Toyota Sense to be Standard Across Full Model Line in 2018

More automakers are integrating advanced active safety features across their lineups, and one of them is Toyota. The Japanese car manufacturer revealed that starting in 2018, its Safety Sense technology will be made standard on every Toyota trim level in the U.S. This feature is designed to reduce and help inhibit collisions.

TSS-P, Safety Sense’s most advanced version, has recently bagged the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) Yankee Cup Technology Award. The NEMPA Yankee Cup is presented annually to a vehicle, automotive feature, or system that considerably improves the motoring experience, whether by making driving safer, more cost-efficient or more enjoyable. Apart from Toyota’s cutting-edge TSS-P technology, the RAV4 Hybrid and Toyota Tacoma bagged Winter Vehicle Awards in the Green Crossover and Midsize/Compact Pickup Truck categories.

TSS-P utilizes a front-grille-mounted millimeter-wave radar and in-vehicle camera to improve the driving experience by spotting obstacles and automatically applying the brakes if an impending collision is spotted.

Four features are included in the safety suite. The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection function prompts the driver through visual and audio alerts to take action and apply the brakes if the system spots the possibility of a frontal collision. The system itself will supplement the driver by applying the brakes on its own with Brake Assist. However, it can also take initiative itself if required. The in-vehicle camera detects pedestrians utilizing a formula based on motion, profile, and size.

By simply analyzing lane markings, the system can spot when the vehicle is deviating from its lane. In the event it occurs, the Lane Departure Alert activates and gives the driver visual and audio cues in order to address the problem. Moreover, the Steering Assist function helps out by applying small and corrective steering inputs.

The Dynamic Radar Cruise Control regulates vehicle speed to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead. In the event that vehicle slows down, the system decelerates in order to maintain distance. If the vehicle accelerates or there is no vehicle at all, the system will speed up until the preset speed is reached.

There are also Automatic High Beams that spot the headlights of oncoming vehicles as well as the taillights of preceding vehicles, and automatically switch between high and low beams.