Can someone explain to me why my 2016 TRD Access Cab Tacoma doesn't have smart key on the passenger

Same here, makes no sense to me.

 

My 2007 Prius and 2007 Camry hybrid both had smart key access on both doors. I don't think anyone means it is a massive issue, just makes no sense why they would not offer it on both doors. I would love to know the technical reason.

 

I don't get why the unlock button on mine is on the bottom and the lock is on top. :mindblown

 

It's not super technical, but I'm pretty sure I know the reason: it was cheaper. Haha.

When Toyota started using smart key about 11-12 years ago on Lexus models it was typically used on all 4 doors, then the cheaper Lexus models started getting it on only the front doors and people would ask why only the front doors have it and their other Lexus used to have it on the rear doors. Now apparently on the Tacoma they thought it was really only needed on the driver's door. I hope other cars don't follow suit. Only having it on the one door wouldn't be very "smart" to me.

Jeff

 

Functionally it makes perfect sense, when you grab the handle to open the door it unlocks. When you're closing the door you can push the lock touch button more easily?

Jeff

 

And the only other very odd decision was to not include climate controls on the steering wheel, a feature my nearly 10 year old Prius and Camry had as well. Certainly not a "problem" but along the same lines of just being a head scratcher as to why it would not be there.

 

Should have been more clear on what I was talking about. I'm talking about my key fob.

 

What year was the Camry? Almost no Toyotas come with any sort of climate controls on the steering wheel. I had thought the Prius was the only one actually. That's interesting.

Gotcha, that I can't answer, but it is how Toyota has been doing it since forever.

Jeff

 

I had a 2007 Camry Hybrid

 

Right, yes I do recall that now on the XLE models.

That would be nice, Lexus doesn't even do that usually.

Jeff

 

Yea maybe since I had it both of those 2007 Toyota models I mistakenly assumed in those 9 years it would be included with the Premium Technology option.

 

OP... I agree. Total pain in the ass. I walk out to my truck every morning toting my back pack, gym bag and work boots and have to set the stuff down to get in my pocket and get out the keys to unlock the passenger door. We have two other vehicles (2015 Mustang GT Premium and 2016 Subaru Forester Touring) and BOTH of them have the smart key on the passenger door. I don't have many complaints about my Taco.... But this is sure one. Kinda bummed as well that the tailgate needs a key to lock it when NOTHING else on the truck uses a key. Luckily for me when i lock the glass on the LEER top it prevents the tailgate from operating.

 

Yea my scenario is the same, lug gym bag and lunch box to work every day. Typically I now just go to the driver door smart lock which unlocks both doors and then walk to the other side. It's a minor thing in the big picture but still feels like an unnecessary oversight/cost cutting on a 35k truck.

 

Not quite true, Glovebox.

 

IMO they did this intentionally so the 2017 has move to grow and be different. Same with having a @#%ing key lock on the tailgate instead of an automatic lock.

 

I would expect something is going to change on the tailgate lock as well for smart key models. My best guess is that the key insert in the smart key will be used going forward.

Jeff

 

WOW I paid 22,500 and I just push the button on my remote and bingo door open!

 

It hasn't been on the steering wheel of any Camry since 2012 either, no Toyota offers that anymore. They probably assume most people just leave it on auto and don't do much adjusting anyways, whereas with the new center display you need a control on the wheel to move the menus around. Too many buttons on the steering wheel is a bad thing, unless you want an 80's Pontiac steering wheel

 

Ya I feel for you the SR does not even have a remote so I had to go to the drivers side to open passenger side. To fix I had a viper alarm put in now I just hit unlock on remote.