Toyota Connected Services updated with monthly subscription, new features

Toyota Australia has detailed its updated suite of connected vehicle technology.

The enhanced version of Toyota Connected Services debuted on the 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross this month, and will be standard on upcoming vehicles – including the facelifted Corolla hatch/sedan due in November.

According to the brand, the new Corolla Cross is “the most technologically advanced vehicle Toyota has ever produced”, with features including remote engine start and connected satellite navigation offered.

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Matched with a built-in data communication module – connected to Telstra’s 4G network – owners can view information and perform actions on the myToyota Connect smartphone application.

However, there’s a caveat with the updated Toyota Connected Services – a monthly subscription.

While vehicles fitted with the current system receive a three-year service, Corolla Cross buyers will be required to purchase a monthly subscription.

This will apply after a 12-month complimentary period in order to retain all of the features available at delivery.

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A monthly subscription will also be required for existing vehicles fitted with Toyota Connected Services, but only after a three-year complimentary period.

As standard, the ‘Toyota Essentials’ package will be included throughout the life of the Corolla Cross, offering the current Connected Services basics – at least while Telstra’s 4G network remains active.

This includes SOS emergency calling, automatic collision notification, a vehicle locator, digital owner’s manual and warranty information, and odometer, distance to empty and fuel level information.

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To access stolen vehicle tracking and the Status Connect feature – which monitors a vehicle's acceleration, braking and cornering – drivers must purchase a ‘Toyota Connect+’ subscription after the complimentary 12 months, at $9.95 per month.

These features are currently standard on the Yaris Cross (all models), Camry (from April 2021), HiLux (from October 2021), Fortuner (from October 2021), HiAce (from October 2021), Granvia (from September 2021) and LandCruiser 300 (all models).

A spokesperson for Toyota Australia said the current models "will continue to be offered with those services free of charge for three years from purchase."

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After this period, a $4.95 per month Toyota Connect subscription will be required to access stolen vehicle tracking and Status Connect.

Status Connect allows owners to set guest driver settings, which will send a notification if the vehicle exceeds set speed limits, curfews, and time or distance limits – handy for parents letting teen drivers borrow their car.

However, the ‘Toyota Connect+’ subscription for the Corolla Cross also includes remote vehicle functionality, allowing owners to lock/unlock and start their vehicle, set the climate control, and operate the horn and lights from a smartphone.

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Meanwhile, another subscription – Toyota Connected Multimedia – will be required after one year, if buyers wish to continue using the connected navigation, customisable multimedia profiles and ‘Hey, Toyota’ voice assistant on the brand’s next-generation infotainment system.

It is priced at $12.50 per month, and includes the features of the Toyota Connect+ service.

Toyota has yet to confirm the vehicle roll-out for the updated version of Connected Services, beyond the Corolla range.

However, it will likely be included in the updated RAV4 and Kluger family SUVs due in the coming months.