Toyota SUV may offer accompanying "scout & recon" drone option for off-road excursions

Toyota has filed with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to explore the development of small drones designed to support off-road driving.

Key Points

• The automaker filed plans with the FAA to develop a small drone system that could assist drivers on unpaved roads by scouting terrain and identifying hazards around or beneath the vehicle.

• The proposed drone would provide real-time situational awareness where it’s unsafe to exit the vehicle, potentially benefiting off-roaders, search-and-rescue teams, and other specialized users.

• Toyota emphasized that the filing is part of ongoing research, not a confirmed product, as the company studies how evolving U.S. drone regulations could enable new vehicle-integrated aerial technologies.