JW, Please mention the caveats you have with the remote start using the app. I have a line on a inbound 2020 and I'm debating to take it or order a 2021
Recently, I have found UVO link remote start to be reliable. Last year, not so much. It works - but, it will only run for 10 minutes, and to keep it started you must open driver door and put key fob in cupholder (or somewhere nearby) within that timespan. If you open back tailgate first or unlock at front passenger door and open another door (to load kids/stuff) it will shutoff fairly soon thereafter. There is a separate thread on this issue ("remote start and loading children", or something to that effect).
That is a minor annoyance. I don't know if it would work any differently with the 2021 factory remote start.
The benefit of UVO link is that I can be a lot farther away from my vehicle (than with a keyfob) to remote start it. The downside is that I must use my phone and open an app to do it.
It does rely on cell coverage, but my understanding is that it uses a Verizon network, so coverage shouldn't be the issue - it doesn't require 5G. Likely the issue is more on Kia's side.
The other caveat is that it will cost too much (IMO) to have UVO link beyond the first free year. To maintain remote start with UVO link, an owner must pay $22.50 per month minimum (before any discounts). So, it would be much more cost effective in the long term to get an aftermarket remote start or a factory kit if they offer it for the 2020. I recently upgraded my 2016 Mazda to have
Android Auto and
Carplay with a factory kit - so hopefully Kia could do similar with remote start.
I live in Texas, and the vehicle is garaged 95% of the time when parked, so remote start isn't important to me. When it's not garaged, I use a sun shield on windshield and my windows are tinted quite dark. It really doesn’t get that hot inside. If it were important to me (in colder climates or parked outside most of the time), I'd likely just get an aftermarket solution that integrates with existing keyfob (3 press lock button, for example).