Is Uconnect Worth It? A Quick Guide

Ever wondered if that fancy Uconnect system in your Jeep, Ram, or Chrysler is actually worth all the hype? With touchscreens now dominating dashboards and subscription services seemingly attached to everything, it’s fair to question whether Uconnect delivers real value or is just another tech gimmick.

Having grown from basic audio controls to full-fledged command centers, today’s Uconnect systems promise to transform your driving experience—but do they deliver? Let’s cut through the marketing speak and examine what actually matters when deciding if Uconnect is worth your attention (and potentially, your wallet).

What Exactly Is Uconnect?

Uconnect is the proprietary infotainment system found in vehicles across the Stellantis family—including Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati. It’s essentially your vehicle’s digital command center, controlling everything from music and phone calls to navigation and climate settings.

Screen sizes vary widely depending on your vehicle model, ranging from compact 5-inch displays in entry-level models like the Jeep Renegade to expansive 12.3-inch screens in premium vehicles like the Ram 1500. The latest version, Uconnect 5, represents a significant upgrade with faster processing, improved graphics, and expanded connectivity options.

7 Reasons Uconnect Might Be Worth It

1. User-Friendly Interface That Actually Makes Sense

Unlike some competing systems that require a computer science degree to navigate, Uconnect has built its reputation on intuitive design. The system uses large, clearly labeled icons and logical menu structures that make sense even to first-time users.

Cars.com editors consistently rank Uconnect among their favorite multimedia systems specifically because of its straightforward approach. The touchscreen responds quickly to inputs, and essential functions are typically accessible within 1-2 taps—exactly what you need while driving.

2. Wireless Connectivity That Actually Works

The latest Uconnect 5 system offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, eliminating the frustration of constantly plugging and unplugging your phone. This seemingly small upgrade makes a huge difference in day-to-day convenience.

Beyond phone mirroring, Uconnect provides:

• Bluetooth connection for multiple devices simultaneously
• Built-in 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities
• USB-A and USB-C ports for charging and data
• Wireless charging pads in many models

This comprehensive connectivity suite means everyone in your vehicle can stay connected without cables snaking through the cabin.

3. Remote Control Features That Save Time

Through the Uconnect mobile app, you gain impressive remote control over your vehicle. Imagine walking out to an already warmed-up car on a freezing winter morning or a pre-cooled cabin during summer heat.

The remote functionality goes beyond just starting your engine:

• Lock or unlock doors from anywhere
• Flash lights or sound horn to find your vehicle in crowded lots
• Receive alerts if your vehicle alarm is triggered
• Send navigation destinations directly to your vehicle

For parents of teen drivers, Uconnect also offers options like speed alerts and boundary notifications—practical features that provide genuine peace of mind.

4. Personalized Profiles That Remember Everything

Uconnect 5 supports up to five distinct user profiles plus a guest mode—perfect for multi-driver households. Each profile stores individual preferences for:

• Seat and mirror positions
• Climate control settings
• Audio presets and volume levels
• Navigation favorites
• Display configurations

The system recognizes the driver’s key fob and automatically adjusts to their preferences before they even enter the vehicle. This eliminates the frustration of constantly readjusting settings after someone else drives your car.

5. Over-the-Air Updates That Improve Over Time

Unlike older infotainment systems that remained frozen in time, Uconnect 5 receives over-the-air software updates that add features and fix bugs without requiring a dealership visit. This means your system actually gets better with age rather than becoming outdated.

Recent updates have included:

• Enhanced voice recognition
• New apps and services
• Security improvements
• Performance optimizations

This future-proofing aspect represents a significant value proposition, especially for those who plan to keep their vehicles for many years.

6. Voice Command That Actually Understands You

Advanced voice recognition technology in Uconnect allows for natural language commands rather than requiring specific phrases. Simply press the voice button and say things like “I’m cold” to increase the temperature or “Find the nearest gas station” to start navigation.

The integration with Amazon Alexa takes voice control even further, connecting your vehicle to your smart home ecosystem. You can ask Alexa to:

• Control home lighting or thermostats from your car
• Add items to your shopping list
• Play audiobooks or specific music
• Check weather or sports scores

This hands-free control significantly reduces distraction while driving—a genuine safety benefit.

7. Expanded Screen Options That Show What Matters

The latest Uconnect systems offer highly customizable displays that let you prioritize what’s important to you. Split-screen functionality allows you to view navigation and audio simultaneously, while the digital gauge cluster can show turn-by-turn directions right in your line of sight.

For off-road enthusiasts, specialized screens display:

• Tire pressure readings
• Pitch and roll angles
• Drivetrain status
• Trail camera views (in applicable models)

These purpose-built interfaces provide relevant information exactly when you need it, whether you’re navigating city streets or tackling tough trails.

3 Reasons Uconnect Might Not Be Worth It

1. Subscription Requirements Can Add Up

While the basic Uconnect system comes standard in most Stellantis vehicles, many of its advanced features require subscription payments after initial trial periods expire. The remote start functionality, vehicle tracking, and Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities all typically require ongoing monthly fees.

These subscription costs can significantly impact the long-term value equation, particularly if you’re drawn to Uconnect specifically for these premium features. Before committing, carefully review which functions remain free and which require continued payment.

2. Mobile App Performance Issues Can Frustrate

Despite its impressive feature set, the Uconnect mobile app has received mixed reviews from users. Common complaints include:

• Intermittent connectivity problems
• Slow response times for remote commands
• Login issues requiring frequent re-authentication
• Data stream termination after a few minutes of use

One frustrated user review noted: “This has been a buggy app since I began using it 3 years ago, however the last two android updates have introduced a fatal bug that causes the data stream from the Android app to the Uconnect system in the car to terminate after 2-4 minutes”.

3. Function Blocking While Driving Can Limit Usefulness

For safety reasons, Uconnect systems disable certain functions while the vehicle is in motion. While this promotes safer driving, it can become frustrating when passengers can’t access full functionality or when you need to adjust specific settings during travel.

Tasks often restricted while driving include:

• Complex navigation inputs
• System settings changes
• Certain app functions
• Detailed contact browsing

These limitations, while well-intentioned, sometimes force drivers to pull over to complete simple tasks that passengers could otherwise handle safely.

How Uconnect Compares to Competitors

When evaluating Uconnect’s worth, it helps to understand how it stacks up against other major infotainment systems:

Uconnect generally ranks above average in third-party evaluations, particularly for its user-friendly interface and responsiveness. Where it sometimes falls behind is in screen resolution and processing power compared to Ford’s premium offerings.

Making the Most of Your Uconnect System

If you already have Uconnect or are considering a Stellantis vehicle, these tips will help maximize value:

1. Take advantage of the trial period to evaluate which premium features are truly worthwhile for your driving habits before committing to subscriptions
2. Set up all user profiles completely, including voice training, to ensure the system responds accurately to commands
3. Learn voice commands to reduce distraction while driving—most functions can be controlled hands-free
4. Customize your home screen to prioritize the features you use most frequently, reducing menu navigation
5. Keep the system updated to benefit from new features and bug fixes as they become available

Is Uconnect Right For You?

Uconnect offers the most value to drivers who:

• Value intuitive, straightforward interfaces over cutting-edge but complex designs
• Frequently share their vehicle with family members
• Want seamless smartphone integration
• Appreciate over-the-air updates that extend system lifespan
• Need advanced remote control features like vehicle preconditioning

Conversely, Uconnect might disappoint those who:

• Resist ongoing subscription costs for premium features
• Require absolute reliability from the mobile app
• Want full functionality accessible while the vehicle is in motion
• Need industry-leading screen resolution or processing power

For a majority of users, Uconnect delivers a satisfying balance of functionality and usability that genuinely enhances the driving experience. As Cars.com notes, “Uconnect comes on virtually every new FCA vehicle now, so naturally, yes, it’s worth it.”

The system continues to improve with each generation, with Uconnect 5 representing a substantial leap forward in both capability and user experience. For most Stellantis vehicle buyers, the question isn’t whether to get Uconnect—it’s standard equipment—but rather which features to activate and use most frequently.

Ultimately, Uconnect works best when viewed not as an expensive add-on but as an integrated vehicle system that, when used to its full potential, genuinely improves your relationship with your vehicle.