Lots of cars have remote start functionality that allows you to turn on the engine with a simple press of the key fob. However, Toyota has gone down a slightly different route than most of its competitors and offers its remote start system through a subscription service.
News of the subscription service first emerged on Reddit back in November and when contacted by The Drive, Toyota confirmed that there is indeed a subscription that needs to be purchased to start a post-2018 Toyota model with the key fob. However, many owners probably aren’t aware of this.
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Marketing material released by Toyota reveals that models equipped with the available Audio Plus system include complimentary remote start key fob functionality for 3 years and beyond that, a subscription is required. Vehicles with the Premium Audio system are provided with complimentary use of the remote start feature for up to 10 years, after which time a subscription is required.
The Drive notes that after these trial periods, owners can either pay $8 a month to retain the remote start or spend $80 to extend the service for 12 months.
To turn on the engine through the key fob, owners simply need to double press the lock button and then press it for a third time, this time holding it down for 3 seconds. After a few seconds, the engine will fire into life.
Toyota also offers its owners a handful of other ways to start their vehicles remotely. Vehicles equipped with Remote Connect and the available Connected Services can start and stop the engine through the Toyota application on their Android or Apple smartphone. Remote start is also available through an Apple Watch and a compatible Android Wear smartwatch.