Every year, automotive companies seem to add pieces of new technology to their latest model vehicles. You may have heard of some models having the convenience of heated exterior mirrors, a perfect addition for those who might live in cold climates part of the year. Should you be considering a new Hyundai Palisade, you might be wondering if this popular model SUV comes equipped with this feature. We researched the Palisade extensively so that you'll know exactly what your prospective new vehicle has to offer.
The Hyundai Palisade has heated exterior mirrors as a standard feature for its 2021 models. This technology is standard across all trim levels of the Palisade.
Now that we know that the Hyundai Palisade comes standard with heated mirror technology, you might have other questions about this SUV. How do heated mirrors work? Do I have to turn heated mirrors on, or do they come on automatically? Does the Palisade have powered folding mirrors? To find out the answers to these questions and more, read ahead in this post to see what we've discovered.
Heating Things Up in Your Palisade
Since the Palisade was first launched in the US in 2019, heated mirrors have been a standard feature for all trim levels. Acting in tandem with the SUV's rear defroster, using the heated mirrors is simple and fast. One push of a button will engage this technology, making it far from complicated.
Heated mirrors work well in environments that get a lot of ice or snow, reducing the amount of time you'll spend meticulously removing the elements from your SUV's exterior. As we'll discuss ahead in this post, the heated mirrors are also beneficial for anyone who might be driving through rain or fog.
While the Palisade isn't the only vehicle on the market with this technology, it has certainly emerged as a leader in its class with it. Having heated mirrors as a standard feature is becoming more common among automakers worldwide, and it's expected to continue to grow in demand.
How Does A Heated Mirror Work?
Heated mirrors work using the same principle as a windshield defroster. By applying a small amount of heat to the surface of the glass, snow and ice will melt. The heat will cause the liquid that remains on the surface to evaporate and will also keep any additional liquid droplets from accumulating.
Rather than apply the heat with a blower, like a windshield defroster will, heated mirrors transfer heat in a different way. Tiny heating elements are constructed into the interior of the mirror. These heating elements draw electric current through wiring in the door panel. This wiring transfers power directly from the Palisade's battery.
How Do I Know If I Have Heated Mirrors?
If you are driving a Hyundai Palisade, you are driving a vehicle that has heated mirrors as a standard feature. But what if you are behind the wheel of another model SUV?
You can inspect the back of the mirrors themselves. If they are heated, there will be a grid on the back that houses the heating elements. You can also expect to see a heating symbol on, or close to, the electric mirror adjuster. If you have access to the vehicle's owner's manual, there will be information in it regarding all of the technology onboard.
Can You Turn On Heated Mirrors?
Your mirror has heating elements that are turned on when you engage your Palisade's rear defroster. You cannot run one feature without the other. This design method makes operating the heating elements much easier, as you only have to touch one button. And, chances are, if you need your rear defroster on, you're probably parked or preparing to drive in conditions that heated mirrors would be of good use in.
If you're about to drive during inclement weather for the first time in your new vehicle, certain precautions should be taken. Consult your owner's manual so that you know what safety features and onboard technology your ride comes equipped with.
Does The Hyundai Palisade Have Powered Folding Mirrors?
Some model SUVs come equipped with powered folding side mirrors. Currently, the Palisade does not offer this feature on any of its trim levels. The mirrors can be folded in manually, however. When you're parked on the street, having the ability to fold your mirrors in can save your SUV from getting accidentally clipped by a passing vehicle. As replacing side mirrors and their casings can be time-consuming and costly, it's recommended to always fold your side mirrors in when parked on the street.
If you are considering a vehicle that has power-folding mirrors available, there are several on the market. The Honda Passport has this as a standard feature. You might also consider the Buick Enclave or a Lexus.
Are Heated Mirrors Worth It?
Whether or not heated mirrors are worth it will depend on where you will be driving your vehicle. Certainly, those who live in climates that get a lot of ice or snow would greatly benefit from this technology. If you park your car or SUV outdoors in these conditions, it will eliminate the need to scrape the elements off your side mirrors, reducing the risk of damaging the mirror itself. Not having to touch the side mirrors with a scraper also means that you won't have to readjust the mirror before you begin your drive.
Heated mirrors are also great for evaporating buildup during fog and rain. The warmth from the mirror will cause droplets to quickly evaporate, leaving your side mirrors obstruction-free.
If your vehicle is never in a climate that freezes or gets much rain, then heated mirrors are a moot point. If you have to pay for heated mirrors as a stand-alone upgrade, it would not be worth it. But as heated mirrors come standard in the Palisade, you won't be handing over extra money for something that you might not ever need to use.
In Closing
The heated mirror feature is one of many that come standard with every trim level of the 2021 Hyundai Palisade. This technology eliminates some of the wait time for properly defrosting your SUV so that it can be safely operated. As this feature is growing in popularity, look for it to become a standard feature in more and more model vehicles in the near future.
If you found this post on the Hyundai Palisade to be helpful, we believe you'll enjoy reading the following posts on other SUV models:
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