Toyota Remote Connect pricing depends on your model year and whether you buy it new or add it later

Toyota Remote Connect is a connected-car service that lets you lock and unlock your vehicle, start the engine, check fuel level, and locate your car from a smartphone app. The cost varies: new Toyota vehicles often include a trial period (usually three years) at no charge, while adding the service to an older vehicle or renewing it after the trial ends typically costs between $8 and $14 per month, depending on your region and which features you choose. Some dealers bundle it into service packages or offer promotional rates.

The service is not mandatory. You can own and drive a Toyota without it. But if you want remote access after your trial ends, you will need to pay the subscription fee or lose the feature. The price is lower than some competitors—BMW ConnectedDrive and Mercedes me connect often run $15 to $20 monthly—but higher than others like Hyundai Bluelink, which starts at $7.99 per month.

Key Takeaways

  • New Toyota vehicles typically include three years of Remote Connect free; after that, renewal costs $8 to $14 per month depending on your region and plan tier.
  • You can add Remote Connect to older Toyotas that have the hardware built in, but the cost is the same as renewal—there is no discount for late adoption.
  • The service includes remote lock/unlock, engine start, fuel level checks, and vehicle location, but does not cover roadside information or maintenance alerts unless bundled into a higher tier.
  • Canceling the subscription stops all remote features when ready; you cannot pause or freeze the service temporarily.
  • Toyota occasionally runs promotional pricing through dealers, so asking about current offers when your trial ends may lower your first renewal payment.

What the three-year trial includes and when it ends

Most new Toyota vehicles sold in the United States come with a complimentary three-year subscription to Remote Connect. This trial begins on the vehicle's in-service date, not the purchase date, so leased vehicles and dealer demos may have different start dates than owner-purchased ones. You should receive a letter or email notification about 60 days before the trial expires, telling you the renewal price and how to set up payment.

The trial period covers the standard Remote Connect package: remote lock and unlock, remote engine start, fuel level and odometer reading, vehicle location on a map, and notifications if someone tries to unlock the vehicle without the key fob. It does not include roadside information, maintenance reminders, or emergency calling—those are add-ons or part of a higher tier.

Monthly subscription costs after the trial ends

When your three-year trial expires, Toyota charges a monthly subscription to keep Remote Connect active. The standard rate is $8.99 per month in most states, though some regions charge up to $13.99 per month. The variation depends on local taxes, state regulations, and whether Toyota has negotiated regional pricing with its carriers.

You can pay month-to-month or commit to an annual plan, which sometimes offers a small discount—typically 10 to 15 percent off the monthly rate if you pay for 12 months upfront. A few dealers offer promotional rates for the first three to six months of renewal, usually $4.99 or $5.99 per month, so it is worth asking when your trial is about to end.

If you own an older Toyota that never had Remote Connect activated, you can add it retroactively if the vehicle has the necessary hardware (most 2018 and newer models do). The cost to set up is the same as renewal—no discount for late adoption—and you will pay the current monthly rate going forward.

How to check your trial expiration date and renewal options

Log into your Toyota Remote Connect account through the mobile app or the Toyota website. Your account dashboard shows your current subscription status and the expiration date of your trial. If you are within 90 days of expiration, you will see a renewal prompt with the price for your region and options to set up automatic payment or pay manually each month.

You can also call Toyota Customer Service at 1-800-331-4331 to confirm your expiration date and ask about any current promotional offers. Have your vehicle identification number (VIN) and account email ready. Some dealers also have access to subscription information and can tell you the renewal price during a service visit.

What happens if you do not renew

If your trial expires and you do not set up a paid subscription, Remote Connect stops working when ready. You will no longer be able to lock, unlock, or start your vehicle remotely, and the app will show a message that your subscription has ended. The hardware in your vehicle remains intact, so you can reactivate the service at any time by paying the current monthly rate—there is no penalty or reactivation fee.

Your vehicle will continue to operate normally without Remote Connect. You will straightforward lose the convenience of remote access and will need to use your physical key fob or keyless entry pad to lock, unlock, and start the vehicle. Some owners choose to let the subscription lapse if they rarely use the remote features or want to reduce their monthly expenses.

Comparing Toyota Remote Connect to competitor services

Toyota Remote Connect is mid-range in price and features among luxury and mainstream brands. Hyundai Bluelink starts at $7.99 per month and includes similar remote functions. Kia Telluride and other Kia models offer Kia Connect at comparable pricing. BMW ConnectedDrive and Mercedes me connect charge $15 to $20 per month but include additional services like real-time traffic, remote climate control, and concierge support.

General Motors OnStar charges $14.99 to $34.99 per month depending on the plan tier, with higher tiers including roadside information and emergency calling. Ford Pass Connect runs $5.99 to $9.99 per month for basic remote features. If cost is your primary concern, Hyundai and Kia are cheaper; if you want more bundled services, GM and luxury brands offer more but at a higher price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Remote Connect on multiple vehicles with one subscription?

No. Each vehicle requires its own subscription. If you own two Toyotas, you will pay the monthly fee for each one separately. Some family plans or multi-vehicle discounts may be available through your dealer, so ask when you renew.

Does Remote Connect work outside the United States?

Remote Connect works in the continental United States and Hawaii. Coverage outside the U.S. is limited or unavailable. If you travel internationally, check with Toyota Customer Service about coverage in your destination before relying on the service.

What if I sell my Toyota before the trial ends?

The subscription is tied to the vehicle, not the owner. When you sell the car, the new owner inherits the remaining trial period. They can continue using it free until the trial expires, then pay to renew if they want to keep the service.

Is there a way to pause Remote Connect instead of canceling it?

Toyota does not offer a pause or freeze option. You can cancel at any time, and the service stops when ready. If you want to reactivate later, you will pay the current monthly rate with no penalty, but there is no discount for previous subscription time.

Do I need Remote Connect to use other Toyota apps or services?

No. Remote Connect is separate from other Toyota services like the Toyota app for vehicle information or the navigation system. You can use those features without paying for Remote Connect, though some features may require a separate subscription or data plan.