Does the Subaru Legacy Premium have remote start?
Remote start is not a universal feature on the Legacy Premium across all model years; it may be offered as an option or dealer-installed kit, and availability varies by year and market.
This article explains how remote start has been offered in the Legacy Premium over different model years, how to verify whether your specific car has it, and what your options are if it doesn’t.
Understanding remote start and how Subaru packages it
Remote start lets you start the engine from outside the vehicle, usually to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin. In Subaru’s lineup, the feature has appeared in various forms—factory options, dealer-installed accessories, or smartphone-app implementations—depending on year, trim, and region. The Legacy Premium’s inclusion of remote start is not consistent across all MYs, so checking your exact configuration is essential.
Availability by model year and package
Before listing typical patterns, note that the presence of remote start on a Legacy Premium depends on the model year and the packages chosen. The following outlines common patterns seen in different years, but your individual car may differ based on its build and market.
- Factory-installed remote start: In some model years, Subaru offered remote start as part of certain optional packages or as a standalone option on select trims or regions. When included, it is typically integrated with the key fob or push-button start system.
- Dealer-installed Remote Engine Start kit: Subaru dealers have offered a Remote Engine Start accessory kit in certain years. Installation is performed by the dealer and may affect warranty coverage or require programming with the vehicle’s ECU and security system.
- Smartphone app remote start (Starlink compatibility): In some model years, remote start could be accessed via Subaru’s Starlink smartphone app, subject to hardware compatibility and an active subscription. Availability varies by year and vehicle configuration.
- Aftermarket remote start systems: If the Legacy Premium you’re considering doesn’t include remote start, some owners choose third-party aftermarket systems. This can carry warranty implications and may require professional installation to avoid compatibility issues with the vehicle’s electronics.
Given the variability, always verify the exact configuration for your vehicle by checking the window sticker, owner's manual, or with a Subaru dealer for your VIN.
How to verify for your Legacy Premium
To determine if your specific Legacy Premium has remote start, use these steps to confirm:
- Check the window sticker (Monroney): Look for mentions of "Remote Engine Start," "Remote Start," or a package name that includes it.
- Review the owner's manual: Search the sections on Comfort/Convenience or Remote Engine Start for explicit references to the feature.
- Inspect the key fob and controls: A dedicated remote start button or a symbol on the fob can indicate built-in capability.
- Consult the dealer with your VIN: A Subaru dealer can confirm exact equipment and confirm whether a factory option or dealer-installed kit applies to your car.
- Check Starlink compatibility: If your model year supports remote start via the Starlink app, ensure you have the correct hardware and an active subscription.
If you confirm that remote start isn’t available on your vehicle, you can explore authorized options with your dealer or consider compatible aftermarket solutions, while being mindful of potential warranty implications.
What to do if you want remote start
First, identify which approach best fits your needs and budget: factory options via a package, dealer-installed remote start, or a smartphone-app-enabled setup. Always prioritize options that preserve the vehicle’s warranty and ensure proper integration with the legacy’s security system and ignition wiring. If you’re shopping for a new Legacy Premium, ask the dealer to confirm whether remote start is included or available as an add-on for the exact build you’re considering.
Summary
The Subaru Legacy Premium’s remote start availability is not universal and depends on model year and configuration. Some years offered it as a factory option or dealer-installed kit, while others required aftermarket solutions or smartphone app functionality. To know for sure, check the window sticker, review the owner’s manual, or contact a Subaru dealer with your vehicle’s VIN. If remote start is important to you, specify it when shopping or request a confirmed configuration before purchase.
