towing TOYOTA RAV4 HYBRID 2023 Owners Manual

3TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Panoramic moon roof....189
4-1. Before driving Driving the vehicle......... 195
Cargo and luggage ....... 202
Vehicle load limits ......... 205
Trailer towing ................ 206
Dinghy towing ............... 216
4-2. Driving procedures Power (ignition) switch (vehi-cles without smart key sys-
tem) ............................. 217
Power (ignition) switch (vehi- cles with smart key system).................................... 219
EV drive mode .............. 224
Hybrid transmission ...... 226
Turn signal lever ........... 230
Parking brake ................ 231
Brake Hold .................... 235
4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Headlight switch ............ 237
AHB (Automatic High Beam) .................................... 240
Fog light switch ............. 244
Windshield wipers and washer......................... 244
Rear window wiper and washer......................... 247
4-4. Refueling Opening the fuel tank cap.................................... 2494-5. Using the driving support
systems
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 252
PCS (Pre-Collision System) .................................... 257
LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) .................................... 268
RSA (Road Sign Assist) 279
Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range ... 282
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) .................................... 293
Intuitive parking assist ... 298
RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert) function .............. 307
PKSB (Parking Support Brake) .......................... 312
Parking Support Brake func- tion (static objects) ...... 318
Parking Support Brake func- tion (rear-crossing vehicles)
.................................... 321
Driving mode s elect switch
.................................... 323
Trail Mode (AWD vehicles) .................................... 324
Driving assist systems ... 326
4-6. Driving tips Hybrid Electric Vehicle driv-ing tips ......................... 332
Winter driving tips .......... 334
Utility vehicle precautions .... ...

............................. 337
4Driving

17Pictorial index
■Instrument panel
Power switch ................................................... ...........P.217, 219
Starting the hybrid system/chan ging the modes ..P.217, 219, 222
Emergency stop of the hybrid system ............................ ......P.449
When the hybrid system will not start .......................... ........P.480
Warning messages
*1............................................................P.4 66
Shift lever.................................................... ........................P.226
Changing the shift position.................................... ...............P.227
Precautions against towing ..................................................P.451
When the shift lever does not move............................. ........P.228
Meters ......................................................... ....................P.93, 99
Reading the meters/adjusting the instrument panel light ............................................................... ........................P.97, 104
Warning lights/indicator lights ................................ ................P.86
When the warning lights come on ................................ ........P.456
Multi-information display . .........................................P.105, 115
Display ........................................................ .................P.105, 115
A
B
C
D

581-2. Child safety
buckle. Make sure that the
belt is not twisted.
Check that the shoulder belt is cor-
rectly positioned over the child’s
shoulder and that the lap belt is as
low as possible. (P.29)
■Removing a child restraint
system installed with a seat
belt
Press the buckle release button
and fully retract the seat belt.
When releasing the buckle, the
child restraint system may spring
up due to the rebound of the seat
cushion. Release the buckle while
holding down the child restraint
system.
Since the seat belt automatically
reels itself, slowly return it to the
stowing position.
WARNING
■When installing a child
restraint system
Observe the following precau-
tions.
Failure to do so may result in
death or serious injury.
●Do not allow children to play
with the seat belt. If the seat belt
becomes twisted around a
child’s neck, it may lead to
choking or other serious injuries
that could result in death.
If this occurs and the buckle
cannot be unfastened, scissors
should be used to cut the belt.
●Ensure that the belt and plate
are securely locked and the
seat belt is not twisted.
●Shake the child restraint system
left and right, and forward and
backward to ensure that it has
been securely installed.
●After securing a child restraint
system, never adjust the seat.
●When a booster seat is
installed, always ensure that the
shoulder belt is positioned
across the center of the child’s
shoulder. The belt should be
kept away from the child’s neck,
but not so that it could fall off the
child’s shoulder.
●Follow all installation instruc-
tions provided by the child
restraint system manufacturer.

681-3. Emergency assistance
Rico and Toyota.ca in Canada.
■Emergency Assistance But-
ton (“SOS”)
In the event of an emergency on
the road, push the “SOS” button
to reach the Safety Connect
response center. The answering
agent will determine your vehi-
cle’s location, assess the emer-
gency, and dispatch the
necessary assistance required.
If you accidentally press the “SOS”
button, tell the response-center
agent that you are not experiencing
an emergency.
■Enhanced Roadside Assis-
tance
Enhanced Roadside Assistance
adds GPS data to the already
included warranty-based Toyota
roadside service.
Subscribers can press the
“SOS” button to reach a Safety
Connect response-center agent,
who can help with a wide range
of needs, such as: towing, flat
tire, fuel delivery, etc. For a
description of the Enhanced
Roadside Assistance services
and their limitations, please see
the Safety Connect Terms and
Conditions, which are available
at Toyota.com in the United
States, Toyotapr.com in Puerto
Rico and Toyota.ca in Canada. Important! Read this informa-
tion before using Safety Con-
nect.
■Exposure to radio fre-
quency signals
The Safety Connect system
installed in your vehicle is a low-
power radio transmitter and
receiver. It receives and also
sends out radio frequency (RF)
signals.
In August 1996, the Federal
Communications Commission
(FCC) adopted RF exposure
guidelines with safety levels for
mobile wireless phones. Those
guidelines are consistent with
the safety standards previously
set by the following U.S. and
international standards bodies.
 ANSI (American National
Standards Institute) C95.1
[1992]
 NCRP (National Council on
Radiation Protection and
Measurement) Report 86
[1986]
 ICNIRP (International Com-
mission on Non-Ionizing Radi-
ation Protection) [1996]
Those standards were based on
comprehensive and periodic
evaluations of the relevant sci-
entific literature. Over 120 scien-
tists, engineers, and physicians
Safety information for
Safety Connect

771-4. Hybrid system
1
For safety and security
WARNING
●If electric wires are exposed
inside or outside your vehicle,
an electric shock may occur.
Never touch exposed electric
wires.
●If a fire occurs in the Hybrid
Electric Vehicle, leave the vehi-
cle as soon as possible. Never
use a fire extinguisher that is
not meant for electric fires.
Using even a small amount of
water may be dangerous.
●If your vehicle needs to be
towed, do so with four wheels
raised. If the wheels connected
to the electric motor (traction
motor) are on the ground when
towing, the motor may continue
to generate electricity. This may
cause a fire. (P.451)
●Carefully inspect the ground
under the vehicle. If you find
that liquid has leaked onto the
ground, the fuel system may
have been damaged. Leave the
vehicle as soon as possible.
AXAH54L models*
●If a fluid leak occurs, do not
touch the fluid as it may be
strong alkaline electrolyte from
the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery). If it comes into contact
with your skin or eyes, wash it
off immediately with a large
amount of water or, if possible,
boric acid solution. Seek imme-
diate medical attention.
*: The model code is indicated on
the Certification Regulation
Label. ( P.496)
AXAL54L models*
●Do not touch the battery if liquid
is leaking from or adhering to it.
If electrolyte (carbonic-based
organic electrolyte) from the
hybrid battery (traction battery)
comes into contact with the
eyes or skin, it could cause
blindness or skin wounds. In the
unlikely event that it comes into
contact with the eyes or skin,
wash it off immediately with a
large amount of water, and seek
immediate medical attention.
●If electrolyte is leaking from the
hybrid battery (traction battery),
do not approac h the vehicle.
Even in the unlikely event that
the hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery) is damaged, the internal
construction of the battery will
prevent a large amount of elec-
trolyte from leaking out. How-
ever, any electrolyte that does
leak out will give off a vapor.
This vapor is an irritant to skin
and eyes and could cause acute
poisoning if inhaled.
●Do not bring burning or high-
temperature items close to the
electrolyte.
The electrolyte may ignite and
cause a fire.
*: The model code is indicated on
the Certificatio n Regulation
Label. ( P.496)
■Hybrid battery (traction bat-
tery)
●AXAL54L models*: Your vehi-
cle contains a sealed lithium-ion
battery.
*: The model code is indicated on
the Certificatio n Regulation
Label. ( P.496)

193
4
4
Driving
Driving
4-1. Before drivingDriving the vehicle....... 195
Cargo and luggage ..... 202
Vehicle load limits ....... 205
Trailer towing .............. 206
Dinghy towing ............. 216
4-2. Driving procedures Power (ignition) switch (vehicles without smart
key system) ............... 217
Power (ignition) switch (vehicles with smart key
system)...................... 219
EV drive mode ............ 224
Hybrid transmission .... 226
Turn signal lever ......... 230
Parking brake .............. 231
Brake Hold .................. 235
4-3. Operating the lights and wipers
Headlight switch .......... 237
AHB (Automatic High Beam)........................ 240
Fog light switch ........... 244
Windshield wipers and washer....................... 244
Rear window wiper and washer....................... 247
4-4. Refueling Opening the fuel tank cap.................................. 2494-5. Using the dr
iving support
systems
Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 .................................. 252
PCS (Pre-Collision System) .................................. 257
LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) .................................. 268
RSA (Road Sign Assist) .................................. 279
Dynamic radar cruise con- trol with full-speed range
.................................. 282
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) .................................. 293
Intuitive parking assist . 298
RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert) function ............ 307
PKSB (Parking Support Brake) ........................ 312
Parking Support Brake func- tion (static objects)
.................................. 318
Parking Support Brake function (rear-crossing
vehicles) .................... 321
Driving mode select switch .................................. 323
Trail Mode (AWD vehicles) .................................. 324
Driving assist systems. 326

2034-1. Before driving
4
Driving
For example, if the “XXX”
amount equals 1400 lbs. and
there will be five 150 lb passen-
gers in your vehicle, the amount
of available cargo and luggage
load capacity is 650 lbs. (1400 -
750 (5  150) = 650 lbs.)
(5) Determine the combined
weight of luggage and cargo
being loaded on the vehicle.
That weight may not safely
exceed the available cargo and
luggage load capacity calcu-
lated in Step 4.
(6) If your vehicle will be towing
a trailer, load from your trailer
will be transferred to your vehi-
cle. Consult this manual to
determine how this reduces the
available cargo and luggage
load capacity of your vehicle.
( P.205) Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight) (
P.496)
When 2 people with the com-
bined weight of A lb. (kg) are rid-
ing in your vehicle, which has a
total load capacity (vehicle
capacity weight) of B lb. (kg),
the available 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 passen-
gers with the combined weight of D
lb. (kg) get on, the available cargo
and luggage load will 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
WARNING
■Capacity and distribution
●Do not exceed the maximum
axle weight rating or the total
vehicle weight rating.
●Even if the tota l load of occu-
pant’ weight and the cargo load
is less than the total load capac-
ity, do not ap ply the load
unevenly. Improper loading may
cause deteriorat ion of steering
or braking control which may
cause death or serious injury.
Calculation formula for
your vehicle
A
B

2064-1. Before driving
■Before towing
Check that the fo llowing conditions
are met:
●Ensure that your vehicle’s tires
are properly inflated. ( P.502)
●Trailer tires are inflated according
to the trailer manufacturer’s rec-
ommendation.
●All trailer lights work as required
by law.
●All lights work each time you con-
nect 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 th e trailer is not
level, and check for improper
tongue weight, overloading, worn
suspension, or other possible
causes.
●The trailer cargo is securely
loaded.
●The rear view mirr ors conform to
all applicable fede ral, state/provin-
cial or local regulations. If they do
not, install rear view mirrors
appropriate for towing purposes.
■When towing a trailer
Disable the following systems, as
the systems may no t operate prop-
erly.
●LTA (Lane Tracing Assist)
(  P.268)
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed
primarily as a passenger-
and-load-carrying vehicle.
Towing a trailer can have an
adverse impact on handling,
performance, braking, dura-
bility, and fuel consump-
tion. For 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 equip-
ment, that the towing equip-
ment has been installed
correctly and used properly,
and that you employ the
requisite driving habits.
Vehicle-trailer stability and
braking performance are
affected by trailer stability,
brake performance and set-
ting, trailer brakes, the hitch
and hitch systems (if
equipped).
To tow a trailer safely, use
extreme care and drive the
vehicle in accordance with
your trailer’s characteris-
tics and operating condi-
tions.
Toyota warranties do not
apply to damage or mal-
function caused by towing a
trailer for commercial pur-
poses.
Contact your Toyota dealer for
further information about addi-
tional requirements such as a
towing kit, etc.

2074-1. Before driving
4
Driving
●Dynamic radar cruise control with
full-speed range (P.282)
●PKSB (Parking Support Brake) (if
equipped) ( P.312)
●BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) (if
equipped) ( P.293)
●Intuitive parking assist (if
equipped) ( P.298)
●RCTA (Rear Cross Traffic Alert)
function (if equipped) ( P.293)
WARNING
■Trailer towing precautions
To tow a traile r safely, use
extreme care and drive the vehi-
cle in accordance with the trailer’s
characteristics and operating con-
ditions. Failure to do so could
cause an accident resulting in
death or serious injury. Vehicle
stability and braking performance
are affected by trailer stability,
brake setting and performance,
and the hitch. Your vehicle will
handle differently when towing a
trailer.
■To avoid accident or injury
●Do not exceed the TWR,
unbraked TWR, GCWR, GVWR
or GAWR.
●Adjust the tongue weight within
the appropriate range. Place
heavier loads as close to the
trailer axle as possible.
●Do not exceed 65 mph (104
km/h), the posted towing speed
limit or the spee d limit for your
trailer as set forth in your trailer
owner’s manual, whichever is
lowest. Slow down sufficiently
before making a turn, in cross
winds, on wet or slippery sur-
face, etc. to help avoid an acci-
dent. If you experience a
vehicle-trailer instability from
reducing a certain speed, slow
down and make sure you keep
your vehicle speed under the
speed of which you experience
the instability.
●Do not make jer ky, abrupt or
sharp turns.
●Do not apply the brakes sud-
denly as you may skid, resulting
in jackknifing and loss of vehicle
control. This is especially true
on wet or slippery surfaces.
●Do not exceed the trailer hitch
assembly weight, gross vehicle
weight, gross axle weight and
trailer tongue w eight capacities.
●Do not use dynamic radar
cruise control with full-speed
range when towing.
●Slow down and downshift
before descending steep or long
downhill grades. Do not make
sudden downshifts while
descending steep or long down-
hill grades.

2084-1. Before driving
■GCWR (Gross Combination
Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross combination weight. The gross
combination weight is the sum
of the total vehicle weight
(including the occupants, cargo
and any optional equipment
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
vehicle weight. The gross vehi-
cle weight is the total weight of
the vehicle. When towing a
trailer, it is the sum of the vehi-
cle weight (including the occu-
pants, cargo and any optional
equipment installed on the vehi-
cle) and the tongue weight.
WARNING
●Vehicle-trailer instability is more
likely on steep long downhills.
Before descending steep or
long downhill grades, slow
down and downshift. Do not
make sudden downshifts when
descending steep or long down-
hill grades. Avoid holding the
brake pedal down too long or
applying the brakes too fre-
quently. This could cause the
brakes to overheat and result in
reduced braking efficiency.
●Do not tow a trailer when the
compact spare tire is installed
on your vehicle.
■When towing a trailer
Toyota recommends trailers with
brakes that confor m to any appli-
cable federal and state/provincial
regulations.
●If the gross trailer weight
exceeds unbraked TWR, trailer
brakes are required. Toyota rec-
ommends trailers with brakes
that conform to all applicable
federal and state/provincial reg-
ulations.
●Never tap into y our 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 traile r and the vehi-
cle. If damage occurs to the
coupling unit or hitch ball, there
is danger of the trailer wander-
ing into another lane.
Towing related terms