Can you get heated and cooled seats?

Yes—heated seats are common in many new cars, and many models now offer ventilated (cooled) seats as well, especially in mid- to high-trim levels or luxury brands. Availability varies by model, region, and equipment packages, but you’ll find both options on a wide range of vehicles.

What heated and cooled seats are and how they work

Heated seats use electric coils or pads embedded in the seat cushions to warm the seat surface. Ventilated seats pull cool air through perforations in the upholstery using small fans, helping to reduce perspiration on hot days. When a car offers both, it is usually labeled as "heated and ventilated seats" or included in a climate-control or "comfort" package. Some premium models also offer massage or multi-stage heating/cooling and adjustable fan speeds.

Availability by vehicle and trim

Here’s a practical overview of where you’re likely to find heat and/or cooling for seats across common vehicle classes and trims.

• Front-seat heating is now widely available across many brands and is often standard on mid-range trims or available as an inexpensive option on lower trims. In some budget models, retrofitting is possible but not common from factory.


• Ventilated (cooled) seats are most commonly offered on mid- to high-trim levels or as part of a climate or luxury package, and are far less common on entry-level models.


• Having both heated and ventilated seats is typical in premium or well-equipped models and may be included as part of a broader "premium" or "climate" package; some cars also offer rear-seat heating or ventilation in higher trims.

In practice, the exact availability will depend on the make, model, and year. Always check the window sticker, build sheet, or the dealer's options list to confirm what comes with the vehicle you’re considering.

Costs, installation, and practical considerations

There are several ways to get heated and/or cooled seats, each with different costs, warranty implications, and installation considerations. Here’s what buyers should know.

• Factory-installed heated and/or ventilated seats: Typically part of trim levels or option packages; designed to integrate with the car’s electronics and climate controls and usually backed by the vehicle warranty.


• Aftermarket seat heaters: Readily available as pad kits that install under the seat upholstery; usually cheaper than factory options but may require professional installation and can affect airbags, seat sensors, or warranty if not done correctly.


• Aftermarket seat cooling systems: Less common and more complex than heaters; professional installation is highly recommended and may not integrate with the car’s original climate controls; reliability and warranty vary by brand and installer.


• Warranty and resale considerations: Factory options are generally safer for warranty coverage and resale value, while aftermarket installations may carry separate warranties and could impact the vehicle’s warranty if they conflict with safety systems.

To avoid surprises, confirm compatibility with your model, check for required wiring and control modules, and consider a dealership or certified installer for best results. A test drive can also help you assess comfort and temperature control performance.

Summary

Heated and cooled seats are a common feature in today's new cars, with heated seats widely available across many trims and cooled seats increasingly found in mid- and high-end configurations. If you want both, you’ll typically find them together in climate or luxury packages. When shopping, check the window sticker or dealer specifications, compare factory options versus aftermarket paths, and weigh the impact on warranty and resale. For many buyers, the comfort payoff is worth the investment.

Which cars have heated and cooled seats?

Many vehicles, from various brands, offer heated and cooled (or ventilated) seats, often as an option on higher trim levels. Examples include Ford models like the F-150, Explorer, and Escape; Chevrolet models such as the Equinox and Camaro; and other vehicles like the Hyundai Sonata and Toyota Prius. 
Examples by manufacturer

• Ford: Many SUVs and trucks have this feature, including the F-150, Explorer, and Escape, along with some car models like the Mustang. 
• Chevrolet: Options are available on many models, including SUVs and trucks like the Equinox, Suburban, and Silverado, as well as cars like the Camaro. 
• Hyundai: The Sonata is an example of a car with heated and cooled seats, and the Elantra also offers the feature. 
• Toyota: The Prius is one example of a Toyota model that includes this comfort feature. 
• Honda: Higher trims of models like the Accord Touring Hybrid, Passport Elite, and Odyssey Elite have ventilated (cooled) seats in addition to heated ones. 
• Lexus: The Lexus IS is another example of a vehicle that has offered heated and cooled seats. 
• Jeep: The Jeep Cherokee has been mentioned as having this feature. 

Important considerations

• Check the trim level: Heated and cooled seats are typically found on higher-end trim levels of a model, so it's crucial to confirm the specific trim you are considering. 
• Ventilated vs. Cooled: While often used interchangeably, there can be a difference. "Cooled" seats can use refrigerated air, while "ventilated" seats circulate air through the cushions, often with fans. 
• Aftermarket options: If a specific vehicle doesn't come with the feature, you may be able to have heated and cooled seats installed as an aftermarket accessory. 

How much does it cost to get heated and cooled seats installed?

In that case, the professional installation costs will therefore be relevant, costing anywhere from $200-$600, as seen above. Thus, in total, the OEM heated seat cost can cost anywhere from $1,400 to $4,000 or more; which depends on the make, model or the year of vehicle, and installation cost.

Can we change a normal seat to ventilated seats?

Is It Possible To Install Ventilated Seats After Buying A Car? Yes, there are aftermarket options available, such as ventilated car seat covers. In India, Riggear, a company based in Bengaluru, offers a single ventilated seat cover that fits all car seats at a cost of Rs. 8,000.

Can I add heated and cooled seats to my car?

Yes, you can add heated and cooled seats to a car, either through aftermarket kits or by replacing the seats with models that have the features. Professional installation is recommended to ensure proper wiring, integration with the vehicle's electrical system, and correct setup, especially for systems that require new upholstery with perforations. 
This video demonstrates the installation of a heated and cooled seat system in a Toyota Tacoma: 58sLeatherSeats.comYouTube · Sep 21, 2023
Options for adding heated and cooled seats

• Aftermarket kits: Many companies offer kits to add heating and cooling to existing seats, though this often requires compatible upholstery. 
  • Katzkin Degreez: This system can be installed on a Katzkin leather interior and provides both heating and cooling, with individual controls for each passenger. 
  • Sanctum system: A semi-universal product that uses a similar technology to OEM systems, which can be integrated into most vehicles with sufficient space. 
  • Standalone kits: Some kits are designed to be a simpler, 12-volt installation that connects to the vehicle's power without needing to be integrated into the car's main computer. 
• Replacing seats: You can find used or aftermarket seats that have the features pre-installed. 
  • OEM replacement: If your manufacturer offers the seats, finding them used can be an easier route to get the features. 
  • Custom upholstery: When installing new custom leather, you can often have the heating and cooling features added at the same time. 

Important considerations

• Perforated leather: For cooled seats to work properly, the upholstery must be perforated to allow for air circulation. 
• Professional installation: This is highly recommended to prevent electrical issues and to ensure the system functions correctly. It also ensures any new upholstery is installed properly. 
• Complexity and time: Adding heated seats can take approximately one day, while a full heated and cooled system can take up to two days depending on the complexity and your vehicle type. 
• Cost: The cost varies depending on the kit, features, and installation fees, but can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars. 

This video explains the different options and technologies available for installing heated and cooled seats: 53sLeatherSeats.comYouTube · Mar 15, 2018