Toyota's Guardrail ADAS in 2028 Models

Toyota will introduce a new advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) on its 2028 model year vehicles. The system is designed to offer point-to-point supervised driving similar to Tesla's Full Self-Driving (Supervised).

This next-generation system will be marketed as Level 2++, a term automakers use for capabilities that sit between official SAE Level 2 and Level 3 autonomy. Level 2 systems provide adaptive cruise control and lane centering but require the driver to remain fully in control. Level 3 allows drivers to take their eyes and hands off the wheel, though they must be ready to resume control when prompted.

A Different Technical Approach

Toyota's system will not copy Tesla's end-to-end AI architecture, where a single neural network handles all driving tasks. Instead, Toyota plans to implement a layered guardrail system. This secondary system will monitor the primary AI's decisions and intervene to block any unexpected actions based on pre-set human parameters.

Akihiro Sarada, head of Toyota's Software Development Center, explained the strategy to Nikkei. He said they will develop Level 4 technology from a technical standpoint, but offer it commercially as Level 2++. They will proceed in a way that ensures both safety and explainability based on the technology. This means the underlying technology is being built to a high standard, but legally, the driver will remain responsible.

Toyota believes this guardrail approach can significantly improve safety. The company claims it could prevent approximately 60% of today's traffic fatalities and injuries.

Capabilities and Rollout Plan

The new ADAS is expected to be more capable than Toyota's current system, which offers adaptive cruise control, lane centering, lane change assist, and auto park. It will function on highways and in city environments. The driver must stay ready to intervene at all times, and automakers would likely assign blame to the driver in case of a malfunction, a scenario seen in multiple Tesla lawsuits.

Toyota plans to expand the system across more vehicles by 2030. It is unclear which countries will receive it first, though the United States is a likely candidate given other automakers' activities there. Mercedes-Benz is developing its MB.Drive Assist Pro, and Rivian now offers its comparable Autonomy+ system.

The Robotaxi Ambition

Separately, Toyota is reportedly in talks to partner with Waymo as its entry into the robotaxi business. Specific details and a timeline for this partnership are not yet available.

The report also notes that Japan aims to have roughly 10,000 Level 4 taxis, buses, and other vehicles on its roads by 2030. Japan has already legalized Level 4 systems, where vehicles are fully autonomous within a defined geographic area and do not require a human driver to take over. These moves indicate Japanese automakers are working to catch up in autonomous driving, a field where U.S. And Chinese companies have been leading.