towing TOYOTA RAV4 PHEV 2021 Owners Manual

3TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
6
5
4
3
2
8
7
9
Smart entry & start system . 223
4-3. Adjusting the seats
Front seats .......................... 270
Rear seats .......................... 271
Driving position memory ..... 273
Head restraints ................... 276
4-4. Adjusting the steering wheel
and mirrors
Steering wheel .................... 278
Inside rear view mirror ........ 279
Digital Rear-view Mirror ...... 280
Outside rear view mirrors.... 289
4-5. Opening, closing the win -
dows and moon roof
Power windows ................... 291
Panoramic moon roof ......... 294
5-1. Before driving
Driving the vehicle .............. 300
Cargo and luggage ............. 306
Trailer towing ...................... 308
5-2. Driving procedures
Power (ignition) switch ........ 317
Hybrid transmission ............ 321
Turn signal lever ................. 325
Parking brake...................... 326
Brake Hold .......................... 329
5-3. Operating the lights and wip -
ers
Headlight switch.................. 332
AHB (Automatic High Beam)
.......................................... 334
Fog light switch ................... 337
Windshield wipers and washer
.......................................... 338
Rear window wiper and washer
.......................................... 340
5-4. Refueling
Opening the fuel tank cap ... 342
5-5. Using the driving support sys -
tems
Toyota Safety Sense .......... 344
PCS (Pre-Collision System) 355
LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) .. 362
RSA (Road Sign Assist)...... 372
Dynamic radar cruise control
with full-speed range ........ 376
Cruise control...................... 388
Speed limiter ....................... 391
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) ... 393
Toyota parking assist-sensor
.......................................... 414
PKSB (Parking Support Brake)
.......................................... 420
Parking Support Brake function
(static objects) .................. 424
Parking Support Brake function
(rear-crossing vehicles) .... 430
Driving mode select switch . 434
Trail Mode ........................... 435
GPF (Gasoline Particulate Filter)
system .............................. 437
Driving assist systems ........ 438
5-6. Driving tips
Winter driving tips ............... 445
Utility vehicle precautions ... 448
5Driving

15Pictorial index
■Instrument panel (Left-hand drive vehicles)
Power switch ................................................................................. P.317
Starting the hybrid system/ch anging the modes ..................... P.317, 320
Emergency stop of the hybrid system ............................................. P.560
When the hybrid syst em will not start ............................................. P.601
Warning messages ............................................... .......................... P.578
Shift lever.................................................... ................................... P.321
Changing the shift position.. ............................................................ P.322
Precautions against towing ..................................... ........................ P.563
When the shift lever does not m ove................................................ P.323
Meters ......................................................... ................................... P.174
Reading the meters/adjusting the instrument cluster light ......P.174, 178
Warning lights/indicator lig hts ......................................................... P.168
When the warning lights come on ................................ ................... P.568
Multi-information display ...................................... ....................... P.179
Display ........................................................ .................................... P.179
A
B
C
D

23Pictorial index
■Instrument panel (Right-hand drive vehicles)
Power switch ................................................................................. P.317
Starting the hybrid system/ch anging the modes ..................... P.317, 320
Emergency stop of the hybrid system ............................................. P.560
When the hybrid syst em will not start ............................................. P.601
Warning messages ............................................... .......................... P.578
Shift lever.................................................... ................................... P.321
Changing the shift position.. ............................................................ P.322
Precautions against towing ..................................... ........................ P.563
When the shift lever does not m ove................................................ P.323
Meters ......................................................... ................................... P.174
Reading the meters/adjusting the instrument cluster light ......P.174, 178
Warning lights/indicator lig hts ......................................................... P.168
When the warning lights come on ................................ ................... P.568
Multi-information display ...................................... ....................... P.179
Display ........................................................ .................................... P.179
A
B
C
D

621-2. Child safety
■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.
■When installing a child restraint
system
You may need a locking clip to install the child restraint s ystem. Follow the
instructions provided by the manufac -
turer of the system. If your child restraint system does not provide a locking clip,
you can purchase the following item
from any authorized Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized repairer, or any reli -
able repairer: Locking clip for child
restraint system (Part No. 73119-22010)
■ISOFIX lower anchorages
(ISOFIX child restraint system)
Lower anchorages are provided for
the outboard rear seats. (Tags dis -
playing the location of the anchor -
ages are attached to the seats.)
WARNING
■When installing a child restraint
system
Observe the following precautions. Failure to do so may result in death or
serious injury.
●Do not allow children to play with
the seat belt. I f 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 bel t and plate are securely locked and the seat belt is
not twisted.
●Shake the child restraint system left
and right, and forward and back -
ward to ensure that it has been securely installed.
●After securing a ch ild restraint sys- tem, never adjust the seat.
●When a junior seat is installed, always ensure that the shoulder
belt is positioned a cross 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 chil d’s shoulder.
●Follow all installation instructions
provided by the child restraint sys - tem manufacturer.
Child restraint system fixed
with an ISOFIX lower
anchorage

962-1. Plug-in hybrid system
WARNING
●Never touch, disassemble, remove
or replace the high voltage parts,
cables or their connectors.
●The hybrid system will become hot
after starting a s the system uses high voltage. Be careful of both the
high voltage and the high tempera -
ture, and always obe y the caution
labels attached to the vehicle.
●Never try to open the service plug
access hole located in the luggage compartment. The service plug is
used only when the vehicle is ser-
viced and is subject to high voltage.
■Road accident cautions
Observe the following precautions to reduce the risk of d eath or serious
injury:
●Pull your vehicle off the road, apply
the parking brake, shift the shift
lever to P, and tu rn the hybrid sys- tem off.
●Do not touch the high voltage parts, cables and connectors.
●If electric wires are exposed inside or outside your vehi cle, an electric
shock may occur. Never touch
exposed electric wires.
●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 unlik ely event that it
comes into contact with the eyes or
skin, wash it off immediately with a large amount of w ater, and seek
immediate medical attention.
●If electrolyte is leaking from the
hybrid battery (traction battery), do
not approach the vehicle. Even in the unlikely event that the
hybrid battery (traction battery) is
damaged, the internal construction of the battery wil l prevent a large
amount of electrolyte from leaking
out. However, any electrolyte that does leak out will g ive off a vapor.
This vapor is an irritant to skin and
eyes and could c ause acute poi- soning if inhaled.
●Do not bring burning or high-tem - perature items close to the electro -
lyte. The electrolyte may ignite and
cause a fire.
●If a fire occurs in the hybrid vehicle,
leave the vehicle as soon as possi - ble. Never use a f ire extinguisher
that is not meant fo r electric fires.
Using even a small amount of water may be dangerous.
●If your vehicle nee ds to be towed, do so with front 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.563)
●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 possi -
ble.

2904-4. Adjusting the steering wheel and mirrors
1Folds the mirrors
2 Extends the mirrors
Putting the outside rear view mirror
folding switch in the neutral position
sets the mirrors t o automatic mode.
Automatic mode allows the folding or
extending of the mirrors to be linked to
locking/unlocking of the doors.
■Using automatic mode in cold
weather
When automatic mod e is used in cold
weather, the door mirror could freeze up
and automatic stowing and return may not be possible. In this event, remove
any ice and snow fro m the door mirror,
then either operate the mirror using manual mode or mov e the mirror by
hand.
■Customization
The automatic mirror folding and extending operati on can be changed.
(Customizable features: →P.636)
Folding the mirrors
WARNING
■When a mirror is moving
To avoid personal injury and mirror malfunction, be careful not to get your
hand caught by the moving mirror.

5
299
5
Driving
Driving
5-1. Before driving
Driving the vehicle ............ 300
Cargo and luggage ........... 306
Trailer towing .................... 308
5-2. Driving procedures
Power (ignition) switch ...... 317
Hybrid transmission .......... 321
Turn signal lever ............... 325
Parking brake ................... 326
Brake Hold ........................ 329
5-3. Operating the lights and wip -
ers
Headlight switch ............... 332
AHB (Automatic High Beam)
....................................... 334
Fog light switch ................. 337
Windshield wipers and washer
....................................... 338
Rear window wiper and washer
....................................... 340
5-4. Refueling
Opening the fuel tank cap. 342
5-5. Using the driving support
systems
Toyota Safety Sense ........ 344
PCS (Pre-Collision System)
....................................... 355
LTA (Lane Tracing Assist) 362
RSA (Road Sign Assist) ... 372
Dynamic radar cruise control
with full-speed range ...... 376
Cruise control ................... 388
Speed limiter ..................... 391
BSM (Blind Spot Monitor) . 393
Toyota parking assist-sensor
........................................ 414
PKSB (Parking Support Brake)
........................................ 420
Parking Support Brake function
(static objects) ................ 424
Parking Support Brake function
(rear-crossing vehicles) .. 430
Driving mode select switch 434
Trail Mode ......................... 435
GPF (Gasoline Particulate Fil -
ter) system ...................... 437
Driving assist systems ...... 438
5-6. Driving tips
Winter driving tips ............. 445
Utility vehicle precautions . 448

3085-1. Before driving
■Tire information
●Increase the tire inflation pressure to
20.0 kPa (0.2 kgf/cm2 or bar, 3 psi) greater than the recommended value
when towing. ( →P.624)
●Increase the air pressure of the trailer
tires in accordance with the total
trailer weight and according to the val - ues recommended by the manufac -
turer of your trailer.
■Safety checks before towing
●Check that the maximum load limit for
the towing hitch/bracket and hitch ball
is not exceeded. Bear in mind that the coupling weight of the trailer will add
to the load exerted on the vehicle.
Also make sure tha t the total load exerted on the vehi cle is within the
range of the weight limits. ( →P.309)
●Ensure that the trailer load is secure.
●Supplementary outside rear view mir- rors should be added to the vehicle if
the traffic behind c annot be clearly
seen with standard mirrors. Adjust the extending arms of these mirrors on
both sides of the vehicle so that they
always provide maxi mum visibility of the road behind.
Trailer towing
Your vehicle is designed pri -
marily as a passenger carry -
ing vehicle. Towing a trailer
will have an adverse effect on
handling, performance, brak -
ing, durability, and fuel con -
sumption. Your safety and
satisfaction depend on the
proper use of correct equip -
ment and cautious driving hab -
its. For your safety and the
safety of others, do not over -
load the vehicle or trailer.
To tow a trailer safely, use
extreme care and drive the
vehicle in accordance with the
trailer’s characteristics and
operating conditions.
Toyota warranties do not apply
to damage or malfunction
caused by towing a trailer for
commercial purposes.
Ask your local authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota
authorized repairer, or any reli -
able repairer for further details
before towing, as there are
additional legal requirements
in some countries.
WARNING
Follow all the instructions described in
this section.
Failure to do so could cause an acci - dent resulting in death or serious
injury.
■Trailer towing precautions
When towing, make sure that none of
the weight limits are exceeded.
( →P.309)
■To avoid accident or injury
●Vehicles with compact spare tire: Do not tow a trailer when the com -
pact spare tire is installed on your
vehicle.
●Vehicles with emergency tire punc -
ture repair kit: Do not tow a traile r when the tire
installed is repa ired with the emer-
gency tire puncture repair kit.

309
5
5-1. Before driving
Driving
Check the allowable towing capac -
ity, GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass),
MPAC (Maximum Permissible Axle
Capacity), and permissible drawbar
load before towing. ( →P.618)
Toyota recommends the use of the
Toyota hitch/bracke t for your vehi-
cle. Other products of a suitable
nature and comparable quality may
also be used.
For vehicles where the towing
device blocks any of the lights or
license plate, the fo llowing shall be
observed:
 Do not use towing device that
cannot be easily removed or
repositioned.
 Towing devices must be
removed or repositioned when
not in use.
Please consult a ny authorized
Toyota retailer or Toyota authorized
repairer, or any reliable repairer
when installing tra iler lights, as
incorrect installa tion may cause
damage to the vehicle’s lights.
Please take care to comply with
your state’s laws when installing
trailer lights.
■Total trailer weight and per -
missible drawbar load
Total trailer weight
WARNING
●Do not use dynamic radar cruise
control with full- speed range (if
equipped) or cruise control (if equipped) when trailer towing.
■Vehicle speed in towing
Observe the legal maximum speeds
for trailer towing.
■Before descending hills or long declines
Reduce speed and downshift. How -
ever, never downshift suddenly while descending steep or long downhill
grades.
■Operation of the brake pedal
Do not hold the brake pedal
depressed often or for long periods of time.
Doing so may result in the brake over -
heating or reduce braking effects.
Weight limits
Towing hitch/bracket
Connecting trailer lights
NOTICE
■Do not directly splice trailer lights
Directly splicing trailer lights may
damage your vehicle’s electrical sys - tem and cause a malfunction.
Important points regarding
trailer loads
A

3105-1. Before driving
Weight of the trailer itself plus the trailer
load should be within the maximum
towing capacity. Exceeding this weight
is dangerous. ( →P.618)
When towing a trailer, use a friction
coupler or friction st abilizer (sway con-
trol device).
Permissible drawbar load
Allocate the trailer load so that the
drawbar load is g reater than 25 kg
(55.1 lb.) or 4% of the towing capacity.
Do not let the draw bar load exceed the
indicated weight. ( →P.618)
■Information tag (manufac-
turer’s label)
Gross vehicle mass
The combined weight of the driver, pas -
sengers, luggage, towing hitch, total
curb mass and drawbar load should not
exceed the gross vehicle mass by more
than 100 kg (220.5 lb.). Exceeding this
weight is dangerous.
Maximum permissible rear axle
capacity
The weight borne by the rear axle
should not exceed the maximum per -
missible rear axle capacity by 15% or
more. Exceeding this weight is danger -
ous.
The values for towing capacity were
derived from testing conducted at sea
level. Take note t hat hybrid system out-
put and towing capacity will be reduced
at high altitudes.
B
A
B
WARNING
■When the gross vehicle mass or
maximum permissible axle capacity is exceeded
Failing to observe this precaution may
lead to an accident causing death or
serious injury.
●Add an additional 20.0 kPa (0.2
kgf/cm2 or bar, 3 psi) to the recom -
mended tire inflation pressure
value. ( →P.624)
●Do not exceed the established
speed limit for towing a trailer in built-up areas or 100 km/h (62
mph), whichever is lower.