Rear-ending a car or dodging a jaywalking pedestrian can turn your morning commute into a disaster movie. That’s why Toyota is rolling out the big guns with the 2024 Tacoma and the new Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0). We’re talking crash-avoidance tech that’s sharper than a samurai sword and smart enough to keep even the most distracted drivers out of trouble.

Toyota’s been at this for years, fine-tuning its crash-avoidance features. Now, with advances in sensors, software, and computing power, TSS 3.0 is the epitome of this evolution. It’s your personal guardian angel with a Ph.D. in road safety.

For those uninitiated in the world of TSS, the 2024 Tacoma is your gateway drug. You’re taking a crash course in crash-avoidance without the actual crashing. This safety suite has been evolving since it first hit the scene in 2016. We’ve seen TSS-C for the small fries and TSS-P for the big boys, and now, we’re rolling out the big kahuna – TSS 3.0.

Standard not Optional

Now TSS is standard on the Tacoma and TSS 3.0 isn’t just about adding bells and whistles; it’s about integrating these features so seamlessly that they become part of your driving DNA. As Derek Caveney, a top brass at Toyota, puts it, “It’s part of the driving experience now.”

Under the hood, TSS 3.0 can step in when things get hairy. Need some steering or braking help to dodge an unexpected obstacle? TSS has got you covered. But don’t get too complacent — these systems are helpers, not replacements. You’re still the one holding the reins.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety tipped its hat to the Tacoma, awarding it a “Top Safety Pick.” This means the engineers at Toyota aren’t just patting themselves on the back; they’ve earned the bragging rights.

In optimal conditions, TSS 3.0 can help you avoid rear-enders and T-bone collisions at left-hand turns. It’s also equipped to brake for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Remember, though, every scenario is unique, and there are no guarantees in life — or on the road.

Tailor-Made for Towing

Adaptive cruise control and blind spot warnings now factor in trailers, ensuring you’re not flying blind. Engineers studied jackknifing physics and emergency scenarios, and voila — trailer brakes now sync with Tacoma’s braking system, just like in the new Tundra.

Even if your Tacoma is lifted with a factory-installed kit, the TSS features still play nice. It’s all about enhancing safety without cramping your style.

Camera Tech and Off-Road Prowess

The Tacoma also comes packed with seven cameras that handle everything from giving you a 360-degree parking view to monitoring the cargo bed. There’s also a wireless camera for trailer towing that feeds straight to your multimedia display.

For off-road adventurers, the multi-terrain monitoring (MTM) view is a game-changer. It tracks the terrain to prevent damage to your undercarriage. Real-time scouting report of the land ahead.

Lane departure alert with steering assist is now smarter than ever. It recognizes intentional lane changes and won’t fight you on them. Dynamic radar cruise control lets you set your following distance with four options, keeping the comments from the mother-in-law about your “tailgating” to a minimum.

The tech behind TSS 3.0, from higher resolution cameras to improved radar sensors, it’s your own co-pilot with eagle eyes and cat-like reflexes. Proactive driving assist provides gentle braking and steering to help keep a safe distance from other vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Research and Development

Toyota’s Collaborative Safety Research Center in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been the brains behind these brawny features. Their work on enhancing nighttime pedestrian detection and improving intersection safety has set industry standards. They’ve even developed new testing materials to mimic real-world road conditions, ensuring these systems perform under less-than-ideal circumstances.

In a nutshell, the 2024 Toyota Tacoma with TSS 3.0 is a tech-savvy, safety-first powerhouse ready to tackle any road — paved or not. So, if you’re in the market for a truck that’s got your back (and your front, and sides), the Tacoma might be your ride.

About the Author

GV Wire Producer Dean Kirkland is the founder and director of Gas and Gears, an independent film production company that has produced numerous television series and feature films, including the award-winning documentary “Racing Through The Forest” (2014).