While “remote start” is not a new technology, it has only recently become industry standard to include the remote start feature on new vehicles.
Starting in 2020, Kia began adding remote start as a convenience feature to three of their most popular models of cars: Telluride, Sorento, and K900. So, how does remote start work in your 2021 Kia Telluride?
The Kia Telluride Remote Start System can be utilized with the key fob or your Kia Access smartphone app.
Remote start is a way for owners, such as yourself, to start your vehicle with the push of a button. Remote start is ideal if you live in an area with severe climate conditions, but it is still advantageous for everyone. One benefit of the remote start system is that your doors stay locked and your car is secure while it is warming up for you.
Remote start has been an aftermarket feature on vehicles since 1985. Now, more vehicles are coming stock with remote start from the factory. Most manufacturers are including a remote start as an additional button on the key fob.
Typically, there would be instructions in your owner’s manual on how to use the remote start functionality for your vehicle.
When you remote start your Kia Telluride, it will stay running for 10 minutes. If you need to run your car for longer than 10 minutes, you would need to remote start your vehicle again after it has stopped running.
Vehicles such as the Kia Telluride, come stock with a remote start system. The Kia Telluride has your standard key fob with a special remote start key. The remote start key is available within 500ft of your car. Once you are within range, press the remote start button, and your Telluride will start.
When you purchase your new Kia Telluride, you’ll want to download the Kia Access app. This is Kia’s smartphone app that allows you to remote start your car along with many other features.
Download the Kia Acces app from the App Store or Google Play for Android devices to begin setting up your vehicle. Some of the features of The Kia Access app which can be accessed through your smartphone are:
In order to set up your Telluride so that you can take advantage of these features, you will need to have the app installed and your car turned on to accessory mode so that you can access your vehicle’s touchscreen. On the touchscreen, you will select Setup, then click the UVO icon, and click Activate UVO.
You will then be prompted to read and accept the terms of service. After accepting the terms of service, you will need to enter your phone number or email address and follow the instructions you are provided to set up your Kia Owner’s Portal.
You will then receive a code that you will enter on your touchscreen to complete the setup process. Let’s look a little more at the features that are available to you through the Kia Access app.
The Kia Access app was designed with car owners in mind. By downloading the app you will be connected with your car so that you can manage it with the convenience of modern technology. This includes the infotainment system, voice commands, and navigation.
The Kia Access app contains alerts and reminders to keep your vehicle going as long as possible. The Vehicle Health Report is a monthly diagnostic report of your vehicle.
The diagnostic report provides you with key tips about your vehicle’s current health such as oil life, tire pressure monitoring system, cabin air filter, and fuel filter. It also provides you with coupons to help with the costs of necessary work to be done.
The Kia Access App will provide you with maintenance reminders, and allow you to schedule maintenance with your Kia dealership through the app.
With the remote start functionality, you can control when your car starts and stops with a quick easy tap. You are also able to heat or ventilate your seats within the app, so when you get in your Telluride it is at your desired comfort for your next trip.
You can set a schedule within the app that will automatically start your car at the desired time and adjust climate settings as programmed in the schedule. With the key fob, you must be within 500ft to remote start your car, with the app you have a greater distance so that you can start your car easily from the comfort of your home.
The Kia Access app allows you to see where you parked your car, set points of interest, and connect with emergency services in your area. If you are having mechanical issues, you can connect with a Roadside Assistance operator through the app as well.
The Kia Access app has the capability to set your climate so that when you get in your Telluride it is at your desired temperature for your trip. You can turn on heated or ventilated seats and the heated steering wheel.
The app allows you to set a climate schedule that will auto-start your car at the desired time and automatically adjust your climate settings to your desired presets in the schedule, or you can start your car and adjust the climate settings within the app.
The remote start key fob can run anywhere from $100, without installation, to $1000, with installation. Location, make, and model can all affect the cost of the remote start key fob.
The Kia Access app is a monthly subscription service that must be paid to enjoy all the benefits of the app. Even vehicles that come stock with the remote start option, such as the Kia Telluride, require a monthly subscription.
There are four packages to choose from when selecting your subscription options. It is important to note that remote start is only available in the third and fourth package options.
The Lite Program is the basic subscription package, and it includes trip information, 911 connect, and remote charging. This package is free for the first five years. After the fifth year, this package expires and is no longer accessible.
The Care Package is the second subscription option. It provides all the same benefits as the Lite Program with an added vehicle alarm alert. The Lite Program is $5.99 per month.
The Plus Package is the first package to offer a remote start. In addition, the Plus Package has all the benefits of the first two packages, and the find my car feature is also available in this subscription package. The Plus Package is $14.99 per month or can be paid annually for a discounted rate of $149.99 annually.
The Ultimate Package is the last subscription package and gives you all the benefits of the previous three packages. Additionally, you will have the capability to use Google or Alexa with a home-to-car feature. The Ultimate Package is 19.99 per month or it can also be paid annually for a discounted rate of $199.99 annually.
Keyless systems allow drivers to operate the vehicle with the key on their person, in their pocket, or in a bag. When a driver approaches their car, they are identified by a paired radio transponder chip inside the car. The doors will then unlock and the driver will be able to start the car.
Most key fobs have the remote start engine button on the fob. Some key fobs may require the buttons on the fob to be pressed in a different sequence to start the engine remotely.
Remote start or the remote start with climate control feature will stay on for about 10 minutes. The vehicle may be remotely started as many times as you wish for an additional 10 minutes each time.
You can fetch a higher resale for your Kia with a remote start than you can a vehicle without a remote start.
Remote start has been an aftermarket accessory for vehicles since 1985. More recently, manufacturers have added remote start as a stock convenience feature to their vehicle lines. The Kia Telluride has included a remote start since 2020.
There are two ways to remote start your Kia Telluride, with the key fob and with the Kia Access app from your smartphone. While the Kia Access app contains many additional convenience and safety features, it is up to you to decide if those additional features are worth the subscription cost to access.
