What is Subaru Starlink?

Most automakers now offer in-vehicle telematics platforms that provide connectivity, entertainment, and safety features to enhance the driving experience. Collectively, these features are referred to as connected services. As such, Subaru Starlink is a subscription-based service that provides real-time support for drivers and passengers at the touch of a button.

What Starlink Offers - Find the best Subaru deals!

Powered by 4G LTE capability, Starlink offers two main categories of functionalities: Safety and Security, and Multimedia services. Together, these suites offer an array of technology features that make driving a Subaru more enjoyable and confidence-inspiring.

Safety and Security features include roadside assistance, stolen-vehicle recovery, and automatic collision notification, among others. Starlink’s Multimedia capabilities provide access to news, navigation, weather, music, and other content.

Safety and Security - Find the best Subaru deals!

Starlink Safety and Security features help provide protection and peace of mind for the vehicle’s owner and occupants. It includes the following:

• Automatic Collision Notification—Places a call to Subaru Starlink when an airbag deploys. A Starlink advisor will then determine the driver’s needs and confirm their location. If the advisor gets no response from the driver, they will automatically send first responders to the vehicle’s GPS location.
• Diagnostics Alerts—Starlink runs regular diagnostic checks of all primary vehicle systems. If the system detects an issue, the owner will receive an email advising them on how to resolve the issue. It will also provide a link to make a service appointment.
• Remote Services—Using the MySubaru mobile app, an owner can activate various remote features. These include locking and unlocking doors, remote engine start, and turning on the vehicle’s security alarm. And if the security alarm is triggered, the system will automatically notify the owner of the event. Remote Services also offers the ability to locate the vehicle in a crowded area such as a stadium parking lot by activating the horn and lights.
• Roadside Assistance—In non-emergency situations such as a dead battery or a flat tire, Roadside Assistance is a button push away. The blue “i” button on the overhead console will connect the driver to Starlink to have a tow truck dispatched to the vehicle’s GPS location.
• SOS Emergency Assistance—This feature provides real-time support for virtually any situation that may arise while driving. Pressing the red SOS button in the overhead console connects the driver to a live Starlink advisor 24 hours a day.
• Stolen-Vehicle Recovery—If a vehicle is stolen, Subaru Starlink can activate an immobilizer to keep the car from being driven. Beyond that, Starlink works with law enforcement to help recover the stolen vehicle after the owner files a police report.

Multimedia Services - Find the best Subaru deals!

Starlink Multimedia uses a mobile app to grant access to iHeartRadio, SiriusXM satellite radio, Pandora, Yelp, Magellan NAVI, and other features via a high-resolution touchscreen interface. Once downloaded on a smartphone, the Starlink app can connect to the in-vehicle system wirelessly, allowing the driver to select the app or infotainment feature of choice. A voice-command system gives the driver further control over entertainment features, phone calls, navigation, and, on some Subaru models, climate controls.

Vehicle Health Report - Find the best Subaru deals!

The Starlink system proactively keeps the owner updated on the vehicle’s condition by providing a monthly Vehicle Health Report. This comprehensive diagnostic summary is automatically sent to the owner via email at the same time every month. In addition, the system notifies the owner when scheduled maintenance is necessary, along with a link to make a service appointment at a local Subaru dealership.

Concierge Services - Find the best Subaru deals!

For those wanting a bit more in the way of personalized service, the Starlink Concierge package gives real-time assistance with making restaurant reservations, hotel bookings, or ticket purchases for sporting or theater events. A Starlink advisor will also help the driver search for points of interest and send locations directly to the vehicle’s navigation system.

Summary - Find the best Subaru deals!

Subaru Starlink is a comprehensive telematics system that enhances vehicle security and delivers an array of infotainment and communications capabilities. For those wanting a more immersive ownership and driving experience, the $99 or $149 annual cost for this service may be well worth it.

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