The newer Toyotas all have push button start. Apparently, it's not very intuitive, unless you have a lot of experience building PCs with ATX power supplies, that you need to hold down the start button for 3-4 seconds to turn off the engine when it is in drive.
It's almost like Microsoft designed these cars: "What? I push Start to shut down the car/computer?"
It is coupled with RFID chips in your key. I actually find it very convenient on my Hyundai. I can walk up to the car door and open it, it unlocks automatically because the RFID key is in my pocket. I can sit down and start the car and take off without ever removing my keys from my pocket.
It's also very convenient for opening the trunk without a key as well. It has proximity sensors by the driver and passenger doors, as well as the trunk.
You can, but then it's stuck in drive/neutral. Seeing that the brakes and neutral are still operable, it should not be an issue. I don't even know why people are being advised to turn off the ignition. Shifting to neutral while braking reduces the load on the engine.
> Wouldn't shifting to neutral make the engine rev up really high? Does the computer limit the RPMs to prevent damage?
Yes, the computers do.
However, if you're going to have an accident, engine damage is pretty low on the list of concerns, even if you ignore the fact that accidents cause engine damage.
Switching the engine off (if you can do it fast enough) should slow you down faster though. If you stay in gear with no ignition, the engine drag will brake you a bit.
It's almost like Microsoft designed these cars: "What? I push Start to shut down the car/computer?"