Family Cars With Remote Start

Remote start is one of those vehicle features that many parents love once they have it. It allows you to start your vehicle from a distance, usually through your key fob or a smartphone app, before getting inside.

On a hot summer day, remote start can help cool the cabin before you load up the kids. During colder months, it can warm the vehicle and help defrost the windows before you leave the driveway.

Is remote start a necessity? No. But it is a feature many families find convenient, especially if they live in an area with extreme temperatures.

If you’re new here- I’m Kelly the Car Mom and helping families find the best car for their needs is my thing. I’m a Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST), mom of three, and if there is one thing I know better than anything else - it’s family cars. I want to help you narrow down everything you need to consider when deciding on a vehicle.

What Is Remote Start?

Remote start allows you to start your vehicle before getting inside. Depending on the manufacturer, you can usually do this using your key fob, a smartphone app, or both.

The biggest benefit is comfort. On hot summer days, remote start can help cool the cabin before loading the kids. During colder months, it can warm the vehicle and help defrost the windows before you leave the driveway.

Is Remote Start Worth It for Families?

I wouldn't choose a vehicle solely because it has remote start, but I understand why so many families love it.

If you've ever buckled a child into a scorching-hot car seat in July or waited for your windshield to defrost on a freezing morning, you can appreciate the convenience. It won't change your life, but it can make everyday routines a little easier.

For families with young children, remote start can also help create a more comfortable cabin temperature before everyone gets in the car.

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Which Manufacturers Offer Remote Start?

Today, most major manufacturers offer remote start on at least some vehicles, including

• Honda
• Toyota
• Kia
• Hyundai
• Chevrolet
• GMC
• Ford
• Nissan
• Subaru
• Volkswagen
• Jeep
• Lexus
• Acura
• Mazda
• Volvo
• Mercedes-Benz.
• BMW

Availability varies by model year and trim level..

Do Most New Cars Have Remote Start?

The short answer is: many do, but not all.

Over the last several years, remote start has become increasingly common across mainstream family vehicles. What was once considered a luxury feature is now available on many SUVs, trucks, minivans, and sedans.

However, availability varies by:

• Manufacturer
• Model year
• Trim level
• Technology package
• Connected services subscriptions

This means two versions of the exact same vehicle may differ when it comes to remote start functionality.

Remote Start Usually Comes on Higher Trims

If you're shopping for a vehicle specifically because you want remote start, this is the most important thing to know.

Many manufacturers reserve remote start for mid-level and upper trims. Others include it through connected services platforms like:

• FordPass
• Toyota Remote Connect
• Hyundai Bluelink
• Kia Connect
• myChevrolet
• myGMC

In some cases, remote start works directly from the key fob. In others, it may require a smartphone app subscription after an initial trial period.

The best way to know for sure is to check the manufacturer's website for the exact model year and trim level you're considering.

How Can I Tell If a Vehicle Has Remote Start?

If you're shopping for a new vehicle, the easiest way to verify remote start is to check:

• The manufacturer's build-and-price tool
• The trim comparison chart
• The window sticker
• The vehicle specifications page
• The owner's manual

One thing that surprises many shoppers is that remote start isn't always included on every trim level. Two versions of the exact same vehicle may have completely different remote start capabilities.

It's also important to understand how the remote start works. Some vehicles include traditional key-fob remote start, while others rely on a smartphone app.

Some Manufacturers Require a Subscription

In recent years, many automakers have started offering remote start through connected-services apps. Depending on the manufacturer, your vehicle may come with a complimentary trial period before requiring a monthly or annual subscription.

Manufacturers like Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and others may offer remote start through their connected-services platforms, though availability varies by model and model year.

Before purchasing a vehicle, I recommend asking:

• Does remote start work from the key fob?
• Does it require a smartphone app?
• Is there a subscription fee?
• If so, how much does it cost after the trial period ends?

These details can vary significantly from one vehicle to another.

The best way to know for sure whether a vehicle has remote start—and how it works—is to verify the exact model year and trim level you're considering.

The Ultimate Family Car Upgrade: Kelly’s Take

Remote start has become much more common over the last decade, but it's still not something you can assume every vehicle has. Whether you're shopping new or used, pay attention to the model year, trim level, and whether remote start requires a connected-services subscription.

If remote start is important to your family, take a few extra minutes to verify exactly how it works on the vehicle you're considering.

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As always, my advice to you? Do your homework. Consider what's essential for your family's needs, understand the nuances of different offerings, and make an informed choice.