Thinking about a Jeep, Ram, Dodge, or Chrysler with Uconnect? You might be wondering if this connected car tech will cost you extra. We’ll break down exactly what’s free, what’s not, and for how long so you can decide if it’s worth your money.
What Is Uconnect?
Uconnect is the connected vehicle platform developed by Stellantis for brands like Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler. It handles everything from navigation and entertainment to vehicle diagnostics and remote commands.
The system comes built into your vehicle’s infotainment center, but many of its more advanced features require a subscription after an initial free trial period. Let’s look at what you’ll actually get without paying extra.
Which Uconnect Features Are Actually Free?
Not all Uconnect features require ongoing payments. Here’s what you can use without a subscription:
Basic Infotainment Features (Always Free)
- Bluetooth phone connectivity
- Radio controls (AM/FM/SiriusXM with its own trial)
- Climate control interface
- Vehicle settings
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
These core features remain accessible even without an active subscription. Think of them as the “offline mode” of your Uconnect system.
Safety & Security Package (Free for 10 Years)
The Safety & Security package comes with an impressive 10-year free trial on most newer vehicles. This includes:
- SOS Call button for emergency assistance
- Roadside assistance calling
- Stolen vehicle tracking and recovery
- Automatic crash response
This long trial period shows Stellantis prioritizes safety features over immediate revenue—you’ll have a decade of emergency services without paying extra.
Vehicle Health Features (Free for 5 Years)
The vehicle diagnostics package typically includes a 5-year free trial with:
- Vehicle health reports
- Maintenance alerts and reminders
- Warning notifications about potential issues
After five years, you’ll need to subscribe to keep receiving these vehicle health insights.
What Uconnect Features Require Payment After Trial?
The more advanced connectivity features come with much shorter trial periods:
Remote Command Features (1-Year Trial)
The Uconnect mobile app allows you to control your vehicle remotely during a typical 1-year free trial. This includes:
- Remote start
- Lock/unlock doors
- Horn and light activation
- Locate your vehicle
After your trial ends, these features require the Assistance Package subscription.
Navigation & Traffic (1-Year Trial)
If your vehicle has built-in navigation, you’ll typically get a 1-year trial of:
- Live traffic updates
- Map updates
- Voice destination entry
- Connected search features
Wi-Fi Hotspot (1-Month Trial)
The in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot has the shortest trial period at just 1 month. After that, it’s one of the most expensive Uconnect features to maintain.
Uconnect Subscription Costs: What You’ll Pay After Trials End
Once your free trials expire, continuing with Uconnect services requires a subscription. Here’s what you’ll pay:
| Package | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | What You Get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assistance | $14.99 | $164.89 | Remote commands (start, lock/unlock, locate) |
| Navigation | $9.99 | $109.89 | Live traffic, map updates, connected search |
| Combined Package | $24.98 | $274.79 | Both Assistance and Navigation features |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | $49.99 | N/A | Unlimited in-vehicle internet (4G LTE) |
Data sourced from the official Uconnect pricing page.
Is Uconnect Worth Paying For?
Whether Uconnect subscriptions deliver value depends on your specific needs:
The Good
- The 10-year free trial for safety features is genuinely generous
- The system integrates well with your vehicle’s hardware
- Annual subscriptions offer significant savings over monthly billing
The Bad
- The Wi-Fi hotspot is expensive at $49.99/month for often slow 4G connections
- $14.99/month for remote start features feels steep when the key fob does this for free
- Users on Jeep forums report laggy app performance
How Uconnect Compares to Competitors
Uconnect’s subscription model isn’t the most competitive in the industry:
- Ford’s Sync: Offers free remote start for life through the FordPass app
- Toyota’s Remote Connect: Typically provides 1-3 year trials at similar pricing
- GM’s OnStar: More expensive but includes additional concierge services
In user discussions, Uconnect is often criticized for charging for features that competitors include for free.
Common Uconnect Subscription Complaints
Many users express frustration about:
- Inconsistent trial periods: Trial lengths vary by vehicle model and dealership, causing confusion. Some Ram owners report 6-month trials while others get a year.
- Limited functionality: The Uconnect app can’t control windows or seat heating/cooling, features available in some competing systems.
- Slow response times: Remote commands can take 30+ seconds to reach your vehicle—frustrating when you’re in a hurry.
- Tech limitations: The Wi-Fi hotspot uses aging 4G technology but charges premium prices.
How to Maximize Your Uconnect Free Trials
To get the most from your Uconnect system without ongoing costs:
- Register immediately: Your free trials begin when you register, not automatically when you purchase the vehicle.
- Calendar the end dates: Set reminders for when trials expire so you can decide whether to subscribe.
- Consider annual plans: If you decide to subscribe, annual plans offer about 2 months free compared to monthly billing.
- Use alternatives: For Wi-Fi, using your phone’s hotspot is often faster and already included in your mobile plan.
Uconnect Subscription Alternatives
You don’t have to pay for Uconnect to enjoy similar functionality:
Instead of the Remote Package:
- Use your key fob for remote start (though range is limited)
- Set calendar reminders for maintenance instead of relying on the app
Instead of Navigation:
- Use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto with Google Maps or Waze
- These provide better traffic data and free updates
Instead of Wi-Fi Hotspot:
- Use your phone’s hotspot feature
- Get a dedicated mobile hotspot with better data rates
Which Vehicles Include Uconnect?
Uconnect is available across these Stellantis brands:
- Jeep (Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, Gladiator, etc.)
- Ram (1500, 2500, 3500)
- Dodge (Charger, Challenger, Durango)
- Chrysler (Pacifica, 300)
Different vehicles come with different Uconnect versions (from 5.0 to the latest Uconnect 5), affecting screen size, processing speed, and available features.
The Bottom Line: Is Uconnect Free?
No, Uconnect isn’t entirely free. While basic infotainment features remain free forever, and safety features come with generous 10-year trials, the connected features most people want—remote start, vehicle location, and navigation—require subscriptions after relatively short trial periods.
For many drivers, the value proposition doesn’t justify the costs, especially when alternatives like smartphone apps and CarPlay/Android Auto can replace most functions. However, if you regularly use remote features or live where cellular service is spotty, the convenience might be worth the subscription.
Before buying a vehicle with Uconnect, assess which features matter most to you and whether you’re willing to pay for them beyond the trial period.
