Ample storage space for electronic devices like smartphones, which includes two DC 12V power outlets, audio mini-jack, USB port and sliding lid to conceal wires.

Makes driving more interesting, informative and fun. This specialized feature shown on the LCD screen in Hybrid Synergy Drive^® vehicles helps a driver make the most of what the vehicle offers through several categories of information: Energy Monitor, Hybrid System Indicator, a 1-min./5-min. consumption monitor and a Past Record monitor. The real-time data analysis provided by the ECO Drive Support Monitor helps the driver maximize the economy of the Hybrid Synergy Drive^® system.

Running low on fuel, or just want to see how far you can go on a tank? Press the ECO Heat/Cool switch. A feature found on some Toyota hybrid vehicles, this switch causes the electric air conditioning compressor to run at a reduced rate, which lowers the electricity draw and helps improve fuel economy. However, because the compressor is running at “part throttle,” it may take longer than usual to cool the interior of the vehicle.

This drive mode in the Toyota Prius hybrid restricts throttle input so the engine uses less fuel and adjusts the air conditioning system so that it runs more efficiently. Use the ECO Mode to help you achieve better fuel economy numbers during trips that involve frequent accelerating and braking (like your daily commute).

Literally puts the “power” in “power steering.” EPS replaces the belt, pump and hydraulic system of a traditional power steering system with a simple, brushless electric motor. The electric motor is mounted to the steering column or the rack-and-pinion mechanism, and when the driver turns the steering wheel, an electronic control unit (ECU) tells the motor to turn right or left for assistance. The ECU also monitors vehicle speed, which allows the electric motor to vary the assist level as needed.

EBD is the precursor to ABS, where brake pressure is reduced at wheels that are carrying the least amount of weight (i.e., the rear wheels during hard braking, when weight shifts forward) to prevent a skid. EBD uses the same actuator and wheel-speed sensors as ABS, but EBD only needs to detect subtle differences in wheel speed before it reduces brake pressure on a lightly loaded wheel (or wheels).

One of many “brains” in your Toyota, an ECM is a subsystem consisting of microprocessors and assorted signal inputs/outputs which can control different components within a vehicle (ABS, airbags, radar systems, etc.).

Replaces the traditional mechanical connection to the engine’s throttle with an electrical one. This drive-by-wire system incorporates a sensor on the pedal that signals a small electric motor on the throttle, which in turn makes precise and rapid changes to the throttle based on the movement of the driver’s right foot. And because the throttle is integrated with the engine computer, the fuel injection, direct ignition and Variable Valve Timing systems can all respond very quickly. The system also allows Traction Control (TRAC), cruise control and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) [12] to be integrated and coordinated more precisely.

Like a traditional automatic transmission, but a lot smarter. These Toyota transmissions, which currently range from four to six forward speeds, are electronically integrated with the engine computer. Shifts are timed and executed according to precise information based on vehicle and engine speed, throttle position, and even engine temperature and terrain. By sharing data, the engine and transmission can work together more efficiently, reliably and smoothly. ECT-i transmissions are self-adjusting, with ongoing diagnostic programming that compensates for normal wear and tear.

Say good-bye to your sagging rear end. In your vehicle, of course! EMAS is a vehicle height-control system that uses pneumatic (air) cylinders in the rear suspension instead of coil springs. EMAS enables the vehicle to maintain a constant vehicle height regardless of the number of occupants or load, contributing to driving stability and ride comfort.

The emergency assistance kit is a collection of tools and other useful items to help motorists in a roadside emergency.

Allows the seatbelt to extend and retract when the occupant moves, yet locks the belt during a sudden stop or in certain types of collisions. In passenger seating positions, the ELR is usually combined with an Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) that can help secure some types of child safety seats.

Let’s clear the air on this. Emission controls include sophisticated fuel injection and Variable Valve Timing and precise ignition systems, as well as catalytic converters, oxygen (O₂) sensors and evaporative emission control for the fuel tank and fuel lines. Together, these technologies work to reduce the levels of hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO) emitted by the vehicle’s engine.

In the event of a mostly frontal collision, the steering column is designed to help protect the driver in two ways: by preventing intrusion of the column into the vehicle cabin, and by absorbing energy should the driver impact the steering wheel in a secondary collision.

Made from aluminum or cast iron, the engine block is the main structural element of any engine design. It houses the crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons, and serves as a foundation for related accessories, such as the water pump, alternator, accessory belt drive, etc.

Practically the automotive equivalent of the human brain and nervous system. It coordinates and commands all the electronically controlled subsystems of the engine, accurately metering the fuel injection, precisely timing the ignition, and even turning the cooling fan on and off according to engine temperature and driving conditions.

Sorry, crooks. This theft-deterrent system disables the engine until a specially coded key is inserted into the ignition.

Brains and brawn. This system increases steering-assist at low engine rpm to help you with maneuvers such as parallel parking, and decreases steering assist as engine speed increases for more stable handling and better steering feel at highway speeds.

Towing a trailer places more demand on the engine, increasing operating temperature. To compensate, selected tow packages may feature a larger radiator with increased coolant capacity or a larger, more powerful cooling fan. In some 4-cylinder applications, the tow package includes a larger radiator that is standard on the 6-cylinder model to improve cooling. More powerful fan motors may also be used to improve cooling performance.

This system uses a mechanical motor to cinch the front shoulder belts if the system detects emergency braking or the onset of intervention by the Vehicle Stability Control system.

Hydrocarbons (HC) that escape into the atmosphere when gasoline evaporates from the fuel system of a parked vehicle. To control evaporative emissions, new vehicles have sealed fuel systems designed to keep evaporating fuel from entering the atmosphere. Evaporating fuel is captured in a canister filled with activated charcoal, and when the engine is started, this vapor is fed into the intake manifold, where it is burned and then processed by the vehicle’s emission control system.

The system through which your Toyota’s engine exhales. It consists of the exhaust manifold or manifolds, which collect exhaust gases from the individual cylinders; the down pipe, which routes the gases behind the engine compartment and under the car; the catalytic converter, which treats and cleans the exhaust; the muffler, which reduces exhaust noise; and the tailpipe, which routes exhaust to the rear of the vehicle. Some vehicles may also have a resonator, which acts as a second muffler to quiet certain exhaust noise frequencies.

During the combustion process, these valves control the flow of exhaust gases out of the cylinder head and into the exhaust system.