Toyota is implementing two safety features to prevent your vehicle from rolling away or filling the garage with fumes if you exit while it’s running. It indicates that the features will be added to Toyota and Lexus models starting with the 2020 model year.
The first feature is an automatic engine shutdown for “most” 2020 vehicles equipped with a proximity key (a key fob you can keep in your pocket or purse while unlocking or starting the vehicle). Since 2003, Toyota vehicles with this capability, which Toyota calls its Smart Key System, have triggered an alert if you exit with the engine running. Now, the system will be even smarter and will stop the engine on its own after a certain period if you leave it running. Audible and visual alerts have also been enhanced, and Toyota states that it will later add a reminder via its smartphone app.
Toyota will also begin “integrating” a second feature—automatic parking—starting with 2020 models, which will automatically shift a vehicle’s transmission into park and/or engage the parking brake if you exit without selecting park. A Toyota spokesperson said that details about the vehicles and upcoming dates are forthcoming.
The capability will apply to vehicles with a non-traditional electronic gear shift and/or an electronic parking brake. Currently, Toyota vehicles emit audible and visual warnings if you open the door without selecting Park, and it notes that its non-traditional shifters also have a separate Park button to help drivers remember to put the vehicle in Park.