Stellantis is offering 10 years of remote start, and others should follow suit.
Joel Feder
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Many car manufacturers offer a limited free trial of connected features on new vehicles that usually require a paid subscription. Often, these freebies last for a year, based on the idea that experiencing convenience for 12 months makes it hard to live without it. That’s why I spend $15 monthly for remote locks on my GR Corolla. Recently, Stellantis has been gaining momentum and aims to keep that going by promising buyers of most 2027 models across its brands a full decade of features such as remote start, locks, and automatic SOS calls before any payment is necessary.
This initiative is part of the revamped “Connect One” plan, which includes the following features:
- Remote engine start/stop
- Remote lock/unlock doors
- Over-the-air (OTA) software updates
- Monthly vehicle health reports
- Vehicle health and recall alerts
- Service scheduling
- Automatic SOS calls
- Remotely clear personal data
- In-vehicle games via the App Market
Connect One does not include remote horn/flashing lights, stolen vehicle assistance, or connected navigation—those features are part of the upgraded Connect Plus tier. However, purchasers of the 2027 Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Wagoneer S, or Alfa Romeo receive three years of those additional features as well. At that point, the only feature you’d have to opt for, if desired, is a Wi-Fi hotspot for $13 per month.
Returning to the Connect One offerings, I find it puzzling why more automakers don’t adopt this approach. These conveniences come at no operational cost, and while giving them away for ten years means missing out on some profit, it’s an attractive perk to provide, especially if sales are lower than desired or vehicle prices have risen to unaffordable levels for many buyers.
When I shared this announcement with my colleagues, The Drive’s Joel Feder pointed out that Stellantis’ app for connected-car features—particularly in the Wagoneer S—hasn’t been the most consistent or reliable in his experience. However, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for, and considering that the price for 2027 model-year vehicles is “free,” if I were considering a Stellantis vehicle, I’d be eager to try out these features. Perhaps an even larger customer base using these tools will encourage the company to resolve ongoing issues.
Have you had any experience with Stellantis’ connected-car app features? Feel free to leave a comment or contact tips@thedrive.com.
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Stellantis is offering 10 years of remote start, and others should follow suit.
The majority of Stellantis vehicles for the 2027 model year, including Ram, Jeep, and other brands, will provide a complimentary 10 years of valuable connected-car functionalities with their purchase.