MotorTrend+ is a streaming service for automotive content, not a free resource

MotorTrend+ is a paid subscription service owned by MotorTrend Group that streams car-related shows, documentaries, and original programming. It is not a government benefit, financial information program, or free resource. This guide explains how the service works, what it costs, and what you get so you can decide whether it fits your budget.

The service operates as a standalone streaming app and also as an add-on channel within Amazon Prime Video. You pay a monthly or annual fee to watch content on demand. There is no trial period, no income-based discount, and no way to reduce the cost through a government program or employer benefit.

Key Takeaways

  • MotorTrend+ costs a fixed monthly fee (around $5.99 per month) or annual fee, with no discounts based on income or household size.
  • You can watch through the standalone MotorTrend+ app or as an add-on channel within Amazon Prime Video, but the cost is the same either way.
  • The service includes original shows, classic automotive programming, and documentaries, but the full catalog varies by region and changes over time.
  • You can cancel at any time without penalty, and cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle.
  • MotorTrend+ does not offer refunds for partial months if you cancel mid-cycle.

Subscription cost and billing cycle

MotorTrend+ charges a monthly subscription fee. As of the most recent update, the monthly cost is approximately $5.99, though pricing may change. You can also pay for a full year upfront at a discounted annual rate, which works out to less per month than paying monthly.

Billing renews automatically each month or year, depending on which plan you chose. Your payment method is charged on the same date each cycle. If you want to stop paying, you must cancel before the next billing date; cancellation does not refund the current month or year.

If you subscribe through Amazon Prime Video as an add-on channel, Amazon handles the billing and charges appear on your Amazon account. The price is the same as subscribing directly through MotorTrend.

How to set up and watch

To watch MotorTrend+ directly, read the MotorTrend+ app on your phone, tablet, or streaming device, then create an account with an email address and password. You will be asked for a payment method before you can start watching. Once your payment goes through, you can stream when ready.

If you prefer to watch through Amazon Prime Video, go to the Channels section of your Prime account, search for MotorTrend+, and add it. You will be charged through your Amazon payment method, and the channel appears in your Prime Video app right away.

You can watch on multiple devices with one account, but simultaneous streaming is limited. Check the MotorTrend+ terms of service for the current number of screens you can use at the same time.

What content is included

MotorTrend+ includes original series about car building, restoration, racing, and automotive history. The service also carries reruns of classic MotorTrend shows and documentaries about vehicles and the people who work on them. New episodes and titles are added regularly, though the exact schedule is not published in advance.

The full catalog available to you depends on your region. Some shows and films are not available in all countries or states due to licensing restrictions. You can browse the app to see what is currently available in your area.

MotorTrend+ does not include live television or real-time broadcasts. All content is on-demand, meaning you choose what to watch and when.

Cancellation and refunds

You can cancel your subscription at any time through the MotorTrend+ app or your Amazon account, depending on where you subscribed. Cancellation is when ready, but you keep access to the service until the end of your current billing cycle. After that date, your account closes.

MotorTrend+ does not issue refunds for unused portions of your subscription. If you cancel on the 5th of the month but your billing cycle runs through the 30th, you lose access to the remaining 25 days with no refund. Plan your cancellation date accordingly.

If you were charged in error or believe there is a billing mistake, contact MotorTrend+ customer service through the app or website to dispute the charge.

Comparing MotorTrend+ to other automotive streaming options

Several other services carry automotive content. YouTube offers free and paid automotive channels, though the content is not curated or organized the way MotorTrend+ is. Discovery+ includes some car-related shows as part of its broader entertainment catalog. Traditional cable packages often include MotorTrend as a channel, which may be cheaper than a standalone subscription if you already pay for cable.

If you watch automotive content only occasionally, free options like YouTube or clips available on MotorTrend's own website may be sufficient. If you want a dedicated app with a consistent library of professional automotive programming, MotorTrend+ is designed for that use case.

Payment methods and account security

MotorTrend+ accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. If you subscribe through Amazon Prime Video, you can use any payment method linked to your Amazon account. Your payment information is encrypted and stored securely, though you should still use a strong, unique password for your MotorTrend+ account.

If your payment method expires or is declined, MotorTrend+ will attempt to charge a backup method if you have one on file. If all payment methods fail, your subscription is suspended until you update your billing information. You will not lose access permanently, but you cannot watch until the payment issue is resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I share my MotorTrend+ account with family members?

Yes, you can share your login credentials with household members, and multiple people can watch at the same time up to the limit set by MotorTrend+ (typically two to four simultaneous streams, depending on your plan). However, sharing your password with people outside your household violates the terms of service, and MotorTrend+ may suspend your account if they detect unauthorized sharing.

Is there a free trial for MotorTrend+?

MotorTrend+ does not currently offer a free trial period. You must pay the subscription fee to watch. Some promotional offers may be available during certain times of year, so check the MotorTrend+ website or app for current deals.

Can I watch MotorTrend+ offline?

The MotorTrend+ app does not support offline downloads. You must have an active internet connection to stream. If you need to watch without internet access, you would need to record or read content through other means, which may violate the service's terms of service.

What happens if I cancel and then want to resubscribe later?

You can resubscribe at any time by logging back into your account or creating a new one. There is no penalty for canceling and returning later. Your viewing history and preferences may or may not be preserved depending on how long you were away, so check your account when you return.

Does MotorTrend+ work on all streaming devices?

MotorTrend+ is available on most major platforms, including iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and web browsers. Check the MotorTrend+ website or app store to confirm compatibility with your specific device before subscribing.