GM Makes Some OnStar Functions Standard on All 2025 Vehicles

As a subscription-based service that could, for a monthly fee, automatically make a potentially life-saving phone call in an emergency, GM’s OnStar has raised sticky ethical questions since its launch in the 1990s. How many people’s last thought has been, “$29.95 a month would have been worth it”?

As of the 2025 model year, such questions are moot, as the automaker will make Automatic Crash Response standard on every new Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC. GM has bundled several key features into OnStar One Essentials, which will be included at no cost for eight years. In addition to Automatic Crash Response, the package includes remote vehicle commands and voice assistance features.

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Remote vehicle commands give users control over vehicle starting and locking, as well as location, diagnostic and status information (e.g., fuel and battery charge levels) through a smartphone app. The included navigation and voice assistant features grant GM owners access to hands-free Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Google Maps and other apps. Cadillac customers will also receive three free years of premium OnStar services, which adds more apps and unlimited Wi-Fi data and is currently priced at $49.99 per month.

After the complimentary period, it’s unclear what will happen. GM said in an email to Cars.com that it landed on eight years as the duration of OnStar One Essentials service because that’s how long people keep a new car on average. Given the rapid pace of technological advancement, it’s likely the infrastructure supporting these services will look drastically different well before the company needs to commit to a follow-up plan in 2033.

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