Car Subscription Apps Compared: MySubaru, Kia Connect, FordPass, BlueLink, and More

Most new cars come with a free trial of the automaker’s connected services app. After that trial ends, you’ll need to pay between $80 and $200 per year to keep features like remote start, lock/unlock, and vehicle location. Below is a direct comparison of the major brands so you can see what works for free, what costs, and whether the price is worth it.

Comparison Table: Costs, Trials, and Key Features

Prices are as of 2024–2025. Check your manufacturer’s app or owner portal for exact current rates. Many brands also offer monthly payment options at a slightly higher cost.

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How to Test and Decide Whether to Subscribe

Follow these steps to determine if paying for a car subscription app makes sense for your driving habits.

Step 1. Activate your free trial.

The trial starts the day you take delivery of the car (or the day you create an account). Use the app for at least two weeks during a typical week—commute, errands, parking in different spots.

Step 2. Track which features you actually use.

Keep a mental or written log: Did you remote start the car? Unlock it from inside the house? Use the vehicle locator in a parking lot? Many people overestimate how often they’ll reach for the app.

Step 3. Decide based on usage frequency.

• If you remote start at least three times per week (e.g., winter mornings or hot summer afternoons), paying $80–$100 per year is cheaper than a single coffee per month.
• If you use lock/unlock or vehicle location more than once a month, keep the subscription.
• If you opened the app once after the first week and forgot about it, let the trial expire—you’ll still see vehicle health and maintenance reminders for free.

Step 4. Verify whether the subscription transfers if you sell or trade the car.

Most connected services are tied to the original owner’s account. If you buy a used car, the original trial may already be expired or non-transferable. Check with the dealer or the app before you assume the feature is active.

Branch: What if you bought a used car with an expired trial?

If you purchase a used vehicle and the original free trial has ended, you’ll need to start a new subscription from scratch. No automaker offers a second free trial to second owners. Your first action should be to sign up for the app (it’s free to download), then check the subscription page. Many brands let you buy a month-to-month plan to test before committing to a full year.

Common mistake: Mistaking safety features for subscription features

A frequent error is confusing automatic collision notification (eCall) or roadside assistance with remote features like engine start. For example, Subaru’s Safety Plus ($99/year) includes eCall, SOS, and roadside assistance—but not remote start (that’s Security Plus). If you only care about emergency services, you might pay for the wrong tier. Always read the feature list per tier before buying.

Failure mode: Recurring billing after trial ends without notice

Several automakers (especially Toyota and Lexus) will automatically convert your free trial into a paid subscription at the end of the trial period unless you cancel in advance. You’ll get a reminder email, but if you ignore it, you’ll be charged $80 or more. To avoid this, set a calendar reminder a week before your trial expires, and open the app to check your subscription status. If you want to stop before the charge, go to “Account” or “Subscriptions” in the app and toggle off auto-renewal.

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Subaru MySubaru / Starlink

What works without a subscription: The app displays tire pressure, odometer, and vehicle health alerts. You can view the owner’s manual and schedule service. Remote start, lock/unlock, and vehicle locator require an active subscription.

Free trial: Subaru offers a full three-year trial for both Safety Plus and Security Plus—longer than most competitors.

Pricing: $99 per year per tier. Security Plus includes Safety Plus, so you only pay $99 total for both.

Is it worth it? Yes, if you use remote start. The three-year trial is generous, and $99/year afterward is average. Subaru also offers a $4.99/month option for those who prefer not to pay annually.

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Kia Connect (formerly UVO)

What works without a subscription: Vehicle status (fuel level, tire pressure) and maintenance reminders remain free. All remote commands stop after trial.

Free trial: Three years of Kia Connect Ultimate on most new models (Sorento, Sportage, EV6, etc.). Covers remote start, climate control, stolen vehicle tracking, and voice commands.

Pricing: Ultimate $149/year; Care by Kia Connect $99/year (remote lock/unlock only, no climate control).

Is it worth it? The $149 Ultimate is one of the pricier subscriptions, but you get three years free. If you only need basic lock/unlock, the $99 tier works. Kia’s trial is long enough to decide.

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FordPass

What works without a subscription: FordPass never charges for vehicle status (fuel, oil, tire pressure), service scheduling, and over‑the‑air software updates (Ford Power‑Up). Remote start and lock/unlock work for one year from delivery date.

Free trial: One year of FordPass Connect remote features.

Pricing: $80 per year (or $10 per month). Single tier covers all remote functions plus 4G Wi‑Fi hotspot (data plan sold separately).

Is it worth it? At $80/year, FordPass is the cheapest mainstream app for remote start. The short one-year trial is a downside, but the low cost makes renewal painless.

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Hyundai BlueLink

What works without a subscription: Vehicle health, maintenance schedules, and recall alerts are free. Remote features stop after trial.

Free trial: Three years of BlueLink Remote Essentials (remote start, lock/unlock, climate control) on most new models. Higher tiers (Remote Plus, Remote Premium) add remote parking assist and surround view.

Pricing: Remote Essentials $99/year; Remote Plus $149/year; Remote Premium $199/year.

Is it worth it? Most owners only need Remote Essentials at $99/year. The three-year trial is excellent. Only consider higher tiers if your Hyundai has remote parking assist and you use it regularly.

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Toyota Connected Services

What works without a subscription: Free vehicle location (if lost), fuel level, odometer, and service reminders. Remote lock/unlock and engine start require a paid plan after one year.

Free trial: One year of Remote Connect (remote start, lock/unlock, vehicle finder) and one year of Safety Connect (eCall, SOS, roadside). Dynamic Navigation (OTA map updates) is also free for one year on eligible models.

Pricing: Remote Connect $80/year; Remote Connect + Dynamic Navigation $149/year; Safety Connect $49/year. Can be bought separately or bundled.

Is it worth it? The one-year trial is average, but $80/year base is competitive. If you rely on live traffic and map updates, the $149 bundle may be worth it.

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Lexus Enform

What works without a subscription: Same as Toyota – vehicle status and maintenance reminders free. Remote features stop after one year.

Free trial: One year Remote Connect and Safety Connect. Dynamic Navigation free for one year on eligible models.

Pricing: Identical to Toyota: Remote Connect $80/year; +Dynamic Nav $149/year; Safety Connect $49/year.

Is it worth it? Lexus owners get the same value as Toyota. The short trial is a downside, but the price is reasonable. Let it lapse if you rarely use remote features.

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HondaLink

What works without a subscription: Vehicle status, recall alerts, and service scheduling are free. Remote lock/unlock and engine start stop after 90 days.

Free trial: Only 90 days of HondaLink Remote – the shortest trial among mainstream brands.

Pricing: $110 per year after trial. Wi‑Fi hotspot is separate ($20/month via AT&T).

Is it worth it? The 90-day trial is stingy, and $110/year is higher than FordPass but lower than Kia’s top tier. If you want remote start, you’ll pay more for less trial time. Consider whether the convenience is worth the cost.

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BMW ConnectedDrive

What works without a subscription: App shows vehicle location, mileage, and service info for free. Remote lock/unlock, climate control, and real‑time traffic require payment.

Free trial: Three months of Remote Services (remote start, lock/unlock, vehicle finder) and three months of Real‑Time Traffic Information (RTTI). BMW Assist eCall is included free for 10 years or more.

Pricing: Remote Services $150/year; RTTI $50/year. Can be purchased separately.

Is it worth it? The trial is the shortest, and $150/year for remote services is high. However, the deep integration with digital key (phone as key) and scheduled charging for plug‑in hybrids/EVs can justify the cost for frequent users.

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Other Brands to Note

• GM (Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac): OnStar subscriptions range from $24.99/month for remote access after a trial (varies by model). Many 2022+ GM vehicles with Google built‑in include limited remote functions for free through the Google Automotive app, but full OnStar features still require payment.
• Volvo: The Volvo Cars app offers remote start, lock