Toyota Vehicles have the Best Voice-Activated Systems

A recent study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety tested the voice-activated systems from six different auto-makers. They found that Toyota’s voice-activated system is the least distracting for drivers. As we have become more and more connected through our smartphones and other devices, automakers have tried to implement voice-activated controls for making phone calls and operating radio systems. However, this new study indicates that not all voice-activated systems are the same. 

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety tested the systems in Hyundai, Chrysler, Ford, Mercedes, General Motors, and Toyota. They found that General Motors’ Chevrolet MyLink performed the worst out of the group. And Toyota’s Entune system was found to be the “only one that caused less distraction than making a handheld mobile phone call,” according to Peter Kissinger, the foundation’s president.

Drivers are beginning to expect their cars to understand their voice commands just like their smartphones do. “The goal with voice commands is to keep our drivers less distracted while on the road,” explains Nicky York, general manager at Mount Airy Toyota Scion, “We are proud to learn that Toyota’s Entune does just that.”

In the study, drivers found that Toyota vehicles understood their commands on the first try. The Toyota system is more intuitive than other systems that were tested. According to the study, a driver could ask for a radio station in a variety of ways -- “Dial FM 103.5,” “Dial 103.5 FM” “Dial 103.5” -- and the system understood. Other systems required more rigid commands. Kissinger emphasized that arguing with your car over radio stations can lead to deadly outcomes because of increased “cognitive distraction.”

Toyota’s voice-activated system was found to be on the same level of distraction as listening to a book on tape. Kissinger indicates, “That’s what we’d like to see all of them come in at.”

The voice-activated system, Entune, is available on most new Toyotas. Entune allows drivers to make hands free phone calls through their smartphone and Bluetooth technology. Drivers can also use voice commands to change radio stations and cd tracks. 

Check out our inventory of Toyotas on our website or visit the dealership located at 508 N. Andy Griffith Pkwy . You can schedule a test drive and meet with one of sales associates from more information.

Kelly Bladl

Google Author and CCP Web Design Writer