Why did Toyota remove the remote start capability?

Just traded in my 22 Taco for a 24 4Runner TRD Off-road . Come to find out that Toyota has removed the remote start capability from the app and key fob. Apparently it’s only on TRD Pro and limited edition 4Runner’s. Why would they do something like that it’s like going backwards.

 

That's Toyota's slogan:

"We're bringing you yesterday's technology, today!"

 

I'm not sure what you mean by "removed"... AFAIK, it has only been offered on the Pro & Limited.

 

True.. My 4x4shop friends OG 5th Gen SR5 have remote start and Toyota seems to remove remote start after that. For my 2019 Limited the dealership offered aftermarket security and remote start and I said no thanks. My buddy's 2019 TRD Pro doesn't have remote start either.

Now after 2020 Limited and TRD Pro seems to have remote start again.

For now I'm paying subscription for remote start on my 2021 Pro, but when my new born is little older I will not continue to pay for remote start.

 

That’s just Toyota.

 

When we bought the wife's showroom new 2016 RAV4 Limited, the salesman told us to buy the remote start at the local car audio place. Said the aftermarket remote unit they install is better than Toyota's. Better how? I have no idea. Haven't had any issues with the aftermarket unit, though.

 

Toyota's remote start in all their vehicles are worthless. Invest in aftermarket if you do decide to get one installed.

 

Better range.

 

If it makes you feel better, my 2015 lx570 with a sticker of $92k doesn’t have remote start.

Toyota usually makes decisions based on lawyers. In other words, remote start either hurts reliability or there is a chance they could get sued because of misuse.

I remember reading an article where enthusiasts were interviewing a Toyota engineer. They asked about why no soft top on fj cruiser. The engineer said that the lawyer’s vetoed soft tops due to liability risk. Same thing with diesels. The epa mandates would hurt reliability and lead to excess warranty claims.

could also be a product of the microchip shortage.

 

I own a 2010 Expedition that has a remote start by the previous owner. It has an amazing range. It goes through 2 interior doors plus the garage door plus another car parked infant of it and it is just a push button on its remote fob. No fumbling with the phone. I have thought about aftermarket for the 4Runner but I am afraid of letting aftermarket guys mess with the electrics. Any recommendations?

 

Any of the options available are plug and play. More time is spent routing the cables and finding places for the modules. They all pretty much work with the OEM fob or you can get the app function. I went with 12 volt.

 

My 2023 Limited has it, and it's damned finicky. I've owned the truck a week, and been able to start it 3 times.

 

I installed a START X on my 23 sr5p....and added the long range module. It's been pretty awesome.

 

Business is all about extracting maximum value for minimal input. The question is how you get there and what compromise the company chooses.

Toyota went "backwards" putting the full-time 4WD option behind the Limited trim for the 5th gen rather than it being standard in 4WD 4th gen models.

Or removing full-time 4WD entirely in the new Sequoia - you gain a solid axle and a hybrid system though! But then you lose the fold-flat seating independent rear suspension gets you. (in contrast to the GM full-size SUV's that went IRS - they sure look funny lifted, and that's from someone who did lift an independent suspension crossover a tad before.)

You can find GM pickups with single-speed transfer cases so if you want low range you'll have to pay more for the Z71 package or trims that include it. Sometimes "4Hi" in those are simply using a computer-controlled clutch like a crossover rather than mechanical bits locking in, not necessarily as durable in terms of wear in the long-term with clutch slippage being part of normal operation but it is also a way to enable the handy Auto 4WD option. (although I do recognize clutched 4WD/AWD systems have been around forever)

GM is axing CarPlay/Android Auto in their vehicles betting that people will be willing to put up with their infotainment a la Tesla and grant them more personal data access, subscription money - objectively worse but we'll see if it pays off. (so far the Blazer EV software is not going well)

The Maverick XL specifically omitted cruise control at launch to push folks to the XLT model.

You can find slick styling in-and-out plus more features for your dollar in Hyundai and Kia land but you pay for it with costs cut elsewhere like skipping basic anti-theft measures in 2011-2021ish models and sub-par engines that people are pay the price for down the road.

Companies don't necessarily have perfect information nor decision-making capacities (and even then, not all decisions are made for the customer) so you'll also see some things like the new Colorado not having a physical headlight control and the Mk 8 Golf getting rid of physical buttons.

Edit: So buyer beware! Make sure what you buy has every single thing you expect before buying! I assumed my Sorento had an immobilizer, I saw someone online assume their new Silverado had low range but nope!

 

IMO stronger signal from keyfob = 1) less battery life 2) better signal for thieves. (I still keep these stupid keyfobs in rf blocking box for safety)

Vs if you have remote start on phone you don't need to guess the number of button press or have visual to see if it's started or not. Phone tells you if the engine is started or not and how much time left until it turns off. Also you get other status like door lock status, if doors open/close, if windows are open/close, etc..

 

Anything on a car that I have to pay a subscription fee to use is a no go for me. I have this https://avital.com/products/remotestart on my 2011 Limited. Been there since 2011. Works great, and really good range. Pretty nice to cool it down when it's 115 in AZ.

 

Yet they provide remote start on Off Road models here in Canada. Super strange in this day and age. My 2023 4Runner does not have the quick turn signal feature that my 2016 and 2020 Tacoma's had.

 

I was just going to post that my 2021 Off Road Package has remote start via the key fob. No way I'd pay a monthly fee to be able to do it through the app though. The Toyota app is hot hot garbage.

 

I think its complete crap that you have to pay a subscription to use features that come with your purchase. It’s only the beginning though, companies have figured out that steady flow of cash.

 

Canadian market thing. I do not mind the app, but will not pay for it when it expires.