Omari Gates
Heated seats are an increasingly popular feature in cars in Australia, offering comfort and warmth during the winter months. They are particularly beneficial for drivers with back or hip problems. While previously a feature reserved for expensive flagship vehicles, heated seats are now available in a range of vehicles, from premium to budget-friendly options. This includes models from brands such as Mitsubishi, Toyota, Peugeot, BYD, Hyundai, Mazda, BMW, Lexus, and Subaru.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cars with heated seats in Australia | Hyundai Sonata, Lexus, BMW, Audi, Mazda3, Ford Everest, GWM Haval H6, Mitsubishi ASX and Outlander, Kia Carnival, Toyota RAV4, Peugeot 308 GT Premium, Skoda Kodiaq RS, Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace R-Line, Hyundai Palisade Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe Highlander, Kia Sorento GT-Line HEV AWD, Mazda CX-8 Asaki, Mazda CX-9 Azami |
| Reasons for heated seats | Comfort and warmth during winter months, soothing muscles, promoting relaxation, aiding driver alertness |
| Issues with heated seats | Overheating, expensive |
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What You'll Learn
Heated seats: luxury or necessity?
Heated seats in cars are equipped with electric elements that generate warmth, enhancing comfort in cold conditions. They work by converting electric power into heat through resistors in the seat. While heated seats were once a feature reserved for only the most expensive flagship vehicles from Europe, the technology has now trickled down into a far more affordable range of vehicles.
In Australia, heated seats are increasingly popular among car buyers, especially in regions with colder climates, due to the comfort and warmth they provide during winter months. They also bring enormous benefits to drivers suffering from back or hip problems.
Some car manufacturers have been criticised for not including heated seats as standard, even in their luxury models. For example, BMW, Audi, and Mercedes are considered luxury brands, but heated seats are not a common feature in their vehicles. Lexus, on the other hand, has offered heated seats as standard since 2013. Mazda and Hyundai also offer heated seats in some of their models.
In Australia, several car models now offer heated seats, including the Mitsubishi ASX Exceed, Toyota RAV4 XSE, and Peugeot 308 GT Premium. The Subaru Forester, a family-oriented car, also offers heated front seats in all variants except the basic 2.5i AWD. For those seeking a more affordable option, the GWM Haval H6 offers heated front seats at a lower price point.
While heated seats may be considered a luxury by some, for many Australians, they are a necessity to combat the cold winters. They provide immediate warmth, enhance comfort, soothe muscles, promote relaxation, and aid driver alertness, making winter driving a more pleasant experience.
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How heated seats work
Heated car seats are a desirable feature in vehicles, especially in regions with colder climates, as they provide immediate warmth, enhancing comfort during cold weather, soothing muscles, promoting relaxation, and aiding driver alertness. The technology behind heated seats is the same as that used in electric blankets, hair dryers, and water heaters.
Heated seats are powered by a heating element, a long strip of material that functions as a resistor. A resistor resists the flow of electricity. When an electric current flows through it, the energy is converted into heat, which flows through the seat, providing instant comfort. Heating wires or electrodes are built into the seats and backrests, gently heating their surface and providing an evenly warming effect on the body. The heat is transferred directly from the heating mechanism to the driver or passenger, without stirring up air and dust. The temperature can often be adjusted to tailor the setting to individual needs.
The heating element is placed between the foam padding and the upholstery. The type of foam used impacts the quality and durability of heated car seats. EPP foam elements with excellent thermal insulation properties ensure that the heat flux is directed upward instead of deep into the seat, reducing the heating power of the system and extending the car's range. The best OEMs embed the conductor in the support foam and use a non-woven fabric to avoid marks on the seat cover. An innovative EPP foam can be used instead of traditional polyurethane foam, as it has shape memory and is more resilient over time.
Heated seats can be controlled by a switch called a relay, which allows a small electric current to control a much larger one. When the switch is flipped, a small current flows through a coil in the relay, and near this coil is an open switch. The use of heated seats may require caution to prevent overheating, and regular checks of fuses, electrical plugs, and wiring harnesses to ensure they are free of corrosion or dirt.
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Why heated seats are uncommon in luxury cars
Heated seats are a desirable feature in any vehicle, offering immediate warmth and enhancing comfort during cold weather. They are especially beneficial in regions with colder climates, such as Australia, where they can make chilly drives much more enjoyable. Despite their popularity, heated seats are surprisingly uncommon in luxury cars. So, why is this the case?
One reason could be the climate and geographical differences between countries. Heated seats are more common in countries with colder climates, such as the United States, where they are often included in base model cars. In contrast, countries with warmer climates may prioritize other features over heated seats, which could contribute to their absence in some luxury cars.
Another factor is the purchasing behaviour of car buyers. In Australia, car dealers tend to spec packaged options rather than expensive individual options. As a result, dealers may not prioritize including heated seats as standard, even in luxury vehicles. This could be a strategic decision based on their perception of what will sell well in the Australian market.
Additionally, some luxury car brands may view heated seats as an optional extra rather than a standard feature. For example, BMW, a luxury car manufacturer, has offered heated seats as an added option or subscription service in some countries. This suggests that the inclusion of heated seats may be a strategic decision by the manufacturer to cater to specific market demands or to increase revenue through add-on features.
Furthermore, some luxury car brands may prioritize other features over heated seats. For instance, leather seats are often associated with luxury, but they can become extremely hot in summer and freezing in winter. In such cases, heated seats could be seen as a solution to temperature regulation, but their absence may be due to the emphasis on the perceived luxury of leather upholstery.
Lastly, while heated seats are generally inexpensive to install, adding heated and cooled seats can significantly increase costs. This could be a factor in the rarity of heated seats in luxury cars, as manufacturers may opt to allocate their resources to other high-end features or focus on comprehensive climate control systems that address both heating and cooling needs.
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Cheapest cars with heated seats
Heated seats are a desirable feature in any vehicle, offering immediate warmth and enhancing comfort during cold weather. While heated seats were once a feature reserved for only the most expensive flagship vehicles, the technology has now trickled down to a far more affordable range of vehicles.
Mitsubishi ASX Exceed
Mitsubishi's compact SUV, the ASX, offers buyers heated front seats if they are willing to upgrade to the range-topping ASX Exceed variant. In addition to its heated seats, the ASX Exceed comes with a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, a four-way power-adjustable driver's seat, ambient lighting, and a nine-speaker Rockford Fosgate sound system.
Toyota RAV4 XSE
Toyota's RAV4 is one of Australia's most popular midsize SUV packages. Upgrading to the RAV4 XSE adds heated front seats, projector LED headlights, a powered boot lift, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, as well as Toyota's super fuel-efficient hybrid engine technology.
Peugeot 308 GT Premium
Peugeot's sleek update for the 308 hatchback has resulted in one of its most premium packages yet. The range-topping 308 GT Premium adds front seat heaters to the list of luxurious features.
GWM Haval H6 Lux
The GWM Haval H6 is an affordable option that offers buyers a pair of heated front seats when stepping up from the base H6 Premium to the H6 Lux variant.
BYD Battery-Electric Compact SUV
BYD has introduced a battery-electric compact SUV to the Australian market, offering a highly-specified variant that includes heated front seats, among other luxurious touches.
Mazda3 Top Trim
The Mazda3 top trim stands out as it offers heated seats at a more affordable price point compared to entry-level luxury cars from brands like BMW.
Lexus IS (2013+)
Every Lexus IS in the current lineup since 2013 has heated seats as a standard feature, showcasing their commitment to luxury as a standard offering.
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Top-rated cars with heated seats
While heated seats were once a feature reserved for only the most expensive flagship vehicles, they are now available in a far more affordable range of vehicles. This is great news for Australians, for whom heated seats are a necessity rather than a luxury during the cold winter months.
The Forester is a well-known and family-oriented car with heated front seats in all variants except the basic 2.5i AWD. It also has a plush rear area with air vents, well-upholstered seating, USB ports, and a fold-down armrest. The rear doors open almost 90 degrees, making it a great option for families with young children.
If you're looking for a compact SUV, the Kona comes in four variants: the Kona, Kona Active, Kona Elite, and Kona Highlander. Only the Highlander comes with heated (and ventilated) front seats as standard, but the N-line and N-line premium variants offer a sportier option with a 1.6T-GDi petrol seven-speed, DCT AWD engine, and transmission.
For those seeking a mid-size SUV, Mitsubishi's ASX and Outlander are excellent options. The Outlander's mid-range Aspire variant comes fitted with heated front seats, as well as premium features like 20-inch alloys, a powered boot lift, a head-up display, and a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat. To get heated seats in the ASX, you'll need to upgrade to the range-topping ASX Exceed, which also includes a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, and a nine-speaker sound system.
If you're looking for something more premium, Lexus has offered heated seats as standard since 2013. While some BMW, Audi, and Mercedes models do have heated seats, they are not as commonly found in their entry-level luxury vehicles.
Finally, if you're looking for a more affordable option, the GWM Haval H6 offers heated front seats, and the Mazda3 top trim also includes this feature.
With a growing range of vehicles offering heated seats, Australians can now enjoy a warmer and more comfortable driving experience during those chilly months.
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Frequently asked questions
Heated seats are desirable because they keep you cosy during the colder months and benefit people with back or hip problems.
Heated seats are increasingly popular among Australian car buyers, especially in regions with colder climates.
Car models in Australia that offer heated seats include the Mitsubishi ASX, Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Kona, and Lexus IS.
The Ford Everest is a potential alternative to the LandCruiser, offering similar off-road capabilities and warmed-up seats.
While heated seats are becoming more common, they are still not standard in all luxury cars. For example, some BMW and Audi models do not offer heated seats, while Lexus offers them as standard.
