What is Toyota Safety Sense?

Toyota's suite of safety systems serves nearly all of its current vehicles.

Sami Haj-Assaad | 

Oct 10, 2024 | 3 min read

Toyota

Originally published March 25, 2022, updated October 8, 2024.

But the Japanese automaker is also focused on safety, and it released the first version of its Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) in 2015. Since its debut, this advanced driver-assistance technology has evolved through several generations, and four versions of TSS appear on the brand's 2024 lineup.

Toyota

Toyota Safety Sense P and 2.0 Cover the Basics

The most basic form of Toyota Safety Sense is TSS-P, and it's standard on the 2024 4Runner.

It features a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane-departure alert, and automatic high beams. It also includes adaptive cruise control, which can be used above 30 mph.

The pre-collision system with pedestrian detection provides an audio or visual alert when it detects an imminent collision with another vehicle or pedestrian. If the driver takes no action on the alert, the vehicle will apply emergency braking.

Lane-departure alert provides an audio and visual alert if the vehicle unintentionally strays from its lane. This system operates at speeds of 32 mph or higher.

Automatic high-beams are available at speeds of more than 21 mph. At night, the vehicle will automatically toggle the high-beam headlights so they don't affect the eyesight of oncoming drivers.

The next step up is TSS 2.0, which is standard on the 2024 Sienna, and adds bicycle detection to the pre-collision system. Lane-tracing assist is another addition. This feature is available above 20 mph, when the adaptive cruise control is engaged, and keeps the vehicle centered in its lane.

TSS 2.0 also features road sign assist, which detects signs — such as those indicating speed limit, stop, do not enter, yield — and displays them in the gauge cluster.

Toyota

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 and 2.5+ Offer Full-Speed Adaptive Cruise Control

Beyond TSS 2.0 are TSS 2.5 and TSS 2.5+, which improve a few of the previously mentioned features.

For example, the systems have full-speed adaptive cruise control capability, which can bring the vehicle to a complete stop and start up again from a standstill. In TSS 2.5, the adaptive cruise control is designed to behave more naturally when cruising through curves.

The pre-collision system in TSS 2.5 and TSS 2.5+ also gets intersection support, which alerts the driver of a potential collision while navigating through an intersection. The pre-collision system adds an emergency-steering assist that helps drivers avoid a collision within their lane. In TSS 2.5, this means moving to avoid a pedestrian, while 2.5+ can assist in avoiding a cyclist or vehicle.

For 2024, the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid, Sequoia, and Tundra get TSS 2.5, while the Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2024 RAV4 Prime, and 2024 Venza feature TSS 2.5+.

Toyota

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 Is the Most Comprehensive Version

The latest version of Toyota Safety Sense is TSS 3.0, a further enhanced safety system.

This version of the pre-collision system can detect motorcycles. The lane-departure warning system can detect a variety of lane markings and guardrails, while the lane-tracing assist detects when the driver wants to give more space to a vehicle in an adjacent lane, such as an 18-wheeler.

The most significant enhancement to Safety Sense in TSS 3.0 is proactive driving assist. In certain conditions, it provides additional assistance to drivers, automatically applying gentle braking or steering adjustments, with the goal being a smoother, safer experience.

TSS 3.0 is standard on the many 2024 Toyotas, including the Prius and Prius Prime, Corolla and Corolla Hybrid, Corolla Hatchback, Mirai, Tacoma, bZ4X, Land Cruiser, Grand Highlander and Grand Highlander Hybrid, and Corolla Cross and Corolla Cross Hybrid.

Sami Haj-Assaad

Sami Haj-Assaad is an award-winning automotive journalist who has contributed to several automotive, electric vehicle, luxury lifestyle, and technology publications. His work isn't just limited to the written word, as he's also hosted YouTube videos and podcasts. Having grown up in the '90s, he has a strong sense of attachment to that era's style, though he also loves to geek out about the modern, futuristic tech and powertrains rolling out today.