Lexus ES350 2023 Cruise Control User Manual
Introduction
The luxury car division of Toyota, Lexus, manufactures the ES350, a sedan. I can give you some broad information on the Lexus ES350’s cruise control system even if I don’t have any specifics regarding the 2023 model because my knowledge was most recently updated in September 2021. The Lexus ES350 is equipped with cruise control, a technology that allows drivers to select a target speed for their car to maintain without having to continuously depress the accelerator pedal. Long trips on highways or open roads might benefit especially from this function, which can make driving more comfortable and help prevent driver tiredness. Lexus vehicles typically offer advanced cruise control systems that incorporate adaptive cruise control (ACC) technology. ACC goes beyond traditional cruise control by utilizing sensors, radar, or cameras to detect the distance between the Lexus ES350 and the vehicle ahead. It can automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed to maintain a safe following distance.
Depending on the specific model year and trim level, the Lexus ES350 may also feature additional functionalities such as lane-keeping assist, which helps the vehicle stay within its lane, and automatic emergency braking, which can apply the brakes to avoid or mitigate collisions. It’s important to note that the specific features and capabilities of the cruise control system may vary depending on the model year and the specific options chosen for the vehicle. For the most accurate and up-to-date information about the 2023 Lexus ES350’s cruise control system, I recommend reaching out to an authorized Lexus dealership or referring to the official Lexus website.
Cruise Control
Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range
In vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, the vehicle automatically accelerates, decelerates and stops to match the speed changes of the preceding vehicle even if the accelerator pedal is not depressed. In constant speed control mode, the vehicle runs at a fixed speed. Use the dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range on free-ways and highways.
- Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode
Constant speed control mode - System Components
- Meter display
- Multi-information display
- Set speed
Indicators
Operation Switches
- Vehicle-to-vehicle distance switch
- “+RES” switch
- Cruise control main switch
- Cancel switch
- “-SET” switch
WARNING
- Before using dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range Driving safely is the sole responsibility of the driver. Do not rely solely on the system, and drive safely by always paying careful attention to your surroundings.
- The dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range provides driving assistance to reduce the driver’s bur-den. However, there are limitations to the assistance provided. Read the following conditions care-fully. Do not overly rely on this system and always drive carefully.
- When the sensor may not be correctly detecting the vehicle ahead P.204
- Conditions under which the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode may not function correctly P.204.
- Set the speed appropriately depending on the speed limit, traffic flow, road conditions, weather conditions, etc. The driver is responsible for checking the set speed.
WARNING
- Even when the system is functioning normally, the condition of the preceding vehicle as detected by the system may differ from the condition observed by the driver. Therefore, the driver must always remain alert, assess the danger of each situation and drive safely. Relying solely on this system or assuming the system ensures safety while driving can lead to an accident, resulting in death or serious injury.
- Switch the dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range setting to off, using the cruise control main switch when not in use.
Cautions Regarding the Driving Assist Systems
Observe the following precautions, as there are limitations to the assistance provided by the system. Failure to do so may cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
- Assisting the driver to measure following distance The dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range is only intended to help the driver in determining the following distance between the driver’s own vehicle and a designated vehicle traveling ahead. It is not a mechanism that allows careless or inattentive driving, and it is not a system that can assist the driver in low-visibility conditions. It is still necessary for driver to pay close attention to the vehicle’s surroundings.
- Assisting the driver to judge proper following distance The dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range determines whether the following distance between the driver’s own vehicle and a designated vehicle traveling ahead is within a set range. It is not capable of making any other type of judgement. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary for the driver to remain vigilant and to determine whether or not there is a possibility of danger in any given situation.
Assisting the driver to operate the vehicle The dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range does not include functions which will prevent or avoid collisions with vehicles ahead of your vehicle. Therefore, if there is ever any possibility of danger, the driver must take immediate and direct control of the vehicle and act appropriately in order to ensure the safety of all involved.
Situations Unsuitable for Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Full-Speed Range
Do not use dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range in any of the following situations. Doing so may result in inappropriate speed control and could cause an accident resulting in death or serious injury.
- Roads where there are pedestrians, cyclists, etc.
- In heavy traffic
- On roads with sharp bends
- On winding roads
- On slippery roads, such as those covered with rain, ice or snow
- On steep downhills, or where there are sudden changes between sharp up and down gradients
Vehicle speed may exceed the set speed when driving down a steep hill.
WARNING
- At entrances to freeways and high-ways
- When weather conditions are bad enough that they may prevent the sensors from detecting correctly (fog, snow, sandstorm, heavy rain, etc.)
- When there is rain, snow, etc. on the front surface of the radar or front cam-era
- In traffic conditions that require frequent repeated acceleration and deceleration
- During emergency towing
- When an approach warning buzzer is heard often
Driving in Vehicle-to-Vehicle Distance Control Mode
This mode employs a radar to detect the presence of vehicles up to approximately 328 ft. (100 m) ahead, determines the current vehicle-to-vehicle following distance, and operates to maintain a suitable following distance from the vehicle ahead. The desired vehicle-to-vehicle distance can also be set by operating the vehicle-to-vehicle distance switch. When driving on downhill slopes, the vehicle-to-vehicle distance may become shorter.
A: Example of constant speed cruising When there are no vehicles ahead
B: The vehicle travels at the speed set by the driver. Example of deceleration cruising and follow-up cruising When a preceding vehicle driving slower than the set speed appears When a vehicle is detected running ahead of you, the system automatically decelerates your vehicle. When a greater reduction in vehicle speed is necessary, the system applies the brakes (the stop lights will come on at this time). The system will respond to changes in the speed of the vehicle ahead in order to maintain the vehicle-to-vehicle distance set by the driver. Approach warning warns you when the system cannot decelerate sufficiently to prevent your vehicle from closing in on the vehicle ahead. When the vehicle ahead of you stops, your vehicle will also stop (vehicle is stopped by system control). After the vehicle ahead starts off, pressing the “+RES” switch or depressing the accelerator pedal (start-off operation) will resume follow-up cruising. If the start-off operation is not performed, system control continues to keep your vehicle stopped.
When the turn signal lever is operated and your vehicle moves to an overtaking lane while driving at 50 mph (80 km/h) or more, the vehicle will accelerate to help to overtake a passing vehicle. The system’s identification of what is an overtaking lane may be determined solely based on the location of the steering wheel in the vehicle (left side driver position versus right side driver position.) If the vehicle is driven to a region where the overtaking lane is on a different side from where the vehicle is normally driven, the vehicle may accelerate when the turn signal lever is operated in the opposite direction to the overtaking lane (e.g., if the driver normally operates the vehicle in a region where the overtaking lane is to the right but then drives to a region where the overtaking lane is to the left, the vehicle may accelerate when the right turn signal is activated).
C: Example of Acceleration
When there are no longer any preceding vehicles driving slower than the set speed.
The system accelerates until the set speed is reached. The system then returns to constant speed cruising.
Setting the Vehicle Speed (Vehicle to Vehicle Distance Control Mode)
- Press the cruise control main switch to activate the cruise control.
Dynamic radar cruise control indicator will come on and a message will be displayed on the multi-information display. Press the switch again to deactivate the cruise control. If the cruise control main switch is pressed and held for 1.5 seconds or more, the system turns on in constant speed control mode.
- Accelerate or decelerate, with accelerator pedal operation, to the desired vehicle speed (at or above approximately 20 mph [30 km/h]) and press the “-SET” switch to set the speed.
Cruise control “SET” indicator will come on. The vehicle speed at the moment the switch is released becomes the set speed.
Adjusting the set speed by the switch To change the set speed, press the “+RES” or “-SET” switch until the desired set speed is displayed.
- Increases the Speed
(Except when the vehicle has been stopped by system control in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode) - Decreases the Speed
Fine adjustment: Press the switch. Large adjustment: Press and hold the switch to change the speed, and release when the desired speed is reached. In the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, the set speed will be increased or decreased as follows:
For the U.S. Mainland and Hawaii
Fine adjustment: By 1 mph (1.6 km/h)*1 or 1 km/h (0.6 mph)*2 each time the switch is pressed
Large adjustment: Increases or decreases in 1mph (1.6 km/h)*1 or 1 km/h (0.6 mph)*2 increments for as long as the switch is held
Except for the U.S. Mainland and Hawaii
Fine adjustment: By 1 mph (1.6 km/h)*1 or 1 km/h (0.6 mph)*2 each time the switch is pressed Large adjustment: Increases or decreases in 5 mph (8 km/h)*1 or 5 km/h (3.1 mph)*2 increments for as long as the switch is held In the constant speed control mode, the set speed will be increased or decreased as follows:
Fine adjustment: By 1 mph (1.6 km/h)*1 or 1 km/h (0.6 mph)*2 each time the switch is pressed
Large adjustment: The speed will continue to change while the switch is held.
- When the set speed is shown in “MPH”
- When the set speed is shown in “km/h”
Increasing the Set Speed by the Accelerator Pedal
- Accelerate with accelerator pedal 1 Accelerate with accelerator pedal
- Press the “-SET” switch
Changing the Vehicle-to-Vehicle Distance (Vehicle-to-Vehicle Distance Control Mode)
Pressing the switch changes the vehicle to-vehicle distance as follows:
- Long
- Medium
- Short
If a vehicle is running ahead of you, the preceding vehicle mark A will also be displayed.
Vehicle to vehicle distance set-tings (vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode)
Select a distance from the table below. Note that the distances shown correspond to a vehicle speed of 50 mph (80 km/h). Vehicle-to-vehicle distance increases/decreases in accordance with vehicle speed. When the vehicle is stopped by system control, the vehicle stops at a certain vehicle to vehicle distance depending on the situation.
| Distance Options | Vehicle-to-Vehicle Distance |
| Long | Approximately 160 ft. (50 m) |
| Medium | Approximately 130 ft. (40 m) |
| Short | Approximately 100 ft. (30 m) |
Resuming follow-up cruising when the vehicle has been stopped by system control (vehicle to vehicle distance control mode)
After the vehicle ahead of you starts off, press the “+RES” switch. Your vehicle will also resume follow-up cruising if the accelerator pedal is depressed after the vehicle ahead of you starts off.
Canceling and Resuming the Speed Control
- Pressing the cancel switch cancels 1 Pressing the cancel switch cancels The speed control is also canceled when the brake pedal is depressed.
(When the vehicle has been stopped by system control, depressing the brake pedal does not cancel the setting.) - Pressing the “+RES” switch resumes the cruise control and returns vehicle speed to the set speed.
Approach Warning (Vehicle-to-Vehicle Distance Control Mode)
When your vehicle is too close to a vehicle ahead, and sufficient automatic deceleration via the cruise control is not possible, the display will flash and the buzzer will sound to alert the driver. An example of this would be if another driver cuts in front of you while you are following a vehicle. Depress the brake pedal to ensure an appropriate vehicle-to-vehicle distance.
Warnings May Not Occur When
In the following instances, warnings may not occur even when the vehicle-to-vehicle distance is small.
- When the speed of the preceding vehicle matches or exceeds your vehicle speed
- When the preceding vehicle is traveling at an extremely slow speed
- Immediately after the cruise control speed was set
- When depressing the accelerator pedal
Curve Speed Reduction Function
While driving in vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode, this function will reduce the vehicle speed, if it is deter-mined to be necessary.
Function Operation
When the steering wheel begins to be turned, the vehicle speed will begin being reduced. When the steering wheel is returned to the center position, the vehicle speed reduction will end. Depending on the situation, the vehicle speed will then return to the vehicle-to vehicle distance control mode set speed. In situations where vehicle-to-vehicle distance control needs to operate, such as when a preceding vehicle cuts in front of your vehicle, the curve speed reduction function will be canceled.
Operation Display
Displayed when the vehicle speed is being reduced. When the vehicle speed reduction ends, the display will disappear.
Changing the Settings of the Curve Speed Reduction Function
The curve speed reduction function can be enabled/disabled and the vehicle speed reduction strength can be adjusted on 
of the metainformation display.
The setting will change each time the “OK” meter control switch is pressed.
Selecting Constant Speed Control Mode
When constant speed control mode is selected, your vehicle will maintain a set speed without controlling the vehicle- to-vehicle distance. Select this mode only when vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode does not function correctly due to a dirty radar, etc.
- With the cruise control off, press and hold the cruise control main switch for 1.5 seconds or more.
- Immediately after the switch is pressed, the dynamic radar cruise control indicator will come on. Afterwards, it switches to the cruise control indicator. Switching to constant speed control mode is only possible when operating the switch with the cruise control off.
Accelerate or decelerate, with accelerator pedal operation, to the desired vehicle speed (at or above approximately 20 mph [30 km/h]) and press the “-SET” switch to set the speed. Cruise control “SET” indicator will come on. The vehicle speed at the moment the switch is released becomes the set speed.
Adjusting the speed setting: Canceling and resuming the speed setting:
Dynamic radar cruise control with full-speed range can be set when
- The shift lever is in D.
- The desired set speed can be set when the vehicle speed is approximately 20 mph (30 km/h) or more. (However, when the vehicle speed is set while driving at below approximately 20 mph [30 km/h], the set speed will be set to approximately 20 mph [30 km/h].)
Accelerating After Setting the Vehicle Speed
The vehicle can accelerate by operating the accelerator pedal. After accelerating, the set speed resumes. However, during vehicle to-vehicle distance control mode, the vehicle speed may decrease below the set speed in order to maintain the distance to the preceding vehicle.
When the Vehicle Stops while Follow up Cruising
- Pressing the “+RES” switch while the vehicle ahead stops will resume follow-up cruising if the vehicle ahead starts off within approximately 3 seconds after the switch is pressed.
- If the vehicle ahead starts off within 3 seconds after your vehicle stops, follow-up cruising will be resumed.
- Automatic Cancelation of Vehicle-to-Vehicle Distance Control Mode
- Vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode is automatically canceled in the following situations.
- VSC is activated.
TRAC is activated for a period of time. - When the VSC or TRAC system is turned off.
- The sensor cannot detect correctly because it is covered in some way.
- When the brake control or output restriction control of a driving support system operates. (For example: Pre Collision System, Drive-Start Control)
- The parking brake is operated.
- The vehicle is stopped by system control on a steep incline.
- The following are detected when the vehicle has been stopped by system control:
- The driver is not wearing a seat belt.
- The driver’s door is opened.
- The vehicle has been stopped for about 3 minutes
- If vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode is automatically canceled for any reasons other than the above, there may be a mal-function in the system. Contact your Lexus dealer.
Automatic Cancelation of Constant Speed Control Mode
Constant speed control mode is automatically canceled in the following situations:
- Actual vehicle speed is more than approximately 10 mph (16 km/h) below the set vehicle speed.
Actual vehicle speed falls below approximately 20 mph (30 km/h).
VSC is activated.
TRAC is activated for a period of time.
When the VSC or TRAC system is turned off.
When the brake control or output restriction control of a driving support system operates. (For example: Pre Collision System, Drive-Start Control)
The parking brake is operated.
If constant speed control mode is automatically canceled for any reasons other than the above, there may be a malfunction in the system. Contact your Lexus dealer.
Situations in which the Curve Speed Reduction Function may not Operate
In situations such as the following, the curve speed reduction function may not operate:
- When the vehicle is being driven around a gentle curve.
- When the accelerator pedal is being depressed.
- When the vehicle is being driven around an extremely short curve.
Brake Operation
A brake operation sound may be heard and the brake pedal response may change, but these are not malfunctions.
Warning Messages and Buzzers for Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Full-Speed Range
Warning messages and buzzers are used to indicate a system malfunction or to inform the driver of the need for caution while driving. If a warning message is shown on the multi-information display, read the message and follow the instructions.
When the Sensor may not be Correctly Detecting the Vehicle Ahead
In the case of the following and depending on the conditions, operate the brake pedal when deceleration of the system is insufficient or operate the accelerator pedal when acceleration is required.
As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect these types of vehicles, the approach warning may not be activated.
- Vehicles that cut in suddenly
- Vehicles traveling at low speeds
- Vehicles that are not moving in the same lane
- Vehicles with small rear ends (trailers with no load on board, etc.)
- Motorcycles traveling in the same lane
- When water or snow thrown up by the surrounding vehicles hinders the detecting of the sensor
- When your vehicle is pointing upwards (caused by a heavy load in the luggage compartment, etc.)
Preceding vehicle has an extremely high ground clearance
- Conditions under which the vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode may not function correctly
- In the case of the following conditions, operate the brake pedal (or accelerator pedal, depending on the situation) as necessary. As the sensor may not be able to correctly detect vehicles ahead, the system may not operate properly.
- When the road curves or when the lanes are narrow
- When steering wheel operation or your position in the lane is unstable
- When the vehicle ahead of you decelerates suddenly
- When driving on a road surrounded by a structure, such as in a tunnel or on a bridge
- While the vehicle speed is decreasing to the set speed after the vehicle accelerates by depressing the accelerator pedal
Situations in which the curve speed reduction function may not operate properly
In situations such as the following, the curve speed reduction function may not operate properly:
- When the vehicle is being driven around a curve on an incline/decline
- When the course of the vehicle differs from the shape of the curve
- When the vehicle speed is excessively high when entering a curve
- When the steering wheel is suddenly operated
FAQs
- What is Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control?
The Lexus ES350 2023’s Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control adaptive cruise control system enables the car to keep a predetermined distance from the car in front even when travelling at high speeds or through congested traffic. - How does Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control work?
Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control makes use of radar sensors to gauge how far the ES350 is from the car in front of it. In order to maintain the driver-set safe following distance, it modifies the speed of the vehicle accordingly. - Can Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control bring the vehicle to a complete stop?
Yes, when traffic in front of the car starts moving again, Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control can stop the car completely and resume motion. In congested areas, this feature improves convenience and lessens driver fatigue. - How do I activate Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control?
You can use the controls on the steering wheel or the specific cruise control buttons on the center console to turn on Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. For precise directions on how to activate the system, consult the owner’s manual for your car. - Can I adjust the following distance with Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control?
The following distance can be altered with Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. You can choose from a variety of distance settings provided by the system, enabling you to keep a comfortable and secure distance from the car in front of you. - Does Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control work in all driving conditions?
Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is made to function in a range of traffic situations, including highway driving. However, in some circumstances, such as inclement weather or poorly marked roads, it might have limitations. - Can I manually override Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control?
The Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control can always be manually overridden. You can take back control of the car by using the brakes or the accelerator. - Does Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control help save fuel?
By maintaining a constant speed and optimizing acceleration and deceleration, Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control can help increase fuel efficiency. It encourages smoother driving and prevents needless speed changes. - Can Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control prevent collisions?
Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is primarily intended to provide driver assistance; it is not intended to act as a collision avoidance system. However, by automatically adjusting the speed of the car to keep a safe distance from the car in front, it can lessen the risk of rear-end collisions. - Can Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control detect pedestrians or cyclists?
The main purpose of Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is to identify and keep a safe distance from vehicles in front of the vehicle. It might not always be specifically programmed to recognize pedestrians or cyclists. - Is Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control available in all trim levels of the Lexus ES350 2023?
In higher trim levels of the Lexus ES350 2023, Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is frequently offered as a standard or optional feature. For specific information, it is advised to review the vehicle’s specifications or get in touch with a Lexus dealership. Trim level availability may vary. - Can Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control be used on winding roads?
Highways and straight roads are where Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is most often used. It might not be able to adjust to winding roads or sudden curves as well as it could, in which case the driver might have to take over. - Does Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control work with stop-and-go traffic?
Yes, stop-and-go traffic is intended to be accommodated by Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. traffic. In heavy traffic, it can completely stop the car before resuming operation as soon as the traffic begins to move. This lessens the burden on the driver. - Can Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control be disabled if desired?
Yes, you can usually turn off Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control using the settings on your car or by pressing a special button on the steering wheel or control panel. For detailed instructions on how to disable the system, consult the owner’s manual for your car. - Where can I find more information about the cruise control features in the Lexus ES350 2023?
It is advised to consult the vehicle’s manual or seek help from a Lexus dealership for more information on the cruise control features, including Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, in the Lexus ES350 2023.
Useful Links
View Full User Guide: Lexus ES350 2023 User Manual | Auto User Guide
Download Manuals: Resources | Manuals & Guides | My Lexus
