Toyotas get connected
Toyota is bringing connected vehicle capabilities to New Zealand kicking off with the sixth-generation RAV4 early this year and the new ES sedan, which arrives later in 2026.
Toyota Connected Services will offer an advanced suite of smart technologies “designed to simplify everyday life”, and provide extra driver interaction, control, safety and security to vehicles.
Only Toyotas fitted with an active system will provide connected services, which include SOS emergency call and automatic collision notification in case of an accident, and stolen-vehicle tracking.
There will also be convenience functions for the driver and passengers, which are accessible via the myToyota Connected app. Remote functions include vehicle start, lock and unlock, and climate-control management.
Customers can also access vehicle insights including tyre pressure, odometer, distance to empty, vehicle locator, and notifications on unlocked doors and open windows.
The latest RAV4 will be Toyota NZ’s first model to offer the marque’s latest multimedia system, which features a bigger display, customisable home screen, common function widgets, and faster and smarter voice recognition.
Albertus Mulder, Toyota NZ assistant vice-president, says: “Connected services and multimedia update change the way a customer interacts with their vehicle.
“Not only does it provide a new emergency-response system, it gives the owner access to far more information through quick, voice-activated controls and a better display screen while at the wheel as well as information and controls via an app when away from the vehicle.”
The new RAV4 equipped with Toyota’s latest multimedia system will have a 10.5-inch or 12.9-inch centre display depending on the grade with enhanced graphics and a customisable home screen with widgets for quick access to key functions.
A new voice agent will be able to answer questions, such as “hey Toyota, what’s my travel time” or “lower the temperature”. Cloud-based navigation will provide more accurate maps and traffic information.
Mulder adds: “Our customers always come first and our connected technology exists to enhance their experience. Customers who may be concerned about the privacy of their data can be rest assured we take this seriously.”
Toyota’s connected system doesn’t access the owner’s mobile-data plan. It uses the inbuilt data communication module’s data plan. However, when using the myToyota Connect app on a mobile device, an owner’s mobile data may be used.
The collision-notification system alerts Toyota’s call centre if the car detects a serious crash even if the driver is unable to place the call. Built-in sensors are designed to trigger this notification. The call centre can also direct emergency services to the car’s location if required. Assistance can also be manually requested by an occupant via an SOS button.
Stolen vehicle tracking may assist in locating the vehicle. Upon receipt of a police report, the emergency call centre can be requested by the owner to pass details of the car’s location to the police to assist with efforts to recover it.
Then there’s enhanced navigation and trip management services, such as access to cloud-based maps and weather information. Drivers will also be able to use their phone to select a destination and send their journey to their connected vehicle.
Individual connected features will be grouped into product bundles and offered to customers with complimentary trial periods before transitioning to a paid subscription model. People can opt out of selected connected services if they desire.
The core safety features, such as SOS emergency call and automatic collision notification, are expected to remain as complimentary services.
