Your vehicle
Training simulator
Practice paddle timing without moving. Pick a scenario, then tap the paddles to keep the engine in the green band. Uses your loaded vehicle (or a 2024 Lexus NX 250 if none).
Paddle Academy
1. What the paddles do
The right paddle (+) shifts up one gear; the left paddle (−) shifts down one. In D, a tap usually gives temporary manual control and the car returns to automatic after a few seconds. Moving the lever to M or S keeps you in manual until you move it back.
2. Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+
Drive modes change throttle response and shift points, and on some cars steering weight and suspension. Eco shifts early to save fuel. Normal balances. Sport holds gears longer and sharpens throttle. Sport+ (only on some trims) holds gears longest and may loosen stability control. Combat Paddle only shows modes your car offers.
3. When paddles actually help
Long downhill grades (one or two downshifts let the engine hold speed and save the brakes), steep climbs (a lower gear keeps power), passing (one downshift before you pull out), towing, curvy roads, and some slippery starts (check your manual).
4. What the car protects you from
Modern automatics refuse a downshift that would over-rev the engine, and many upshift on their own at redline. Some do not, so watch the shift lights. Paddles do not add a clutch and, used normally, do not harm the transmission.
5. Reading the coach
Green UPSHIFT means engine speed passed the target for your mode. DOWNSHIFT means the engine is lugging below the floor. ENGINE BRAKE means a downhill where a lower gear helps. HOLD means you are in the right gear. Targets change with Eco, Normal, Sport and Sport+.
6. Passenger etiquette
Combat Paddle is a learning tool for passengers. In a rideshare or with family, never pressure a driver to shift or speed. If you are driving, keep your eyes on the road; the optional voice callouts let you learn without looking.