When did Toyota start using electric steering?
Toyota began using electric power steering (EPS) in the late 1990s, with early adoption on select models and broader rollout across its lineup through the 2000s. Today EPS is standard on most new Toyota vehicles.
Electric steering refers to a system that uses an electric motor to provide steering assist, rather than the traditional hydraulic pump. Toyota’s move to EPS was driven by efficiency, weight reduction, and improved steering feel, and the adoption progressed model-by-model and region-by-region. As automakers pushed for better fuel economy and hybrid integration, EPS became a core part of Toyota’s steering architecture.
Timeline of Toyota's EPS adoption
Below are key milestones illustrating how electric steering moved from selective use to a standard feature across Toyota’s lineup.
- Late 1990s: First production EPS is introduced on select Toyota models in Japan, signaling a shift from hydraulic to electric steering.
- Early 2000s: Wider testing and deployment begin in additional markets as Toyota refines EPS control algorithms and electronic integration.
- Mid-2000s: EPS becomes common on multiple mainstream models, aided by improvements in torque sensing and assist strategies.
- Late 2000s to 2010s: EPS is standard on most new Toyota models worldwide; the system is integrated with hybrid powertrains and vehicle stability controls for improved efficiency and steering feel.
During this period, engineers also advanced features such as variable assist, speed-sensitive tuning, and compatibility with automated parking and electronic stability programs. The shift mirrors a broader industry move toward electrification and performance optimization in steering systems.
Additional context
Precise first-year model or regional introduction can vary. Toyota’s EPS rollout was gradual, and some markets adopted different configurations before a global standard took hold. For the exact year by model, consult Toyota’s archived specifications for specific model years and regions.
Summary: Toyota began using electric steering in the late 1990s, expanded through the 2000s, and by the 2010s had largely converted to EPS across its lineup, continuing to evolve the technology in newer vehicles.
