The $12,600 Toyota Probox Can Now Call Emergency Services After A Crash

A vehicle that costs less than $13,000 isn't usually where you'd expect to find connected safety technology. Yet Toyota has just given the Probox a telematics upgrade that can automatically contact emergency services after a crash and, in certain situations, even alert police.

The update applies to every Probox sold in Japan. Toyota has made its T-Connect system standard equipment across the range, adding a dedicated communication module and five years of connected services.

The Probox may be one of the oldest vehicles in Toyota's domestic lineup, but the company continues to update it almost every year. The current generation has been around since 2014, while the nameplate itself dates back to 2002. Despite the steady stream of revisions, its boxy design and work-focused cabin remain largely unchanged.

The biggest addition is HelpNet, an emergency assistance system linked to the vehicle's airbags. If a collision occurs, the system can automatically contact emergency operators. It can also notify law enforcement if it detects driving behavior that suggests the vehicle may have been stolen or that the driver could be in danger.

Toyota has also added eCare, allowing drivers to contact a support center whenever a warning light appears. Advisors can help determine whether the vehicle can continue its journey or requires immediate attention.

Through the My Toyota+ smartphone app, owners can remotely check door-lock status, verify whether the hazard lights are active, and receive notifications if the vehicle has been left unlocked.

No mechanical changes accompany the update. Buyers can still choose between a 1.5-liter gasoline engine producing 108 hp and a 1.5-liter hybrid with a combined output of 99 hp. The gasoline model is available with either front- or all-wheel drive, while the hybrid remains front-wheel drive only.

Pricing starts at ¥1,965,700 ($12,600) for the front-wheel-drive gasoline version and rises to ¥2,308,900 ($14,800) for the flagship hybrid F grade. The new telematics hardware adds ¥47,300 ($300) across the lineup.

Even with the increase, the most expensive Probox still costs less than a base Corolla Touring in Japan.

The latest update should keep the aging wagon on sale for at least another year. Reports from Japan suggest Toyota is already developing a successor, expected to arrive in late 2027 or 2028. The next-generation model is rumored to switch to the Yaris-based TNGA-B platform and bring a significant upgrade in design, technology, and price.