Toyota bZ4X Owner's Manual: Driving Assist Systems in Your 2025 Toyota bZ4X

For enhanced driving safety and optimal vehicle performance, your 2025 Toyota bZ4X is equipped with a suite of advanced driving assist systems that operate automatically in response to various driving conditions. It is important to remember, however, that while these systems offer valuable support, they are intended to be supplementary aids and should not be solely relied upon when operating the vehicle. Maintaining driver awareness and responsible driving habits remain paramount.

Summary of Driving Assist Systems in Your Toyota bZ4X

ECB (Electronically Controlled Brake System)

The Electronically Controlled Brake System (ECB) in your 2025 Toyota bZ4X precisely regulates and generates braking force in direct correlation with the driver's input on the brake pedal, providing a responsive and consistent braking feel.

ABS (Anti-lock Brake System)

The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) is a crucial safety feature that helps prevent the wheels of your 2025 Toyota bZ4X from locking up when the brakes are applied abruptly or during emergency braking situations. It also proves invaluable when braking on slippery road surfaces, allowing the driver to maintain steering control while slowing down.

Brake Assist

The Brake Assist system in your 2025 Toyota bZ4X is designed to recognize emergency braking situations. If the system detects a rapid or forceful depression of the brake pedal, it will automatically generate an increased level of braking force to help bring the vehicle to a quicker stop, potentially reducing stopping distances in critical situations.

VSC (Vehicle Stability Control)

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is an active safety technology that helps you maintain control of your 2025 Toyota bZ4X when faced with sudden swerving maneuvers or when turning on slippery road surfaces. VSC works by automatically applying braking force to individual wheels and adjusting engine output to help prevent skidding and loss of control.

Enhanced VSC (Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control)

The Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control system in your 2025 Toyota bZ4X provides integrated and cooperative control over multiple vehicle systems, including the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Traction Control (TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and Electric Power Steering (EPS). This enhanced system helps to maintain the directional stability of your vehicle when swerving on slippery road surfaces by intelligently coordinating steering performance with braking and traction control.

Trailer Sway Control

If you are towing a trailer with your 2025 Toyota bZ4X, the Trailer Sway Control system can provide valuable assistance in maintaining stability. If trailer sway is detected, the system will automatically and selectively apply brake pressure to individual wheels of the vehicle and may also reduce engine torque to help counteract the swaying motion and keep both your vehicle and the trailer under control.

TRAC (Traction Control)

Traction Control (TRAC) is designed to prevent the drive wheels of your 2025 Toyota bZ4X from spinning, especially when starting the vehicle or accelerating on slippery road conditions. TRAC helps to maintain optimal drive power and grip by automatically reducing engine output and applying braking force to spinning wheels, ensuring smoother and more controlled acceleration.

Active Cornering Assist (ACA)

The Active Cornering Assist (ACA) system enhances the cornering performance of your 2025 Toyota bZ4X. When you are accelerating while turning, ACA helps to prevent the vehicle from drifting wide to the outer side of the turn by subtly applying braking force to the inner wheel. This helps to improve steering response and maintain the intended driving line.

Hill-Start Assist Control

When starting your 2025 Toyota bZ4X on an uphill incline, the Hill-start Assist Control system is designed to prevent the vehicle from rolling backward. It works by temporarily maintaining brake pressure for a few seconds after you release the brake pedal, giving you enough time to smoothly engage the accelerator and drive forward without unwanted rollback.

EPS (Electric Power Steering)

The Electric Power Steering (EPS) system in your 2025 Toyota bZ4X utilizes an electric motor to provide power assistance to the steering mechanism. This reduces the physical effort required by the driver to turn the steering wheel, especially at lower speeds, making maneuvering and parking easier.

Secondary Collision Brake (Secondary Collision Reduction at the Time of a Frontal Collision)

In the event of a frontal collision where the SRS airbag sensors are activated and the system deploys, the Secondary Collision Brake system in your 2025 Toyota bZ4X will automatically engage the brakes and activate the brake lights. This automatic braking action is intended to reduce the vehicle's speed after the initial impact and help minimize the potential for further damage or injury resulting from a secondary collision.

The 2025 Toyota bZ4X offers a comprehensive suite of driving assist systems designed to enhance safety, stability, and driver confidence across a wide range of driving conditions.

When the TRAC/VSC/ABS/Trailer Sway Control systems are operating

The slip indicator light will flash while the TRAC/VSC/ABS/Trailer Sway Control systems are operating.

Disabling the TRAC system

If the vehicle gets stuck in mud, dirt or snow, the TRAC system may reduce power from the EV system to the wheels.

Pressing to turn the system off may make it easier for you to rock the vehicle in order to free it.

To turn the TRAC system off, quickly press and release .

The "Traction Control Turned OFF" will be shown on the multi-information display.

Press again to turn the system back on.

Turning off both TRAC, VSC and Trailer Sway Control systems

To turn the TRAC/VSC/Trailer Sway Control systems off, press and hold for more than 3 seconds while the vehicle is stopped.

The VSC OFF indicator light will come on and the "Traction Control Turned OFF" will be shown on the multi-information display.*

Press again to turn the systems back on.

*: PCS (Pre-Collision System) will also be disabled (only pre-collision warning is available). The PCS warning light will come on and a message will be displayed on the multi-information display.

When the message is displayed on the multi-information display showing that TRAC has been disabled even if has not been pressed

TRAC is temporary deactivated. If the information continues to show, contact your Toyota dealer.

Operating Conditions for Hill-Start Assist Control

The Hill-Start Assist Control system in your 2025 Toyota bZ4X will engage when all of the following criteria are met, preventing unwanted rollback on an incline:

• The gear selector is in any position other than 'P' (Park) or 'N' (Neutral), indicating an intention to move forward or backward on an upward slope.
• The vehicle is at a complete stop.
• The accelerator pedal is not being pressed.
• The parking brake is not engaged.
• The vehicle's power switch is in the 'ON' position.

Automatic Disengagement of Hill-Start Assist Control

The Hill-Start Assist Control in your Toyota bZ4X will automatically turn off under any of these circumstances:

• The gear selector is shifted to 'P' (Park) or 'N' (Neutral).
• The accelerator pedal is depressed, indicating the driver is ready to move.
• The brake pedal is depressed and the parking brake is engaged, signifying the vehicle is securely held.
• A maximum of approximately 2 seconds has passed after you release the brake pedal, giving you time to accelerate.
• The vehicle's power switch is turned to the 'OFF' position.

Normal Sounds and Vibrations from Driving Assist Systems

• You might hear a sound coming from the engine compartment when you repeatedly depress the brake pedal, when the EV system is started, or shortly after the vehicle begins to move. These sounds are a normal part of the operation of the ABS, Brake Assist, VSC, Trailer Sway Control, TRAC, and Hill-Start Assist Control systems and do not indicate a malfunction.
• When these driving assist systems in your 2025 Toyota bZ4X are actively operating, you might experience the following sensations, none of which indicate a problem:

• You might feel vibrations through the vehicle's body and the steering wheel as the systems make adjustments.
• You might hear a motor sound even after the vehicle has come to a complete stop, which can be part of the system's control process.

Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) Operating Sounds

You might hear operational sounds from the Electronically Controlled Brake (ECB) system in your 2025 Toyota bZ4X in the following situations, but these sounds are normal and do not signify a malfunction:

• A sound coming from the engine compartment when you operate the brake pedal.
• A sound from the engine compartment that might occur one or two minutes after the EV system has been stopped.

Active Cornering Assist Operation Sounds and Vibrations

When the Active Cornering Assist (ACA) system is actively helping you steer through a turn in your 2025 Toyota bZ4X, you might hear operational sounds or feel slight vibrations originating from the brake system. These are normal occurrences associated with the ACA's function and do not indicate a malfunction.

Automatic Reactivation of Traction Control, Trailer Sway Control, and Vehicle Stability Control

If you manually turn off the Traction Control (TRAC), Trailer Sway Control, or Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) systems in your 2025 Toyota bZ4X, these systems will automatically re-enable under the following conditions to ensure ongoing safety:

• When the vehicle's power switch is turned OFF and then back ON.
• If only the TRAC system was turned off, it will automatically turn back on when the vehicle's speed increases beyond a certain threshold. Note that if both TRAC and VSC were manually turned off, they will not automatically re-enable based on vehicle speed increase.

Operating Conditions for Active Cornering Assist

The Active Cornering Assist (ACA) system in your 2025 Toyota bZ4X will operate when the following conditions are met:

• The Traction Control (TRAC) and/or Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) systems are active and able to operate.
• The driver is attempting to accelerate the vehicle while simultaneously turning the steering wheel.
• The system detects that the vehicle is beginning to drift towards the outside of the intended turning path.
• The driver has released the brake pedal, indicating an intention to accelerate.

Temporary Reduction in Electric Power Steering (EPS) Effectiveness

The effectiveness of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system in your 2025 Toyota bZ4X might be temporarily reduced as a protective measure to prevent the system from overheating if there is frequent and sustained steering input over a prolonged period. You might notice the steering wheel feeling heavier than usual as a result. Should this occur, try to avoid excessive steering inputs or stop the vehicle and turn off the EV system for a short period. The EPS system should typically return to its normal level of effectiveness within approximately 10 minutes.

Operating Conditions for Secondary Collision Brake

The Secondary Collision Brake system in your 2025 Toyota bZ4X will activate automatically if the SRS airbag sensors detect a collision while the vehicle is in motion. However, it will not operate if any of the system's components have been damaged as a result of the collision.

Automatic Cancellation of Secondary Collision Brake

The Secondary Collision Brake system will automatically be canceled under any of the following circumstances:

• When the vehicle's speed decreases to approximately 0 mph (0 km/h) and the vehicle is at a complete stop.
• After a certain period of time has elapsed while the system has been actively operating.
• If the accelerator pedal is depressed by a significant amount, indicating the driver is taking control.

WARNING - Important Safety Information Regarding Driving Assist Systems

The Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) may not operate effectively when:

• The limits of the tires' grip on the road surface have been exceeded, such as when using excessively worn tires on a snow-covered or icy road.
• The vehicle experiences hydroplaning while driving at high speeds on wet or very slippery roads where the tires lose contact with the road surface.

Stopping distance when the ABS is operating may be longer than under normal conditions.

The ABS is not designed to shorten your vehicle's stopping distance. Always maintain a safe following distance, especially in the following situations:

• When driving on unpaved surfaces such as dirt or gravel roads.
• When driving on roads covered with snow or ice.
• When your vehicle is equipped with tire chains to improve traction in snow or ice.
• When driving over bumps or unevenness in the road surface that might cause temporary loss of tire contact.
• When driving over roads with potholes or other significant irregularities in the surface.

Traction Control (TRAC) and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) may not operate effectively when:

Achieving directional control and maintaining drive power might still be challenging when driving on very slippery road surfaces, even with the TRAC and VSC systems actively engaged. Always drive cautiously in conditions where traction and stability might be compromised.

Active Cornering Assist (ACA) does not operate effectively when:

• Do not rely excessively on Active Cornering Assist. The system might not perform as expected when accelerating downhill or when driving on extremely slippery road surfaces where overall traction is limited.
• If Active Cornering Assist operates frequently and for extended periods, it might temporarily stop functioning to ensure the proper operation of the brakes, TRAC, and VSC systems is maintained without overheating.

Hill-start assist control does not operate effectively when:

• Do not place excessive reliance on the Hill-Start Assist Control system. It might not be as effective on very steep inclines or on roads that are covered with ice or are extremely slippery.
• Unlike the parking brake, Hill-Start Assist Control is not intended to hold your vehicle stationary for a prolonged duration. Do not attempt to use it as a substitute for the parking brake when stopped on an incline, as doing so could lead to an accident.

When the TRAC, ABS, VSC, or Trailer Sway Control system is activated:

The slip indicator light on the instrument panel will flash to alert you that one or more of these systems is actively working to help maintain control. Always drive carefully, and remember that reckless driving can lead to accidents. Exercise particular caution whenever the slip indicator light is flashing.

When the TRAC, VSC, or Trailer Sway Control systems are turned off:

Be especially careful and drive at a speed that is appropriate for the prevailing road conditions. These systems are designed to help ensure your vehicle's stability and maintain driving force, so avoid turning them off unless absolutely necessary. Trailer Sway Control is integrated with the VSC system and will not operate if VSC is turned off or if it experiences a malfunction.

Replacing Tires:

Ensure that all tires on your 2025 Toyota bZ4X are of the specified size, brand, tread pattern, and have the correct total load capacity as recommended by the manufacturer. Additionally, always maintain the tires at the recommended inflation pressure level. The ABS, TRAC, VSC, and Trailer Sway Control systems rely on consistent tire characteristics to function correctly and might not operate as intended if different or mismatched tires are installed. Consult your Toyota dealer for guidance when replacing tires or wheels.

Handling of Tires and the Suspension:

Using tires that have any kind of damage or issue, or making modifications to the vehicle's suspension system, can negatively affect the performance of the driving assist systems in your 2025 Toyota bZ4X and might even cause a system malfunction.

Trailer Sway Control Precaution:

The Trailer Sway Control system might not be able to effectively reduce trailer sway in all possible situations. Its effectiveness depends on numerous factors, including the specific conditions of your vehicle, the attached trailer, the road surface, and the overall driving environment. Always refer to your trailer's owner's manual for comprehensive information and instructions on how to properly tow your trailer.

If Trailer Sway Occurs:

Observe the following critical precautions to ensure safety. Failing to do so could lead to serious injury or even death:

• Grip the steering wheel firmly with both hands. Steer straight ahead and avoid making sudden or jerky steering corrections. Do not attempt to control the trailer sway by actively turning the steering wheel.
• Immediately begin to release the accelerator pedal, but do so very gradually to reduce your vehicle's speed. Do not attempt to increase speed, and do not apply the vehicle's brakes suddenly or forcefully.

If you avoid making extreme corrections with either the steering wheel or the brakes, your vehicle and the attached trailer should naturally stabilize as speed is gradually reduced.

Secondary Collision Brake:

Do not rely solely on the Secondary Collision Brake system in your 2025 Toyota bZ4X. This system is designed to help lessen the likelihood of further damage in the event of a frontal collision, but its effectiveness can vary depending on a multitude of factors. Over-reliance on this system could potentially lead to serious injury or death in a secondary impact scenario.