Yes, to use any is the toyota services, you'll need to opt in for toyota connected services.
The Maps are updated on the go. Meaning it is continuously being updated since it's connected to the cloud or toyota servers.
There are firmware updates for both the infotainment and navigation. To check if you have the latest update is either call up your local dealer and ask if there are any updates or check out this website, https://securedp.toyota.com/download-app/downloads

 

Thanks!

 

Just an FYI, the updates that are available on the website fungabriel provided are from April and May of 2019, so they may not be of any use for your 2020.

 

Thanks, that is correct- no updates for 2020 yet, but I saved the link to check every so often.

 

I know it's off topic and lame to say, but this is another reason to have phone with one of the popular navigation apps that updates itself every few hrs, or on the go, and costs nothing. Please, do not be offended, as you paid for all the great features. Just saying. Year old "updates" just don't fly well with me.

 

It's nice to have built-in navigation though as a backup. Where I live, data connection is spotty, and in NYC between tall buildings, I often lose signal.

 

Not offended at all. I didn’t buy for the navigation at all, but since it’s there I’d like to keep it updated if it’s easy enough. I use Waze on Carplay if I am actually needing navigation, but I leave dynamic navigation on if I don’t have an unfamiliar destination. My son like looking at the map from the back seat. I don’t plan on paying anything for connected services once the free subscription runs out.

 

True, there is no update for the 2020 Avalon though there is a recent firmware update for the 2019 Avalon.
The latest for the Premium and Audio Plus version should be 1013. The navigation version are both 1016 and 1031.

There is also a Navigation Map Update update for both 2019 and 2020 back in April 2019.

Some 2018 – 2020 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software. The SST is used with applicable vehicles to deliver the update; however, the process for generating license keys differs from previous generations.

To check the version number,
Turn on the car.
Click on the Maps button.
Click on the Map Options icon, (The small square that has grid lines in it)
Click on Map Data
The TSB shows 05-67-50 [2016-12-0]
The TSB doesn't show what the new version is though it should be 2019-12-0 or something.
This has to be done at the dealership.

 

True, there is no update for the 2020 Avalon though there is a recent firmware update for the 2019 Avalon.
The latest for the Premium and Audio Plus version should be 1013. The navigation version are both 1016 and 1031.

There is also a Navigation Map Update update for both 2019 and 2020 back in April 2019.


To check the version number,
Turn on the car.
Click on the Maps button.
Click on the Map Options icon, (The small square that has grid lines in it)
Click on Map Data
The TSB shows 05-67-50 [2016-12-0]
The TSB doesn't show what the new version is though it should be 2019-12-0 or something.
This has to be done at the dealership.

Thanks. It looks like I'm all up to date. I have 1013 for audio and a version 1035 for navigation. The head unit does not find any updates as well.

 

I see. Thanks for letting me know. I’m new to this type of tech in cars.

 

fungabriel,
My 2019 Avalon Limited with the Premium Audio is showing 1013 for Audio and 1016 for Navigation.
Should it also be showing 1031 for Navigation?
Thanks

 

The 1016 is probably for the avalon and the 1031 for another vehicle on that list. Both 1016 and 1031 are the newest version so if you have 1016 then you are good.

 

Does my 2019 Avalon Limited have an SD card slot somewhere, or just the USB in the console box?
The manual does make reference to using "SD cards or USB stick" in various places. Fossil text?

Does Garmin provide the "stock OEM" map software, or is it something you can buy from Garmin & install instead of the OEM map software?

I came across these web pages about how to check for & update Garmin maps:

Garmin Product Updates

auto oem

toyota.garmin.com

FAQ PDF: Toyota Navigation Updates

I have a hand-held Garmin unit at least a decade old but I purchased lifetime maps & even updated them a couple weeks ago (didn't know if I'd be able to figure out how to use the built-in maps when driving my new used Avalon home) ; can I load them into the Infotainment center ?

Is there any way to stop this site from shortening the URL I enter? They ARE different.

How do I figure out if my car needs this dealer tool to do an update?
file: TOYOTA MAP UPDATE - Premium Audio Navigation Map Update Process T-SB-0047-19
Some 2018 – 2020 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update

 

The Garmin maps can not be loaded into the Toyota system.
Your Avalon does not have an SD card slot, all firmware updates are through the USB data port in your console, however, as discussed above, your maps update OTA, but you need to be subscribed to get the updates and use the Dynamic Navigation.

 

So which Toyota systems CAN utilize Garmin? Its a Toyota website page, telling you how to update it.
And with Premium Sound, you get a 10 year subscription to ... something... what exactly?
How many different paid services exist for a 2019?

I wanted a car with a computer, but it seems I got a mobile computer.
Quite a shock coming from my 1994 Mercury Sable.
I donated him to the Humane Society.
They promised to take him out to the country, where he can drive with no speed limit & burn all the leaded gas he can pump.

 

I let all my services lapse. As for Nav, anywhere I go I use Garmin. I like it, I like the layout, and I have maps updated forever. I noticed differences in routes when Inwould in the Avalon map along with the Garmin and I did not like Toyota’s eouting. It that’s just me.

I have some questions.

1. I used to get a message as,I got if I wanted a download of something. I used to do it in my garage until I found that it would do it even when I was out. I haven’ seen those messages in a while. Will I get them and it’s only that there has not been a need since July 24th, which is the end of my 3 years of ownership?

2. when I am driving I’ll get a message telling me they can’t identify me and I need to log on, to something. So I log on to a Toyota app but have no idea if that fixed anything or not.

3. I used to get emails that told me every month my miles and that my oil was ok and my key battery was ok but I no longer get them.

If I no longer subscribe to any emergency help, nor Nav, nor AutoStart, etc., none of which I really need (I have AAA) what am I really missing? The last time I needed to replace my key battery I got a warning notice, and I get the Maintenance Required one too.

I bought my Limited because after my 2000 Limited performed so well and cost so little over 18 years I just wanted a new one with newer technology.I see no need to buy more stuff for events that might never happen.

 

Using only the Toyota app, I dare you to try to fully understand their suite of Connected Services. I dare you. Go ahead and try. For example, what happened to Service Connect? How many services are there, really, and what precisely do they do?

I have had my 2020 Limited for only 16 months, and I should still have both active Safety and Service Connect services, but nowhere — nowhere— does it show everything that’s available, or what’s still active.

 

Tap "My Garage" and you have more options there:

 

What is My Garage and where do I find it?

 

That screen where it shows Trial and Paid services: Where’s Service Connect?

 

I would assume that is under Safety Connect, or possibly the Remote services since that is the service that relates to the primary functions of the app.

5 or so years ago when they started the subscription services, IIRC, there were 5 different items that required a paid sub... service and safety were separate, along with navigation, WiFi hotspot, and the convenience items (remote connect).
It is now down to three for my car, models with Nav would still have 4.


Send Toyota an email. They have been extremely responsive and helpful when I have contacted them.
I can't say the same for AT&T, who after having me on the phone for over an hour, resorted to the cop-out answer that my connection speed that makes dialup look fast is because the towers have too much traffic. Ya... they mean to tell me that every AT&T Mobile customer in Los Angeles has transfer speeds incapable of streaming a Youtube video?
I wish Toyota had stuck with Verizon.

 

My 2020 Limited was sold with Safety Connect and Service Connect as two separate subscriptions, valid for three years. But the app is a mess, and it’s not clear what happened to Service Connect. I still can’t be certain what the Dynamic Navigation versus Destination Assist Connect subscription is— I mean, I get the idea behind the two, the latter being a human you can talk to— but it’s not clear from the app whether you have them or not. Remote Connect is different from Service Connect, I’m sure of that.

This is more of a rant than anything else. I truly don’t care that much, except perhaps for Safety Connect. That’s the only service I’d like to keep.

 

Very top of the first screenshot.

 

I have a 2019 Limited, and the Service Connect is no longer offered as a paid or even free service as far as I can tell, even on the Toyota App.

I have on my Toyota App:

Safety Connect: (Free for first 3 years)
Dynamic Navigation:
Wi-Fi Connect: Verizon charges me $20 a month.
Remote Connect: $8 a month
Destination Assist: $8 a month
Safety Connect: (Free for first 3 years)

 

I have a 2019 Limited, and the Service Connect is no longer offered as a paid or even free service as far as I can tell, even on the Toyota App.

I have on my Toyota App:

Safety Connect: (Free for first 3 years)
Dynamic Navigation:
Wi-Fi Connect: Verizon charges me $20 a month.
Remote Connect: $8 a month
Destination Assist: $8 a month
Safety Connect: (Free for first 3 years)

So the app is ambiguous about Service Connect and Dynamic Navigation — you are left to guess. And you have Safety Connect twice. Good job, Toyota app. Crystal clear 😀

 

Thanks, Rich. I’m primarily making a mockery of the Toyota app. Because, frankly, it’s a mess and Toyota deserves it.

 

I really would like to know the story on the Dynamic Navigation.
Does it no longer require a visit to the dealer and $170 for 2 years?
Or is that still required for the 2019, and it's OTA on 2020 and newer?

If I had a 2019 and my wife had a 2020, and I found I'd have to pay $170 every 2 years......

 

It is my understanding (confirmed by my local parts department manager) that as long as you have the Destination Assist ($8 a month or $80 for a year) active, every time you use the Navigation system for a specific route somewhere, it down loads the most current map data that Toyota has for your currently suggested route (hence the little "cloud" you see on the Navigation screen).

So you always have the most current data that Toyota has WHEN YOUR ON A ROUTE you have asked for guidance on either through Destination Assist, or by inputting a destination yourself, or using a previous destination or by using a favorite destination that is stored in the system.

Now if you just want to drive around and see the most current map data all the time, you need to have the base map installed in the system updated periodically by the dealers service department at an extra cost.

Personally, I don't see myself paying for an update to the internally installed map data any time soon, as I see little or no benefit for the way we use the navigation system.

 

Personally, I don't see myself paying for an update to the internally installed map data any time soon, as I see little or no benefit for the way we use the navigation system.

I agree with that. But, the only thing that bothers me is even though I don't use the car's GPS, it still provides the speed limit in the info center and it is often wrong (out of date).

 

Imagine if the clear explanation @dklanecky wrote actually appeared in the Toyota app. Please submit it to Toyota’s app developers!

 

I have a 2019 Limited for a little over 3 years purchased new--on Toyota App it shows Paid Services as Remote Connect which I paid for and Dynamic Nav. ,on Remote Services I hit right arrow and gives explanation of service and my exp. date .On Dynamic Nav it gives explanation of service and nothing else ,am I to assume it is now a free service as there is no option to renew or expiration date .Also under manage subscriptions it says I have two active .Remote and Dynamic I would assume and I only pay for one .Hope this is clear .

 

Seriously.
It's going to be impossible to do this online.
PLEASE schedule an appointment with your local dealer, describe your situation, and ask for a "new car orientation" with a person.
It's going to be a LOT faster and painless than repeatedly going over everything that is covered in your manual.

If you do not have a cell phone, then many of the subscription features will not be useful to you.
Remote connect provides remote start and lock/unlock, as well as vehicle information from your phone.
Service Connect provides email (and maybe phone?) alerts on issues where you may require service.
Destination Assist is accessed via the SOS button. A human will talk you through to your destination.
Safety Connect is included when any of the above three are subscribed. Safety Connect is Toyota's version of Onstar.

 

Bought it from another state, not making that drive!
And not sitting in an enclosed space with a stranger for the forseeable future.

not in the manual: what is the frequency response & distortion of the AUX input? The Bluetooth input?

 

The Bluetooth input is irrelevant since you don't have a phone.

 

No, there are mp3 players which transmit bluetooth.
And why do you think that knowledge should be restricted to those with an immediate application for that knowledge?

Stil dunno how I obtain an updated map which is complete & loaded in my navigation console memory.