What year did Lexus get remote start?
Factory remote start first appeared in the 2007 model year on select Lexus models, and the feature has since expanded across more vehicles and configurations.
Context: what remote start means for Lexus
Remote start allows a driver to start a vehicle’s engine from outside the car, typically using a key fob or a mobile app. For Lexus, the option began as a factory-enabled feature on certain trims and models and later broadened to more of the lineup, sometimes integrated with other convenience technologies such as keyless entry and climate control.
Timeline: when remote start became available
Below is a concise timeline of the major milestones in Lexus’ remote-start rollout. The list highlights when the feature first appeared and how its availability evolved in the years that followed.
- 2007 model year: First factory remote-start option appears on select Lexus models (early adopter availability).
- 2008–2010: Availability expands to additional models and trims, often bundled with keyless entry and other convenience features.
- 2013: Lexus Enform Remote launches, enabling remote start via smartphone on supported models.
- Mid-2010s to present: Remote start becomes more common across the lineup, with options offered through the factory remote or through the Lexus app on supported vehicles.
In summary, Lexus began offering factory remote start in 2007, gradually extending the feature to more models and, later, integrating it with smartphone-based controls through Lexus Enform Remote.
Current access: how you can use remote start today
Today, Lexus owners can typically access remote-start capabilities through two main paths: the key fob (for models that still rely on traditional remotes) and the Lexus Enform Remote app on supported vehicles. Availability can vary by model year, trim, and market, and some owners may still rely on dealership-installed solutions for certain configurations. If you’re evaluating a specific model, check the original window sticker or contact a Lexus dealer to confirm whether factory remote start is included, and whether it can be activated via a smartphone app.
Factory vs. aftermarket considerations
Factory remote start is designed to work within a vehicle’s integrated systems and keyless entry setup, and it can offer advantages in reliability and safety features. Aftermarket remote-start systems exist as an alternative, but they may affect warranties or require professional installation and may not integrate as seamlessly with Lexus’ climate and security features.
Smartphone integration: Lexus Enform Remote
For compatible models, Lexus Enform Remote expands remote-start capabilities to smartphones, enabling you to start the engine, lock/unlock doors, and manage climate control from afar. Availability depends on model year and market, and some features may require a subscription and activation through Lexus’ service.
Summary
The Lexus remote-start journey began in 2007 on select models, with broader adoption in subsequent years and added smartphone control through the Lexus Enform Remote system starting around 2013. Today, many Lexus vehicles offer remote-start options via the key fob or the Lexus app, though exact availability varies by model and market. If you’re considering a Lexus and remote start is important to you, verify the feature for the specific model year and trim and ask about both factory and app-based options.
