As a new owner of a 2023 RAV4 Prime, needing a second smart key fob and emergency blade key led me on a journey to find the most cost-effective and reliable solution. Initially, a locksmith specializing in import key programming quoted $325, including the smart key, programming, and emergency key duplication. However, despite their experience with RAV4 hybrids, their device couldn’t access my Prime’s ECU due to software differences.
Discovering that my local Toyota dealer programs genuine Toyota fobs for just $85 (minus a $10 service coupon), I sourced a key fob from BAM Wholesale Parts for $144.50 shipped. The dealer programming cost $75, and an emergency blade key from a locksmith added $25, bringing the total to $244.50 before tax. While more than initially hoped, it was still significantly less than the locksmith’s quote and worth the extra research.
It’s important to note that Toyota reportedly no longer allows used smart key fobs to be reprogrammed for different RAV4s. My locksmith mentioned recent failures with used fobs and anticipates a potential software workaround in the future. The emergency key creation was a modern process: a high-resolution image of my existing key was taken and wirelessly transmitted to a CNC router, which precisely cut a replica based on Toyota’s factory specifications, even accounting for micro wear on the original key.
