How to Use Subaru Voice Commands: Full List
Most articles about Subaru voice commands miss the single best feature because they treat the car’s infotainment as one unified system. It isn’t. Since 2018, Subaru has quietly engineered a two-tier system: a short press of the voice button activates Subaru’s native voice engine, while a long press (1–2 seconds) hands the microphone directly to your phone’s assistant—Siri or Google Assistant. The native system handles car-specific tasks like climate control and radio tuning well. It struggles with navigation, music searches, and text messages. Learning which press to use for which task will save you endless frustration. Below is the complete command library, the correct button flow, and a diagnostic checklist for when things go wrong.
The Hidden “Phone Assistant” Bypass
Your phone’s assistant is updated constantly and has full access to your contacts, apps, and cellular data. Subaru’s native system gets map updates once a year (if you pay for them) and has a rigid vocabulary. The counter-intuitive trick: use the long press for everything that isn’t a car setting.
How to hand off to Siri or Google Assistant:
1. Press and hold the voice command button (top left of the steering wheel) for about 2 seconds.
2. Wait for the chime from your phone, not the car.
3. Speak naturally. “Navigate to 123 Oak Street using Waze.” “Play my Discover Weekly playlist on Spotify.” “Send a text to Sarah saying I’m running ten minutes late.”
Why this matters more than the native system: Subaru’s built-in navigation on models without Starlink Connected Services relies on map data that can be years old. New construction, closed roads, and changed businesses won’t appear. Your phone’s assistant uses live data every time.
When you should use Subaru’s native system (short press):
- Adjusting climate control (“Set temperature to 72 degrees,” “Turn on defroster”).
- Changing audio sources (“Tune to 100.7 FM,” “Switch to SiriusXM Channel 38”).
- Car-specific information (“Show fuel economy,” “Maintenance schedule”).
- Making a phone call when your phone assistant isn’t responding.
The Full Subaru Native Voice Command Library
Subaru’s native system recognizes specific syntax. Straying from it triggers the “Command not recognized” loop. Below are the verified commands grouped by function for the 2018–2024 model years with the Starlink system. Commands vary slightly between the smaller 7-inch screen and the large 11.6-inch portrait screen, but the core vocabulary is the same.
Audio Controls
| Command | Expected Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| “Tune to [frequency]” | Changes radio to specified FM/AM station | Works on all trims |
| “Tune to SiriusXM Channel [number or name]” | Changes satellite radio channel | Requires active SiriusXM subscription |
| “Switch audio source to [AM/FM/SiriusXM/Bluetooth/USB]” | Changes input source | Does not control Spotify or Apple Music natively |
| “Play artist [name]” | Searches connected iPod/USB music | Rarely works with modern phones; use long press instead |
Climate Controls
| Command | Expected Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| “Set temperature to [number] degrees” | Adjusts cabin temperature | Dual-zone models respond to “Driver temperature to [number]” |
| “Turn air conditioning on / off” | Toggles AC compressor | Works on all trims with automatic climate |
| “Set fan speed to [1–7]” | Adjusts blower motor speed | 2020+ Outback/Legacy only |
| “Turn on defroster” | Activates windshield defroster | Rear defroster uses separate command “Rear defogger” |
Navigation (Models with Built-In Nav)
| Command | Expected Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| “Find nearest gas station” | Searches POI database | Data may be outdated without map update |
| “Go home” | Navigates to saved home address | Must be set in the nav system first |
| “Cancel route” | Stops current navigation | Works immediately |
| “Show current location” | Displays map with position | Useful for GPS sanity check |
Phone
| Command | Expected Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| “Call [name]” | Dials contact from paired phone | Requires phone to share contacts via Bluetooth |
| “Dial [number]” | Dials entered digits | Reads digits back for confirmation |
| “Redial” | Calls the last dialed number | Works even without contact sync |
Vehicle Settings
| Command | Expected Result | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| “Show fuel economy” | Displays trip computer screen | Works on all 2018+ models |
| “Maintenance settings” | Opens maintenance reminder menu | Allows resetting oil life when stopped |
How to Use Subaru Voice Comm
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Related guides in this cluster:
- Kia Voice Commands: Complete List and How to Use Them
- Toyota Voice Commands: Complete List and How to Use Them
- Honda Voice Commands: Complete List and How to Use Them
Greedy Wheels is the founder and lead editor at Wheels Greed. With over 15 years of hands-on automotive experience — from rebuilding engines in a home garage to managing fleet maintenance for a regional logistics company — he brings real-world mechanical knowledge to every guide.
His work has been featured in automotive forums, owner communities, and dealership training materials. When he’s not researching the latest car owner questions, you’ll find him at a local track day, wrenching on his project car, or testing the newest OBD2 diagnostic tools.
At Wheels Greed, every article is reviewed against manufacturer service manuals, NHTSA bulletins, and verified owner reports. No AI-generated fluff. No guesswork. Just practical answers from someone who has turned the wrench.