Do all Subarus have Starlink?
Most drivers assume Starlink is a universal feature in every Subaru, but that isn’t the case. Availability depends on model year, trim level, and the market where the vehicle is sold. Many newer Subarus include Starlink in some form or offer it as part of a package, often with a trial period, but ongoing access after the trial usually requires a paid subscription. Always verify the exact equipment list for a given car.
What Starlink Is and Why It Matters
Starlink is Subaru’s connected-services platform. It bundles safety and security features with remote control and infotainment integration, delivered through a built-in cellular modem and the STARLINK app. Key components typically include emergency assistance, vehicle tracking, remote start/lock/unlock, and access to the car’s health data, alongside standard smartphone integration like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
How Starlink Works Across Models
Starlink uses a built-in telematics modem to connect the vehicle to Subaru’s cloud. Some features require a subscription after a trial period that accompanies many new vehicles; others function as standard infotainment features once connected via CarPlay or Android Auto. The exact feature set and pricing vary by region and model year.
Is Starlink Standard Across All Subarus?
Availability varies by model year, trim, and geography. The following patterns are common across many markets today:
- Newer model-year Subarus generally include Starlink in at least one form—either standard or as part of a higher trim—with a built-in trial period for some remote services.
- Base or older trims may not include the Starlink hardware or the paid remote-services package; upgrading to a more equipped trim or adding the package can be necessary.
- Region-specific offerings mean that some Starlink features and even the branding can vary between the United States, Canada, Europe, and other markets.
- In most markets, continued access to Safety Plus and Remote Services after any trial requires a paid subscription, while infotainment features like CarPlay/Android Auto function independently of the Starlink subscription.
To confirm whether a specific Subaru has Starlink, check the vehicle’s window sticker, the official Subaru site for the exact model and trim, or ask a dealer. They can verify whether Starlink hardware is present and what trial or subscription terms apply.
What to Do If Starlink Isn’t Included
If a vehicle you’re considering doesn’t include Starlink, you can still use standard infotainment features (Apple CarPlay or Android Auto) via USB or wireless connectivity. To access Starlink’s Safety and Remote features, you would typically need a newer model or a higher trim that includes the telematics hardware and a subscription plan.
As a buyer or current owner, you can also inquire about eligible upgrade options or trial extensions when purchasing a new Subaru or subscribing to Starlink services for your existing vehicle.
Summary
Starlink is Subaru’s umbrella for connected services, but it is not universal across all models. Availability depends on model year, trim, and region, and continued access after any initial trial usually requires a subscription. For consumers, the best approach is to verify the exact features listed for a given vehicle and ask a dealer to confirm whether Starlink is included and what the costs are after the trial ends. The standard smartphone integration remains widely available even if Starlink’s paid features are not included.
