Is Blue Link Worth It? A Detailed Look At Hyundai’S Connected Car System
In today’s tech-savvy world, connected car systems like Blue Link are becoming increasingly popular.
As one of the leaders in automotive technology, Hyundai introduced Blue Link back in 2011 across a selection of their vehicles.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: For most drivers, Blue Link is a worthwhile investment that provides useful features and can potentially save you money over time. However, the value depends on your needs and how often you would use the system.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at Blue Link to help you decide if it’s worth paying extra for this system on your next Hyundai vehicle.
We’ll cover what Blue Link offers, its advantages and limitations, what it costs, and do a comparison to other connected car systems.
What Does Blue Link Provide?
Blue Link is Hyundai’s connected car system that offers a range of features designed to enhance the driving experience and provide convenience, security, and peace of mind to Hyundai owners.
Let’s take a detailed look at what Blue Link provides:
Remote features
Blue Link offers a variety of remote features that allow you to control your Hyundai vehicle from your smartphone or smartwatch.
You can remotely start and stop your engine, lock or unlock your doors, honk the horn, flash the lights, and even set the climate control to your desired temperature before getting into the car.
These remote features can be particularly useful on hot summer days or cold winter mornings, as they allow you to get your car ready and comfortable before you step inside.
Security features
Blue Link also provides a range of security features to help protect your vehicle and give you peace of mind.
With Blue Link, you can track your vehicle’s location in real-time, set up geofence alerts that notify you if your vehicle enters or exits a specific area, and even immobilize your vehicle remotely in the event of theft.
Additionally, Blue Link offers automatic collision notification, roadside assistance, and emergency assistance, ensuring that you’re always connected to help when you need it.
Vehicle management
Blue Link offers a set of vehicle management features that allow you to stay informed about your vehicle’s health and maintenance needs.
You can receive maintenance reminders, schedule service appointments, and access diagnostic information about your vehicle’s performance.
This helps you stay on top of regular maintenance tasks and ensures that your vehicle is running smoothly and efficiently.
On-demand features
Blue Link provides on-demand features that add convenience to your driving experience.
For example, you can use the Blue Link app to search for points of interest, find nearby gas stations or charging stations for electric vehicles, and even send destinations directly to your vehicle’s navigation system.
Additionally, Blue Link offers remote voice-guided navigation, allowing you to ask for directions or search for destinations hands-free while driving.
What Are the Key Benefits of Blue Link?
Hyundai’s Blue Link is a connected car system that offers a wide range of benefits to its users. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast or someone who values convenience and peace of mind, Blue Link has something to offer.
Let’s take a detailed look at some of the key benefits it provides:
Convenience
One of the major advantages of Blue Link is the convenience it brings to your driving experience.
With features like remote start, you can start your car from the comfort of your home, allowing it to warm up during cold winter months or cool down on hot summer days.
Want to find a nearby gas station or restaurant? Blue Link’s Point of Interest Search can help you locate them with ease.
Additionally, the system allows you to lock or unlock your car doors remotely, eliminating the need to fumble for keys.
Peace of Mind
Blue Link provides a sense of security and peace of mind to Hyundai owners.
The system offers a variety of safety features, including automatic collision notification, which alerts emergency services if an accident occurs.
It also has a stolen vehicle recovery feature, allowing law enforcement to track and recover your car in case of theft.
Furthermore, Blue Link offers roadside assistance at the touch of a button, ensuring that help is just a call away when you need it most.
Potential Insurance Discounts
Having Blue Link installed in your Hyundai may also lead to potential insurance discounts.
Some insurance companies offer reduced premiums for vehicles equipped with advanced safety and security systems like Blue Link.
By leveraging the system’s features, such as stolen vehicle recovery and remote immobilization, you can demonstrate to your insurance provider that your car is less prone to theft or damage, potentially qualifying you for lower insurance rates.
Future-ready Technology
Blue Link is continuously evolving to keep up with the latest technological advancements.
With regular software updates, Hyundai ensures that its connected car system remains up-to-date and capable of integrating with emerging technologies.
As new features and improvements are introduced, Blue Link users can benefit from enhanced functionality and a more seamless driving experience. This future-ready technology ensures that your car stays connected and up-to-date in an ever-evolving digital world.
What Are the Downsides to Blue Link?
Extra monthly cost
One of the downsides to Blue Link is the additional monthly cost that comes with it.
While Hyundai offers a free trial period, after that, users are required to pay a subscription fee to continue using the service.
This extra expense might not fit into everyone’s budget, so it’s important to consider the ongoing cost before deciding if Blue Link is worth it for you.
Limited 3-year free trial
Although Blue Link does come with a 3-year free trial period, it is important to note that this trial period has its limitations.
Certain features may be restricted or not available during this trial period.
It’s essential to review the terms and conditions of the trial to understand exactly what is included and what is not.
Works best with good cell service
Blue Link relies on a stable and strong cell service connection to function properly.
If you frequently travel to areas with poor cell reception, you may experience difficulties using certain features of Blue Link.
It’s worth considering your travel patterns and the availability of cell service in those areas before investing in this connected car system.
Not as advanced as some systems
While Blue Link offers a range of useful features, it may not be as advanced or comprehensive as some other connected car systems on the market.
If having the latest and most cutting-edge technology is a priority for you, it might be worth exploring other options before settling on Blue Link.
Privacy concerns
As with any connected car system, privacy concerns are a valid consideration. Blue Link collects data about your vehicle, including location information and driving habits.
While Hyundai has implemented measures to protect user privacy, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and reassess your comfort level with sharing this data.
If privacy is a top concern for you, it’s worth doing some research and reading Hyundai’s privacy policy before deciding if Blue Link is right for you.
How Much Does Blue Link Cost?
When considering whether Blue Link is worth it, one of the key factors to consider is its cost.
Let’s take a closer look at the pricing options for Hyundai’s connected car system.
3 years free for new vehicles
For those purchasing a new Hyundai vehicle, the good news is that you’ll receive three years of Blue Link for free. This introductory offer allows drivers to experience the benefits of this connected car system without any additional cost.
During this period, you’ll have access to a range of features and services that enhance your driving experience.
Blue Link packages after free trial
After the initial three-year period, Hyundai offers a variety of pricing packages for Blue Link. These packages provide different levels of connectivity and functionality based on your needs.
Whether you’re looking for basic remote access features or more advanced services like stolen vehicle recovery and automatic collision notification, there’s a package that suits your requirements.
It’s important to note that the pricing for Blue Link packages may vary depending on the model and year of your Hyundai vehicle.
To get more specific details about the cost of Blue Link for your particular vehicle, it’s best to consult with your local Hyundai dealership or visit the official Hyundai Blue Link website.
Additional connected services
In addition to the Blue Link packages, Hyundai also offers a range of additional connected services that can be added to your vehicle.
These services include features like remote start with climate control, remote door lock/unlock, and enhanced roadside assistance.
These services may have their own separate costs, so it’s important to consider them when determining the overall value of Blue Link.
Ultimately, the cost of Blue Link will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
It’s worth considering the convenience and peace of mind that this connected car system can provide, as well as the potential savings on insurance premiums and improved safety features.
Be sure to explore the different pricing options and consult with your Hyundai dealership to determine if Blue Link is worth it for you.
How Does Blue Link Compare to Other Systems?
When it comes to connected car systems, Hyundai’s Blue Link stands out as one of the most advanced and user-friendly options on the market.
Let’s take a closer look at how Blue Link stacks up against other popular systems like GM OnStar, Toyota Entune, Ford SYNC, and HondaLink.
Blue Link vs. GM OnStar
Blue Link and GM OnStar are both highly regarded in the automotive industry, but they have some key differences.
While OnStar offers a range of safety and security features, Blue Link takes it a step further by providing additional conveniences like remote start, vehicle finder, and stolen vehicle recovery.
Blue Link also offers a more intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easier for drivers to access and control their vehicle’s features.
Blue Link vs. Toyota Entune
Toyota Entune is known for its seamless integration with smartphones and a wide range of entertainment options.
However, Blue Link offers a more comprehensive set of features, including remote access, maintenance alerts, and even a monthly vehicle health report.
Additionally, Blue Link’s voice recognition technology is highly advanced, allowing drivers to control their vehicles with simple voice commands.
Blue Link vs. Ford SYNC
Ford SYNC is another popular connected car system that offers similar features to Blue Link.
However, Blue Link has the advantage of being compatible with a wider range of Hyundai models, while Ford SYNC is limited to Ford vehicles.
Additionally, Blue Link’s navigation system is powered by Google, providing drivers with real-time traffic information and accurate directions.
Blue Link vs. HondaLink
HondaLink is Honda’s answer to connected car technology.
While HondaLink offers some impressive features like remote start and automatic collision notification, Blue Link has a more robust set of features.
Blue Link provides drivers with enhanced safety features like emergency assistance and roadside assistance, as well as a convenient remote access feature that allows drivers to lock and unlock their vehicles from anywhere.
Key Takeaways
- Blue Link offers a wide range of features that make it a standout connected car system.
- Compared to GM OnStar, Toyota Entune, Ford SYNC, and HondaLink, Blue Link provides a more comprehensive set of features.
- Blue Link’s user-friendly interface and advanced voice recognition technology make it easy for drivers to control their vehicles.
- Blue Link is compatible with a wide range of Hyundai models and offers a navigation system powered by Google.
- While other systems have their own unique features, Blue Link stands out as a top choice for connected car technology.
For more information on Blue Link and its features, you can visit the official Hyundai website.
Conclusion
In summary, Blue Link provides some very useful connected features through your smartphone but costs extra after the initial free trial period.
For drivers who value remote access, security, and vehicle management through their phones, Blue Link is likely a worthwhile upgrade.
The system compares well to competitors, with some advantages in certain areas, like the length of the free trial.
While not as advanced as luxury systems, Blue Link covers the essential connected services for most mainstream buyers.
Before purchasing your next Hyundai, take the time to decide which Blue Link features would add value for you specifically based on your budget, needs, and how often you would use them. This can help determine if paying extra for Blue Link is a smart investment.
