What is AcuraLink?

AcuraLink is a technology system that links Acura vehicles with smartphones to provide an all-inclusive connectivity experience for the owner. Utilizing cloud-based services, AcuraLink allows the owner to access a range of connected services, including communications, personal concierge, emergency roadside assistance, remote access, and real-time traffic information through five individual subscription packages.

Setup and Package Selection

The first step is downloading AcuraLink from the App Store onto a mobile phone. Once installed, open the app, follow the prompts to create an account, and enroll the Acura vehicle into the service. Registration entails setting up a password and PIN code.

Next, owners should go through the Demo functionality of AcuraLink to understand its many services and what each package offers. There are five primary packages for owners depending on their preferences and individual priorities:

• Basic—Complimentary
• Link—Complimentary
• Security—12 months complimentary, $89/year after that
• Remote—3 months complimentary, $110/year after that
• Concierge—3 months complimentary, $260/year after that

Each package builds upon the one before and brings its own set of key features.

AcuraLink Basic Package

The Basic AcuraLink package offers complimentary services, including recall notifications, service appointment reminders, and roadside assistance. Key features include:

• Vehicle guides—Allows access to digital guides such as the owner's manual to learn about the vehicle
• Recall notifications—Provides notifications regarding necessary recalls for the car
• Service appointments—Locates a nearby Acura dealer and books a service appointment
• Roadside assistance—Provides 24/7 assistance for towing services, jump-starting, tire changes, and fuel delivery

AcuraLink Link Package

The Link package provides vehicle status and customizes navigation for specific owner preferences. Key features include:

• Dashboard—Allows the owner to check the mileage, fuel range, and oil life from the app
• Vehicle notifications—Provides information about the vehicle's warning lamps or maintenance minders
• Vehicle health report—Provides monthly reports of the vehicle's status
• Favorite locations—Searches and pre-programs preferred destinations in the navigation system
• Send destination—Searches and sends a location to the vehicle's navigation system

AcuraLink Security Package

This system is intended to enhance safety for the driver and passengers in a collision or other emergency. Key features include:

• Automatic collision notification—Connects with a live agent who will reach out to the driver and request help in the event of a crash
• Enhanced roadside assistance—Provides towing and repair services using the Link button in the vehicle
• Emergency call—Connects with a live agent who will stay on the call and request help in an emergency
• Personal data wipe—Ensures privacy by restoring the audio and navigation system to factory defaults
• Driver feedback—Provides a score based on driving habits to help the driver improve specific on-road skills and behaviors

AcuraLink Remote Package

Acura designed the Remote package to enhance both convenience and security. These remote commands are connected by satellite, so there is no proximity requirement to the vehicle. The owner can operate these functions anywhere in relation to the car. Key features include:

• Remote start—Start the vehicle and cool or warm the cabin beforehand. The car will shut off after 10 minutes.
• Security alarm alert—Provides notifications when the vehicle alarm is triggered
• Remote lock/unlock—Locks or unlocks the car doors
• Find my car—Displays the vehicle location on a mobile phone map
• Geofence alert—Provides notification anytime the car enters or leaves a pre-set region
• Stolen vehicle locator—A sophisticated system that helps authorities locate the car if stolen
• Amazon Alexa skill—Send commands to the vehicle with Alexa

AcuraLink Concierge Package

In addition to all the features included in the Remote package, the AcuraLink Concierge plan makes reservations at restaurants, hotels, and airlines. Once the owner makes a reservation, the system sends the vehicle's confirmation and navigation details directly. This package personalizes the in-car experience to a premium level.

Summary

The AcuraLink connected services system brings a vehicle's infotainment system to an owner's mobile phone, elevating convenience, safety, peace of mind, and the overall ownership experience.

To learn more about various automotive technologies, visit the Shopping Guides section of the website.

Jessica Shea Choksey is an experienced writer in the automotive field. In addition to JDPower.com, she was a correspondent for PBS's MotorWeek. Her work has also appeared in AutoTrader.

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