins to move. This sound does
not indicate that a malfunction has
occurred in any of these systems.
●Any of the following conditions
may occur when the above sys-
tems are operating. None of these
indicates that a malfunction has
occurred.
• Vibrations may be felt through the vehicle body and steering.
• A motor sound may be heard also after the vehicle comes to a stop.
■ECB operating sound
ECB operating sound may be heard
in the following cases, but it does
not indicate that a malfunction has
occurred.
●Operating sound heard from the
engine compartment when the
brake pedal is operated.
●Motor sound of the brake system
heard from the f ront part of the
vehicle when the driver’ door is
opened.
●Operating sound heard from the
engine compartment when one or
two minutes passed after the stop
of the hybrid system.
■Active Cornering Assist opera-
tion sounds and vibrations
When the Active Cornering Assist is
operated, operation sounds and
vibrations may be generated from
the brake system, but this is not a
malfunction.
■EPS operation sound
When the steering wheel is oper-
ated, a motor sound (whirring
sound) may be heard. This does not
indicate a malfunction.
■Automatic reactivation of
TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and
VSC systems
After turning the TRAC, Trailer
Sway Control and VSC systems off,
the systems will be a utomatically re-
enabled in the following situations:

3724-5. Using the driving support systems
●When the power switch is turned
off.
●If only the TRAC system is turned
off, the TRAC will turn on when
vehicle speed increases.
If both the TRAC and VSC sys-
tems are turned off, automatic re-
enabling will not occur when vehi-
cle speed increases.
■Operating conditions of Active
Cornering Assist
The system operates when the fol-
lowing occurs.
●TRAC/VSC can operate
●The driver is at tempting to accel-
erate while turning
●The system detects that the vehi-
cle is drifting to the outer side
●The brake pedal is released
■Reduced effectiveness of the
EPS system
The effectiveness of the EPS sys-
tem is reduced to prevent the sys-
tem from overheating when there is
frequent steering input over an
extended period of time. The steer-
ing wheel may feel heavy as a result. Should this occur, refrain
from excessive steering input or
stop the vehicle a
nd turn the hybrid
system off. The EPS system should
return to normal within 10 minutes.
■Secondary Collision Brake
operating conditions
The system operates when the SRS
airbag sensor de tects a collision
while the vehicle is in motion. How-
ever, the system does not operate in
any of the following situations.
●The vehicle speed is below 6 mph
(10 km/h)
●Components are damaged
■Secondary Collision Brake
automatic cancellation
The system is automatically can-
celed in any of th e following situa-
tions.
●The vehicle speed drops below
approximately 6 mph (10 km/h)
●A certain amount of time elapses
during operation
●The accelerator pedal is
depressed a large amount
■If a message about AWD is shown on the multi-information display
Perform the following actions.

3734-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
MessageDetails/Actions
“AWD System Over-heated Switching to 2WD Mode”
AWD system is overheating.
Stop the vehicle in a sa fe place and let the
engine idle.
Once the display message on the multi-informa-
tion display turns off, there is no problem continu-
ing to drive.
If the message does not disappear, have your
vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer immedi-
ately.
“AWD System Over- heated 2WD Mode Engaged”
The vehicle switched from all-wheel drive (AWD)
to front wheel drive due to overheating.
 Stop the vehicle in a sa fe place and let the
engine idle.
Once the display message on the multi-informa-
tion display turns off, the AWD system returns to
normal.
If the message does not disappear, have your
vehicle checked by your Toyota dealer immedi-
ately.
“AWD System Malfunc- tion 2WD Mode
Engaged Visit Your Dealer”A malfunction occurred in the AWD system.
 Have your vehicle checked by your Toyota
dealer immediately.
WARNING
■The ABS does not operate
effectively when
●The limits of tire gripping perfor-
mance have been exceeded
(such as excessively worn tires
on a snow covered road).
●The vehicle hydroplanes while
driving at high speed on wet or
slick roads.
■Stopping distance when the
ABS is operating may exceed
that of normal conditions
The ABS is not designed to
shorten the vehicle’s stopping dis-
tance. Always maintain a safe dis-
tance from the veh icle in front of
you, especially in the following sit-
uations:
●When driving on dirt, gravel or
snow-covered roads
●When driving with tire chains
●When driving over bumps in the
road

3744-5. Using the driving support systems
WARNING
●When driving over roads with
potholes or uneven surfaces
■TRAC/VSC may not operate
effectively when
Directional control and power may
not be achievable while driving on
slippery road surfaces, even if the
TRAC/VSC system is operating.
Drive the vehicle carefully in con-
ditions where st ability and power
may be lost.
■Active Cornering Assist does
not operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on Active
Cornering Assist. Active Corner-
ing Assist may not operate
effectively when accelerating
down slopes or driving on slip-
pery road surfaces.
●When Active Cornering Assist
frequently operates, Active Cor-
nering Assist may temporarily
stop operating to ensure proper
operation of the brakes, TRAC
and VSC.
■Hill-start assist control does
not operate effectively when
●Do not overly rely on hill-start
assist control. Hill-start assist
control may not operate effec-
tively on steep inclines and
roads covered with ice.
●Unlike the parking brake, hill-
start assist control is not
intended to hold the vehicle sta-
tionary for an extended period
of time. Do not attempt to use
hill-start assist control to hold
the vehicle on an incline, as
doing so may lead to an acci-
dent.
■When the
TRAC/ABS/VSC/Trailer Sway
Control is activated
The slip indicator light flashes.
Always drive carefully. Reckless
driving may cause an accident.
Exercise particula r 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 sys-
tems to help ensure vehicle stabil-
ity and driving force, do not turn
the TRAC/VSC/Tra iler Sway Con-
trol systems off unless necessary.
Trailer Sway Control is part of the
VSC system and will not operate
if VSC is turned off or experiences
a malfunction.
■Replacing tires
Make sure that all tires are of the
specified size, brand, tread pat-
tern and total load capacity. In
addition, make sure that the tires
are inflated to the recommended
tire inflation p ressure level.
The ABS, TRAC and VSC/Trailer
Sway Control systems will not
function correctly if different tires
are installed on the vehicle.
Contact your Toyota dealer for
further information when replacing
tires or wheels.
■Handling of tires and the sus-
pension
Using tires with any kind of prob-
lem or modifying the suspension
will affect the driving assist sys-
tems, and may cause a system to
malfunction.

3754-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
WARNING
■Trailer Sway Control precau-
tion
The Trailer Sway Control system
is not able to reduce trailer sway
in all situations . Depending on
many factors such as the condi-
tions 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 precau-
tions.
Failing to do so m ay cause death
or serious injury.
●Firmly grip the steering wheel.
Steer straight ahead. Do not try
to control trailer swaying 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 stabi-
lize. ( P.200)
■Secondary Collision Brake
Do not rely solely upon the Sec-
ondary Collision Brake. This sys-
tem is designed to help reduce
the possibility of further damage
due to a secondary collision, how-
ever, that effect c hanges accord-
ing to various conditions. Overly
relying on the system may result
in death or serious injury.

3764-6. Driving tips
4-6.Driving tips
When using Eco drive mode, the
torque corresponding to the
accelerator pedal depression
amount can be generated more
smoothly than it is in normal
conditions. In addition, the oper-
ation of the air conditioning sys-
tem (heating/cooling) will be
minimized, improving the fuel
economy. (P.366)
The Eco-friendly driving is pos-
sible by keeping the indicator of
Hybrid System Indicator within
Eco area. ( P.95, 100)
Shift the shift lever to D when
stopped at a traffic light, or driv-
ing in heavy traffic etc. Shift the
shift lever to P when parking.
When using the N position,
there is no positive effect on fuel
consumption. In the N position,
the gasoline engine operates
but electricity cannot be gener-
ated. Also, when using the air conditioning system, etc., the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
power is consumed.

Drive your vehicle smoothly.
Avoid abrupt acceleration and
deceleration. Gradual accel-
eration and deceleration will
make more effective use of
the electric motor (traction
motor) without having to use
gasoline engine power.
 Avoid repeated acceleration.
Repeated acceleration con-
sumes hybrid battery (trac-
tion battery) power, resulting
in poor fuel consumption. Bat-
tery power can be restored by
driving with the accelerator
pedal slightly released.
Make sure to operate the brakes
gently and in a timely manner. A
greater amount of electrical
energy can be regenerated
when slowing down.
Repeated acceleration and
deceleration, as well as long
waits at traffic lights, will lead to
bad fuel economy. Check traffic
reports before leaving and avoid
delays as much as possible.
Hybrid vehicle driving
tips
For economical and ecolog-
ical driving, pay attention to
the following points:
Using Eco drive mode
Use of Hybrid System
Indicator
Shift lever operation
Accelerator pedal/brake
pedal operation
When braking
Delays

3774-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
When driving in a traffic jam,
gently release the brake pedal
to allow the vehicle to move for-
ward slightly while avoiding
overuse of the accelerator
pedal. Doing so can help control
excessive gasoline consump-
tion.
Control and maintain the vehicle
at a constant speed. Before
stopping at a toll booth or simi-
lar, allow plenty of time to
release the accelerator and gen-
tly apply the brakes. A greater
amount of electrical energy can
be regenerated when slowing
down.
Use the air conditioning only
when necessary. Doing so can
help reduce excessive gasoline
consumption.
In summer: When the ambient
temperature is high, use the
recirculated air mode. Doing so
will help to reduce the burden on
the air conditioning system and
reduce fuel consumption as
well.
In winter: Because the gasoline
engine will not automatically cut
out until it and the interior of the
vehicle are warm, it will con-
sume fuel. Also, fuel consump-
tion can be improved by avoiding overuse of the heater.
Make sure to check the tire infla-
tion pressure frequently.
Improper tire inflation pressure
can cause poor fuel economy.
Also, as snow tires can cause
large amounts of friction, their
use on dry roads can lead to
poor fuel economy. Use tires
that are appropriate for the sea-
son.
Carrying heavy luggage will lead
to poor fuel economy. Avoid car-
rying unnecessary luggage.
Installing a large roof rack will
also cause poor fuel economy.
Since the gasoline engine starts
up and cuts out automatically
when cold, warming up the
engine is unnecessary. More-
over, frequently driving short
distances will cause the engine
to repeatedly warm up, which
can lead to excess fuel con-
sumption.
Highway driving
Air conditioning
Checking tire inflation
pressure
Luggage
Warming up before driv-
ing

3784-6. Driving tips
Use fluids that are appropriate
to the prevailing outside tem-
peratures.
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Power control unit coolant
• Washer fluid
Have a service technician
inspect the condition of the
12-volt battery.
 Have the vehicle fitted with
four snow tires or purchase a
set of tire chains for the front
tires.
Ensure that all tires are the same
size and brand, and that chains
match the size of the tires.
Winter driving tips
Carry out the necessary
preparations and inspec-
tions before driving the
vehicle in winter. Always
drive the vehicle in a man-
ner appropriate to the pre-
vailing weather conditions.
Pre-winter preparations
WARNING
■Driving with snow tires
Observe the following precautions
to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so m ay result in a
loss of vehicle control and cause
death or serious injury.
●Use tires of the specified size.
●Maintain the recommended
level of air pressure.
●Do not drive in excess of 75
mph (120 km/h), regardless of
the type of snow tires being
used.
●Use snow tires on all, not just
some wheels.
■Driving with tire chains
Observe the following precautions
to reduce the risk of accidents.
Failure to do so may result in the
vehicle being unable to be driven
safely, and may cause death or
serious injury.
●Do not drive in excess of the
speed limit specifi ed for the tire
chains being used, or 30 mph
(50 km/h), whichever is lower.
●Avoid driving on bumpy road
surfaces or over potholes.
●Avoid sudden acceleration,
abrupt steering, sudden brak-
ing and shifting operations that
cause sudden engine braking.
●Slow down sufficiently before
entering a curve to ensure that
vehicle control is maintained.
●Do not use LTA (Lane Tracing
Assist) system.
NOTICE
■Repairing or replacing snow
tires (vehicles with tire pres-
sure warning system)
Request repairs or replacement of
snow tires from your Toyota
dealer or legitimate tire retailers.
This is because the removal and
attachment of snow tires affects
the operation of the tire pressure
warning valves and transmitters.

3794-6. Driving tips
4
Driving
Perform the following according
to the driving conditions:
Do not try to forcibly open a
window or move a wiper that
is frozen. Pour warm water
over the frozen area to melt
the ice. Wipe away the water
immediately to prevent it from
freezing.
 To ensure proper operation of
the climate control system
fan, remove any snow that
has accumulated on the air
inlet vents in front of the wind-
shield.
 Check for and remove any
excess ice or snow that may
have accumulated on the
exterior lights, vehicle’s roof,
chassis, around the tires or on
the brakes.
 Remove any snow or mud
from the bottom of your shoes
before getting in the vehicle.
Accelerate the vehicle slowly,
keep a safe distance between
you and the vehicle ahead, and
drive at a reduced speed suit-
able to road conditions.
 Park the vehicle and move
the shift lever to P without set- ting the parking brake. The
parking brake may freeze up,
preventing it from being
released. If the vehicle is
parked without setting the
parking brake, make sure to
block the wheels.
Failure to do so may be dan-
gerous because it may cause
the vehicle to move unexpect-
edly, possibly leading to an
accident.
When the parking brake is in
automatic mode, release the
parking brake after shifting
the shift lever to P. (
P.224)
 If the vehicle is left parked
with the brakes damp in cold
temperatures, there is a pos-
sibility of the brakes freezing.
 If the vehicle is parked without
setting the parking brake,
confirm that the shift lever
cannot be moved out of P
*.
*: The shift lever will be locked if it is
attempted to be sh ifted from P to
any other position without
depressing the brake pedal. If the
shift lever can be shifted from P,
there may be a problem with the
shift lock system. Have the vehi-
cle inspected by your Toyota
dealer immediately.
Before driving the vehicle
When driving the vehicle
When parking the vehicle

3804-6. Driving tips
Use the correct tire chain size
when mounting the tire chains.
Chain size is regulated for each
tire size.
Side chain:0.12 in. (3 mm) in diameter
0.39 in. (10 mm) in width
1.18 in. (30 mm) in length
Cross chain:
0.16 in. (4 mm) in diameter
0.55 in. (14 mm) in width
0.98 in. (25 mm) in length
Regulations regarding the use
of tire chains vary depending on
location and type of road. Always check local regulations
before installing chains.
■Tire chain installation
Observe the followi ng precautions
when installing and removing
chains:
●Install and remove tire chains in a
safe location.
●Install tire chains on the front tires
only. Do not install tire chains on
the rear tires.
●Install tire chains on front tires as
tightly as possible. Retighten
chains after drivi ng 1/4 - 1/2 mile
(0.5 - 1.0 km).
●Install tire chains following the
instructions provided with the tire
chains.
WARNING
■When parking the vehicle
When parking the v ehicle without
applying the parking brake, make
sure to chock the wheels. If you
do not chock the wheels, the vehi-
cle may move une xpectedly, pos-
sibly resulting in an accident.
Selecting tire chains
Regulations on the use of
tire chains
A
B
C
D
E
F
NOTICE
■Fitting tire chains (vehicles
with tire pressure warning
system)
The tire pressure warning valves
and transmitters may not function
correctly when tire chains are fit-
ted.