Toyota Tacoma Safety Sense: Your Essential Guide

The Toyota Tacoma sets itself apart in the midsize truck segment with an impressive blend of drivability and capability. Although it’s designed for rugged performance, this Toyota pickup doesn’t compromise on safety. It’s equipped with state-of-the-art Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) 3.0 to provide unparalleled peace of mind on the road. Our team at Palestine Toyota explores the Tacoma’s safety features to see if the truck can meet your expectations.

What Is Toyota Safety Sense?

If you own a Tacoma or plan to buy one, you may wonder, “What is Toyota Tacoma Safety Sense?” TSS 3.0 is a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies designed to make your rides safer and stress-free. These advanced tech features enhance your situational awareness by alerting you to potential hazards in your surroundings, helping you act promptly to stay out of harm’s way. Some features of the TSS system can also take over certain driving tasks, such as braking and steering, to help you avoid collisions.

Core Features of the Toyota Tacoma’s Safety Sense System

All newer Toyota Tacoma models come with TSS, but only the 2024 and 2025 model years offer TSS 3.0. Since Toyota is constantly improving its vehicle safety features, the Tacoma may receive an upgraded TSS system soon.

TSS 3.0 is among the most advanced suites of driver-assistance technologies in the automotive industry. Compared to the 2.5+ edition, it provides enhanced safety with over-the-air updates, broader camera angles, and radar sensors with a wider and longer field of view. It also features the cutting-edge Proactive Driving Assistant. With the 3.0 version of TSS, Tacoma models offer several core safety features.

Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection

Comprised of cameras and radar sensors, this driver-assistance system is designed to lower your chances of colliding with a vehicle or pedestrian in front of you. If it detects an impending frontal crash, it uses visual and audio alerts to prompt you to take action. Stepping on the brake pedal causes the braking system to deliver additional stopping power, which further helps to prevent an accident. If you fail to brake in time, the pre-collision system may automatically apply the brakes to slow down your vehicle and reduce the likelihood or severity of a collision.

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control

Dynamic Radar Cruise Control uses a windshield-mounted camera and a radar sensor behind the Toyota badge to adjust your speed and maintain a safe following distance on the highway. This system can detect if the driver ahead of you is traveling at a slower speed or within your predetermined range. When it does, it automatically reduces your vehicle’s speed. If it finds that you need to slow down more, it will alert you and apply the brakes. When there’s no longer a vehicle within your preset range, the system will accelerate your car to your preset speed.

Lane Departure Alert

With a camera on your windshield, Lane Departure Alert can help you avoid accidents resulting from unintended lane deviation. This technology monitors lane markings and warns if you veer from your lane while traveling at 32 mph or above. Upon seeing and hearing the alert, carefully check the road around you, and steer your car back to the center of your lane.

Lane-Tracing Assist

When lane markings are visible, Lane-Tracing Assist shows your Tacoma’s position on the multi-information display and assists you with staying centered in your lane. Designed to reduce stress, it’s most beneficial during traffic congestion. In situations where you don’t need this system, you can turn it off using the multi-information display.

Automatic High Beams

With TSS 3.0, the Tacoma offers automatic high beams to improve your safety and that of other motorists when driving at night. This Toyota safety feature activates at speeds above 25 mph. It relies on an in-car camera to detect the headlights and taillights of oncoming and preceding vehicles, respectively. If it notices a car in front or approaching, it switches from high to low beams to avoid distracting the other driver. When there’s no vehicle ahead, it turns the high beams back on to help you see the road more clearly.

Road Sign Assist

Road Sign Assist brings added awareness while you’re driving to your destination. It uses a forward-facing camera to identify a variety of road signs, including stop signs, speed limit signs, and yield signs. The system displays road sign symbols on the multi-information display, enabling you to prepare for changes in road conditions.

Proactive Driving Assist

Proactive Driving Assist is one of the most advanced Tacoma safety features. It consists of several distinct technologies, including Obstacle Anticipation Assist for detecting vehicles and pedestrians on the side of the road and Steering Assist to keep you in your lane. There’s also Deceleration Assist, which reduces your speed when you’re getting too close to a vehicle or navigating a curve.

Optional Toyota Safety Features

Is TSS on every Toyota vehicle? Different Toyota vehicles are equipped with different versions of TSS, and some of them may have more advanced features than others. 2024 and 2025 Tacomas come standard with the above-mentioned core Toyota safety features. Higher trims may offer additional features, such as front and rear parking sensors, forward and reverse automated emergency braking, an integrated trailer brake controller, or a trailer camera.

Get a Firsthand Experience of the Toyota Tacoma’s Safety Features Today

If you’re thinking of buying a Toyota Tacoma in Palestine, Texas, come on down to Palestine Toyota. Our dealership offers an extensive selection of new and used Tacomas equipped with different versions of TSS. Regardless of your budget and driving needs, our friendly team will help you find a model that fits you perfectly. Contact us today to schedule a test drive.