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The Subaru Starlink™ package is a suite of onboard connectivity and safety technology that comes standard on all new Subaru models except the Subaru Solterra. It includes certain safety features with a free three-year subscription, security features for a free six-month subscription, and a concierge service that costs $4.95/month.
You likely don’t have to worry about adding Starlink infotainment technology to your new Subaru because it comes with every new Subaru model (except the Solterra EV). However, it’s up to you whether you subscribe to its most unique features.
Luckily, safety and security subscription upgrades won’t raise your
car insurance
premium—however, they will add to your monthly costs of ownership. Read on to learn more about the Subaru Starlink subscription packages and whether or not their worth the monthly costs. What is the Subaru Starlink package?
Let’s be clear: Subaru Starlink isn’t exactly a package. Subaru Starlink is a suite of onboard infotainment and connectivity technology that offers several subscription packages for additional safety, security, and convenience.
Subaru Starlink is available on almost every new model of Subaru from the base trim to the top-tier configuration. It includes popular features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but there are additional packages of features that can only be accessed via a subscription through the app.
The only Subaru model that does not come with Subaru Starlink is Subaru’s electric car, the Subaru Solterra, which comes with its own set of subscription features called Solterra Connect.
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The Subaru Starlink subscription packages are split into three tiers: Safety Plus, Security Plus, and Concierge.
Subaru Starlink Safety Plus is the first-tier of features and includes the following:
- Advanced automatic collision notification
- Enhanced roadside assistance and SOS emergency assistance
- Maintenance notifications with service appointment scheduler (for participating dealers)
- Vehicle health reports, condition checks, and diagnostic alerts
Subaru Starlink Security Plus is the second tier and requires a Safety Plus subscription to be added. This includes the following features:
- Remote control of the locks, horn, lights, engine start, and climate control
- Vehicle security alarm notification
- Remote vehicle locator
- Stolen vehicle immobilizer and recovery aid
- Alerts for exceeding set driving boundaries, speed limits, and curfew
Subaru Starlink Concierge is the third and final tier, requiring a full subscription to both Safety Plus and Security Plus. This unique feature gives you access to an on-call assistant to manage life from the driver’s seat of your vehicle.
MORE: Vehicle trim level, options, and packages explained
What it does
Every tier of Subaru Starlink subscription features highlights varying levels of safety upgrades that work similarly to General Motor’s OnStar® technology.
The Safety Plus subscription package is aimed at emergency services and vehicle health. In-cabin buttons allow you to call roadside assistance or emergency services through an integrated comms service. Your Subaru automatically notifies Starlink customer care if you’re in a car accident, who will check on you and alert first responders. This feature also includes integrated access to your Subaru’s health and performance from the convenience of an app on your phone.
The Security Plus subscription package focuses on remote information and vehicle security. You’ll receive instant notification if anything (or anyone) triggers your car alarm and Starlink customer care will work with local authorities to immobilize and track down your car. If you have a young driver, you can even set curfews and boundaries on a map that can be tracked by your vehicle. If these settings are exceeded, Subaru will alert you with a notification.
Last but not least, the Concierge subscription package makes living life on the go a bit easier. With the press of a button, you can talk with a Starlink assistant to plan hotel and dinner reservations, purchase tickets to theater and sports events, and more!
How much is a 2023 Subaru Starlink package?
The pricing for Subaru Starlink subscription packages varies depending on what tier you choose, as do the free trial lengths that are included with the purchase of a new Subaru.
Every new Subaru comes with a free three-year trial for the base Safety Plus subscription package. This costs $99.95/year or $9.95/month once the free trial expires.
Every new Subaru also includes a free six-month trial for the Security Plus subscription package. It costs $4.95/month once the free trial expires. Once your Safety Plus free trial expires, you’ll need to purchase both Safety and Security Plus for $99.95/year or $14.90/month if you want to keep your Security Plus subscription.
The Concierge subscription package does not offer a free trial and starts at an additional $4.95/month. Once again, you’ll need to maintain your Safety and Security Plus subscriptions to keep Concierge after all the free trials expire. Eventually, you’ll be looking at a total of $159.35/year or $19.85/month if you want to keep all the Starlink services.
MORE: Are Subarus expensive to maintain?
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversAre the Starlink packages worth it?
The Starlink subscription packages add some compelling connectivity features. Luckily, you’ll have time to determine how necessary most of these features are for you, thanks to the included Safety Plus and Security Plus free trials!
At $9.95 a month, we think you’ll find that the Starlink Safety Plus subscription package is definitely worth paying for after the free trial ends. After all,
towing and labor coverage
and other roadside assistance programs tend to cost $10 to $15/month. With Starlink Safety Plus, you’ll get the same services and more!Similarly, the Starlink Security Plus subscription package may be very worth it if you have a teenage driver or you live in a high-crime area. After all, what’s an additional $4.95 per month compared to the cost of a new car or the security of a loved one?
Last but not least, whether or not the Concierge subscription package is worth it depends on your lifestyle. It’s cheaper than a personal assistant and probably easier to work with if you’re used to making plans from the driver’s seat of your car.
Starlink package vs. the Solterra Connect
The 2023 Subaru Solterra features
Toyota
infotainment technology since the two Japanese automakers developed this EV together. It offers similar feature subscriptions through a service called Solterra Connect.Rather than three tiers, Solterra Connect is broken down into smaller, independent categories of features. Safety Connect, Remote Connect, and Service Connect provide many of the same features as Starlink Safety Plus and Security Plus. A one-year free trial of Remote Connect is included with every Solterrra and costs $8/month after. Trials of Safety Connect and Service Connect are available, but monthly prices have yet to be released.
Solterra Connect also includes a 30-day free trial of Wi-Fi connect which includes integrated streaming and a WiFi hotspot. Lastly, a suite called Drive Connect is included for one-year and costs an additional $16/month thereafter. This includes cloud navigation, intelligent voice command technology, and access to a live agent for destination assistance when needed.
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Reviewed by Christelle Agustin.
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