Toyota cars automatically call the driver if a child is left in the car

The 2025 Sienna becomes the first Toyota to call the driver if it senses a child is unattended in the back seat. The Japanese automaker already has a basic system in some models, like the Corolla Cross, that reminds drivers to check the back seat when leaving the car. But the Sienna’s technology is on another level.

If the driver locks the car and the radar technology detects that someone is still in the back seat, the hazard lights will flash and the door locks will beep nine times. If the warning is ignored for 90 seconds, the car horn will sound loudly, after 4 minutes, the driver will receive a message via Toyota's smartphone app. If the driver still does not open the door after another two minutes, Toyota will send an automatic call to the smartphone.

The Sienna will behave a little more subdued if the car is unlocked and motion is detected in the back seat, with no horn sound, and a text message will be sent after 10 minutes and a call after another two minutes. The 60 GHz radar scanner in the roof is capable of monitoring the second and third rows in both cases.

Every Sienna trim, including the base LE, comes with rear seat reminder technology, and owners need to sign up for a 10-year Safety Connect subscription for the system to work.

Other new additions for the 2025 model year include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster on the XSE, Woodland Edition, Limited, and Platinum trims, and the return of a vacuum cleaner and refrigerator on higher trims.

The cooler and vacuum cleaner — standard on the Platinum and optional on the Limited — were originally slated to arrive on the fourth-generation Sienna in 2021, but Toyota had to scrap the plans when the company that made the vacuum cleaner went out of business.

Toyota says it has upgraded the interior quality and finish of the seats, dashboard and instrument panel on all models. New wheels on some models and Toyota's latest infotainment system.

The Sienna's hybrid powertrain remains the same.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna facelift is expected to arrive at U.S. dealerships late this fall.