Getting to Know Subaru’s Starlink Technology

There are many reasons to choose a Subaru over any other brand out there, from the amazing safety ratings of its vehicles to its unprecedented reputation for reliability and quality. As your New Brunswick Subaru dealership, we’re certainly big fans of everything these vehicles have to offer here at Richard Lucas Subaru, and we don’t try to hide it. We have customers come to us every day who are as passionate and excited about their next Subaru as we are, and yet, a lot of people shopping for a Subaru don’t realize everything these vehicles have to offer. In particular, Subaru’s incredible Starlink technology often gets overlooked.

We understand how easy it is to get wrapped up in things like performance, safety features, and the gorgeous interiors that Subaru models have to offer. However, overlooking all of the great systems that Subaru’s Starlink package brings to the table can mean you’re really missing out on getting the most from one of these vehicles. Let’s take a good look at Starlink and the major features that it brings to your vehicle––keep in mind that you may be able to get even more from this technology, depending on how you use it, so this is really just an introduction.

What Is Subaru Starlink?

Starlink essentially refers to the infotainment system and package of features that has been offered on select Subaru models for a number of years. Simply calling it an “infotainment system,” however, undersells just how impressive this technology is and the kinds of remarkable features that it provides in Subaru vehicles. How much you’ll get out of it depends on what you’re looking for from your car or SUV, but it can deliver fantastic functionality.

The Starlink technology in Subaru vehicles is spread across a few different areas of the interior, including the main infotainment display on the dashboard and an overhead console near the rearview mirror in the vehicle. Between these two locations, you can access all of the features available with the Starlink system, though some are also useable through compatible wireless devices like a smartphone (more on that below). Although there are quite a few different ways you can use this technology, it all can be easily broken down into three categories: safety features, multimedia features, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Safety and Security Features

This is one of the things that really sets the Starlink technology apart from a lot of other simple infotainment systems out there and lets you get a ton of value from it. Some of these features will probably be more attractive to certain people, but overall there’s something here for everyone. The Starlink system offers fantastic functionality to help protect you, your loved ones, and your vehicle, even when you’re not in it.

These safety and security features include Automatic Collision Notification, which can detect if your vehicle has been in a crash and automatically notify local emergency services to get you help. You also get Enhanced Roadside Assistance, which lets you call for help with the push of a button––it can even locate where you are to send assistance to you if you’re not familiar with your surroundings. This system even includes Stolen Vehicle Recovery, which can help law enforcement locate your vehicle after you report it stolen. Finally, Vehicle Diagnostic Alerts will remind you when service is needed and provide information about warning lights that might show up on the dashboard.

You can use this Starlink technology along with the MySubaru smartphone app to help keep track of your vehicle and ensure it is being used safely––something that’s particularly useful if you have a teen driver in your household. We all want to be able to trust young drivers, but we also remember how easy it is at that age to make foolish decisions or mistakes that can be potentially dangerous. With this technology, you can draw a boundary on a map and receive alerts when your vehicle goes beyond that border, as well as set up a curfew alert to let you know if someone decides to stay out too late. There’s even a speed alert function you can set up that allows you to set a speed limit on the vehicle, and you’ll receive a mobile alert if the vehicle exceeds that limit.

Multimedia and Infotainment

Along with the impressive safety and security features of the Starlink technology in select Subaru vehicles, you also get fantastic multimedia functionality. This incorporates support for your favorite media apps and systems, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with Bluetooth connectivity for your devices. You can use this to easily control the music you’re listening to on the road, with support for voice commands that let you change the track, adjust volume, and more without ever taking your hands off the wheel.

As you would expect, navigation is also included with the Starlink technology in select vehicles. This includes an intuitive GPS interface that makes it easy for you to figure out where you’re trying to go and then get directions to your destination. It makes the infotainment display simple to use and provides you with the information you need, with support for TomTom’s navigation software so you can easily reach any destination in your Subaru.

Depending on the model year and trim you have, there are a number of exciting apps and software systems that you can use with the Starlink technology. This can include iHeart Radio, Pandora, and SiriusXM, providing you with great options to enjoy music, podcasts, and much more while you’re on the road. There’s even support for Yelp, along with built-in concierge functionality available in the Starlink system, letting you find the perfect place to enjoy your evening and easily make reservations at restaurants and hotels while on the road.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

The Starlink technology has been designed to make getting the most from your vehicle as simple and enjoyable as possible. That includes providing you with 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot functionality pretty much anywhere you go, so your passengers can easily stay connected on their devices. Whether you’ve got a co-pilot sitting next to you, keeping your friends and family updated with pics during a road trip, or kids in the back streaming shows on tablets, it’s easy to keep everyone connected with this system. Up to eight different devices can be connected at once, which should be enough for everyone.

Bringing it All Together

The Starlink technology available in Subaru vehicles really is something special and provides you with incredible peace of mind while letting you get the most from your ride. With the overhead console, you get simple push-button options for calling emergency services or notifying a service vehicle of your location. Not only does this tech work with the available MySubaru app, but there’s also a Subaru Starlink app that you can download for even greater functionality, including controlling your multimedia system through your phone and much more. From simple things like locking or unlocking your doors with your phone to immobilizing your vehicle if it’s stolen, all of these systems work together beautifully to ensure you get the most from your car. Come visit us at Richard Lucas Subaru today to learn more and discover everything these amazing vehicles have to offer.