2020 Toyota Highlander. Credit: Toyota
Two new safety features are coming to Toyota�s lineup in the near future: Automatic Engine Shut Off and Automatic Park. The automaker says both will arrive on most 2020 model year vehicles.
- Automatic Engine Shut Off
Starting with most Model Year 2020 vehicles, Toyota will provide automatic engine shut off or
�Auto Shut Off� with an enhanced audible and visual warning to its Smart Key System (SKS). The feature will automatically shut off the engine after a pre-determined period of time if the vehicle is left running. Future enhancements will include smartphone App capabilities as an added reminder. Currently, Toyota vehicles issue a two-step alert to notify the driver that the engine is running and requests engine to be turned off. Toyota has included this feature since its 2003 SKS introduction.
Toyota�s current Smart Key System meets or exceeds all relevant federal safety standards while providing added convenience, improved theft prevention and personal security benefits.
Also, starting from Model Year 2020, Toyota will begin to phase in
Automatic Park, which is designed to help reduce the risk of roll-away. The feature will be available in vehicles with electronic means of shifting and/or applying the parking brake, and is designed to automatically shift the vehicle into the �park� position and/or apply the electronic parking brake, in the event the driver exits the vehicle without placing the vehicle in �park.�
Currently, Toyota vehicles include audible and visual warnings. Also, non-traditional shifters have a separate P button to reduce confusion.