- Toyota Connected Services for new RAV4 and Lexus ES.
- Offered on suscription model, with a free trial period.
- SOS calls and crash notification 'expected to remain complimentary'.
Toyota New Zealand will finally have connected-vehicle capabilities with the 6th-generation RAV4 when it arrives in early 2026. The same will be true of the new-generation Lexus ES sedan, later in 2026.
Toyota Connected Services will offer a range of convenience functions via the myToyota Connected app, including vehicle start, lock/unlock and climate control management. Customers can also access vehicle information including tyre pressure, odometer, distance to empty, and notifications on unlocked doors and open windows.
However, they won't be free. The company says "individual connected features will be grouped into product bundles and offered to customers with complimentary trial periods before transitioning to a paid subscription model. Customers can opt out of selected connected services if they desire."
The service can also be used for SOS emergency call and automatic collision notification in case of an accident, and stolen vehicle tracking. Toyota NZ says these are "expected to remain complimentary services".
The new RAV4 has Toyota’s latest multimedia system, with a 10.5-inch or 12.9in centre display (depending on model) with new-gen graphics and a customisable home screen with widgets for quick access to key functions.
A new voice assistant can answer questions such as “Hey Toyota, what’s my travel time” or “Hey Toyota, lower the temperature”. Cloud-based navigation will provide more accurate maps and traffic information.
The Toyota Connected system does not access the owner’s mobile data plan. It uses the inbuilt DCM (data communication module) data plan. However, as with any similar system, mobile data may be used when by the myToyota Connect app on a mobile device.
How Toyota Connected collision calls work
Automatic collision notification alerts Toyota’s emergency call centre if the vehicle detects a serious collision, even if the driver is unable to place the call.
The call centre can direct emergency services to the vehicle's location if required. Assistance can also be manually requested by a vehicle occupant, via the SOS button.
If the vehicle is reported stolen, stolen vehicle tracking may assist in locating the vehicle. Upon receipt of a police report, the emergency call centre can be requested by the vehicle owner to pass details of the vehicle's location to the police to assist with efforts to recover the vehicle.