This is for Toyota models 2018 and newer.
Toyota did not provide any details about the cost of the subscription. However, the automaker explained that there was a free three-year trial period for select 2018-2020 vehicles and a longer ten year trial for select 2020-and-newer vehicles. The free trial is valid for the entire period, regardless of how many car owners. No, power door locks will not be included in a subscription.
People are seeing it – automakers are asking for monthly or annual subscription fees to enable or disable certain features over the air using software manipulation. There are many examples: BMW’s temporary Apple CarPlay subscription, Audi’s navigation function, which comes at a monthly charge, and Toyota. Remote Connect, the Japanese auto giant, is reportedly introducing a subscription fee. This allows you to start your car remotely from your key fob. Although the tech does not require a connection to Toyota’s servers reports that it will not work without a subscription. Toyota has provided clarification.
According to the online publication the automaker will charge $8 per month or $80 annually for full functionality of Remote Connect. The Remote Connect feature is only available to Toyota vehicles that are at least 2018 years old, but we don’t know if it applies to other models. You can try the Connected Services if you purchase a Toyota today. The duration of the trial will vary depending on which model you choose, and can last from three to ten year depending on what audio package is included with the vehicle. contains all Connected Services information about each model.
The Drive reported that a Reddit user shared information about Toyota charging a subscription fee to remote engine start functionality. This was after he found strange language in Toyota Remote Connect marketing materials. The discussion broader forum found that many Toyotas from 2018 and newer are still in their subscription periods. This makes it difficult for their owners to determine if the remote engine start function requires a subscription.