OnStar, GM’s subscription-based telematics platform, offers a range of different services, with GM recently releasing a refreshed design and an expanded feature list. Among the highlights is Google built-in functionality. However, accessing some of these features, including Google Maps, hinges on an active subscription. As such, we’re breaking down how much it will cost to retain Google Maps in your GMC vehicle.
For the 2023 and 2024 model years, GMC vehicles are offered with the OnStar Remote Access Plan for the first three years of ownership. This plan enables remote control of certain vehicle functions via the myGMC mobile app and other features, but it does not provide emergency or security services.
Starting with the 2025 model year, GMC vehicles are equipped with OnStar Basics as standard for eight years. This plan includes several key features, such as:
- Remote Commands
- Built-In Voice Assistance
- Real-Time Traffic and Navigation
- Automatic Crash Response
While OnStar Basics is included for eight years on 2025-model-year GMC vehicles, once this period ends – or when the introductory plan expires on earlier models – continued access to Google Maps and other premium services requires a paid subscription.
To continue using Google Maps beyond the complimentary coverage period, GMC owners will need to subscribe to an OnStar plan that includes connected navigation. According to the latest pricing breakdown, the OnStar Connected Vehicle Plan, priced at $14.99 per month, offers access to Google Maps as part of its core features​. Other plans, such as OnStar Preferred ($32.99 per month) or OnStar Premium ($52.99 per month) also include Google Maps, as well as with additional features like Emergency Services and HD Streaming for equipped vehicles​.
Of course, GMC’s integration with Google built-in goes beyond maps to include services like voice commands via Google Assistant and access to the Google Play Store for compatible apps. However, these features are also tied to the chosen OnStar subscription plan.
Check out the table below for full OnStar plan and pricing information:
| 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
Long time gm truck buyer here thinking, I sure am glad there are competitors out there.
I’ll stick with the Waze app on my phone, Arschlöcher! Not only are those MONTHLY, prices insane, but paying extra to use a remote keyfob is complete BS!
It won’t be long before GM starts charging for connecting your phone
After the 3 year trial, you have to get at least the App Access subscription to use Apple CarPlay. So yes, there will be a charge for connecting your phone.
Ha, ha, ha…
Can someone please reference which fuse needs to be pulled in order to disable OnStar?
the blue one
wow
To pricey for me. I’ll use Google access and navigation through my Android Auto. It’s too bad GM is overpriced on these services and apps.
Hi All, 4 months ago I purchased a 2024 Equinox EV and just learned that I only have 3 years of Google support while the 2025’s have 8 years. -what’s up with that?
As my son was an Apple Store Genius way back when, I pretty much had iPhones since its release on January 9th, 2007. Unlike a lot of folks over reacting about gm not having CarPlay or Android I was willing to give gm the benefit of the doubt about their Google only approach.
But, having to pay $15 bucks a month extortion makes me want to buy a Toyota in a couple of years.
Does this mean that you cannot lock or unlock your car without making a monthly payment?
depends. Are you locking it from a key fob or your phone?
Do the 3 year and 8 year plans transfer to the second owner?
One of the reasons I bought a 24 Terrain … embedded NAV. You can update every 2 or 3 years online for about 80/90 bucks.
They have eliminated embedded NAV so they can screw you into monthly pay plans .
Korn – “Ya’ll want a single” summarizes it perfectly (search it on youtube)… There isn’t much left to say.
The uncensored version…
They’ll probably start changing us to activate or disable lifters soon.
Have to pay ANYTHING to use a key fob that I’ve already paid for is un acceptable. Let alone the navigation features. I’m going to have to re-evaluate my plan to buy a new GM…….
I was going to buy a new Equinox but I think I am going to look for a comparable Toyota.
So just to connect my iPhone for CarPlay navigation, I have to pay a subscription?