SUVs are desirable for navigating treacherous road conditions, spacious interiors, and built-in technology. However, when you want to ride in ultimate comfort, it pays to know what SUVs have heated and cooled seats. We researched mid-size and full-size SUVs with luxurious seats that provide warmth or stay cool depending on the weather. Learn more about the features that make our curated list of SUVs stand out among the competition.
Choose a quality SUV that offers passengers an optimal riding experience via seats that heat up or keep cool. Check out the following vehicles.
- Acura RDX
- BMW X5
- Buick Envision
- Ford Explorer
- Hyundai Tucson
- Lexus UX
- Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 SUV
- Nissan Pathfinder
- Chevrolet Suburban
- Volvo XC40
Discover more about why our chosen list of SUVs are highly rated, their performance, and other notable features.
SUVs With Stellar Seating
Even if you keep your car in a garage, the elements can still make your seat uncomfortable when first getting in. When temperatures plummet to single digits, or sweltering summer temperatures arrive, having seats that can quickly become cool or warm is desirable. Some SUVs come with cool or heated seats included, while other vehicles will require an upgrade to enjoy such features.
Acura RDX
The 2021 Acura RDX is a mid-size crossover SUV with seats that are heated and ventilated. The model offers 22 MPG, 272 HP, and has 1,500 lbs. of towing capacity. Opt for a premium ride outfitted with full-grain Milano leather seats, Apple CarPlay Integration, a True Touchpad Interface, and connectivity to your smartphone to enjoy a remote start and enhanced roadside service.
BMW X5
Since 2018, BMW has offered ventilated seats on their X5 line of mid-size SUVs. Initially, cooling seats were available with a $1,500 upgrade, but now this feature comes standard on higher-end trim levels. Choose the BMW X5 for its impressive exterior design, handling, powerful hybrid engine, fuel-efficient powertrain, and 72.3 cubic feet of the cargo area. Unlock your car with an iPhone, power forward at 523 HP, and relax at the wheel with Active Cruise Control.
Buick Envision
The 2021 Buick Envision is built for the modern world with Amazon's Alexa built-in, a massaging driver seat, and room for five. Focus on the ride with QuietTuning Technology, breathe easier with an In-Vehicle Air Ionizer, and included safety and driver-assistance tech.
Ford Explorer
Jump into the 2021 Ford Explorer and take advantage of Tri-Climate control for personalized temperature settings for every row, in addition to heated and cooled seats. Be ready for anything with an included 360-degree camera, self-sealing tires, and Active Park Assist for getting into tight spots.
Hyundai Tucson
Customize your experience with the 2021 Hyundai Tucson, as it comes in 6 available trims. Enjoy features like a panoramic sunroof, an 8-inch color touchscreen with navigation, heated and ventilated front seats, and a hands-free smart liftgate.
Lexus UX
Stay top-dog on the road with the 2021 Lexus UX, a luxury crossover SUV with a 10.3-inch high-resolution multimedia display. Appreciate the handling thanks to a lightweight 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, 17.1-foot turning radius, and AWD.
Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 SUV
Accelerate from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds with the formidable 2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG G 63 SUV. Feel the power behind the wheel with a Handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter V8 bi-turbo engine, 627-lbs. of torque, and 577 HP. Seat up to five with rapidly heating front seats, massage features, and ventilated front seats.
Nissan Pathfinder
Check out the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder, as the 2021 model is due out in the summer of 2021. A Tri-Zone Climate Control System, front seats that heat and cool, and a heated steering wheel are available for personal comfort. Be ready for the great outdoors, thanks to 79.5 cubic feet of cargo space. Take on the road with a 3.5-liter V6 engine and 6,000-lbs of towing capacity.
Chevrolet Suburban
Be large and in charge with the 2021 Chevy Suburban with 144.7-cubic feet of cargo space, 420 HP, and first-class convenience and comfort. Choose between three different trims, Alexa built-in, and a Rear Seat Media System to keep passengers amused while on the road. It's no wonder why it was rated a top choice large SUV for families.
Volvo XC40
Take on city streets and the rest of the world in a compact Volvo XC40. Choose a fuel-efficient vehicle that offers 33 MPG, 248 HP, and driver assistance technology. Keep in control of your car with the Volvo Cars app and pre-heat or pre-cool your car before you get in. Stay entertained with the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, coupled with premium speakers.
Are Ventilated Seats The Same As Cooled Seats?
Many vehicles offer ventilated seats capable of cooling a passenger, but it is different from genuine cooled seats. Ventilated seating typically relies on a system of fans or blowers inside the seat and backrest that deliver cooled air diffused through chambers. Cooled seats send chilled air that passes over a cool surface and then reaches the passenger through porous openings in the seat. It is more common to find vehicles with ventilated seats for a cooling effect versus a rare, premium cooled seat.
Do Cooled Seats Use AC?
Some cooled seats tap into a car's air conditioning system, using a minimum of energy to send refrigerated air directly to an individual seat. However, many cooled and ventilated seats have an internal cooling element inside the seat to create a more temperate, comfortable surface. In some cases, you can upgrade a vehicle's seats by installing air-conditioned seat cushions from manufacturers.
Can You Add Heated And Cooled Seats?
Depending on the type of car brand and model you select, you may be able to upgrade your vehicle, so it includes heated and cooled seats. Often, seats that have cooling capacity are ventilated seats, as they are more commonly available.
How Do Heated Seats Work?
Heated seats are a nifty upgrade to vehicles and increasingly a standard feature. The seat is capable of warming a passenger thanks to a heating element inside the seat and backrest. When the car is on, the heating element is a resistor that heats the seat when there is electricity. Using a heated seat doesn't directly eat up more gas, but it will impact the alternator load.
How Long Do Heated Seats Take To Warm Up?
Plunk down into a heated seat and enjoy a different riding experience in your vehicle. When you flip on the heat for your car seat, expect to wait for a minimum of 2 to 3 minutes for the heating element to warm up and send heat your way. Within another 2 to 3 minutes after selecting your seat to warm up, it should be nice and toasty. In total, you are likely to wait for 5 to 6 minutes for heated seats to be at a premium temperature for your comfort.
In Closing
We hope you learned the benefits of choosing an SUV with heated and cooling seats. When you want to ride in comfort and style, a vehicle with included, personalized temperature control creates a more luxurious experience for passengers. Upgrade your ride and choose SUVs with seats you'll love no matter if you're behind the wheel or not. Today's vehicles are increasingly making heated, ventilated, and cool seats a standard feature that is well worth the investment.
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