What is the Toyota STAR System?

The STAR system has been standard on all Toyota vehicles for many years and it remains one of the most effective and useful set of features to be installed in today’s vehicles.

Features to help you in an emergency

All of the features included in the STAR system are designed to help the driver in an emergency, but for some of them, it is their only purpose. For example, the Brake Assist detects an emergency braking situation by calculating the time elapsed between the accelerator is released and the brake pedal is depressed. When this time is shorter than normal, the system immediately applies the maximum braking force to stop the vehicle as quickly as possible. Another example of this type of features is the Electronic Brake Force distribution, which varies the braking pressure at each wheel to ensure quick, smooth and controlled stops.

Features to help you on a slippery surface

Other features included in the STAR system are engineered to prevent a loss of traction on slippery roads. The traction control system cuts engine power when it detects one of the wheels is slipping. If the slip causes the vehicle to slide away from the intended path, the Vehicle Stability Control applies braking to one or more wheels in order to pull the vehicle in the direction the driver wants to maintain. When braking in low grip situations, the Antilock Braking System automatically regulates the brake pressure on each wheel to prevent them from locking up, which could hinder directional control.

A feature to prevent mishaps

Every Toyota vehicle is equipped with the Smart Stop Technology, which gives precedence to the brakes by cutting engine power if both the brake pedal and the accelerator are pressed at the same time. This prevents the vehicle from lurching forward or running away if the accelerator is pressed by mistake.