What is the purpose of Subaru Starlink?
Subaru Starlink is Subaru's connected-services platform designed to keep drivers safer, more informed, and more in control of their vehicle through in-car technology and a companion mobile app. In short, it combines safety features, remote vehicle control, navigation and information services, and in-vehicle connectivity.
Overview of Starlink
Starlink integrates the car’s built-in hardware with cloud services and a smartphone app to deliver a range of safety, security, and convenience features. Availability and exact capabilities can vary by model year, trim level, and market, and many features require a subscription beyond a limited trial period.
Safety and emergency features
The following list highlights the core safety tools designed to protect occupants and connect them with help when needed.
- Automatic Collision Notification (ACN) and SOS Emergency Assistance
- Stolen Vehicle Recovery (SVR) and 24/7 emergency support
- Emergency Dispatch coordination with local responders and Subaru support
These safety services are intended to shorten response times after incidents and provide rapid access to assistance, often through a dedicated Starlink center or integrated operator support.
Remote capabilities and connectivity
The following list covers the remote controls and connectivity options that Starlink enables from the app or in the vehicle.
- Remote Lock/Unlock, Remote Engine Start, and Climate Control
- Vehicle Finder and maintenance reminders based on diagnostic data
- In-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot (where available) and access to Starlink features via the Subaru app
Access to these features typically requires a Starlink subscription and a compatible smartphone. Availability and pricing can vary by region and vehicle model.
How Starlink works and what you get
Starlink connects the vehicle to cellular networks and Subaru’s cloud services, enabling real-time data exchange, remote commands, and emergency services. The Starlink mobile app acts as a control panel, letting drivers monitor status, customize settings, and initiate actions from outside the car.
Subscriptions, trials, and regional differences
Service features and pricing are organized into plans, and some capabilities may come with a trial period after purchase. Not all features are available in every market or on every model year, so prospective buyers should verify current offerings with a dealer or Subaru’s official site.
Summary
Subaru Starlink serves as the automaker’s umbrella for connected-car services, merging safety, security, remote control, and connectivity into a single platform. By pairing in-vehicle technology with a mobile app and cloud services, Starlink aims to improve driver safety, provide convenient remote features, and deliver up-to-date information and connectivity. Availability and exact feature sets depend on model year, trim, and region, with ongoing subscriptions often required for full functionality.
What is Subaru STARLINK used for?
Subaru Starlink is a connected services platform that provides in-vehicle entertainment, safety, security, and remote access features. It connects to your smartphone for multimedia like music and navigation, and includes safety features such as automatic collision notification, enhanced roadside assistance, and stolen vehicle recovery. Through the MySubaru app, you can also remotely access your vehicle to lock/unlock doors, check its location, and even schedule maintenance.
Entertainment and connectivity
- Multimedia access: Integrates with your smartphone via Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth for navigation, music, podcasts, and more on the vehicle's touchscreen.
- Hands-free control: Uses voice command to make calls, control climate, and request entertainment.
Safety and security
- Emergency assistance: Provides a direct link to a STARLINK Customer Care Advisor for SOS and automatic collision notification in an emergency.
- Enhanced roadside assistance: Allows you to request help by pressing a button in your car.
- Stolen vehicle recovery: A STARLINK advisor works with police to help recover your vehicle if it's stolen.
- Security alerts: Notifies you via email or the app if your vehicle's alarm is activated or if a diagnostic warning light comes on.
Convenience and remote access
- Remote services: Use the MySubaru app to remotely start your engine, lock or unlock doors, locate your vehicle, and honk the horn.
- Service and health monitoring: Get monthly vehicle health reports, receive maintenance notifications, and schedule service appointments at your dealer.
Does Subaru STARLINK give you Wi-Fi?
Yes, select Subaru vehicles have an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot through the STARLINK system, but it requires a paid subscription to activate. This 4G LTE hotspot can connect up to eight devices, allowing passengers to stream, play games, and more.
- How it works: The Wi-Fi hotspot is built into the vehicle and utilizes the STARLINK platform. After signing up for a subscription, you can turn on the Wi-Fi from the STARLINK multimedia system's settings and connect devices like laptops and tablets.
- Activation: You need to sign up for the service, which can be done through the MySubaru app or the infotainment system's subscription management menu.
- Service Provider: The Wi-Fi is powered by a partnership with AT&T. You may have the option to add the vehicle to an existing AT&T plan for a more cost-effective solution.
- Usage: Once active, the hotspot allows multiple devices to connect simultaneously for streaming movies, music, browsing the web, and other online activities.
Does Subaru STARLINK work without a subscription?
Starlink provides the entertainment, safety, connectivity, and diagnostic foundation for Subaru vehicles, bringing a range of features depending on the model and configuration. Some features come standard with the vehicle, while others require a subscription or data charges, as with a cellphone data plan.
Why do I have to pay for Subaru STARLINK?
It isn't the remote start feature itself that you are paying for, it's the StarLink platform that allows you phone to connect to the car remotely. Subaru has to pay for use of the satellite system so you bet that cost is being passed along.
