Updated Date: 11/5/2025
Your smartphone has become your gateway to everything — your calendar, your home, your entertainment, and increasingly, your car. Today’s vehicles are more connected than ever, and that connection puts remarkable control right in your pocket. Whether you’re warming up your car on a cold morning from the comfort of your kitchen, checking your electric vehicle’s charge status while at dinner, or simply remembering where you parked in a crowded lot, smartphone apps have transformed how we interact with our vehicles.
The technology continues to evolve rapidly, with over 90% of EV owners now using their car brand’s mobile app, a significant increase from previous years. These apps aren’t just convenient — they’re becoming essential tools for modern vehicle ownership, offering everything from basic functions like locking your doors to advanced features like remote diagnostics and concierge services.
What Functions Do Smartphone Apps Offer?
Functions vary by manufacturer, but many offer the following capabilities:
Lock/Unlock: Lock or unlock your car via smartphone from anywhere
Send Destination: Send destination information directly from your phone to your car’s navigation system
Remote Start/Stop: Start your car from your phone to warm it up in advance or stop it if it’s currently running
Real-Time Diagnostics: Check tire pressure, oil life, fuel level, or other gauges from your phone
Electric Vehicles: Check your car’s range, battery level, charging status, and charging schedule settings
WiFi Hotspot: Manage your vehicle’s WiFi hotspot
Roadside Assistance: Use your phone’s GPS to request assistance and send the exact location of your car
Schedule Maintenance: Set up maintenance appointments and find a local service center
Vehicle Location: Find your car on a map if you forget where it’s parked
Guest Driver Monitoring: Track speed and location for teen drivers or other authorized users
Which Vehicles Offer Connected Smartphone Apps?
As of November 2025, the following manufacturers have apps for Apple and Android phones. Note that not all apps are free, and some require additional subscriptions to access their full features.
Acura
The AcuraLink app includes functions such as lock/unlock, real-time diagnostics, schedule maintenance, and send destinations to the navigation system.
Audi
Audi offers smartphone applications that allow owners to send destination information from their smartphone to their navigation system, stream music, get traffic reports, and find their car’s location. The e-tron app is specifically designed for e-tron owners and manages electric vehicle functions.
BMW
BMW’s Connected Drive app can be used to lock/unlock the car, change the vehicle temperature, and locate the car. The iRemote gives i3 and i8 owners access to battery levels, range, and charging information. BMW also offers a dedicated Roadside Assistance app.
Buick
The MyBuick app provides remote start/stop, real-time diagnostics, vehicle location, and lock/unlock.
Cadillac
The MyCadillac app supports real-time diagnostics, sending destinations to the navigation system, scheduling service appointments, and managing a WiFi hotspot.
Chevrolet
The myChevrolet app offers remote start/stop, lock/unlock, real-time diagnostics, schedule service, roadside assistance, and WiFi hotspot management.
Chrysler
Mopar Connect allows remote start/stop, lock/unlock, and vehicle location.
Dodge
Mopar Connect allows remote start/stop, lock/unlock, and vehicle location.
FIAT
Mopar Connect allows remote start/stop, lock/unlock, and vehicle location.
Ford
Ford’s Remote Access functions include lock/unlock, vehicle location, remote start, and real-time diagnostics. A separate version lets plug-in hybrid owners manage their car’s battery and range.
Genesis
Genesis Intelligent Assistant not only provides remote start/stop but also reminds owners when they should use it by accessing calendar data and current temperature. Other functions include lock/unlock, real-time analytics, and send destinations to navigation.
GMC
The myGMC app allows owners to lock/unlock, remote start/stop, send destinations to navigation, view real-time analytics, and schedule maintenance.
Honda
HondaLink’s functions include remote engine starting, automatic collision notification, a car finder, schedule maintenance, and Key by Amazon in-car package delivery. HondaLink can also notify owners when service is due and when recalls are issued. Some features are available on basic plans, while advanced features like remote start and teen driver monitoring require subscription packages.
Hyundai
MyHyundai with BlueLink provides lock/unlock, remote start, roadside assistance, schedule maintenance, and real-time analytics.
Infiniti
Infiniti Connection offers lock/unlock, real-time analytics, send destinations to navigation, and schedule maintenance.
Jeep
Mopar Connect allows remote start/stop, lock/unlock, and vehicle location.
Kia
Kia UVO eServices provides real-time analytics, vehicle location, schedule service, and driving history.
Land Rover
Land Rover InControl offers real-time analytics, vehicle location, roadside assistance, lock/unlock, and remote start.
Lexus
My LEXUS allows for remote confirmation and operation, remote air conditioner control, car finder functionality, and driver registration. The separate Lexus Roadside Assistance app connects owners to assistance while driving. The app also tracks daily driving records and provides drive diagnosis scoring from both safe driving and eco-driving perspectives.
Mazda
Mazda Mobile Start’s functions include remote start/stop, lock/unlock, and vehicle location. The Mazda Assist app offers roadside assistance.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes me connect suite includes Remote Parking Assist, which transforms your phone into a remote control for parking in tight spaces. The app also provides remote start/stop, lock/unlock, send destination to navigation, and roadside assistance. Higher-end models have access to Concierge Services.
MINI
MINI Connected allows real-time analytics and send destination to navigation. There is a separate Roadside Assistance app.
Nissan
Nissan Connect Services features remote start/stop, lock/unlock, real-time analytics, and roadside assistance.
Porsche
Porsche Car Connect offers lock/unlock, real-time analytics, and vehicle location.
Subaru
MySubaru allows remote lock/unlock and vehicle location.
Toyota
Using the Toyota app with Remote Connect, owners can control select features including lock and unlock doors, start vehicle, find their vehicle in a parking lot, monitor guest drivers, and view Vehicle Status notifications. The app is compatible with select 2010 or newer vehicles and also provides access to service scheduling, recall alerts, and maintenance information. Plans are available on select 2022 and later Toyota vehicles.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen Car-Net allows lock/unlock, vehicle location, send destination to navigation, and real-time analytics. VW also offers dedicated apps for its electric vehicle lineup.
Volvo
Volvo On Call provides roadside assistance, real-time diagnostics, vehicle location, lock/unlock, and a driving journal of where the car has been driven.
The automotive industry’s digital transformation has made smartphone apps an essential part of vehicle ownership, offering unprecedented convenience and control. From basic functions like finding your car in a parking lot to advanced features like remote diagnostics and climate control, these connected services are changing how we interact with our vehicles every day. As app performance continues to improve year over year, manufacturers are identifying new opportunities in feature content, usability, and overall connectivity, making these tools more reliable and useful than ever.
Whether you’re looking for a vehicle with comprehensive app features or just want basic remote access, the options have never been more abundant. When you’re ready to find your next vehicle with the connected features that matter most to you, Cartelligent can help you get a great deal on exactly what you want. Get started with your new car search today!
