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Toyota's car subscription service rewards you for safe driving

Toyota has teamed up with Sumitomo Mitsui Auto Service Company to launch a new car subscription service with gamification elements in Japan. The program is called Kinto, and it'll offer two tiers: the first, called Kinto One, will allow you to drive one Toyota vehicle over a three-year period for anywhere between $420 and $900 a month. When the tier becomes available on March 1st, you can choose from the available Prius, Corolla Sport, Alphard, Vellfire and Crown models. The other tier called Kinto Select will give you the power to drive one of the available Lexus-branded vehicles for $1,630 a month for three years. Now, what truly makes Kinto potentially more interesting than other leasing services is a rewards program that awards points based on how well you drive. Toyota didn't really expound on how it will work, other than saying that it will "award points to customers based on their vehicle usage (such as for safe or ecological driving)." As TechCrunch notes, the assumption is that the vehicle's in-car connected system will come with the ability to monitor your driving. Best thing about it is that the points you earn aren't useless rewards you can't even use: you'll be able to apply them toward payments. Kinto's Select option will be available starting on February 6th, almost a full month before the more affordable Kinto One launches. Both will be available via select dealers in Tokyo on a trial basis, and they won't officially roll out across Japan until summer. The points program won't be available until fall, when Kinto One's options will also expand. Unfortunately, there's no word on whether Kinto will eventually roll out in the US and other markets outside Toyota's home nation.For more information on Vehicle Subscription Services, check out the Complete Guide.Reporting by Mariella Moon for Engadget.Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.

2023 Lexus GX makes do with small changes

Toyota leaves its hardcore SUVs to ripen on the vine for long spells. That means that in comparison with the rest of the luxury segment, Lexus SUVs are nearly fermented by the time the make way for the new harvest. Each year gets its small updates, though, Lexus announcing the fiddling its done on the 2023 GX 460. Last year saw a larger roster of changes, including a Black Line edition like other Lexus models with available Nori Green Pearl paint, a long overdue update to the infotainment system that saw the installation of a 10.3-inch touchscreen atop a revised center stack with more minimalist buttons and switches, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, plus standard navigation, parking sensors, and power folding and heated mirrors. For 2023, the Black Line returns with new standard kit and a production cap of 3,000 units. Available on the Premium trim, there's a darker finish on the grille and surround, the fog lamp surrounds and skid plate. The roof rails and shark fin are painted black, and instead of red taillights, there are clear lights with black inserts. The package sits on exclusive 18-inch gloss black wheels. Inside, a black headliner lords over Boulder Gray NuLuxe-trimmed seats, black matte ash wood trim, and contrasting gray stitching. The special edition comes with Panoramic View Monitor thrown in as well. The color palette shrinks by one hue, Claret Mica going away. Starfire Peal also disappears, but it's been replaced by Eminent White Pearl. The top Luxury trim — above base and Premium —picks up Mark Levinson Premium Surround Sound Audio as standard equipment.  Prices are slightly higher than last year. The base 2022 GX 460 has gone up $300 to $57,575 after destination, Premium trim also $300 more dear at $58,910, the Luxury trim up by $1,445 to $68,230. Two years ago, Toyota filed a trademark application in Costa Rica for a Lexus GX 550. The global market Toyota Land Cruiser Prado that the GX is based on is anticipated to get a next-generation model next year, perhaps with the option of the 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6 found in the new Land Cruiser. Whenever the revamped Prado debuts, an all-new Lexus GX shouldn't be far behind. 

Fresh-faced Lexus NX crossover set to debut in Shanghai

The updated Lexus NX compact crossover is set to show its revised face at Auto Shanghai 2017. The NX debuted back in 2014, which means the time is prime for a mid-cycle refresh. While this won't be an all-new model, expect fresh styling both inside and out. The single teaser images shows a new headlight design and possibly a reworked grille. We don't know much beyond that. The NX, which shares a platform with the Toyota RAV4, comes with the choice of two powertrains and the option of front or all-wheel drive. The NX 200t is powered by a 235 horsepower turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine. The 300h is the requisite hybrid model. Its total system output is 194 horsepower. In addition to the updated NX, Lexus is rolling out the LS 500h for an Asian audience. The car debuted earlier this month in Geneva. Look for more photos and info after the debut on either April 19 or 20. Related Video: Image Credit: Lexus Design/Style Auto Shanghai Lexus Crossover Luxury lexus nx refresh lexus nx 200t lexus nx 300h