2021 Prius Prime LE vs. XLE Remote Connect Question

This sounds like a bug to me that some remote services aren't available on the XLE, because this would generally have nothing to do with the dash/screen differences between the LE and the XLE. I think you are in a unique position in hashing this out with Toyota since you have both the trims and can argue on why the XLE isn't able to do these remote things that the LE is able to.

 

Interesting. According to Toyota's publication, only Remote Connect functionality available to Prius Prime (all trims) is supposed to be Remote Climate control. It says nothing about other remote functionality you mentioned above (i.e. monitor tire pressure, change charge schedules, and view vehicle status (door locks, windows up or down, and trip A/B details). I commented on this in a different thread, but since I don't have 2021 PP, I can't confirm any of this. Historically, Toyota used different software for the LE (or Plus) model with a 7" display compared to XLE or Limited (Premium or Advanced) that came with an 11.6" display. This difference made some fundamental functionality differences such as AA being available only on the 2021 PP LE model but not on XLE or Limited. I am not sure if there are some functionality differences in the Remote Connect between those trims that Toyota did not include in the publication.

Very interested in finding the final confirmation on the differences between trims.

See my comment here: 2021 Prime | Page 3 | PriusChat

 

You’re not alone. 2021 XLE here. Toyota App 3.0 app only shows Charge Mgmt and Remote Services (remote climate function). My Eco History doesn’t even update under Charge Mgmt. Not sure why a lower trim Prime has way more functions on the app. I think Limited trim has the same issues.

 

The only thing I can think of is the other functions work on the LE work because it goes through codes readable by Android Auto or uses it as a bypass and transmits to the app. XLE and Limited only have Apple Car Play and the typical data do not transmit as it may be block by Apple or a bypass is not allowed.

 

I think you wanted to say "a lower trim (LE) Prime has more functions on app." If this is case, it may be related to the fact 7" HU is more amenable to the integration of Toyota software that is available across other models. The fact only 2021 LE with 7" HU has AA integration, not on XLE or Limited with the 11.6" HU is evidence that higher trims have less functionality available. Maybe Toyota did not want to spend money or resource on the development of apps for only a few models with 11.6" HU. I might be wrong, but that's my guess.

 

Agreed. I had a 2017 PP Premium (XLE equivalent) but hated the 11.6" display and faux leather Softex seats. Those two "features" are the main reason I traded it in for the 2020 PP LE. I was very happy with the 2020 PP LE, but then came COVID-19. I really did not need a daily driver anymore. I sold it recently for a ~$4000 profit. I am thinking my next car is going to be a BEV, but if I can't find an affordable one, I know I will pick up PP again. And if I do, it will be the LE model. LE is perfectly suitable for my needs and wants, plus the higher trims do not get much more resale value when it comes to trading it in again. I can make more profit by buying LE and selling it later.

 

We wanted the 2021 Limited in order to get the blind spot monitor/sonar safety stuff - I'd actually prefer more buttons and knobs - so this is a bit annoying. Toyota: If you're going to give us the "upgraded/premium price" - and big touch screen, etc. HOW CAN YOU TAKE AWAY FUNCTIONALITY?.

So despite my owners manual and online guidance - Entune 3.0 will not work for my vehicle - I can't monitor doors/windows, etc.?

I like seeing the battery charging, etc. - but very annoying that the Prime model/trim that cost $6k less has better eco history/monitoring/control.

Is there any chance this could be fixed/changed by Toyota with some kind of firmware update in the future?

I LOVE this vehicle - love the lane tracing/blind spot - and wouldn't buy another trim level - and certainly didn't buy a car for the touch screen/apps - but JFC - it's a plug in EV/Hybrid - and the ability to see/monitor/tweak it is less on the most expensive model?

Come on Toyota. Very annoying and disappointing.

 

Hi there, just got a 2021 PP LE. Kind of off topic, but is anyone else confused about the Remote Services?

I reviewed your pictures and they exactly mirror my app. I have a brand new 2021 LE, purchased just a few days ago. It is frustrating that the services do not seem to work as advertised... the remote connect support site seems to be down too (see screenshots)

 

I called SOS and Remote services and they said that my car is not capable of the Remote connect. I bought a brand new 2021 Prius Prime XLE and upon downloading the Toyota app, it only shows Safety connected services. Although it shows remote services with a START VEHICLE function, it won’t allow me to TURN ON my car, giving me a message “ SERVER ERROR OCCURED”


Any tips??

 

I just bought a limited. I am experiencing the same problem. SERVER ERROR OCCURED

 

I thought the LE doesn't support that

Can you lock / unlock with the app?

 

You need to have a EV charge for it to work.

 

So now "I" am completely confused. My salesman said I have remote start on my two week old 2021 Prime XLE. The manual makes it very confusing when it refers to features by "if available" too. I hate the fact that enabling Car Play negates all the features I used with Entune in my prior 2012. Remote A/C is at the absolute bottom of my list of useful features. I see it as a waste of energy. I don't like Siri but I do like using the voice call feature. I haven't found where the "projection" feature is described yet. Just a BIG learning curve after 9 years. And what about grill blocking? Do I or don't I? Don't like not having my gauges either - feel like I'm no longer in control of RPM or regen amps or coolant temp or SOC etc. And normal mode doesn't feel the same - feels too aggressive. Love the car but.......

 

I have the 2021 PP Limited trim, also dont have the status alerts.
I left the doors and windows opened, and i am not seeing status alerts.

I am hoping there would be a fix and not a limitation because we paid more money compared to the lower trim.

It's already a let down the LE trim has android play and the XLE and Limited does not.

 

Yes, my salesman told me the same thing. After several weeks of tech calls and talks with the dealer, the dealer gave in and bought and installed an after market remote start.

Remote Connect works for heating/AC if there’s a 20% or more charge.

Projection turns into ApplePlay when an iPhone is plugged in.

Entune isn't supported anymore as far as I can tell.

 

The app is garbage in my opinion. I stopped trying to get it to work. Too much trouble. (2021 prime limited)