Safety Highlight: What Is Toyota Safety Sense?

Toyota is known for their high-quality, high-return vehicles. For decades this automaker has redefined the durability and longevity of owning a car. It’s well favored models — Prius, Highlander, Tacoma, Sienna, and Tundra, rank in the top 5 of cars kept for 15 years or longer. That means, Toyota drivers are some of the most loyal folks on the road. And who can blame them? You’re driving a car that is made to last.

With exceptional value, comes the need for premium safety. Since 2015, the Toyota brand has been developing state-of-the-art vehicles using their Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) technology. Read on to discover the safety features that comprise the TSS mold and what Toyota models include this caliber of safety.

What are the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) features?

Toyota describes its Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) technology as the standard for safety on the road. A bold statement that would be almost too hard to dispute with annual high safety ratings. While the Japanese automakers have upheld a notorious reign over top-selling mass market vehicles, its safety has continued to improve and wedge far ahead of some competitors in recent times. 

Here are the 6 safety components that make Toyota engineering unrivaled.   The best part — these flagship safety features come standard in most 2021-2022 models.

• Pre-collision System with Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Departure Alert
• Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC)
• Automatic High Beams
• Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)
• Road Sign Assist (RSA)

While active safety features like cruise control and automatic high beams are becoming more expected in modern makes and models, take a closer look at the  two features that make Toyota Safety Sense a bit unique. Not to mention, how well these technologies work to prevent bad driving on the road.

Lane Tracing Assist (LTA)

The Lane Tracing Assist feature works when Dynamic Radar Cruise Control is on and lane markers are easily distinguishable. As you ride along the road, this feature will keep you centered in your lane and help to avoid any collisions. Toyota first introduced this technology in 2018 as an optional safety add-on but as of 2020, this safety feature has become standard.

Road Sign Assist (RSA)

The Road Sign Assist feature is relatively new to the Toyota Safety Sense package like the LTA technology. By utilizing cameras, it detects speed limit signs, stop signs, yield signs, etc. Once the advanced camera picks up on the sign, it is visually displayed on the Multi-Information Display. 

What models come equipped with Toyota Safety Sense?

Almost every Toyota model now includes TSS features, although some are limited on what’s available. In demand models like the RAV4, Camry, and Corolla all include Toyota Safety Sense. More buyers can expect 2021 and 2022 models to have Toyota Safety Sense features as standard. 

Both Toyota trucks, Tundra and Tacoma, lack the Lane Tracing Assist and Road Sign Assist features. And its sportier models, such as the 86 and Supra, don’t quite meet the mark of Toyota safety. In fact, the manual transmission 86 doesn’t have any of the Toyota Safety Sense technologies.

What makes Toyota a pioneer of its division, is its commitment to making safety standard. With the innovation behind Toyota Safety Sense, I’m sure we’ll see more and more once designated “high-end” safety features become standard for all drivers.

Why TSS is the hallmark in automotive safety

In truth, what is better than a car brand that holds its value and delivers top-notch safety? It’s what has made Toyota a forerunner in the automotive industry for years. And, we don’t expect the momentum to stop anytime soon. The standard of safety in Toyota models is what new and reoccurring buyers are expecting as they invest in a new vehicle.

When a driver gets in the front seat of a Toyota model, he/she has the knowledge that performance, safety, and utility are all in consideration.   Moreover, these safety technologies are truly saving lives on the road. It makes the decision to buy a Toyota model that much easier.