As its name suggests, a ladder frame resembles a large stepladder, with parallel longitudinal (side) rails that are connected with a series of cross members. Ladder frames are popular in trucks and SUVs for their strength, ease of assembly and economical repair.

Used in windshields, this glass consists of two panes bonded together with a sheet of plastic sandwiched in between. This design helps keep the windshield together during an impact, reducing injuries from sharp edges.

This system works in concert with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) when the vehicle is cruising between 30 and 50 mph. At all speeds, a camera mounted near the rearview mirror monitors the vehicle’s position relative to the lane markers on the road. If the system senses that the vehicle will veer out of the lane within one second, a warning buzzer sounds and counter-steering torque is applied for up to three seconds. LDW complements Lane Keep Assist (see below).

Lane Keep Assist works in concert with Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) and is similar in function to Lane Departure Warning, except that it is activated when the vehicle is cruising above 50 mph.

Everything you need on one, compact panel. It allows you to access audio, ventilation, navigation, phone and multi-information functions by simply touching images on a flat, illuminated screen.

A long, thin, narrow strip of steel curved into a semi-elliptical arc and connected at each end to the vehicle’s frame. Usually, more than one strip (or “leaf”) is used to form a multi-leaf spring. Rugged and simple in design, leaf springs are extremely flexible and can be layered according to weight application. The rear leaf springs on Tundra and Tacoma 4x4 and PreRunner models are located above the axle for added ground clearance.

LEDs aren’t just for flashlights anymore. Headlamps powered by LEDs (light-emitting diodes) produce a brighter, whiter light, consume less energy and last longer than conventional halogen headlights. The 2010 Prius was the first mid-priced car to offer LED headlamps as an option.

Taillights powered by light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are highly efficient, long-lasting and look cool, too.

More vertical than the sloping hatchback on sedan-based vehicles, this top-hinged door provides easy access to the cargo area of an SUV, minivan or 5-door wagon.

By definition, an LCD uses liquid crystal cells that change reflectivity in an applied electric field. In Toyota vehicles, it is used in navigation screens and rearview backup systems.

Bring on the mud and snow. Found on full-time 4WD or AWD vehicles, a locking center differential enables the driver to lock the front and rear wheels together for 50/50 power distribution. This helps create maximum traction when the vehicle is stuck or in extremely slippery conditions. It should only be engaged at low speeds.

For serious off-road business. With the flip of a switch, a locking differential (typically used in the rear axle) forces both wheels on an axle to turn at exactly the same speed, whereas an open differential allows both wheels to turn at different speeds. When activated, a locking differential causes both drive wheels to receive exactly the same amount of engine torque and power, which is ideal for low-traction conditions. When the unit is “unlocked,” it operates like an ordinary open differential.

(see also Torque Converter) A torque converter is a component of the automatic transmission that forms a fluid coupling between the engine’s crankshaft and the input shaft of the transmission. With a lockup torque converter, a clutch inside the unit “locks up” at a predetermined speed, forming a solid (direct) connection between the engine and transmission. This action reduces friction and lowers engine rpm for improved fuel economy.

A category of vehicle that passes a baseline exhaust standard set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). LEV-II followed the less stringent LEV-I standard of 1994-2003. In addition, LEV-II also includes large SUVs and pickups with a gross vehicle weight of up to 8500 pounds.

A standardized design of upper and lower anchors that can secure a Child Restraint System (CRS)-compatible child safety seat without using the vehicle’s seatbelts. The two lower anchors are U-bolt-shaped rods located in the seam between the bottom seat cushion and seatback. The upper anchor is a ring-like device at the top of the seatback where the child-safety-seat tether attaches. In the U.S., LATCH may also be referred to as CRS, and in Canada, it is referred to as LUAS (Lower Universal Anchorage System).