engine TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID 2023 Owner's Guide

2264-2. Driving procedures
*1: To improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise, shift the shift lever
to D for normal driving.
*2: By selecting shift ranges using S mode, you can control accelerat-
ing force and engine braking
force.
■When driving with dynamic
radar cruise control with full-
speed range activated
Even when perform ing the following
actions with the intent of enabling
engine braking, engine braking will
not activate because dynamic radar
cruise control with full-speed range
will not be canceled.
●While driving in S mode, down-
shifting to 5 or 4. ( P.228)
●When switching th e driving mode
to sport mode while driving in D
position. ( P.323)
WARNING
■Caution while driving
When driving in EV drive mode,
pay special attention to the area
around the vehicle. Because
there is no engine noise, pedestri-
ans, people riding bicycles or
other people and vehicles in the
area may not be aware of the
vehicle starting off or approaching
them, so take extra care while
driving.
Hybrid transmission
Select the shift position
depending on your purpose
and situation.
Shift position purpose
and functions
Shift
positionObjective or function
P
Parking the vehi-
cle/starting the hybrid system
RReversing
NNeutral
DNormal driving*1
SS mode driving*2

2274-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
■Restraining sudden start (Drive-
Start Control)
 P.201
While the power switch
is in ON and the brake pedal
depressed
*, shift the shift lever
while pushing the shift release
button on the shift knob.
Shift the shift lever while
pushing the shift release button
on the shift knob.
Shift the shift lever nor-
mally.
When shifting the shift lever
between P and D, make sure that
the vehicle is completely stopped
and the brake pedal is depressed.
*: For the vehicle to be able to be shifted from P, the brake pedal
must be depressed before the
shift release button is pushed. If
WARNING
■When driving on slippery
road surfaces
Be careful of downshifting and
sudden acceleration, as this could
result in the vehicle skidding to
the side or spinning.
NOTICE
■Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) charge
If the shift lever is in N, the hybrid
battery (traction battery) will not
be charging, even when the
engine is running. Therefore, if
the vehicle is left with the shift
lever in N for a c ertain amount of
time, the hybrid battery (traction
battery) will discharge, and this
may result in the vehicle not being
able to start.
Shifting the shift lever

2294-2. Driving procedures
4
Driving
1Upshifting
2 Downshifting
The selected shift range, from S1 to
S6, will be displayed on the multi-
information display.
The initial shift range in S mode
is set automatically to S3, S4 or
S5 according to vehicle speed.
■S mode
●You can choose from 6 levels of
accelerating force and engine
braking force.
●A lower shift range will provide
greater accelerating force and
engine braking force than a higher
shift range, and t he engine revolu-
tions will also increase.
●To prevent the e ngine from over-
revving, upshifti ng may automati-
cally occur when the shift range is
4 or lower.
●When the shift range is 4 or lower,
holding the shift lever toward “+”
sets the shift range to 6.
■Downshifting restriction warn-
ing buzzer
To help ensure safety and driving
performance, downshifting opera-
tion may sometimes b e restricted. In
some circumstances, downshifting
may not be possible even when the
shift lever is operated. (A buzzer will
sound twice.)
■If the “S” indi cator does not
come on or the “D” indicator is
displayed even after shifting the
shift lever to S
This may indicate a malfunction in
the transmission system. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer immediately. (In this situa-
tion, the transmission will operate in
the same manner as when the shift
lever is in D.)

3024-5. Using the driving support systems
Pay particular attention to the fol-
lowing objects:
●Wires, fences, ropes, etc.
●Cotton, snow and other materials
that absorb sound waves
●Sharply-angled objects
●Low objects
●Tall objects with upper sections
projecting outwards in the direc-
tion of your vehicle
People may not be detected if they
are wearing certain types of cloth-
ing.
■Situations in which the system
may not operate properly
Certain vehicle conditions and the
surrounding environment may affect
the ability of a sensor to correctly
detect objects. Particular instances
where this may occur are listed
below.
●There is dirt, snow or ice on a sen-
sor. (Cleaning the sensors will
resolve this problem.)
●A sensor is frozen. (Thawing the
area will resolve this problem.)
In especially cold weather, if a
sensor is frozen the sensor dis-
play may be displayed abnor-
mally, or objects, such as a wall,
may not be detected.
●When a sensor or the area around
a sensor is extremely hot or cold.
●On an extremely bumpy road, on
an incline, on gravel, or on grass.
●When vehicle horns, vehicle
detectors, motorcycle engines, air
brakes of large vehicles, the clear-
ance sonar of other vehicles or other devices which produce ultra-
sonic waves are near the vehicle.
●A sensor is coated with a sheet of
spray or heavy rain.
●If objects draw too close to the
sensor.
●When a pedestrian is wearing
clothing that does not reflect ultra-
sonic waves (ex. skirts with gath-
ers or frills).
●When objects that are not perpen-
dicular to the ground, not perpen-
dicular to the vehicle traveling
direction, uneven, or waving are in
the detection range.
●Strong wind is blowing.
●When driving in inclement weather
such as fog, snow or a sandstorm.
●When an object that cannot be
detected is between the vehicle
and a detected object.
●If an object such as a vehicle,
motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian
cuts in front of the
vehicle or runs
out from the side of the vehicle.
●If the orientation of a sensor has
been changed due to a collision or
other impact.
●When equipment that may
obstruct a sensor is installed, such
as a towing eyelet, bumper pro-
tector (an additional trim strip,
etc.), bicycle c arrier, or snow
plow.
●If the front of the v ehicle is raised
or lowered due to the carried load.
●If the vehicle cannot be driven in a
stable manner, such as when the
vehicle has been in an accident or
is malfunctioning.
●When tire chains, a compact
spare tire or an emergency tire
puncture repai r kit are used.
■Situations in which the system
may operate even if there is no
possibility of a collision
In some situations, such as the fol-
lowing, the system may operate

3034-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
even though there is no possibility of
a collision.
●When driving on a narrow road.
●When driving toward a banner,
flag, low-hanging branch or boom
barrier (such as those used at rail-
road crossings, toll gates and
parking lots).
●When there is a rut or hole in the
surface of the road.
●When driving on a metal cover
(grating), such as those used for
drainage ditches.
●When driving up or down a steep
slope.
●If a sensor is hit by a large amount
of water, such as when driving on
a flooded road.
●There is dirt, snow, water drops or
ice on a sensor. (Cleaning the
sensors will resolve this problem.)
●A sensor is coated with a sheet of
spray or heavy rain.
●When driving in inclement weather
such as fog, snow or a sandstorm.
●When strong winds are blowing.
●When vehicle horns, vehicle
detectors, motorcycle engines, air
brakes of large vehicles, the clear-
ance sonar of other vehicles or
other devices which produce ultra- sonic waves are near the vehicle.
●If the front of the v
ehicle is raised
or lowered due to the carried load.
●If the orientation of a sensor has
been changed due to a collision or
other impact.
●The vehicle is approaching a tall
or curved curb.
●Driving close to columns (H-
shaped steel beams, etc.) in multi-
story parking garages, construc-
tion sites, etc.
●If the vehicle cannot be driven in a
stable manner, such as when the
vehicle has been in an accident or
is malfunctioning.
●On an extremely bumpy road, on
an incline, on gravel, or on grass.
●When tire chains, a compact
spare tire or an emergency tire
puncture repai r kit are used.
■Certification (Canada only)
This ISM device complies with
Canadian ICES-001.

3254-5. Using the driving support systems
4
Driving
If the tires are spinning, the slip
indicator flashes to indicate that
the Trail Mode is controlling the
spinning of the tires.
■Trail Mode
●Trail Mode controls the vehicle so
that it can use the maximum
amount of drive force when driving
on rough roads.
As a result, fuel efficiency may
diminish when compared to driv-
ing with Trail Mode off.
●If Trail Mode is continuously used
for a long period of time, depend-
ing on the driving conditions, the
load on related parts increases
and the system may not function
correctly.
In this case, “Traction Control
Turned OFF” will be shown on the
multi-information display but the
vehicle can be driven normally.
The “Traction Control Turned OFF” on the multi-
information dis-
play will turn off after a short while
and the system will operate prop-
erly.
■When Trail Mode is canceled
In the following situations, Trail
Mode is automatically canceled
even if it is selected:
●When the driving mode is
changed. ( P.323)
●When the hybrid system is
restarted.
■Sounds and vibrations when
driving in Trail Mode
Any of the following conditions may
occur when Trail Mode is operating.
None of these indicates that a mal-
function has occurred:
●Vibrations may be felt throughout
the vehicle or steering wheel
●Sounds may be heard from the
engine compartment
■When the Trail Mode indicator
does not illuminate
When the Trail Mode indicator does
not illuminate even though the Trail
Mode switch is pressed, the system
may be malfunctioning. Have the
vehicle inspected by your Toyota
dealer immediately.
When the Trail Mode is
operating
NOTICE
■In order to ensure that Trail
Mode operates properly
Do not continuously use the Trail
Mode for a long period of time.
Depending on the driving condi-
tions, the load on related parts
increases and the system may not
operate properly.

3284-5. Using the driving support systems
back on.
*: PCS (Pre-Collision System) will also be disabled (only pre-collision
warning is available). The PCS
warning light will come on and a
message will be dis played on the
multi-informat ion display.
(  P.267)
■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 all of the follo wing 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
●The power switch is in ON
■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 brake pedal is depressed and
the parking brake is engaged
●A maximum of 2 seconds have
elapsed after the brake pedal is
released
●The power switch is turned to OFF
■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 depressed 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’s 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.
■Automatic reactivation of
TRAC, Trailer Sway Control and
VSC systems
After turning the TRAC, Trailer
Sway Control and VSC systems off,

3324-6. 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.323)
The Eco-friendly driving is pos-
sible by keeping the indicator of
Hybrid System Indicator within
Eco area. ( P.96, 102)
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 Electric Vehi-
cle 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

3334-6. 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

3344-6. 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.