The 2024 Toyota Tacoma isn’t just a rugged off-road vehicle; it’s a beacon of active safety innovation. With the introduction of Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), Tacoma showcases state-of-the-art crash-avoidance technologies while catering to the specific needs of truck enthusiasts.
A Revolution in Vehicle Safety
Advancements in sensors, software, and computing power have transformed the automotive industry’s approach to safety. Modern vehicles can now process external conditions with remarkable precision, helping drivers avoid collisions with cars, bicyclists, and pedestrians. Toyota, a pioneer in vehicle safety, has been at the forefront of this revolution with its TSS technology suite.
Since its debut in the 2016 model year, TSS has evolved significantly. The initial versions, TSS-C for small cars and TSS-P for larger vehicles, set the stage for continuous improvements. With each iteration—TSS 2.0, 2.5, 2.5+, and now 3.0—Toyota has expanded and refined its suite of safety features.
The New Tacoma: Safety Integrated
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma exemplifies how TSS capabilities have been seamlessly integrated into the vehicle’s core. Derek Caveney, a senior executive engineer at Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) Research and Development, emphasizes that these safety features have become an essential part of the driving experience. "It’s part of the driving experience now," he says. "More and more people are incorporating these active safety support and convenience systems into their driving. It’s one of the top five features people are shopping for."
TSS 3.0 comes standard on the new Tacoma, adding functionality that complements the driver’s natural style. The system can provide steering or braking assistance in specific scenarios to help avoid collisions or lane departures. However, it’s crucial for drivers to remember that these systems have limitations and are not a substitute for attentive driving.
Recognized Excellence
The 2024 Toyota Tacoma crew cab’s safety features have not gone unnoticed. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded it the TOP SAFETY PICK, a testament to the engineers' hard work and dedication.
Under optimal conditions, TSS 3.0 can help avoid crashes at higher speeds and detect oncoming cars during left-hand turns. It can also activate automatic braking for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. While system performance varies based on unique conditions, the enhancements are substantial.
Balancing Safety and Driver Experience
One of the critical challenges in developing advanced safety systems is ensuring they don’t become obtrusive. If drivers find the systems annoying, they might disable them, negating the safety benefits. Toyota’s engineers have worked diligently to balance functionality and user experience, striving for a seamless integration that supports natural driving behaviors.
The 2024 Tacoma goes a step further by tuning its adaptive cruise control and blind spot warning systems for towing scenarios. Engineers studied jackknifing physics and truck driver behavior in emergencies, using computer simulations to fine-tune the Pre-Collision System (PCS) and trailer braking integration. Joe Conners, a senior engineering manager, highlights their meticulous approach: "We did a number of these different scenarios and simulations, with steering angles and different speeds. We design these active safety and convenience systems to work cooperatively with the driver, lining up the boundaries with naturalistic driving behaviors with the goal of ensuring that any intervention is seamless."
Personalization and Versatility
Truck owners often personalize their vehicles, and the Tacoma accommodates this with features like a Toyota-built lift kit for more ground clearance. Notably, TSS features continue to function correctly even with the lift kit installed, underscoring the system's adaptability.
Beyond TSS, the Tacoma includes seven additional cameras for various truck-specific features, such as a 360-degree birds-eye view for parking and a camera for monitoring cargo in the truck bed. The multi-terrain monitoring (MTM) view uses four surround cameras to generate an image of the terrain, helping drivers avoid undercarriage damage during off-road adventures.
Evolving Safety Features
The evolution of TSS is exemplified by features like Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, which now more accurately interprets driver intentions to provide seamless support. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control offers customizable following distances, reflecting driver preferences discovered through market research.
Technological advancements in sensors like cameras, radar, and sonar have been instrumental in enhancing TSS capabilities. The forward-facing camera now has higher resolution and wider angles, while the improved radar sensor offers a longer and wider field of view. These enhancements enable TSS to operate effectively at higher speeds and in more complex scenarios.
Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) is another new feature in TSS 3.0, providing gentle braking and steering assistance to support various driving tasks. PDA aims to reduce the likelihood or severity of potential crashes by maintaining safe distances from other road users.