Does the Toyota Tacoma have collision avoidance?
Yes. Most newer Toyota Tacoma models include collision-avoidance technology as part of Toyota Safety Sense, led by the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection. Availability depends on trim level and region.
In this report, we examine what collision-avoidance means for the Tacoma, how Toyota Safety Sense governs these features, and what you can expect in different model years and trims.
Collision-avoidance features in the Tacoma
The primary collision-avoidance features are part of Toyota Safety Sense and vary by model year and trim. Below is a breakdown of the core capabilities typically found in recent Tacomas.
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection (PCS w/ PD) — uses forward-facing sensors and a camera to detect potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians, provide warnings, and apply braking automatically in certain situations.
- Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) — maintains a set following distance from the vehicle ahead and can adjust speed to help prevent rear-end crashes; newer iterations may offer stop-and-go functionality in traffic.
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist — monitors lane markings and can warn the driver or gently steer back toward the lane to reduce unintended lane departures.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Monitoring — alerts you to vehicles in adjacent lanes when changing lanes or backing up, helping prevent collisions in blind spots.
- Road Sign Assist and Automatic High Beams — helps you stay aware of posted speed limits and other signs, and can automatically switch high beams on/off to improve nighttime visibility without dazzling other drivers.
These are the key driver-assistance features associated with collision avoidance in the Tacoma:
These features work together to warn, assist braking, and support steering and lane positioning where available. Availability and exact capability can vary by year and trim, so check the specific equipment list for a given Tacoma.
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection is designed to assist in emergency braking scenarios. It uses sensors and a camera to detect potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians and can emit warnings and apply brakes automatically if the driver does not respond in time. As with all such systems, performance can be affected by weather, road conditions, and lighting, and it does not replace attentive driving.
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control helps maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead by adjusting speed automatically. In newer model years, DRCC may offer enhanced functionality for highway driving and, in some regions or trims, stop-and-go operation in heavy traffic.
Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
Lane Departure Alert uses camera data to identify lane markings and can warn the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane. Steering Assist may provide light steering input to help steer the vehicle back toward the lane when appropriate and safe to do so.
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Monitoring
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Blind Spot Monitoring alert you to approaching traffic from the sides when backing out or changing lanes. These features reduce the risk of collisions in crowded parking lots or highway merging situations and are more commonly found on higher trims or as part of optional safety packages.
Road Sign Assist and Automatic High Beams
Road Sign Assist reads speed limit and other traffic signs to help the driver stay informed, while Automatic High Beams adjust headlight intensity to improve nighttime visibility without impairing oncoming drivers. These features support safer driving habits and situational awareness, complementing collision-avoidance systems.
What to know about availability by year and trim
Note that the Tacoma's collision-avoidance capabilities are tied to Toyota Safety Sense and are not always standard on every trim. Some features may be bundled as optional packages or included only on higher trims or in certain markets. If collision-avoidance technology is a priority, verify the exact safety equipment on the specific vehicle you’re considering—especially for used Tacomas where packages vary by previous ownership.
Summary
Modern Toyota Tacomas typically include collision-avoidance features through Toyota Safety Sense, with the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection as a core component. Additional aids like Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Blind Spot Monitoring enhance safety and collision-avoidance capabilities, though exact availability depends on model year and trim. Always confirm the safety package on the exact vehicle and remember that these systems assist rather than replace attentive driving.
Are Toyota Tacomas safe in a crash?
2023 Toyota Tacoma Safety Ratings
For instance, the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) performed several crash tests on the Tacoma and awarded the 2023 Tacoma an overall four-star rating.
Does Toyota have a collision avoidance system?
System TSS features help address three key areas of accident protection. Mitigating or preventing frontal collisions helping to keep drivers within their lane.
Do tacomas have automatic braking?
2025 Toyota Tacoma Safety Features
Upper-level Tacoma trims come with additional driver assists, including a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and Parking Assist with Automatic Braking.
Does Toyota have pre-collision braking?
At this point you should apply your brakes and slow down. If you cannot slow down or if you fail to heed the systems warnings, the Toyota Pre-Collision system will take action and apply the brakes automatically or deploy them at full force with brake assist.
