Hybrid system features

Your vehicle is a Hybrid Electric Vehicle. It has characteristics different from conventional vehicles. Be sure you are closely familiar with the characteristics of your vehicle, and operate it with care.

The hybrid system combines the use of a gasoline engine and an electric motor (traction motor) according to driving conditions, improving fuel efficiency and reducing exhaust emissions.

System components

The illustration is an example for explanation and may differ from the actual item.

Gasoline engine

Electric motor (traction motor)

When stopped/during start off

The gasoline engine stops^* when the vehicle is stopped. During start off, the electric motor (traction motor) drives the vehicle. At slow speeds or when traveling down a gentle slope, the engine is stopped^* and the electric motor (traction motor) is used.

When the hybrid battery (traction battery) requires charging or the engine is warming up, etc., the gasoline engine will not automatically stop. (Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop)

During normal driving

The gasoline engine is predominantly used. The electric motor (traction motor) charges the hybrid battery (traction battery) as necessary.

When accelerating sharply

When the accelerator pedal is depressed heavily, the power of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is added to that of the gasoline engine via the electric motor (traction motor).

Regenerative brakingWhen braking (regenerative braking)

The wheels operate the electric motor (traction motor) as a power generator, and the hybrid battery (traction battery) is charged.

Note:

Hybrid system Regenerative braking

Brake Regenerative braking Regenerative braking

In the following situations, kinetic energy is converted to electric energy and deceleration force can be obtained in conjunction with the recharging of the hybrid battery (traction battery).

The accelerator pedal is released while driving with the shift lever in D or S.

The brake pedal is depressed while driving with the shift lever in D or S.

Conditions in which the gasoline engine may not stop

The gasoline engine starts and stops automatically. However, it may not stop automatically in the following conditions:

During gasoline engine warm-up

During hybrid battery (traction battery) charging

When the temperature of the hybrid battery (traction battery) is high or low

When the heater is switched on

When the “ TOW HAUL” switch is on

When the “ MTS” switch is on

Vehicles with part-time 4WD: When the front-wheel drive control switch is in “ 4H” or “ 4L”

Vehicles with full-time 4WD: When the front-wheel drive control switch is in “ H4L” or “ L4L”

When the hood is opened during “ READY” indicator is illuminated

When the shift lever is shifted to S

Depending on the circumstances, the gasoline engine may also not stop automatically in other situations.

Charging the hybrid battery (traction battery)

As the gasoline engine charges the hybrid battery (traction battery), the battery does not need to be charged from an outside source. However, if the vehicle is left parked for a long time the hybrid battery (traction battery) will slowly discharge. For this reason, be sure to drive the vehicle at least once every few months for at least 30 minutes or 10 miles (16 km). If the hybrid battery (traction battery) becomes fully discharged and you are unable to start the hybrid system, contact your Toyota dealer.

Charging the 12-volt battery

After the 12-volt battery has discharged or when the terminal has been removed and installed during exchange, etc.

The gasoline engine may not stop even if the vehicle is being driven by the hybrid battery (traction battery). If this continues for a few days, contact your Toyota dealer.

Sounds and vibrations specific to a Hybrid Electric Vehicle

There may be no engine sound or vibration even though the vehicle is able to move with the “ READY” indicator is illuminated. For safety, apply the parking brake and make sure to shift the shift lever to P when parked.

The following sounds or vibrations may occur when the hybrid system is operating and are not a malfunction:

Motor sounds may be heard from the engine compartment.

Sounds may be heard from the hybrid battery (traction battery) under the rear seats when the hybrid system starts or stops.

Relay operating sounds such as a snap or soft clank will be emitted from the hybrid battery (traction battery), under the rear seats, when the hybrid system is started or stopped.

Sounds may be heard from the transmission when the gasoline engine starts or stops, when driving at low speeds, or during idling.

Engine sounds may be heard when accelerating sharply.

Sounds may be heard due to regenerative braking when the brake pedal is depressed or as the accelerator pedal is released.

Vibration may be felt when the gasoline engine starts or stops.

Cooling fan sounds may be heard from the air intake vents on the side of the lower part of the rear seat.

Maintenance, repair, recycling, and disposal

Contact your Toyota dealer regarding maintenance, repair, recycling and disposal. Do not dispose of the vehicle yourself.

Acoustic vehicle alerting system

Hybrid system Acoustic vehicle alerting system Acoustic vehicle alerting system

When the gasoline engine is off while driving, a sound is produced to warn pedestrians, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the surrounding area that the vehicle is approaching. The pitch of the sound adjusts according to vehicle speed. When vehicle speed is approximately 22 mph (35 km/h) or more, the warning system turns off.

Note:

Acoustic vehicle alerting system

In the following cases, the acoustic vehicle alerting system sound may be difficult for pedestrians, people riding bicycles or other people and vehicles in the surrounding area to hear:

When there is a lot of noise in the vicinity

When it is raining or during strong winds