Remote start is an important feature for any modern vehicle and is precious for any prospective SUV owners who value comfort above everything else. With the density of SUVs out there on the market, learning the perks of each model is nearly impossible, especially for a feature so specific as remote start. Luckily, we've researched all the 2021 SUV models and have the list of those that have remote starters here in this post.
For the model year 2021, an impressive 62 SUV models have remote start as either a standard feature or an available add-on. Here is a sample of the top seven according to overall features of that total 62:
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Lexus GX
- Infiniti QX80
- Buick Envision
- Mercedes-Benz GLC
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Subaru Outback
That's just the top seven out of the massive amount of SUVs with remote start for the next model year. Please keep reading to see the complete list of 62 SUVs, find out more about the details of the top seven, and learn more about remote start. We will discuss the different types of remote start, the potential effects on vehicles, and the possibility of adding an aftermarket remote starter.
2021 SUVs with Remote Start
A smart key fob activates remote start on most SUVs on this list. That said, a few of these SUVs only offer their remote start through a mobile phone application. Cellphone applications from certain manufacturers require a subscription for use. Fortunately, those that do need a subscription often offer a trial period that ranges from one to three years.
Some manufacturers only make remote start available as a premium option. You may have to purchase an upgraded model to access a remote start feature in those cases. This typically costs more money. As with the key fob versus subscription differences, we recommend checking out specific models to learn how their remote start works and if a subscription will be required. Here is the full list of SUVs with remote start, separated by size:
Full-size SUVs
- Cadillac Escalade
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Ford Expedition
- GMC Yukon
- Infiniti QX80
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Kia Carnival MPV
- Lexus GX
- Lexus LX
- Lincoln Navigator
- Mercedes-Benz GLS
- Nissan Armada
Mid-size SUVs
- Acura MDX
- Acura RDX
- Buick Enclave
- Buick Envision
- Cadillac XT4
- Cadillac XT5
- Cadillac XT6
- Chevrolet Traverse
- Chevrolet Blazer
- Chevrolet Trailblazer
- Chevrolet Trax
- Chevrolet Equinox
- Dodge Durango
- Dodge Journey
- Ford Edge
- Ford Explorer
- GMC Acadia
- GMC Terrain
- Honda Pilot
- Honda Passport
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Hyundai Palisade
- Hyundai Tuscon
- Hyundai Kona
- Infiniti QX60
- Jaguar F-Pace
- Jeep Cherokee
- Kia Telluride
- Kia Sorento
- Range Rover Evoque
- Range Rover Velar
- Range Rover Sport
- Range Rover Index
- Range Rover Discovery
- Lincoln Aviator
- Mazda CX-9
- Mercedes-Benz GLC
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Nissan Murano
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Subaru Forester
- Subaru Outback
- Toyota Highlander
- Volkswagen Atlas
- Volkswagen Tiguan
- Volvo XC40
- Volvo XC60
- Volvo XC90
- Volkswagen ID4
Top 7 SUV Models that Have Remote Start
As we've said earlier in the post, that is an absolutely massive amount of different SUV models. Because of that volume of models with available remote starting, we've decided to zoom in on seven models to detail further. Here are some details on those seven models.
1. Chevrolet Suburban
The 2021 Chevy Suburban is a full-size SUV that features more than just a remote starter. The Suburban has a heads-up display, automatic emergency braking, and an adaptive air-ride suspension. This Chevy seats up to seven passengers with its second-row captain's chairs and a third-row bench. When you put the seats down, there is a massive 144.7 square feet of cargo space.
2. Lexus GX
The Lexus GX is a full-size luxury SUV. The GX comes with subscription-free weather and traffic to its center display, which also has a Multi-Terrain Monitor feature. This monitor gives a camera view of the underside of the car and wheel positions which can help during precision off-road driving. The GX seats six people and packs a 4.6-liter V8 engine under the hood.
3. Infiniti QX80
The Infiniti QX80 is another luxury full-size SUV with features like heated and cooled first and second-row seats. Safety and towing features like lane-departure warning and Infiniti All-Mode 4-wheel drive make the QX80 a versatile SUV. This Infiniti can seat up to eight people and runs on a 5.6-liter V8 engine.
4. Buick Envision
The Buick Envision is a medium-size SUV with a suite of safety features that make it great for all drivers. Among those features are adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, and HD surround vision. The Envision seats up to five people total and comes with a standard 2.0-liter ECOTEC engine. There is also an available upgrade called Avenir, which will get you even more comfort and features.
5. Mercedes-Benz GLC
The GLC from Mercedes is the peak of luxury mid-size SUVs. This Mercedes is jam-packed with luxury and convenience features in addition to its automatic starting via the Mercedes Me smartphone app. The GLC has a 10.25-inch touchscreen center display, a fully digital dashboard, and a back seat with multiple folding configurations. The GLC is also very quick for an SUV, boasting a 255 horsepower turbocharged engine.
6. Nissan Pathfinder
The newest Nissan Pathfinder is great for city driving, towing, and off-road use. The Pathfinder seats up to seven people across three rows and keeps them comfortable and entertained with tri-zone climate control and head-rest video monitors. A hands-free liftgate and Bose sound system perfectly round out the Pathfinder's features. Under the hood, the Pathfinder has a 3.5-liter V6 engine that gives the SUV 284 horsepower and enough torque to tow up to 6,000 pounds.
7. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a mid-size SUV geared towards drivers with a sense of adventure and a need for safety. The Outback features Subaru standards like all-wheel drive and a Boxer engine. Additionally, the Outback has safety features like a distraction prevention system, blind-spot detection, and automatic braking in forward and reverse. There is a hands-free power liftgate and rear seats that fold down to open 75.7 cubic feet of storage space.
How do I know if my vehicle has a remote start?
If you have a vehicle that might have a remote start but are unsure, there are a few ways to verify it. The best thing to do is to check your vehicle's user manual. Usually, there will be a section on the engine or convenience features where you will find information about a potential remote start. Additionally, an online search should reveal whether or not your vehicle is outfitted with the feature. Finally, if those don't return any results, we recommend contacting your local dealership to ask them directly.
Can I use my smartphone to start my car?
Whether or not you can use a smartphone application to start your car depends on the vehicle's make and model. The remote starter on some vehicles can only be started from a smart key.
Others, however, do function solely from a mobile app. For example, the remote start for newer Mercedes cars, like the GLC mentioned on this list, can only be started from an app called Mercedes Me. After linking the app with your Mercedes, you can also get statistics and health reports about your vehicle in addition to using the remote start feature.
Can remote start be added to any vehicle?
There are many aftermarket remote starters available online or through local automotive shops. Because of the volume of starters available, there is one out there for just about every vehicle type. There are even universal remote starters available that will work on any make and model. For example, here is one for sale on Amazon:
Click here to see the Avital remote start system at Amazon.
How much does it cost to add a remote start to a car?
The remote starters available aftermarket have a price range from around $40 all the way up to $400. So, there are remote starters that fit every budget. Installation is where it might get expensive. Unless you have experience with wiring and other automotive skillsets, we recommend speaking with a professional for installation. Labor for an installation could cost you another $100 to $500, depending on the mechanic.
Does the remote start mess up your starter?
After all this talk of installing a remote starter on an older vehicle, you may be wondering if there are any negative effects to the process. The starter is one of those small car parts that always seem to be the first to go out on a car. Luckily they aren't too expensive to replace. Thankfully, having and using a remote starter will not negatively affect your starter, alternator, or any other part of your vehicle.
In Closing
If you are shopping for a new SUV in 2021, it won't be hard to find one that includes a remote start feature. Just be careful, as sometimes automakers make remote start a feature only available on premium trims. If you have a car with no remote start but would like to have one, you are in luck. There are many affordable aftermarket remote starters out there that can be added to your vehicle.
If you found the information in this post helpful, please check out a few of our others:
What SUVs Have Blind Spot Detection? [2021 Midsize And Full-Size]