Thinking about using Kia Connect for your vehicle but wondering about the costs involved? You’re about to discover exactly what you’ll get for free and what might cost you extra down the road with Kia’s connected car technology.
What Is Kia Connect and Is It Really Free?
Kia Connect (formerly called UVO link) is Kia’s suite of connected vehicle services that lets you remotely control and monitor your car. The short answer: Kia Connect isn’t completely free, but it does come with a complimentary period for new Kia owners.
Most new Kia vehicles include a free trial that lasts between one and three years, depending on your model, year, and location. After this period ends, you’ll need to pay for continued access to most features.
Kia Connect Free Trial: What You Need to Know
When you buy a new Kia, your free trial begins from the date of your retail sale or lease as recorded by your dealer. What you’ll get during this period:
- Full access to all Kia Connect features available for your specific model and trim
- Typically a one-year free trial of the Kia Connect ULTIMATE package for eligible vehicles
- Some newer models may include a more generous three-year complimentary period
Good news if you’re buying a used Kia: these complimentary subscriptions transfer to subsequent owners during the original service term, adding extra value to nearly-new Kia purchases.
Kia Connect Subscription Packages and Pricing
After your free period expires, you’ll need to choose from several subscription options. Here’s what you can expect to pay in the U.S.:
| Package | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lite | FREE (up to 5 years) | FREE | Maintenance alerts, trip info, 911 connect |
| Care | $5.99 | $59 | Lite features + curfew alerts, alarm notifications |
| Plus | $14.99 | $149 | Care features + remote lock/unlock, climate control |
| Ultimate | $19.99 | $199 | Plus features + smart home integration |
Some dealers may offer alternative pricing structures, including daily packages at $5 per day or weekly packages at $35 per week, though availability varies by location.
Regional Price Differences
If you’re in Canada, expect a different pricing structure after your three-year free period:
- Care: $7.99 monthly
- Plus: $18.99 monthly
- Ultimate: $29.99 monthly
Features You Get at Each Subscription Level
Understanding what you get at each level helps determine if paying for Kia Connect makes sense for your needs.
Free Lite/Basic Features
- 911 connect for emergency assistance
- Maintenance alerts keeping you on top of service needs
- Trip logging to track your driving
- Auto collision notification
- Enhanced roadside assistance
- Rear seat occupant alerts
Plus Level Features ($14.99/month)
- Remote door lock/unlock from your smartphone
- Remote start with climate control (perfect for hot or cold days)
- Find My Car location services when you forget where you parked
- Remote horn and lights to help locate your vehicle
- Real-time vehicle status monitoring
- Control for heated/ventilated seats and steering wheel
Ultimate Level Features ($19.99/month)
- Home-to-Car integration with Amazon Alexa and Google devices
- Points of interest search capabilities
- User profiles for multiple drivers
- Valet parking mode
- Surround view monitor
- Weather data and speed camera alerts
- Calendar integration with your vehicle
Is Kia Connect Worth Paying For?
Whether Kia Connect is worth the subscription cost depends on your specific needs and how you use your vehicle. Consider these factors:
- Do you frequently forget where you parked? The vehicle locator in the Plus package might be worth it
- Live in an area with extreme weather? Remote climate control could make your daily commute much more comfortable
- Have a smart home setup? The Ultimate package’s integration with Amazon Alexa and Google devices adds convenience
- Only need basic safety features? The free Lite package might be sufficient
Many owners find the remote start and climate control features particularly valuable during extreme weather conditions, while others appreciate the peace of mind that comes with emergency assistance and vehicle health monitoring.
How to Sign Up for Kia Connect
Getting started with Kia Connect is straightforward:
- Download the Kia Connect app from your device’s app store
- Create an account using your email address
- Add your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
- Follow the in-app instructions to complete setup
- Enjoy your free trial period
Remember that certain features require your vehicle to have specific hardware and capabilities, so check your owner’s manual or ask your dealer about compatibility.
Making the Most of Your Free Trial
To maximize your free Kia Connect trial period:
- Try all available features to determine which ones you actually use
- Set calendar reminders before your free period expires
- Look for promotional offers near the end of your trial
- Consider annual subscriptions for savings over monthly billing
Some dealers occasionally offer subscription extensions or discounts for loyal customers, so it’s worth asking about special offers when your free period nears its end.
In summary, while Kia Connect isn’t completely free long-term, it does offer valuable free trials and even some permanently free basic features. By understanding the different package options and evaluating which features matter most to you, you can make an informed decision about whether a paid subscription makes sense for your driving lifestyle.
