Thinking about a new Subaru and wondering if STARLINK comes as a free perk? You’re not the only one confused about what’s included and what costs extra. Let’s cut through the confusion and clarify exactly what you get for free with STARLINK and what you’ll eventually need to pay for.
What Exactly Is Subaru STARLINK?
STARLINK (recently rebranded as “MySubaru Connected Services”) is Subaru’s suite of connectivity features that enhances your driving experience. It’s similar to OnStar for GM vehicles or NissanConnect for Nissan.
The system provides safety features, remote access capabilities, and entertainment options through your vehicle’s touchscreen and smartphone app. But the big question remains: is it free?
Is Subaru STARLINK Actually Free?
The short answer: STARLINK isn’t completely free, but new Subaru owners get generous trial periods before having to pay.
When you purchase or lease a new Subaru, you’ll receive:
- 3 years of complimentary Safety services (formerly called Safety Plus)
- 6 months of free Security services (formerly called Security Plus)
For Certified Pre-Owned Subaru vehicles equipped with STARLINK, the trial periods are shorter:
- 1 year of free Safety services
- 3 months of free Security services
After these trial periods end, you’ll need a paid subscription to continue using these features.
STARLINK Free Trial Details
The free trial period automatically begins when you take delivery of your vehicle. There’s no need to sign up separately—Subaru activates these services for you. However, you will need to create a MySubaru account to access all features through the mobile app.
Here’s what each package includes during the free trial:
Safety Package (3-Year Free Trial)
- Automatic Collision Notification
- SOS Emergency Assistance
- Enhanced Roadside Assistance
- Diagnostic Alerts
- Maintenance Notifications
- Monthly Vehicle Health Reports
Security Package (6-Month Free Trial)
- Remote Lock/Unlock
- Remote Horn & Lights
- Remote Engine Start with Climate Control
- Stolen Vehicle Recovery
- Vehicle Immobilizer
- Speed/Boundary/Curfew Alerts
STARLINK Subscription Costs After Free Trial Ends
Once your free trial expires, continuing with STARLINK requires a subscription. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Package | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Safety | $99.95/year | $9.95/month |
| Security | N/A | $4.95/month* |
| Concierge | N/A | $4.95/month** |
*Requires active Safety subscription
**Requires active Safety and Security subscriptions
These prices come directly from Subaru’s official website, though they’re subject to change.
Is STARLINK Worth Paying For After the Trial?
Whether STARLINK is worth the subscription cost depends on how you use your vehicle and which features you value most.
Worth Considering If You:
- Live in a remote area where emergency assistance is crucial
- Frequently park in areas with poor cell service
- Appreciate the convenience of remote start in extreme weather
- Have teen drivers you want to monitor
- Want peace of mind with stolen vehicle recovery
Maybe Skip If You:
- Rarely travel far from populated areas
- Already have comprehensive roadside assistance through other means
- Don’t need remote access features
- Are looking to minimize monthly expenses
How to Access STARLINK Features
To make the most of your free trial or paid subscription, you’ll need to:
- Create a MySubaru account
- Download the MySubaru app (available for iOS and Android)
- Link your vehicle to your account
The app lets you control remote features, check vehicle health, and more. The in-vehicle touchscreen system provides access to entertainment features, while safety services are always active in the background (during your trial or paid subscription period).
Common Questions About STARLINK Costs
What happens when my free trial ends?
When your trial period expires, you’ll receive notifications about continuing service. Without renewal, you’ll lose access to STARLINK features, though basic infotainment functions will continue to work.
Can I cancel during the free trial?
Yes, but there’s no real benefit since you’re not being charged during this period. The trial will simply expire at its scheduled end date.
Is there any part of STARLINK that’s permanently free?
The basic infotainment system in your Subaru will continue working without a subscription. This includes:
- AM/FM radio
- CD player (if equipped)
- Bluetooth connectivity
- USB input options
However, connected services like remote access and emergency assistance require a subscription after the trial.
Can I get a discount for multi-year subscriptions?
Subaru occasionally offers promotions for multi-year subscriptions, but these aren’t regularly advertised. Check with your dealer or Subaru’s official website for current offers.
STARLINK vs. Competitors: How the Cost Compares
Compared to similar services from other manufacturers, Subaru’s pricing is competitive:
| Brand | Service | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Subaru | STARLINK Safety | $99.95 |
| GM | OnStar Basic | $129.99 |
| Toyota | Safety Connect | $80.00 |
| Honda | HondaLink Security | $110.00 |
How to Make the Most of Your Free Trial Period
Since you have 3 years of Safety and 6 months of Security features for free with a new Subaru, here’s how to maximize this benefit:
- Set up your account immediately after purchase
- Explore all available features in the first month
- Use remote start regularly in extreme weather
- Test the roadside assistance if you have a minor issue
- Review your vehicle health reports monthly
- Decide which features you truly value before the trial ends
Recent Changes to STARLINK Services
Subaru has recently rebranded their connected services platform. What was formerly known as STARLINK is now called MySubaru Connected Services. While the name has changed, the features and functionality remain essentially the same.
Some Subaru dealers note that this rebrand reflects Subaru’s commitment to improving their connected services platform over time.
Privacy Considerations with Connected Services
While not directly related to cost, it’s worth noting that STARLINK collects certain data about your vehicle and driving habits. This includes:
- Vehicle location
- Driving patterns
- Diagnostic information
- System usage statistics
Subaru uses this data to improve services and troubleshoot issues, but privacy-conscious drivers should review the terms of service before activating STARLINK.
The Bottom Line: Is STARLINK Free?
STARLINK isn’t completely free, but new Subaru owners get substantial trial periods (3 years for Safety features and 6 months for Security features). After that, continuing service will cost around $10-15 per month depending on which packages you choose.
For many drivers, the safety and convenience features justify the cost, particularly if you live in areas with extreme weather or frequently travel through remote regions where emergency assistance could be lifesaving.
Take advantage of your free trial period to thoroughly test all features, then make an informed decision about which services truly add value to your driving experience before committing to a paid subscription.
