The Story

Toyota is expanding its Japan-only factory retrofit program to allow owners to upgrade older vehicles with modern safety, infotainment, and convenience features.

But there is one thing that older cars are missing out on: modern creature comforts. If you want new tech, you have to buy a new car. Toyota recognized that and decided to come up with a solution with a manufacturer upgrade service. Now, it’s expanding the factory-backed retrofit program to even more Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

Toyota’s idea builds on its brand reputation for reliability. Believe it or not, some people still like driving their cars until the wheels fall off. They’re not just going to throw out their ten-year-old Toyota or Lexus when it runs and drives perfectly fine. But they might be itching for a way to get some simple in-app connectivity pushed to their aging vehicle.

Some of the tech-focused add-ons include remote start and climate preconditioning via your phone, connected alarm system, larger infotainment screens, blind spot monitoring, and even remote parking capabilities. There are some other comforts offered like wireless charging, hands-free power tailgate, and a USB-C retrofit. Toyota also adds some personalization options for…

It’s not all just looks and tech, though. Toyota has some performance tricks up its sleeve for models like the GR Yaris, Toyota 86, and Lexus RC that cover brakes, suspension, and tuning. Lexus RZ has an optional performance boost package which adds 40 horsepower and a virtual 8-speed gearbox to its repertoire. It also gets an “interactive manual drive sound” and virtual…

Hybrids, plug-in hybrids, EV, and hydrogen models that are eligible for the upgrade program include the Toyota bZ4X, Crown, Prius, Mirai, as well as the Lexus RZ and CT.

Why It Matters

Toyota also adds some personalization options for interior lighting, custom gauge colors, and brightly-colored seatbelts.

CarMotion Daily’s Take

Buzz Returns For 2027 With New Trims And One Big Fix Owners Wanted Kia Just Gave Its Affordable EVs More Power And Pretend Gears This Upgrade Could Make The Rivian R2 Fully Autonomous—Eventually We want your opinion!. Watch this space over the coming weeks.

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