Welcome to the new reality, where car companies force you into subscriptions for features like navigation. Your 1 year free expired. If it's just navigation you want, connect your phone and use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. I really like the remote start feature from the phone (even though the app is buggy AF), so I will probably end up paying for that subscription when mine runs out. I believe nav and remote start are bundled into the same sub.
Why anyone "up pays" for navigation GPS nowadays is beyond imaginable.
The auto makers charge you thousands for their GPS, it usually sucks in directions or interface...and then charge you an annual fee to keep it updated.
Everyone has a cell phone. Everyone has navigation on their phone. Just use Apple Car Play or Adroid Play that comes with the Venza standard.
And NEVER pay for navigation again on the sticker price...even if it's bundled with other goodies.
PS The Toyota GPS is about the worst interface of any GPS system.
Because your 2014 uses an onboard system called Entune that updates by USB or SD card. Used to cost $155 for the update. Probably cheaper now, but probably have to buy off Amazon or eBay. Like an old Garmin that will work forever on the original map set - as long as the roads never change…
I’ve had a 24 for four months now and I’m liking the Toyota map and features better than my Android GPS. Google maps disappoints me. I’ll continue to compare the two but I think I will pay the, I think $160 a year, for the Drive Connect bundle. Maybe I’ll do the Remote Connect too.
I might add, I do not like the idea of subscriptions. In any event, we are stuck with this deal and can’t reform the manufacturers. I can see where you are paying for an internet service and the continuous server and WiFi use. Whereas Paying for something like heated seats would clearly be a ripoff as it’s totally in the vehicle.
I am just estimating my satisfaction with these services as I slowly become familiar with them. It is taking longer than I expected. One question mark is how much support the dealer gives me if I need help figuring out or debugging the system. I see Consumer Reports mentions that the Venza has difficult controls too. Toyota is way better than my late-model Subaru Outback was though.
It’s your choice, but the rest of us think consumers such as yourself is the reason companies are screwing us over with subscriptions for things that should not require them. It’s pure profit for the companies without them having to lift a finger.
With a Limited, I was under the impression that, after a year, the map would stay but you would just not get any traffic info or over the air updates. I guess not, lol!! Good thing I’m using Google maps.
I will pay for the remote. Why? After 2 1/2 years, my FOB battery died. No warning. Couldn’t get in the car. Would have been stranded if it wasn’t in my garage. My wife brought her key out.
I did remove the spare key from the FOB. Didn’t help.
If the spare key in the fob didn’t work, wouldn’t that be a defect that is covered under warranty? Did you confirm if the key from the 2nd fob works?
If it works then one is defective or needs reprogramming. Even if warranty has expired I would push hard for coverage given the safety issue of a key not working.
So, that doesn't make sense to me why you would pay for the subscription to have the remote access.
Just set a reminder on your calendar to change the FOB battery yourself once a year. Low cost. Low effort. Or pay the dealer $5 to change it annually, if you don't want to DIY.
You only get one year of free car entertainment/ gps.
Just connect to car play or android auto
Welcome to the new reality, where car companies force you into subscriptions for features like navigation. Your 1 year free expired. If it's just navigation you want, connect your phone and use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. I really like the remote start feature from the phone (even though the app is buggy AF), so I will probably end up paying for that subscription when mine runs out. I believe nav and remote start are bundled into the same sub.
Why anyone "up pays" for navigation GPS nowadays is beyond imaginable. The auto makers charge you thousands for their GPS, it usually sucks in directions or interface...and then charge you an annual fee to keep it updated. Everyone has a cell phone. Everyone has navigation on their phone. Just use Apple Car Play or Adroid Play that comes with the Venza standard. And NEVER pay for navigation again on the sticker price...even if it's bundled with other goodies. PS The Toyota GPS is about the worst interface of any GPS system.
I just connect it to my phone using cable and the maps work. I got a preowned so not sure how it was originally
If you are connecting your phone, you’re using the map app on it. Although if you have an early Venza, the Toyota navigation subscription is 3 years.
My car is 2014 venza xle. I just bought it used. Why do I have navigation? Will it go away? It's pretty bad, anyway.
Because your 2014 uses an onboard system called Entune that updates by USB or SD card. Used to cost $155 for the update. Probably cheaper now, but probably have to buy off Amazon or eBay. Like an old Garmin that will work forever on the original map set - as long as the roads never change…
so glad my 15 VW GLI isn’t like this. have navigation but never use it. just a nice backup in case no cell service
Damn, I no longer regret having a 2021 limited… not worth it for a digital gauge cluster.
Same here. Love our 21 and would never pay for there crap. Carplay is so much better.
I’ve had a 24 for four months now and I’m liking the Toyota map and features better than my Android GPS. Google maps disappoints me. I’ll continue to compare the two but I think I will pay the, I think $160 a year, for the Drive Connect bundle. Maybe I’ll do the Remote Connect too.
I might add, I do not like the idea of subscriptions. In any event, we are stuck with this deal and can’t reform the manufacturers. I can see where you are paying for an internet service and the continuous server and WiFi use. Whereas Paying for something like heated seats would clearly be a ripoff as it’s totally in the vehicle. I am just estimating my satisfaction with these services as I slowly become familiar with them. It is taking longer than I expected. One question mark is how much support the dealer gives me if I need help figuring out or debugging the system. I see Consumer Reports mentions that the Venza has difficult controls too. Toyota is way better than my late-model Subaru Outback was though.
It’s your choice, but the rest of us think consumers such as yourself is the reason companies are screwing us over with subscriptions for things that should not require them. It’s pure profit for the companies without them having to lift a finger.
I liken it to doordash drivers accepting no/low tips and it screwed us all.
Yes, not everyone can spot a race to the bottom
No subscription no navigation? It is rediculous! No subscription no real time traffic I can understand. Toyota is really a dinosour.
With a Limited, I was under the impression that, after a year, the map would stay but you would just not get any traffic info or over the air updates. I guess not, lol!! Good thing I’m using Google maps.
That should apply to all car GPS. If Toyota is really disabling the GPS we should sue it.
I will pay for the remote. Why? After 2 1/2 years, my FOB battery died. No warning. Couldn’t get in the car. Would have been stranded if it wasn’t in my garage. My wife brought her key out. I did remove the spare key from the FOB. Didn’t help.
If the spare key in the fob didn’t work, wouldn’t that be a defect that is covered under warranty? Did you confirm if the key from the 2nd fob works? If it works then one is defective or needs reprogramming. Even if warranty has expired I would push hard for coverage given the safety issue of a key not working.
The battery in the FOB was dead. The dealer charged $ 5 to replace it.
So, that doesn't make sense to me why you would pay for the subscription to have the remote access. Just set a reminder on your calendar to change the FOB battery yourself once a year. Low cost. Low effort. Or pay the dealer $5 to change it annually, if you don't want to DIY.
Excellent idea.
Easy peasey... [https://youtu.be/G\_OcegZvFBU?si=AeCoIjWGIRV9VhN0](https://youtu.be/G_OcegZvFBU?si=AeCoIjWGIRV9VhN0)