I've undoubtedly overlooked the answer and probably have unnecessarily confused the issue, but I'm looking for some help with the topic of keys for a 2014 TE.

Are these keys (the simple OEM key with electronic lock/unlock) required to be in the ignition or nearby to electronically allow the ignition to start?

I'm asking to try to understand what one's options might be for re-securing the vehicle if one key is lost or stolen. If there is electronic 'fob' function, I'm wondering if the vehicle can be reprogrammed to not allow the lost key to start the car anymore, even though the physical key still opens the doors.

Or are these just standard keys with 'remote lock' feature, meaning that any correctly-cut physical copy can start the ignition?

In the case of the latter, one would need to re-key the ignition, right?

thanks for any clarity

There is a transponder (sensor) in the keys so that would need to be in the vicinity of the ignition to start the vehicle. So yes, might be a good idea to reprogram them if you lost one if you are worried about the lost key being able to open/start your 4Runner.

@emmantik thank you! this clarifies exactly what I want to know