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This Detroit Automaker Just Made a Fan-Favorite Feature Standard for the Next Decade

Battling subscriptions, one free perk at a time.

Close-up of a black Jeep vehicle hood with a shiny Jeep logo and part of the front grille visible.Jeep
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By Chris Chin

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The mere thought of subscription models permeating car ownership is pretty cringeworthy, but Stellantis is trying to avoid succumbing to the trend. The auto conglomerate’s Auburn Hills division just made a very beloved smartphone connectivity feature (and others) standard across the board.

For the next 10 years. In a recent announcement, all Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler models will now offer free remote engine start through their connectivity apps. But that’s not the only perk Stellantis is making available without needing a subscription.

More app perks made free

Hand holding smartphone displaying Jeep app with orange Jeep Rubicon outside window in mountainous landscape.
Nearly all 2027 Stellantis-brand models will get free remote engine start/stop through their Connect One app for the next decade.
Jeep

According to Stellantis’s press release, all new Jeep, Ram, Dodge, Fiat, Chrysler and Alfa Romeo models will benefit from free remote engine start/stop from the Connect One app, beginning with all 2027 model-year cars. That means owners can start their vehicles from afar.

It also means they won’t have to sift through their things to find the key to perform the same function. While American automakers are known for making remote start a standard feature, the function was only available via the car’s key fob.

Black Jeep SUV splashing through muddy water in a rugged outdoor setting with dry trees and blue sky.
You’ll no longer need to pay for remote start through Jeep’s Connect One smartphone app.
Jeep

With the emergence of smartphone apps and wireless connectivity, many automakers, including the Detroit Big Three, have also implemented the function through app-based connectivity. Some even charge additional fees for such functions.

In addition to the free remote start through the app, standard features on Connect One also include door lock controls, OTA (over-the-air) updates, vehicle health monitoring, service scheduling, recall alerts, automatic SOS emergency calling and more.

Premium features get a price reduction

Black Jeep Wrangler with tan soft top driving on rocky desert terrain with mountains in the background.
Stellantis’ Connect One app allows owners to seamlessly control various items on their vehicle from their smartphone.
Jeep

Beyond the new free features, Stellantis also reduced the annual cost of its premium functions. For $15.99 a month, Connect One can alert owners to vehicle theft, provide real-time vehicle location services, remote light and horn activation and even connected navigation assistance.

Previously, those premium features required a monthly subscription of $17.99 per month.

Green Alfa Romeo sedan parked on a sandy beach with rocky hills in the background.
Alfa Romeo models and the Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer S also get Connect One’s extras as standard for up to three years.
Alfa Romeo

Additional functions and specifics also may vary per model.

For instance, more premium offerings (like the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Wagoner S and all Alfa Romeo cars) will get the standard Connect One features free for 10 years. They’ll also benefit from the additional functions for free for up to three years from the original date of purchase.

By and large, the most notable standout freebie is the standardization of smartphone-based remote start.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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