Cadillac vehicles are now equipped with an array of advanced connectivity features, many of which rely on General Motors’ subscription-based OnStar platform. Among these features is Google Maps, which is part of the broader suite of Google built-in services. However, access to many of these features requires an active OnStar subscription, so with that in mind, we’re taking a closer look at what Cadillac owners can expect to pay to keep Google maps in their vehicle.
For the 2024 model year, most Cadillac vehicles – excluding Escalade – were equipped with a three-year OnStar Remote Access Plan. This plan offers simplified remote control capabilities through the myCadillac app, but does not include emergency or security services. For 2024 Escalade buyers, GM included a three-year OnStar Premium Plan, which covers a full suite of services, including OnStar Guardian, in-vehicle app connectivity, Wi-Fi Hotspot data, and the Remote Access feature.
Starting with the 2025 model year, Cadillac introduced OnStar Basics as a standard feature for eight years. This plan includes voice assistance, real-time navigation, remote commands, and Automatic Crash Response. Additionally, 2025 models are bundled with OnStar Digital Services for three years, offering Wi-Fi, in-vehicle apps, and safety services.
After these complimentary periods, owners must subscribe to retain the related services, including Google Maps. While Google Maps is available via numerous plans, customers can expect to pay at least $14.99 per month for access at the current rates. Obviously, plans, features and pricing are subject to change over time.
For the 2026-model-year vehicles, including the upcoming Cadillac Vistiq, OnStar Digital Services have been rebranded as “3 Years of Connected Services by OnStar.” Despite the name change, the features remain the same, encompassing navigation, apps, and safety functions.
Check out the table below for a full breakdown of OnStar plans and pricing, from the entry-level Remote Access and App Access plans, all the way up to the top-tier Premium plan:
| OnStar Plans | Premium | Preferred Plus Wi-Fi | Essentials | Preferred | Safety & Security | Connected Vehicle | App Access | Remote Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $52.99/month | $46.99/month | $42.99/month | $31.99/month | $32.99/month | $26.99/month | $14.99/month | $14.99/month | |
| Automatic Crash Response | X | X | X | X | X | - | - | - |
| Emergency Services | X | X | X | X | X | - | - | - |
| Crisis Assist | X | X | X | X | X | - | - | - |
| Roadside Assistance | X | X | X | X | X | - | - | - |
| Stolen Vehicle Assistance | X | X | X | X | X | - | - | - |
| Connected Navigation | X | X | - | X | - | X | X | - |
| Turn-By-Turn Navigation | X | X | X | X | X | - | - | - |
| OnStar Guardian App ($15/month) | X | X | X | X | X | + | + | + |
| Remote Key Fob | X | - | X | - | - | X | - | X |
| Mobile Map App | X | - | X | - | - | X | X | X |
| Remote Personalization | X | - | X | - | - | X | X | X |
| On-Demand Diagnostics | X | - | X | - | - | X | X | - |
| HD Streaming (if properly equipped) | X | X | - | - | - | X | - | - |
| Voice Assistant (Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa) | X | X | - | X | - | X | X | - |
| Unlimited In-Vehicle Data ($25/month) | X | X | + | + | + | X | + | + |
| In-Vehicle Apps | X | X | - | X | - | X | X | - |
| Super Cruise if equipped ($25/month) | + | + | + | + | + | + | + | + |
- X = included
- + = add-on option
- – = not available
Comments
So even if you pay CASH … you have “monthly payments” for as long as you own the vehicle. GM 2025 !
Thanks GM. You just gave me another reason to keep my 2017 ATS Premium Performance.
Ha, ha, ha…
And yet they’ve puzzled since my mom was working at the Turnstedt plant in 1972 about why they’re losing share.
I was given 2 years of free on star. Never used it. In my 2022 CT5. Then Cadillac called me up, trying to sell me their plan and subscription services.
I told them that I didn’t use it in the 15 years in my Pontiac, haven’t used it so far in the 2 years I’ve had my Cadillac, so what makes you think that all of a sudden, I need it now? Silence….
Are you able to use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay from your phone without a subscription?
GM is looking to remove Carplay and Android Auto from cars altogether. Replacing them with this. Why? Because they can charge for it.
Can you just use Android Auto instead? It also uses Google maps and all it costs is your existing phone data plan.
Google says Cadillac made a total of 111,120 vehicles in 2024. If 50% of the buyers opted for the cheapest version a $26.99 that is 3 million in extra income.