From the moment it began disrupting the American automobile industry in 1937 to the creation of the first mass-produced hybrid-electric vehicle in 1997, Toyota has long been known to be a company of innovation. As of 2020, it leads all other carmakers in global sales.
The innovation hasn’t stopped. Each year, Toyota offers significant upgrades to its models and consistently sets the industry standard for design, performance, safety, and comfort. And this year is no different. Among other developments, the 2021 model year brings with it cutting-edge technologies to help you stay connected to others on the road, as well as improvements on an already-groundbreaking suite of safety features. Below, we’ll discuss these upgrades in more detail and provide a brief rundown of available upgrades for a few of the leading Toyota models.
ENTUNE INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
Every new Toyota model comes standard with the manufacturer’s Entune infotainment system. This system only adds to the functionality, safety, and comfort that has been provided by Toyota vehicles for decades. In terms of infotainment interfaces, it doesn’t get easier to use and navigate than Entune, and it’s perhaps the most efficient interface on the market.
Entune 3.0
It was hard to imagine the previous version of Entune getting much better. But here are we are, and it is. The latest version of Toyota’s infotainment system comes with several notable upgrades. A remote connect feature allows you to view engine diagnostics, lock and unlock your doors, start your engine, and track down your vehicle in a parking lot—all on your smartphone, from wherever you may be.
Entune 3.0 also comes with Verizon’s 4G LTA Wi-Fi connection, which means that you can stay connected pretty much anywhere you go without eating up your data plan. And navigation has been taken up a notch. When you opt for the Entune 3.0 Premium Audio Suite, you’ll get Dynamic Navigation, which shows you up-to-the-minute navigation and points of interest on your journey. Even better, the navigation system runs on a hard drive so that you don’t have to use your phone’s data.
Unsurprisingly, the newest version of Entune still comes with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth capabilities, among a slew of other tech features.
Entune Audio and Audio Plus
Entune Audio comes on most Toyota models, and it includes a couple of notable features. For instance, it provides efficient Bluetooth connectivity, which allows you to talk on your phone, stream music and podcasts, and much more without using your hands. And if you have an iPhone, you can use Siri to perform a variety of functions, just like you would from your phone.
The available Entune Audio Plus includes the features mentioned above and adds a few more. You’ll get access to Scout GPS Link, which is an app that provides simple, accurate turn-by-turn directions. It even shows real-time updates for traffic, cloud movement, and more! Entune Audio Plus also comes with the option for HD Radio—a feature that boosts the sound quality of any audio you play. Furthermore, a free three-month trial of SiriusXM radio is automatically included when you upgrade to Entune Audio Plus.
Entune App Suite
Last but not least, the Entune App Suite is your go-to platform for a wide array of helpful apps. Do you want to listen to your favorite station on Pandora or to a new album on Apple Music? What about that weekly podcast you’ve been waiting on? Or, perhaps you need to make dinner reservations or compare gas prices? Entune App Suite has everything you need.
TOYOTA+ALEXA APP
If you’re an Amazon Alexa customer, you likely know a little bit about what she can do. The latest version of Alexa can perform tens of thousands of functions, and with the Toyota+Alexa app, you get access to all of those services and skills right there in your vehicle.
By using this app, you can do all kinds of things. You can order lunch, check the weather, assess traffic patterns, ask for directions, listen to the news, operate your smart home devices, and much more. Since Alexa is a cloud-based system, she automatically updates with new features and capabilities. And the best part is that Alexa is super simple to use, and you never have to lift a finger!
SAFETY SENSE 2.5 PLUS
Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) is just one example of how the manufacturer has proven to remain a pioneer in today’s auto industry. The innovative suite of standard safety technologies has garnered award after award, and the 2021 Camry is equipped with the latest version: Safety Sense 2.5 Plus. Other Toyota models are expected to receive the upgrade in the coming months and years.
The focal point of the development of TSS 2.5+ was to mitigate frontal collisions, nighttime mishaps, and unwanted lane departures. As with previous versions of TSS, it’s all about using forward-thinking tech to prevent as many accidents as possible. TSS 2.5+ is by far the most
advanced and sophisticated safety suite on the market, and it integrates cameras, radars, and an uber-powerful computer to get the job done.
Carryover Features
The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection and Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control remain two of the primary technologies in the latest TSS suite. The former warns you of a potential collision with the vehicle in front of you, alerts you when there is a pedestrian within range, and implements automatic emergency braking when your vehicle is too close for comfort. The latter is Toyota’s adaptive cruise control, which adjusts your vehicle’s speed depending on surrounding vehicles (if you’re coming up hot on the car in front of you, it will automatically reduce your speed).
Other technologies that carry over from previous TSS versions include automatic high beams, road sign assistance, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assistance, and lane-centering assistance.
Enhanced Features
Though the forward collision warning and automatic braking of older TSS suites are remarkable in their ability to prevent accidents, TSS 2.5+ takes these technologies up a notch. In short, the system is more proactive and functional. Along with sensing vehicles ahead, it now detects preceding pedestrians and cyclists, whether it’s sunny or dark outside. If there is a vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist making a left turn in front of you, the updated feature will alert you through sound and visuals. If necessary, the automatic braking will kick in.
Moreover, the adaptive cruise control technology in TSS 2.5+ offers a brand-new function that makes passing slower vehicles easier and safer. After slowing down while using adaptive cruise control, there is typically a significant delay before the vehicle starts accelerating again. TSS 2.5+ gets rid of this problem.
The revamped Full-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control senses when you are coming up on a slower vehicle, and when you turn on your indicator and engage the steering wheel, the system automatically accelerates your vehicle. This puts you in a better position to pass the vehicle in front of you. The adaptive cruise control feature will then keep accelerating until you hit your established cruising speed.
TECH UPGRADES BY MODEL
We’ve covered some of the newest tech available from Toyota, but not every model will get all the same features. So, let’s touch on what you can expect from a few of the big hitters in the manufacturer’s 2021 lineup:
Camry
The 2021 Camry is one of Toyota’s most decked-out vehicles when it comes to technology. The Entune infotainment system is displayed on either a seven- or nine-inch touchscreen that floats gracefully on the dashboard. The Camry is also the first model to feature TSS 2.5+ (though others are soon to follow).
Another notable feature is the Dynamic Torque Control AWD system, which comes in the North America-only Camry AWD. This system is matched with a high-efficiency 2.5-liter Dynamic Force engine (four-cylinder) and an eight-speed Direct-Shift automatic transmission.
Corolla
This year, buyers can opt for an eight-inch touchscreen for their Entune 3.0 system in the Corolla. There are several hard buttons around the large touchscreen, as well as rotary volume and tuning knobs, for easy and safe controlling while on the road. You can also opt for wireless charging and a premium JBL sound system. As of now, the 2021 Corolla comes with Safety Sense 2.0, including the pre-collision system, road sign assistance, and lane departure warning with steering assistance.
Prius
Anyone who has ever seen a Prius knows that it revolves around technology. It is, in fact, one of the vehicles that have strengthened Toyota’s reputation for being innovative. One hallmark feature that remains is the digital gauge panel mounted on the center of the dashboard, which includes two 4.2-inch full-color display screens and allows drivers to customize the wealth of content they see by using their steering wheel controls.
On the Prius Prime, buyers will get a seven-inch touchscreen to facilitate Entune 3.0 unless they upgrade to the 11.6-inch vertical screen that comes in the XLE trim. The 2021 Prius Prime is available with Safety Sense 2.0.
4Runner
Yes, even the rugged 4Runner comes with some impressive tech! All 2021 models feature Entune 3.0 and an eight-inch touchscreen. Of course, you get the physical buttons and rotary knobs to go with the infotainment interface, and you can opt for built-in navigation and a 15-speaker JBL sound system. Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P), which is a suite of active safety systems, comes on each 2021 4Runner. Also included is the Star Safety System, which provides traction control, vehicle stability control, Smart Stop Technologies (SST), and more.
Rav4
The RAV4 is a little sibling to the 4Runner. And although it proves capable off the beaten path, it features more modern, polished styling and is more tech-focused. A seven-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard on the 2021 RAV4, and an eight-inch screen is available.
As in the other Toyota models, the Entune 3.0 system provides a 4G LTE mobile hotspot and capabilities for Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa. The premium JBL sound system is available as well, as are enhanced navigation and a wireless charging pad. Even if you don’t choose a model with built-in navigation, you can use the Scout GPS Link app to display your smartphone’s map and directions on the touchscreen. TSS 2.0 comes standard on all 2021 RAV4 models, making it one of the safest compact SUVs on the road.
CONCLUSION
Toyota has long been known to produce vehicles that stand the test of time without shying away from technology. In fact, it remains a pioneer in innovative tech that helps drivers stay connected and improves performance, safety, and comfort. The model year 2021 sees a number of significant upgrades across the Toyota lineup, including the Entune infotainment system, Toyota+Alexa app, and Safety Sense technologies.
Come by Mount Airy Toyota or browse our website to see the wide selection of Toyota models on our lot. We would love to talk with you about the tech that each model offers and schedule a test drive so that you can see what all the hype is about!
