Toyota Audio Multimedia with 5G arrives in 2026 RAV4

Toyota unveils its enhanced Audio Multimedia system with 5G, customizable UX, and built-in Drive Recorder in the 2026 RAV4, marking a step toward fully software-defined vehicles.

Toyota is entering a new era of in-car connectivity with the latest evolution of its Toyota Audio Multimedia system, set to debut in the 2026 RAV4. The compact SUV will be the first Toyota model to feature AT&T 5G network integration, marking the company’s transition toward fully software-defined vehicles supported by over-the-air updates.

The new multimedia platform runs on Automotive Grade Linux and incorporates Woven by Toyota’s Arene software development kit. This combination establishes the technological foundation for Toyota’s next-generation innovations in safety, connectivity, and infotainment. The project was developed jointly by TMNA and Toyota Connected North America (TCNA) in close cooperation with Toyota Motor Corporation.

Design-wise, the interface has been completely reimagined. The system now resembles a “smartphone on wheels,” featuring customizable widgets, a quick-access control menu, and a user-friendly layout. Turn-by-turn navigation can now be displayed directly on the digital gauge cluster, while the “Hey Toyota” voice assistant delivers faster responses through on-device processing rather than cloud-based requests.

Another major update is the built-in Drive Recorder, which uses the car’s external cameras to capture and store driving footage. Drivers can view or export recordings through the vehicle’s display or via USB, eliminating the need for a separate dashcam.

For plug-in hybrid drivers, the new EV Domain serves as a control hub for charging schedules, range management, and trip planning with charging stops. The feature syncs seamlessly with the Toyota app, allowing users to monitor their vehicle’s charge remotely.

On the entertainment side, Toyota adds SiriusXM with 360L and integrated streaming features. While Apple Music and Amazon Music are officially supported, Spotify integration in the U.S. market has not yet been confirmed.

The new Connected Services plans—Drive Connect and Remote Connect—start at $15 per month and include cloud-based navigation, voice assistance, and remote vehicle controls. Together with AT&T 5G connectivity and Woven’s Arene platform, these updates point to Toyota’s broader vision: cars that evolve continuously, learn from data, and integrate smoothly into the digital lives of their drivers.