Toyota’s All-New Multimedia System Is Here – and It Is A Game Changer

TORONTO, Ontario (December 2nd, 2021) – Arthur C. Clark famously observed, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”. Wouldn’t it be great to conjure up some of that magic when driving? That’s the promise of in-vehicle multimedia systems and connectivity services – but often the reality has not lived up to the hype.

Toyota designers and engineers decided there must be a better way to harness the power of in-vehicle connectivity – a way that starts by making it easier to use, more helpful, and something that actually adds to the pleasure of driving.

The good news is, they found the magic they were looking for – and distilled it into Toyota’s new Multimedia System and Connected Services. From mobile apps that can connect to a driver’s vehicle and save their favourite temperature to improved Bluetooth connectivity — upgraded and enhanced multimedia features abound in the latest Toyota models.

See what else is new and improved thanks to this intuitive, easy-to-use system.

An available 14-inch smartphone-like touchscreen allows for intuitive and simple interaction with the new system. The high-definition screen (without glare!) allows for easy-to-touch functionality, smart controls, and simple functionality. The system’s main menu is now on the left side and makes it all extremely easy to use. The system’s intuitive design approach makes storing favourite music stations a breeze. Just press the heart button and it’ll be added to your favourites list. Searching for a specific music genre? The menu will show drivers what stations play their favourites.

With Connected Services activated and the available Drive Connect Cloud Navigation, the crisp and clear map screen can be explored with zoom, pan and tilt functionality with intuitive touch control.

The Cloud Navigation includes Google Point-Of-Interest search capability, so navigating to a favourite destination has never been easier and you can also share your ETA with contacts in your phone book. The cloud connectivity allows for system and navigation updates to be installed “over-the-air” so the vehicle will always be up to date. New roads constructed? OTA updates will allow the map to include those too.

“Hey, Hi, Hello, Okay Toyota” – the new Virtual Assistant was designed by Toyota Connected and it’s a game-changer. The feature allows for natural language conversation and helps with in-car functions such as changing audio settings or climate control in select models.

When the available Drive Connect service is activated during trial or subscription periods, the Intelligent Assistant adds even more functionality, such as searching for nearby coffee shops or providing sports or weather information — all by simply making a verbal request.

All drivers have to do is say, “Hey Toyota!” and their virtual assistant is ready to help them get where they need to be.

Who knew an aux cord could drive someone so crazy? Spoiler alert: Toyota Connected designers did. This new system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, so no more plugging in phones to connect to those options.

Ever sat in the driveway frustrated while trying to pair a device? Here’s some good news. The new system is faster and comes with a better connection via Bluetooth. Up to five devices can be paired – two at the same time! Now drivers and their passengers won’t have to figure out whose phone is paired, try and disconnect, then re-pair, etc.

One of the coolest features involves the Toyota mobile app. It builds on an existing function allowing drivers to start the car from their phone. Now with user profiles, drivers can store preferred vehicle settings via the Toyota app. With the user profile paired to either a smartphone device or the vehicle’s smart key, the settings such as music and screen display preferences will automatically be recognized when a driver returns to the vehicle. No more having to readjust everything each time a different person gets behind the wheel, which saves time and, honestly, energy.

The user profiles are also transferrable, so drivers can bring their favourite settings to any Toyota vehicle with the new multimedia system.

The mega touchscreen makes it easy to search via genre for a radio station, then favourite it so it’s not lost. With these convenient upgrades, this new system is certainly putting the “go” in “on-the-go” lifestyle.

Every model also receives a 3-year trial subscription to Remote Connect along with up to 5 years of complimentary Service Connect. Using the Toyota App, owners can remotely start their engine*, lock/unlock their doors and receive vehicle health reports from anywhere in the world.

In addition, every model receives a 3-year trial subscription to Safety Connect, which offers 24/7 Emergency Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Stolen Vehicle Locator and more.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra is the first Toyota model to include this all-new system. But stay tuned, as other models will join soon.

Toyota Canada Inc. (TCI) is the exclusive Canadian distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles. Toyota has sold over five million vehicles in Canada through a national network of 287 Toyota and Lexus dealerships. Toyota is dedicated to bringing safety, quality, dependability and reliability to the vehicles Canadians drive and the service they receive. TCI’s head office is located in Toronto, with regional offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal and Halifax, and parts distribution centres in Toronto and Vancouver. Toyota operates two manufacturing facilities in Canada. Having produced more than eight million vehicles, popular Canadian models built at these facilities include Toyota RAV4, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus RX 350 and RX 450h hybrid. Recent investments at its facilities in Ontario will allow for increased production of the top-selling Toyota RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid models.