Toyota Level 2++ Autonomous Driving Planned for 2028

Toyota Targets Level 2++ Advanced Driver Assistance From 2028

Toyota Motor Corporation plans to release a passenger car equipped with “Level 2++” advanced driver assistance that requires virtually no driver involvement in 2028. Toyota is developing a proprietary autonomous driving system that combines end-to-end (E2E) technology, in which artificial intelligence provides recognition, assessment, and control, with a rule-based algorithm, or calculation procedure. The approach is intended to combine AI-driven capabilities with structured decision-making to support advanced driver assistance. Toyota aims to use this proprietary system to realize fun driving while also differentiating its vehicles from competitors as autonomous driving technologies continue to advance.

Level 2++ Deployment to Expand Across More Models

Toyota plans to introduce Level 2++ advanced driver assistance in passenger cars beginning in 2028 and aims to achieve full-scale adoption by increasing the number of vehicle models equipped with the technology from 2030. The strategy indicates that Toyota intends to move beyond introducing the system on a limited number of vehicles and progressively broaden its availability across the passenger car lineup. The company’s proprietary system is designed around the combination of E2E AI technology and rule-based algorithms, supporting recognition, assessment, and control while maintaining Toyota’s focus on driving enjoyment and differentiation.

Level 4 Autonomy Targeted for Commercial Vehicles by 2030

For commercial vehicles, Toyota aims to realize “Level 4” autonomous driving by 2030. Level 4 refers to fully autonomous driving under certain conditions, allowing the vehicle to operate without driver involvement when the defined operating conditions are met. Toyota plans to pursue this objective based on its “e-Palette” multi-purpose mobility vehicle and other models. The commercial vehicle strategy therefore represents a higher level of automation than the Level 2++ passenger car initiative, with Toyota targeting applications in which autonomous operation can be implemented under specific conditions rather than requiring continuous driver participation.

Toyota Considers Waymo Collaboration for Autonomous Taxis

For autonomous taxis, or robotaxis, Toyota will consider starting a business with Waymo LLC, a subsidiary of U.S.-based Alphabet Inc. The potential relationship would add a robotaxi business consideration to Toyota’s broader autonomous driving strategy, alongside development of its proprietary advanced driver assistance system and autonomous commercial vehicle technologies. Toyota’s consideration of Waymo reflects an interest in autonomous mobility beyond privately owned passenger cars and commercial vehicles. It also connects Toyota’s vehicle development capabilities with a company focused on autonomous driving and robotaxi operations in the United States.

Proprietary Technology Aims to Differentiate Toyota Vehicles

Toyota’s autonomous driving strategy combines multiple vehicle applications and levels of automation rather than relying on a single development path. Passenger cars are targeted for Level 2++ deployment from 2028, with broader model adoption planned from 2030, while commercial vehicles are targeted for Level 4 autonomous driving by 2030 through the e-Palette and other models. At the same time, Toyota is considering a robotaxi business with Waymo. Across these initiatives, Toyota aims to realize fun driving through its proprietary advanced driver assistance system and use autonomous driving capabilities as a means of differentiating its vehicles from competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Toyota plan to introduce Level 2++ autonomous driving?
Toyota plans to introduce Level 2++ advanced driver assistance in passenger cars from 2028, with the system requiring virtually no driver involvement. The company intends to expand the technology across more vehicle models from 2030 as it works toward full-scale adoption. Toyota is developing the system using a combination of end-to-end AI technology and rule-based algorithms for recognition, assessment, and control. Separately, Toyota aims to achieve Level 4 autonomous driving for commercial vehicles by 2030 based on the e-Palette multi-purpose mobility vehicle and other models.