[FrankMurphy]

Does anyone have any insight as to when/if Toyota will release an OEM Remote Starter (START+ ?)
or engine block heater for the 2019 Rav4 Hybrid? I live in northern Canada and thus winters can get
down to -40C / -40F with the wind for extended periods. I'm not interested in aftermarket, just want
to stick with OEM stuff.

I asked my dealer and they had no idea at all so seeing if any of you had any insight on if they are coming
down the pipe, what the delays are, etc?

thanks!

 

[rdgrimes]

The OEM block heater isn't really much use for extreme cold, you should be looking at one of the locally popular aftermarket setups. The Toyota heater is something like 400W.
Honestly, the hybrid system is very efficient, and you are going to get pretty good results and lowest cost just by starting it and letting the ICE run for 2-3 min.

 

[FrankMurphy]

I thought the block heater would help a lot as it keeps the engine oil warm so the vehicle heats up quicker and doesn't stress the engine with thick/cold oil? It's also the fact that there can be a quarter inch of frozen ice on the windshield as well that's why I have to let it idle in the winter (remote start) as it's too unsafe to drive and squirt a couple litres of windshield. Lots of times it can be scraped off, but some times if it's warm-ish in the daytime then temp drops overnight cause thick ice on the windshield

 

[Quickdtoo]

In the US '19s with Audio Plus and Premium infotainment system equipped models come with factory remote start if connected services are active.

 

[FrankMurphy]

Thx for the suggestion, but I have the LE base trim in Canada and no "SOS" button so no connected services :-(

 

[rdgrimes]

I thought the block heater would help a lot as it keeps the engine oil warm so the vehicle heats up quicker and doesn't stress the engine with thick/cold oil? It's also the fact that there can be a quarter inch of frozen ice on the windshield as well that's why I have to let it idle in the winter (remote start) as it's too unsafe to drive and squirt a couple litres of windshield. Lots of times it can be scraped off, but some times if it's warm-ish in the daytime then temp drops overnight cause thick ice on the windshield

On these engines, the oil is not heated at all. Its a small 400w element that is inserted into the aluminum block. Research the block heater for the Prius and previous Rav4 models. I'm assuming that has not changed, but its also possible that its no longer available at all. It'll get you a brief blast of warm-ish air on startup, but only after having it plugged in for hours. Like I said, just running the ICE for a few minutes will get you there and probably at less cost.
The gen-4 HV system has several updates for cold weather, including active grill shutters. I wouldn't plan to spend a dime on this until you have a chance to live with the car for a while. Use the remote start and let it run for 3 min then get in and go. Or however long it takes to thaw the glass.

 

[rvs007]

Thx for the suggestion, but I have the LE base trim in Canada and no "SOS" button so no connected services :-(

It doesn't matter if it has Toyota Connect or not (SOS), the remote connection functions are not available in Canada anyway so even if you have the SOS, you can't use the Toyota app nor the smart keyfob to remote start.

The Toyota OEM Start+ remote starter is available for the 2019 RAV4, but it's priced at $900+ installed before tax.

 

[Danno001]

I believe the START+ is only available with Entune 3 (extra connectivity), available in XSE and Limited Trim.
A block heater heats the engine coolant, if you want the oil preheated install something like a Wolverine oil pan pad heater. 150 watts is plenty. I have installed hundreds of those on a fleet of trucks.
Stock block heater and oil pan heater work well together in our Canadian cold. Having warm coolant and warm oil is a huge advantage in -15C or colder starts. And no need than more than 4 hours of plugin time needed, a 120V 15 AMP timer is great for this.

 

[Pickapooly]

I thought the block heater would help a lot as it keeps the engine oil warm so the vehicle heats up quicker and doesn't stress the engine with thick/cold oil? It's also the fact that there can be a quarter inch of frozen ice on the windshield as well that's why I have to let it idle in the winter (remote start) as it's too unsafe to drive and squirt a couple litres of windshield. Lots of times it can be scraped off, but some times if it's warm-ish in the daytime then temp drops overnight cause thick ice on the windshield

Yes there is a block heather available from Toyota and is very expensive $ 599.- installed
I’m in the process of buying a XSE and mentioned to take off tire and rim insurance $576.-
and etching the windows with the serial number an other $ 888.- the block heather
including installing for 50% off. Just the parts for the the block heather that comes with the plugin that is being mounted in the front bumper and a short and long extension cord
the price for just the parts is around $ 200.- not installed