The 2025 Toyota Sienna adds standard Advanced Rear Seat Reminder in models sold in the US, using a millimetre wave radar is designed to detect movement in the vehicle and send alerts to notify the driver or app user through a series of escalating warnings.
A first for a Toyota vehicle, Advanced Rear Seat Reminder uses a 60GHz band radar sensor mounted above the headliner to scan a defined area in an attempt to detect movement in the second and third row seats. If it senses movement in the scanned area after the ignition is cycled off, the driver’s door has been opened then closed and the vehicle has been locked, it will flash the hazard lights and sound the door lock chime.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Approximately 90 seconds after the initial warning, if the movement is still detected by the sensor, the system will sound the horn as part of the escalation warning. The hardware does not require the app for these alerts.
However, if the driver has registered for Safety Connect and opted into rear seat reminder notifications via the app, approximately four minutes after the escalation warning starts, the vehicle can send a push notification via the app in addition to an SMS text message to the mobile number saved in the user’s account. Finally, after an additional two minutes, the saved contact number will receive an automated phone call.
If the vehicle has been left without being locked, the driver will not get the chime, hazard flashing or horn sounding. But, if the driver has registered for Safety Connect and opted into reminder notifications via the app, a push notification and SMS message will be sent to the registered phone and app.
Previewed as a concept in 2022, Advanced Rear Seat Reminder’s millimetre wave radar is unique from competitive ultrasonic systems in that it is both higher resolution in its movement sensing and may detect movement underneath objects such as a blanket. As a result of the radar’s capability, Advanced Rear Seat Reminder also has advantages at sensing occupants in low light scenarios, when compared to camera based interior monitors.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalDataAdditionally, while some current competitive offerings carry in vehicle telematics trial periods between one and three years for supplemental app based functions, Advanced Rear Seat Reminder’s mobile application functionality is active for customers up to 10 years or through the life of 4G connectivity.
Born out of an internal technology competition at Toyota Motor North America, Advanced Rear Seat Reminder grew into a programme that received development support from a number of different software, hardware, R&D and supplier companies within and outside of Toyota, both domestically and internationally, including Toyota Connected North America (TCNA), TMNA Connected Technologies, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America (TEMA) and Toyota Motor Corporation. Along the way, its development team has filed more than 40 patent applications, many of which are now granted.
