Volkswagen Cars with Remote Start (9 Models: New/Used)
A remote starter allows drivers an easy way to fire up the vehicle within an approximate distance or from the comfort of their home, cooling or warming the cabin before commencing the commute.
The following Volkswagen cars, SUVs, and EVs can perform remote engine start, although feature availability depends on the model year.
Do All Volkswagens Have Remote Start?
Passat was the earliest Volkswagen to gain remote-start functionality.
All of the latest Volkswagens in the mid and higher trims now benefit from the ability to start remotely, with only a handful of standard models getting an optional remote starter or with an installed port.
For those shopping for a used car, check each VW’s corresponding table to see which model years have the tech feature.
Volkswagen Cars with Remote Start
#1 Volkswagen Jetta
The Jetta small sedan has many Volkswagen qualities you’d expect from the German marque: smooth ride and sporty characteristics.
While 2018 and older models lacked remote start capability, 2019, 2020, and 2021 Volkswagen Jetta sedans gained the feature as optional, with pricier trims like SEL and SEL Premium getting it as standard equipment.
From 2022 and beyond, VW Jetta’s upper trims have remote-start as standard, while the more basic ones come with an installed port.
#2 Volkswagen Passat
The Passat had flown Volkswagen’s flag in the midsize sedan class for decades and four generations, but the automaker stopped producing it after 2022.
Most fourth-generation Volkswagen Passat sedans, from 2012 to 2022, had a remote starter as standard equipment, with entry-level models sporting the feature as optional.
VW Passat’s final model year (2022) was the most complete in remote-start capability, as every model could perform the function.
#3 Volkswagen Arteon
Arteon is a hatchback with a sedan-like sleek exterior and the utility of an SUV. It’s midsize like the Passat sedan, but more expensive.
The remote start functionality is available in every Volkswagen Arteon model year, with the 2019 to 2022 versions getting the feature as standard, optional, or with an installed remote starter port.
2023 saw the remote start capability become standard across the VW Arteon’s range.
#4 Volkswagen Golf, Golf GTI & Golf R
Volkswagen discontinued the regular Golf after 2021, leaving the higher-performance GTI and R to continue the hatchback’s legacy.
Unfortunately, none of the factory-spec Volkswagen Golf, GTI, or Golf R come with a remote starter. Still, used Golf buyers may come across models with a user-installed aftermarket starter kit.
Volkswagen SUVs with Remote Start
#5 Volkswagen Taos
Volkswagen Taos entered the increasingly competitive extra-small crossover segment in 2022 and made an impact immediately with its sharp handling, comfortable cabin, and impressive cargo hold for its class.
Since 2022, every entry-level Volkswagen Taos S has had a remote starter port ready, while the pricier SE and SEL have the ability to start remotely as a standard feature.
Those with an installed port can take an aftermarket remote car starter.
#6 Volkswagen Tiguan
VW Tiguan is one of the limited numbers of small crossovers with three rows of seats.
None of the factory-spec, first-generation Tiguan (2009 to 2017) can start remotely.
When the second generation debuted in 2018, the Volkswagen Tiguan acquired remote engine start capability in the higher trims.
Similar remote-start offerings remained in the 2019 Tiguan’s upper trims, with the less expensive S and SE getting the feature as optional.
2020 and 2021 saw the Volkswagen Tiguan SUV gain a standard remote starter in most pricier trim levels, leaving the more basic S, SE, and SE R-Line Black with either an optional remote start or an installed port.
Nearly every 2022 and newer VW Tiguan crossover can start its engine remotely, although the base S needs a user-installed remote starter.
#7 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
This SUV is the smaller of two midsize Atlas models – the Atlas Cross Sport is a two-row, while the Atlas has three rows.
Most VW Atlas Cross Sport SUVs from 2020 onwards can start their engines remotely, with only the base model having the feature as optional or with an installed port.
#8 Volkswagen Atlas
Larger families after a roomy and comfortable crossover SUV that can seat up to seven will find plenty to like about the three-row Atlas.
Remote engine start is a standard feature for most first-gen Volkswagen Atlas, which debuted in 2018.
Depending on the technology package, the base VW Atlas SE of 2018 had remote start functionality as an option, while the rest had it as standard.
2019, 2020, and 2021 brought optional remote-start for Volkswagen Atlas’ entry-level S and SE, with select S models and other higher trims enjoying the provision as standard.
Volkswagen offered 2022, 2023, and newer Atlas SUVs with an installed remote starter port in the entry-level SE and as standard equipment for the rest within the range.
VW Electric Vehicle with Remote Start
#9 Volkswagen ID.4
The ID.4 is Volkswagen’s first US-bound all-electric SUV.
As the EV kick-started the German marque’s EV challenge, every VW ID.4 comes standard with remote start.
All ID.4s benefit from a bevy of technology and convenience features, including standard advanced driving aids.
Alternative Makes & Models with Remote Start
Many mainstream car manufacturers produce vehicles that can start remotely, and they include:
- Toyota cars with remote start.
- Honda cars with remote start.
- Mazda cars with remote start.
- Subaru cars with remote start.
- Nissan cars with remote start.
- Hyundai cars with remote start.
- Kia cars with remote start.
- Ford vehicles with remote start.
- Chevy vehicles with remote start.
- Jeep SUVs with remote start.
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