LEXUS RX 350 L (2019 year). Instruction - part 13

205

4-1. Before driving

4

Dr

iving

RX350/RX350L_U

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

When starting the vehicle
Always keep your foot on the brake pedal while stopped engine running. This prevents

the vehicle from creeping.

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not drive if you are unfamiliar with the location of the brake and accelerator ped-

als to avoid depressing the wrong pedal. 
• Accidentally depressing the accelerator pedal instead of the brake pedal will

result in sudden acceleration that may lead to an accident.

• When backing up, you may twist your body around, leading to difficulty in operat-

ing the pedals. Make sure to operate the pedals properly.

• Make sure to keep a correct driving posture even when moving the vehicle only

slightly. This allows you to depress the brake and accelerator pedals properly.

• Depress the brake pedal using your right foot. Depressing the brake pedal using

your left foot may delay response in an emergency, resulting in an accident.

●

Do not drive the vehicle over or stop the vehicle near flammable materials. 

The exhaust system and exhaust gases can be extremely hot. These hot parts may

cause a fire if there is any flammable material nearby.

●

During normal driving, do not turn off the engine. Turning the engine off while driving

will not cause loss of steering or braking control, but the power assist to these systems

will be lost. This will make it more difficult to steer and brake, so you should pull over

and stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.

However, in the event of an emergency, such as if it becomes impossible to stop the

vehicle in the normal way:  

P. 645

●

Use engine braking (downshift) to maintain a safe speed when driving down a steep

hill.

Using the brakes continuously may cause the brakes to overheat and lose effective-

ness. (

P. 240)

●

Do not adjust the positions of the steering wheel, the seat, or the inside or outside rear

view mirrors while driving. 

Doing so may result in a loss of vehicle control.

●

Always check that all passengers’ arms, heads or other parts of their body are not

outside the vehicle.

●

AWD models: Do not drive the vehicle off-road.

This is not an AWD vehicle designed for off-road driving. Proceed with all due cau-

tion if it becomes unavoidable to drive off-road.

●

Do not drive across a river or through other bodies of water.

This may cause electric/electronic components to short circuit, damage the engine or

cause other serious damage to the vehicle.

●

Do not drive in excess of the speed limit. Even if the legal speed limit permits it, do not

drive over 85 mph (140 km/h) unless your vehicle has high-speed capability tires.

Driving over 85 mph (140 km/h) may result in tire failure, loss of control and possible

injury. Be sure to consult a tire dealer to determine whether the tires on your vehicle

are high-speed capability tires or not before driving at such speeds.

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4-1. Before driving

RX350/RX350L_U

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

When driving on slippery road surfaces

●

Sudden braking, acceleration and steering may cause tire slippage and reduce your

ability to control the vehicle.

●

Sudden acceleration, engine braking due to shifting, or changes in engine speed

could cause the vehicle to skid.

●

After driving through a puddle, lightly depress the brake pedal to make sure that the

brakes are functioning properly. Wet brake pads may prevent the brakes from func-

tioning properly. If the brakes on only one side are wet and not functioning properly,

steering control may be affected.

■

When shifting the shift lever

●

Do not let the vehicle roll backward while the shift lever is in a driving position, or roll

forward while the shift lever is in R. 

Doing so may cause the engine to stall or lead to poor brake and steering perfor-

mance, resulting in an accident or damage to the vehicle.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to P while the vehicle is moving.

Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to R while the vehicle is moving forward.

Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.

●

Do not shift the shift lever to a driving position while the vehicle is moving backward.

Doing so can damage the transmission and may result in a loss of vehicle control.

●

Shifting the shift lever to N while the vehicle is moving will disengage the engine.

Engine braking is not available when N is selected.

●

Be careful not to shift the shift lever with the accelerator pedal depressed. 

Shifting the shift lever to any position other than P or N may lead to unexpected rapid

acceleration of the vehicle that may cause an accident and result in death or serious

injury.

■

If you hear a squealing or scraping noise (brake pad wear limit indicators)
Have the brake pads checked and replaced by your Lexus dealer as soon as possible. 

Rotor damage may result if the pads are not replaced when needed. 
It is dangerous to drive the vehicle when the wear limits of the brake pads and/or those

of the brake discs are exceeded.

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RX350/RX350L_U

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

When the vehicle is stopped

●

Do not race the engine. 

If the shift lever is in any position other than P or N, the vehicle may accelerate sud-

denly and unexpectedly, causing an accident.

●

In order to prevent accidents due to the vehicle rolling away, always keep depressing

the brake pedal while the engine is running, and apply the parking brake as neces-

sary.

●

If the vehicle is stopped on an incline, in order to prevent accidents caused by the

vehicle rolling forward or backward, always depress the brake pedal and securely

apply the parking brake as needed.

●

Avoid revving or racing the engine.

Running the engine at high speed while the vehicle is stopped may cause the exhaust

system to overheat, which could result in a fire if combustible material is nearby.

■

When the vehicle is parked

●

Do not leave glasses, cigarette lighters, spray cans, or soft drink cans in the vehicle

when it is in the sun. 

Doing so may result in the following:
• Gas may leak from a cigarette lighter or spray can, and may lead to a fire.

• The temperature inside the vehicle may cause the plastic lenses and plastic mate-

rial of glasses to deform or crack.

• Soft drink cans may fracture, causing the contents to spray over the interior of the

vehicle, and may also cause a short circuit in the vehicle’s electrical components.

●

Do not leave cigarette lighters in the vehicle. If a cigarette lighter is in a place such as

the glove box or on the floor, it may be lit accidentally when luggage is loaded or the

seat is adjusted, causing a fire.

●

Do not attach adhesive discs to the windshield or windows. Do not place containers

such as air fresheners on the instrument panel or dashboard. Adhesive discs or con-

tainers may act as lenses, causing a fire in the vehicle.

●

Do not leave a door or window open if the curved glass is coated with a metallized

film such as a silver-colored one. Reflected sunlight may cause the glass to act as a

lens, causing a fire.

●

Always apply the parking brake, shift the shift lever to P, stop the engine and lock the

vehicle.

Do not leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running.

If the vehicle is parked with the shift lever in P but the parking brake is not set, the

vehicle may start to move, possibly leading to an accident.

●

Do not touch the exhaust pipes while the engine is running or immediately after turn-

ing the engine off. 

Doing so may cause burns.

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4-1. Before driving

RX350/RX350L_U

WARNING

Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may result in death or serious injury.

■

When taking a nap in the vehicle
Always turn the engine off. Otherwise, if you accidentally move the shift lever or

depress the accelerator pedal, this could cause an accident or fire due to engine over-

heating. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked in a poorly ventilated area, exhaust gases

may collect and enter the vehicle, leading to death or a serious health hazard.

■

When braking 

●

When the brakes are wet, drive more cautiously. 

Braking distance increases when the brakes are wet, and this may cause one side of

the vehicle to brake differently than the other side. Also, the parking brake may not

securely hold the vehicle.

●

If the brake booster device does not operate, do not follow other vehicles closely and

avoid hills or sharp turns that require braking. 

In this case, braking is still possible, but the brake pedal should be depressed more

firmly than usual. Also, the braking distance will increase. Have your brakes fixed

immediately.

●

Do not pump the brake pedal if the engine stalls. 

Each push on the brake pedal uses up the reserve for the power-assisted brakes. 

●

The brake system consists of 2 individual hydraulic systems; if one of the systems fails,

the other will still operate. In this case, the brake pedal should be depressed more

firmly than usual and the braking distance will increase.

Have your brakes fixed immediately.

■

If the vehicle becomes stuck (AWD models)
Do not spin the wheels excessively when any of the tires is up in the air, or the vehicle is

stuck in sand, mud, etc. This may damage the driveline components or propel the vehi-

cle forward or backward, causing an accident.

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NOTICE

■

When driving the vehicle

●

Do not depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time during driving, as

this may restrain driving torque.

●

Do not use the accelerator pedal or depress the accelerator and brake pedals at the

same time to hold the vehicle on a hill.

■

When parking the vehicle
Always set the parking brake and shift the shift lever to P. Failure to do so may cause the

vehicle to move or the vehicle may accelerate suddenly if the accelerator pedal is acci-

dentally depressed.

■

Avoiding damage to vehicle parts

●

Do not turn the steering wheel fully in either direction and hold it there for an

extended period of time. 

Doing so may damage the power steering motor.

●

When driving over bumps on the road, drive as slowly as possible to avoid damaging

the wheels, underside of the vehicle, etc.

■

If you get a flat tire while driving 
A flat or damaged tire may cause the following situations. Hold the steering wheel

firmly and gradually depress the brake pedal to slow down the vehicle.

●

It may be difficult to control your vehicle.

●

The vehicle will make abnormal sounds or vibrations.

●

The vehicle will lean abnormally.

Information on what to do in case of a flat tire (

P. 666)

■

When encountering flooded roads
Do not drive on a road that has flooded after heavy rain, etc. Doing so may cause the

following serious damage to the vehicle:

●

Engine stalling

●

Short in electrical components

●

Engine damage caused by water immersion

In the event that you drive on a flooded road and the vehicle is flooded, be sure to have

your Lexus dealer check the following:

●

Brake function

●

Changes in quantity and quality of oil and fluid used for the engine, transaxle, transfer

(AWD models), rear differential (AWD models), etc.

●

Lubricant condition for the propeller shaft (AWD models), bearings and suspension

joints (where possible), and the function of all joints, bearings, etc.

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RX350/RX350L_U

Cargo capacity depends on the total weight of the occupants. 
(Cargo capacity) = (Total load capacity) — (Total weight of occupants)
Steps for Determining Correct Load Limit —

(1) Locate the statement “The combined weight of occupants and cargo should

never exceed XXX kg or XXX lbs.” on your vehicle’s placard. 

(2) Determine the combined weight of the driver and passengers that will be rid-

ing in your vehicle. 

(3) Subtract the combined weight of the driver and passengers from XXX kg or

XXX lbs.

(4) The resulting figure equals the available amount of cargo and luggage load

capacity. 
For example, if the “XXX” amount equals 1400 lbs. and there will be five 150
lb passengers 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 calculated in Step 4. 

(6) If your vehicle will be towing a trailer, load from your trailer will be transferred

to your vehicle. Consult this manual to determine how this reduces the avail-
able cargo and luggage load capacity of your vehicle.
(

P. 213)

Vehicles without towing package: Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with

your vehicle. Your vehicle is not designed for trailer towing.

Cargo and luggage

Take notice of the following information about storage precautions, cargo
capacity and load.

Capacity and distribution

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Cargo capacity
Total load capacity (vehicle capacity
weight) (

P. 698)

When 2 people with the combined weight of A lb. (kg) are riding in your vehicle,
which has a total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight) of B lb. (kg), the avail-
able 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 passengers 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 load

As shown in the example above, if the number of occupants increases, the cargo
and luggage load will be reduced by an amount that equals the increased weight
due to the additional occupants. In other words, if an increase in the number of
occupants causes an excess of the total load capacity (combined weight of occu-
pants plus cargo and luggage load), you must reduce the cargo and luggage on
your vehicle. 

Calculation formula for your vehicle

1

2

WARNING

■

Things that must not be carried in the luggage compartment
The following things may cause a fire if loaded in the luggage compartment:

●

Receptacles containing gasoline

●

Aerosol cans

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4-1. Before driving

RX350/RX350L_U

WARNING

■

Storage precautions
Observe the following precautions.

Failure to do so may prevent the pedals from being depressed properly, may block the

driver’s vision, or may result in items hitting the driver or passengers, possibly causing

an accident.

●

Stow cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment whenever possible.

●

Do not stack cargo and luggage in the luggage compartment higher than the seat-

backs.

●

When you fold down the rear seats, long items should not be placed directly behind

the front seats.

●

Never allow anyone to ride in the luggage compartment. It is not designed for pas-

sengers. They should ride in their seats with their seat belts properly fastened.

●

Do not place cargo or luggage in or on the following locations.
• At the feet of the driver

• On the front passenger or rear seats (when stacking items)

• On  the  luggage  cover

• On the instrument panel

• On  the  dashboard

●

Secure all items in the occupant compartment.

■

Capacity and distribution

●

Do not exceed the maximum axle weight rating or the total vehicle weight rating. 

●

Even if the total load of occupant’s weight and the cargo load is less than the total load

capacity, do not apply the load unevenly. Improper loading may cause deterioration

of steering or braking control which may cause death or serious injury.

■

Roof luggage carrier precautions
Observe the following precautions:

●

Place the cargo so that its weight is distributed evenly between the front and rear

axles.

●

If loading long or wide cargo, never exceed the vehicle overall length or width. 

(

P. 698)

●

Before driving, make sure the cargo is securely fastened on the roof luggage carrier.

●

Loading cargo on the roof luggage carrier will make the center of gravity of the vehi-

cle higher. Avoid high speeds, sudden starts, sharp turns, sudden braking or abrupt

maneuvers, otherwise it may result in loss of control or vehicle rollover due to failure

to operate this vehicle correctly and result in death or serious injury.

●

If driving for a long distance, on rough roads, or at high speeds, stop the vehicle now

and then during the trip to make sure the cargo remains in its place.

●

Do not exceed 165 lb. (75 kg) cargo weight on the roof luggage carrier.

NOTICE

■

When loading cargo (vehicles with a moon roof or panoramic moon roof)

Be careful not to scratch the surface of the moon roof or panoramic moon roof.

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◆

Total load capacity (vehicle capacity weight): 

P. 698

Total load capacity means the combined weight of occupants, cargo and lug-
gage. 

◆

Seating capacity



RX350
5 occupants (Front 2, Rear 3)



RX350L
Vehicles with rear separate seat:
 6 occupants (Front 2, Rear 4)
Vehicles with rear bench seat:
 7 occupants (Front 2, Rear 5)
Seating capacity means the maximum number of occupants whose estimated
average weight is 150 lb. (68 kg) per person. 

◆

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) (vehicles with towing package): 
P. 219, 698

TWR means the maximum gross trailer weight (trailer weight plus its cargo
weight) that your vehicle is able to tow.

◆

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating) (vehicles without towing package)

Lexus does not recommend towing a trailer with your vehicle.

◆

Cargo capacity

Cargo capacity may increase or decrease depending on the weight and the
number of occupants. 

Vehicle load limits

Vehicle load limits include total load capacity, seating capacity, trailer weight
rating and cargo capacity. 

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RX350/RX350L_U

■

Total load capacity and seating capacity
These details are also described on the tire and loading information label. (

P. 613)

WARNING

■

Overloading the vehicle
Do not overload the vehicle.

It may not only cause damage to the tires, but also degrade steering and braking ability,

resulting in an accident. 

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Contact your Lexus dealer for further information about additional requirements
such as a towing kit, etc.

Trailer towing (vehicles with towing package)

Your vehicle is designed primarily as a passenger-and-load-carrying vehicle.
Towing a trailer can have an adverse impact on handling, performance, brak-
ing, durability, and fuel consumption. 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 equipment, that the towing equipment has been
installed correctly and used properly, and that you employ the requisite driv-
ing habits.
Vehicle-trailer stability and braking performance are affected by trailer sta-
bility, brake performance and setting, trailer brakes, the hitch and hitch sys-
tems (if equipped).
To tow a trailer safely, use extreme care and drive the vehicle in accordance
with your trailer’s characteristics and operating conditions.
Lexus warranties do not apply to damage or malfunction caused by towing a
trailer for commercial purposes.

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RX350/RX350L_U

■

GCWR (Gross Combination Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross com-
bination weight. The gross combina-
tion weight is the sum of the total
vehicle weight (including the occu-
pants, cargo and any optional equip-
ment 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 vehi-
cle weight. The gross vehicle weight
is the total weight of the vehicle.
When towing a trailer, it is the sum of
the vehicle weight (including the
occupants, cargo and any optional
equipment installed on the vehicle)
and the tongue weight.

■

GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross axle
weight. The gross axle weight is the
load placed on each axle (front and
rear).

Towing related terms

Front GAWR

Rear GAWR

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■

TWR (Trailer Weight Rating)
The maximum allowable gross trailer
weight. The gross trailer weight is
the sum of the trailer weight and the
weight of the cargo in the trailer.
TWR is calculated assuming base
vehicle with one driver, one front
passenger, towing package (if avail-
able), hitch and hitch systems (if
required).

Additional optional equipment, passengers and cargo in the vehicle will reduce the

trailer weight rating so as not to exceed GCWR, GVWR and GAWR.
If the gross trailer weight exceeds 3000 lb. (1360 kg), it is recommended to use a

trailer with 2 or more axles.

■

Unbraked TWR (Unbraked Trailer Weight Rating)
The trailer weight rating for towing a
trailer without a trailer service brake
system.

■

Tongue Weight
The load placed on the trailer hitch
ball. (

P. 220)

(With brakes)

(Without brakes)

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RX350/RX350L_U

●

The gross trailer weight must never exceed 3500 lb. (1585 kg).

●

The gross combination weight must never exceed the following:



RX350
2WD models: 9165 lb. (4157 kg)
AWD models: 9360 lb. (4246 kg)



RX350L 
2WD models: 9205 lb. (4175 kg)
AWD models: 9360 lb. (4246 kg)

●

The gross vehicle weight must never
exceed the GVWR indicated on the
Certification Label.

●

The gross axle weight on each axle
must never exceed the GAWR indi-
cated on the Certification Label.

●

If the gross trailer weight is over the unbraked TWR, trailer service brakes are
required.

●

If the gross trailer weight is over 2000 lb. (907 kg), a sway control device with
sufficient capacity is required.

Weight limits

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RX350/RX350L_U

Confirm that the gross trailer weight, gross combination weight, gross vehicle
weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight are all within the limits.

■

GCWR

*



RX350
2WD models: 9165 lb. (4157 kg)
AWD models: 9360 lb. (4246 kg)



RX350L 
2WD models: 9205 lb. (4175 kg)
AWD models: 9360 lb. (4246 kg)

■

TWR

*

3500 lb. (1585 kg)

■

Unbraked TWR

*

1000 lb. (450 kg)

*

: These models meet the tow-vehicle trailering requirement of SAE International per

SAE J2807.

GCWR, TWR and Unbraked TWR

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RX350/RX350L_U

●

A recommended tongue weight varies in accordance with the types of trailers
or towing as described below.

●

To ensure the recommended values shown below, the trailer must be loaded
by referring to the following instructions.

• Tongue Weight

The gross trailer weight should be distributed so that the tongue weight is
9% to 11%. 
(Tongue weight /Gross trailer weight x 100 = 9% to 11%)

Gross trailer weight
Tongue weight

The gross trailer weight, gross axle weight and tongue weight can be mea-
sured with platform scales found at a highway weighing station, building
supply company, trucking company, junk yard, etc.

Trailer hitch assemblies have different weight capacities. Lexus recommends the
use of Lexus hitch/bracket for your vehicle. For details, contact your Lexus
dealer.

●

If you wish to install a trailer hitch, contact your Lexus dealer.

●

Use only a hitch that conforms to the gross trailer weight requirement of your
vehicle.

●

Follow the directions supplied by the hitch manufacturer.

●

Lubricate the hitch ball with a light coating of grease.

●

Remove the trailer hitch whenever you are not towing a trailer. After removing
the hitch, seal any mounting hole in the vehicle body to prevent entry of any
substances into the vehicle.

Trailer Tongue Weight

1

2

Hitch