Importance Score: 25 / 100 🔵
For many vehicle owners, the desire for constant connectivity extends to their cars. While older models, like a second-generation Prius without Bluetooth, may lack modern tech like built-in Wi-Fi, today’s market offers numerous vehicles equipped with in-car Wi-Fi hotspots. Achieving seamless on-the-road Wi-Fi is now a reality, offering convenience for both personal and professional use. This article explores the benefits, available vehicles, costs, and alternatives for vehicle Wi-Fi.
Why Opt for a Built-In Car Wi-Fi Hotspot?
While smartphones offer personal hotspot capabilities, integrated car Wi-Fi provides distinct advantages. Matt Harden, Assistant Vice President of AT&T Connected Solutions, highlights a common scenario: family road trips. In areas with weak phone signals, a phone’s hotspot may falter, disrupting passengers’ devices and entertainment.
Built-in hotspots utilize a vehicle’s external antenna. “The larger antenna within the car provides significantly enhanced signal strength,” Harden explains. “This enables stronger cellular service reception, resulting in a superior and more reliable online experience.”
Beyond family entertainment, in-vehicle Wi-Fi proves valuable for business purposes. Business travelers and truck drivers can maintain constant connectivity for work. Moreover, professions like construction and trades can benefit from on-the-go internet access for tasks such as generating client estimates directly from job sites.
However, there are considerations. Typically, the vehicle must be running for the hotspot to be active. Additionally, many current systems operate on 4G LTE networks, although the automotive industry is gradually adopting faster 5G technology. Harden anticipates increased 5G integration in the coming years.
Looking ahead, anticipate in-car hotspots that can tap into satellite networks, crucial for areas lacking cellular coverage. This advancement promises improved connectivity for travelers venturing into remote locations. AT&T is scheduled to pilot this service extension later in 2025.
Which Cars Offer Wi-Fi Hotspots?
Car Wi-Fi hotspots are becoming increasingly prevalent across various vehicle types, from sporty models like the Ford Mustang to efficient SUVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 5. The sheer volume of cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs with factory-installed hotspots is extensive. Ford, for instance, incorporates FordPass Connect in all models from 2020 onwards. Consult your local dealership for specific models featuring hotspot capability when shopping for a new vehicle. Numerous options are readily available.
Each automaker brands its connected services system, encompassing the Wi-Fi hotspot feature, uniquely. Examples include Volkswagen Car-Net, Chrysler Uconnect, NissanConnect, Toyota Wi-Fi Connect, and FordPass Connect. General Motors vehicles (Chevy, GMC, and Buick) utilize OnStar.
Leading wireless carriers are key partners behind these in-car systems. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile collaborate with various automotive brands. FordPass Connect, for example, is powered by AT&T, supporting up to 10 devices within a 50-foot radius of the vehicle. AT&T also underpins OnStar’s hotspot service for GM vehicles.
Verizon’s 4G LTE network facilitates Hyundai’s In-Car Wi-Fi, debuting with the 2023 Palisade. Verizon’s service also extends to select Lexus, Toyota, Bentley, and Kia models, among others. The supported number of devices might differ based on the vehicle.
T-Mobile also participates in the car Wi-Fi market, providing service for certain BMW and VW models, typically accommodating up to eight devices.
Understanding In-Car Wi-Fi Costs
Subscription costs for built-in vehicle hotspots fluctuate depending on the provider, but a monthly fee of approximately $20 for a basic plan is typical. Potentially lower rates may be accessible for customers with qualifying existing phone plans from the vehicle’s partnered wireless carrier.
Many automotive brands offer complimentary trial periods with new vehicle purchases. This introductory period allows users to evaluate the technology and assess its suitability before committing to a paid subscription.
FordPass Connect, for example, includes a trial of up to three months or 3GB of data with new car purchases. AT&T Wireless subscribers with eligible unlimited plans can add in-car Wi-Fi for around $10 per month. Non-AT&T customers can opt for a prepaid unlimited data plan at $25 per month. Discounts may be available for upfront payments of six or twelve months.
T-Mobile plans begin at $20 monthly. T-Mobile notes, “During periods of network congestion, users with high data consumption or those selecting lower-priority plans might experience reduced speeds compared to other users.” They categorize data usage exceeding 50GB per month as heavy. AT&T employs a comparable policy, potentially throttling speeds on congested networks after 22GB of data usage.
Verizon’s Connected Car service is also generally priced at $20 per month, offering options for both current Verizon subscribers and prepaid customers.
All new GM vehicles, encompassing Chevy, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac, are equipped with OnStar. For 2025 and newer models, monthly OnStar subscriptions start at $23 for a package of services that includes roadside assistance, safety features, and a Wi-Fi hotspot supporting up to seven devices.
While many in-vehicle hotspots necessitate direct subscription with a wireless provider, Harden observes a shift in subscription models. Rather than maintaining an individual AT&T subscription, some customers will pay for hotspot access through a consolidated service plan offered directly by the vehicle manufacturer. “We are providing manufacturers access to specific plans, enabling them to bundle these with other vehicle services and offer them directly to consumers,” Harden states.
Wi-Fi Options for Older Vehicles
While this discussion primarily focuses on vehicles with integrated hotspots, alternatives exist for owners of older cars, or newer models lacking this feature. Using your smartphone as a hotspot remains a viable option. Resources detail how to transform iPhones or Android phones into mobile hotspots.
Another avenue for older vehicles involves OBD-II port hotspot devices. The OBD-II port is a standard fixture in US vehicles manufactured since 1996, utilized by service centers for diagnostics and error code readings.
T-Mobile’s SyncUp Drive is priced around $108, or available without upfront cost with a two-year service commitment. It functions as a hotspot and integrates with a mobile app for vehicle location tracking, maintenance alerts, and notifications. Plans begin at $10 per month. However, SyncUp Drive has received mixed customer feedback, with some reporting Wi-Fi connectivity issues. Utilizing your phone might be a more reliable option.
Verizon previously offered a similar device called Hum, which is still supported, but Verizon now emphasizes its Connected Car service as its main in-vehicle Wi-Fi offering. AT&T also marketed a comparable device but has transitioned to primarily focusing on built-in services.
A Note on Safe Wi-Fi Usage in Your Vehicle
Adhere to basic safety precautions when using Wi-Fi in your car. Activities like streaming, gaming, and browsing should be reserved for passengers while the vehicle is in motion. Drivers should postpone internet use until the vehicle is safely parked.
Built-in Wi-Fi hotspots are increasingly common in new vehicles. Deciding whether to continue the subscription after the trial period hinges on individual needs for connectivity during commutes, travel, or on-the-road work. Real-world testing, whether on family trips or work assignments, is the best way to evaluate its value.
How to Use Your Car as a Wi-Fi Hotspot: FAQs
Can I turn my car into a Wi-Fi hotspot?
First, determine if your car already has a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, as many newer models do. For older vehicles, using your phone as a hotspot is the simplest solution. OBD-II port hotspot devices are available, but user reviews are inconsistent.
Is in-car Wi-Fi free?
Most automakers include a complimentary trial period for their Wi-Fi hotspot service with new vehicle purchases. These trials generally last up to three months or until a data usage limit is reached. Post-trial, expect to pay approximately $20 per month for most subscription plans.
Is a car hotspot worthwhile?
Utilize the trial period to thoroughly assess your in-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot. Test it on road trips, allow passengers to stream or game, and use it for work connectivity while traveling. It can prove particularly advantageous in areas with poor cellular phone service. If you frequently travel outside of urban centers, a vehicle hotspot may offer more dependable connectivity than your phone, potentially justifying the subscription cost.