Magellan vs. TomTom vs. Subaru Starlink: Advanced Subaru Navigation and Infotainment Features

Navigation is critical for driving, and comparing Magellan vs. TomTom vs. Subaru Starlink will highlight the most suitable navigation option for your Subaru.

We’ll start by defining the three technologies to see what they are all about. Let’s get right into it!

Table of Contents

What Is Magellan?

Magellan is one of the top portable GPS navigation consumer electronics manufacturers and has 200+ patents in GPS technology.

In 2017, Magellan announced that its connected car navigation app would be available in five Subaru models released in 2018 as the beginning of the partnership between the two companies.

These include the Outback, Forester, WRX, Crosstrek, and Legacy.

Named the Magellan Navi, the app brought powerful GPS navigation features with high routing precision and the latest maps to Subaru drivers by linking the smartphone mobile app to the vehicle’s center display screen.

Magellan Navi is a fully-featured app in the Apple or Android Subaru Starlink app. So can’t access it directly from the infotainment system.

You have to download the app on your phone, then connect it to the Subaru Starlink multimedia system via USB cable or Bluetooth to access the app.

Although it seems cumbersome, this smartphone integration transfers the mobile phone app navigation features to the car’s touchscreen navigation system for easier use.

What Is TomTom?

TomTom and Magellan compete to provide navigation functions on Subaru Starlink but operate at different levels.

You must download the Subaru Starlink app on your phone for Magellan, then link it to the infotainment system.

But TomTom is currently the default in-dash Starlink navigation app and provides navigation with customized route planning functions via Subaru’s high-resolution touchscreen interface.

It is a vehicle navigation software that provides details like:

  • Map data
  • Route search
  • Online routes, search
  • Guidance information

Subaru launched its next-gen infotainment system (Starlink) in 2018, integrated TomTom as the in-dash navigation system, and kept Magellan on the Starlink mobile app platform.

The automaker extended this partnership in 2019 while introducing improved features like a more intuitive interface.

A navigation system with an intuitive interface and speed limits

A navigation system with an intuitive interface and speed limits

Subaru Starlink is a suite of technologies that enhance the Subaru driving experience by making it more enjoyable, confident, and entertaining.

The technology is primarily the car’s infotainment system and brings together smartphone connectivity, multimedia content, extra safety, seamless navigation, everyday convenience, and security to Subaru vehicles.

A modern car with an infotainment system

A modern car with an infotainment system

So it might not be fair to compare Magellan and TomTom to Starlink because they are navigation applications that run on the Subaru Starlink platform.

Starlink is more than just navigation because it has the following multimedia, safety, and security features.

Multimedia Features

The multimedia highlights include the following.

CarPlay provides a safer and smarter way to use your iPhone when driving your Subaru by enabling you to send/receive messages, make/receive hands-free phone calls, get directions, etc., all while maintaining focus on the road ahead.

Android Auto is the Android version of CarPlay because it enables you to control Android phone functions when driving.

A driver with his phone linked to the car's infotainment system.

A driver with his phone linked to the car’s infotainment system.

Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity is standard on all Subaru models for wirelessly managing phones and audio systems.

So you can make/receive calls or play music directly from the connected device.

Wi-Fi Hotspot

Some Subaru models feature a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot that can connect up to eight devices, enough to handle all devices for the passengers inside.

TomTom and Magellan Navi provide navigation in Subarus, but you can use the map application installed on your mobile device via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to find your way.

An infotainment system displaying a map

An infotainment system displaying a map

SiriusXM

Subarus with SiriusXM come with a 4-month Platinum plan trial period to enable you to enjoy free content (podcasts, music, comedy, news, or sports) for a limited time.

Simple Voice Commands

Starlink features voice commands for controlling navigation, phone calls, entertainment, and climate settings (in select models).

Safety and Security Features

The Starlink safety and security features include the following.

Remote Engine Start with Climate Control

This security and convenience feature enables you to start your vehicle and adjust the temperature remotely before getting to it.

A mobile phone app for starting a car remotely and controlling the climate inside

A mobile phone app for starting a car remotely and controlling the climate inside

Automatic Collision Notification

With automatic collision notification, Starlink will alert a customer care advisor, who will communicate to you via the car’s speakers, then alert first responders.

Enhanced Roadside Assistance

By pressing the blue “i” button in the overhead console, your Subaru can call non-emergency roadside assistance, who will use your GPS location to send help.

Vehicle Condition Check

This feature shows the vehicle’s diagnostics, such as tire pressure, odometer reading, and driving range, from the MySubaru app or MySubaru.com.

A car infotainment system with multiple features like Bluetooth, navigation, vehicle settings, and phone projection

A car infotainment system with multiple features like Bluetooth, navigation, vehicle settings, and phone projection

Vehicle Health Report

Starlink sends an email monthly that links to a report on your account to show your vehicle’s complete diagnostics report.

SOS Emergency Assistance

Pressing the red SOS button next to the blue “i” button in the overhead console connects you to a Starlink customer care advisor from anywhere in the US, including Hawaii, Alaska, and DC.

Stolen Vehicle Recovery

You can call the customer care advisor (1-855-753-2495), who will work with the cops to trace and recover your vehicle using its GPS location if it gets stolen.

Stolen Vehicle Immobilizer

After initiating the vehicle recovery service, the cops can request you to immobilize your Subaru, which disables the engine starting feature.

So the car thief won’t be able to turn it on after switching it off.

Service Appointment Scheduler

The vehicle’s head unit will notify you when your vehicle’s service is due so that you can schedule an appointment asap.

A "scheduled maintenance due" message on the dashboard

A scheduled maintenance due message on the dashboard

Diagnostic Alerts

If any warning light pops up on your dashboard, Starlink will notify you of the issue, what it means, and if you should take your car for servicing via text, email, or the MySubaru app.

Maintenance Notifications

You’ll also get a notification via email when your vehicle requires maintenance to ensure it receives the care it deserves.

Remote Services

With the MySubaru app, you can activate the Starlink remote horn & lights, lock/unlock, and vehicle locator.

A remote car-unlock feature on a smartphone app

A remote car-unlock feature on a smartphone app

Vehicle Security Alarm Notification

Starlink will automatically notify you when your vehicle’s security alarm goes off.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, while Starlink is a complete Subaru infotainment system, Magellan and TomTom are simply apps or system components that provide navigation capabilities.

Starlink encompasses security, safety, and multimedia features, and these multimedia features include navigation using TomTom and Magellan Navi.

So the three work together to enhance the Subaru car driving experience. 

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