Stellantis Rolls Out Two-Tier Connectivity Plan

Many services now become free for 10 years; others like remote start now require a subscription after three months.

Stellantis on Tuesday announced a simplified connectivity plan across most of its North American brands and models. It's no secret that modern vehicles are becoming more and more software-defined: according to Stellantis, this move is meant to make it simpler for customers to navigate, bundling "the most popular features into easy-to-understand options."

Starting this month, American Dodge, Jeep, Ram, and Fiat buyers can expect two connectivity tiers with their new vehicle purchases; Canadian buyers will see the program come online in the fall. Chrysler and Alfa Romeo will join the party "shortly after." The standard package, dubbed Connect One, will include the following for 10 years from the date of purchase or lease in both Canada and the US:

• Over-the-air (OTA) software updates
• Vehicle health reports, alerts and service scheduling
• Automatic SOS calls and recall notifications
• Remote lock and unlock via the brand app
• Digital Key for smartphone-based access and engine start (when available)
• In-vehicle games
• EV charging controls and management tools
• Basic navigation

American buyers can opt for the Connect Wi-Fi Plus package, which is available for a three-month free trial on new vehicles. After that, it's $17.99 per month. The Plus package includes Alexa Built-In, detailed navigation with live traffic updates, voice assistant, stolen vehicle tracking, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability for up to eight devices. Driver Alerts allow owners to set speed limits as well as time and location boundaries, similar to GM's Teen Driver mode. Lastly, advanced remote vehicle functions like remote start, climate control prep, and location actions such as remote light/horn activation are included in the Plus package.

Canada's pack is simply called Connect Plus, as Wi-Fi remains a separate purchase in the country. Connect Plus will cost $13.99 CAD per month.

Other services such as SiriusXM and Stellantis' Hands-Free Active Driving remain separate subscriptions. There are a few models that won't transition to this new connectivity plan: the Dodge Durango, Chrysler Pacifica, and Jeep Compass. Existing buyers with eligible vehicles will be able to activate the new Connect packages this month as well.

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