What Do the Toyota Gear Shift Symbols Mean?

What do the gear shift symbols mean on your Toyota? While most drivers recognize P, R, N, and D, modern vehicles often include additional settings designed to improve performance and control. Understanding these gear shift symbols can help you drive more efficiently, whether you’re navigating stop-and-go traffic or cruising on the highway.

 

Here’s a quick breakdown of these gear shift symbols and when to use them.

Common Toyota Gear Shift Symbols

 

Let’s start with the basics. Here’s what the most common gear shift symbols mean:

 

P: Park

This engages the parking mechanism to lock the transmission and prevent the vehicle from rolling. Always shift into P when turning off your car, even on level ground, to keep it secure. Keep your foot on the brake when switching gears to avoid unintended movement.

 

R: Reverse

R activates the reverse gear, allowing you to back up safely. Before shifting into R, check your surroundings, use your Toyota’s backup camera for added visibility, and keep your foot on the brake to maintain control.

 

N: Neutral

This mode disconnects the engine from the wheels, allowing the car to move freely, which is useful when towing your vehicle or during extended idling situations, such as waiting in a car wash, without needing to hold the brake pedal.

 

D: Drive

Automatically shifts through gears to provide smooth acceleration and fuel efficiency. This is the default setting for everyday driving, whether you’re commuting through city streets or cruising on the highway.

Additional Gear Shift Symbols in Toyota Models

Toyota models offer additional gear shift settings beyond the standard P, R, N, and D, giving you more control in specific driving situations. These modes can optimize performance, improve engine braking, and enhance efficiency in hybrid models. 

 

S and M positions for added control

 

S: Sport Mode

S is Sport or Sequential depending on model. In S, the transmission holds lower gears longer for stronger response coming out of curves and you can usually tap the lever to upshift or downshift for engine control. Toyota documentation shows that S favors lower gears for power and control.

M: Manual Mode

  M is Manual on select models. Shift from D to M to step through preset gears using plus and minus inputs, often shown on the instrument panel. This gives you manual style control without a clutch. Local tip:
Headed to Dauphin Island with a loaded SUV, use S or M on two lane roads to keep the engine in its power band for confident passing and controlled downhill speed.

B and Low ranges for engine braking

 

L: Low Gear

This setting limits gear shifting and keeps the car in lower gear. Use L when driving down steep hills or towing heavy loads for better engine braking. Some Toyota vehicles may show low ranges such as L or numbered ranges inside S. Selecting a lower range limits upshifts and increases engine braking, useful on steep grades or when towing within rated limits. Toyota owner information notes that lower ranges increase engine braking force and hold lower gears. 

 

B: Engine Braking 

B is for engine braking on hybrids like Prius, Highlander Hybrid, and other Toyota hybrid models. Shift to B on long descents to increase regenerative and engine braking, which helps limit brake fade. It is not meant for everyday city driving. Toyota support materials describe B as a setting that favors lower gearing to add braking force.

Local tip:
On I 65 or Highway 98 descents, use B or a lower S range to manage speed without riding the brakes  

EV: Electric Vehicle Mode

Exclusive to Toyota hybrids, EV mode allows short-distance driving on battery power alone, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Explore Toyota’s Latest Models at SpringHill Toyota

 

Knowing what each gear shift symbol means turns every drive into a calmer, safer experience. Use D for daily travel, keep P for parking, switch to S or M for added control on winding Gulf Coast routes, and reserve B or low ranges for hills and descents. If you want a quick tutorial, stop by Springhill Toyota on Government Boulevard. Our team will walk you through the shifter in your exact model, then help you keep it in top shape with certified Toyota service.

 

We proudly serve drivers in Mobile, Daphne, and Birmingham, offering expert advice and a wide selection of new Toyota vehicles. Visit us for a test drive and experience these advanced driving modes firsthand!