Do foresters have heated seats?
Yes—when people ask about foresters, the answer varies by context. In the Subaru Forester SUV, heated seats are commonly available on many trims, while for field vehicles used by forestry crews, heating is more dependent on the specific model and options. Here’s a closer look at both interpretations.
In the Subaru Forester: heated seats in the SUV model
For drivers considering a Forester, heated seating is a common comfort feature in many recent model years, though availability can vary by trim and year. Dealers and official specifications are the best source for exact configurations by year.
- Heated front seats are commonly standard on mid-to-high trims and may require an optional package or be standard on higher grades in many recent years.
- Heated rear seats are typically available on higher trims or as part of optional packages in several model years.
- A heated steering wheel is offered on select trims or packages, depending on the year and market.
- Dual-zone climate control and other comfort features frequently accompany heated seating in the Forester’s higher-spec configurations.
Before this list, note that feature availability changes by model year and market. The following highlights what tends to be true across recent Forester trims.
For buyers, this means that if you want heated seating in a Forester, you’re most likely to find it in the Premium, Sport, Limited, or higher trims, or via an optional package on base models. Always confirm the exact equipment list for the year you’re considering.
Availability by year and trim
Availability of heated seats and related comfort features shifts with model-year updates. Subaru often revises trim names and standard equipment, so checking the official brochure or a dealer’s build sheet for the specific year is recommended to avoid misinterpretation.
Forestry field vehicles and foresters: field cooling vs. heating realities
Outside the passenger-car context, foresters rely on a range of field vehicles—pickup trucks, SUVs, ATVs, UTVs, and machinery. Heated seating is less universal in this realm and depends on the vehicle type, climate, and budget. Some field vehicles offer optional seat heaters or climate-controlled cabs; others rely on aftermarket solutions or rely on manufacturer options for cold-weather comfort.
- Many pickups and SUVs used by forestry contractors offer heated seats as an option or standard on higher-trim levels, especially in colder regions.
- Heavy equipment cabs (such as harvesters, skidders, and cable yarders) may include climate-controlled cabins, which can feature heated seats where available; older equipment often lacks this, or uses aftermarket solutions.
- ATVs and UTVs used in forestry sometimes offer heated seats as factory options or as aftermarket add-ons from manufacturers or accessory suppliers.
- In government or commercial forestry fleets, the presence of heated seating depends on the model year, the equipment package selected, and regional climate considerations.
Before this list, consider how fieldwork environments differ from a showroom floor. The following are common realities in forestry fleets and equipment.
Conclusion: Heated seating in field gear is useful in cold climates, but not universal. When outfitting crews, managers weigh the benefits against cost and maintenance, often opting for climate-controlled cabs or add-on seat heaters where feasible.
Summary
Heated seats are a common feature in the Subaru Forester across many trims, especially in mid-to-high configurations, with exact availability varying by model year. For foresters in the field, heated seating appears more selectively—present in some pickups, SUVs, and equipment cabs, and available as aftermarket options in others. If heated seating is important, verify the specific year, trim, and equipment package for a Forester or field vehicle to ensure it matches your needs.
Does the Subaru Forester have heated and cooled seats?
Forester Hybrid Touring
Step up to the Touring trim for the ultimate in luxury and convenience. Enjoy the comfort of heated and ventilated front seats with perforated leather upholstery, complete with driver's seat memory function.
What Subaru model has heated seats?
Heated Seats: Comfort in Every Season
This feature is widely available in popular models like the Subaru Outback, Forester, and Legacy, with select trims of the Ascent even offering heated rear seats for second-row passengers.
Which foresters have heated seats?
The Limited and the Touring are upper trims, but the Touring is the top edition in the lineup. They share similar features, with the Touring offering a bit more, such as heated rear seats, a Harman Kardon® sound system, integrated navigation, larger wheels, and more.
What is the weakness of a Subaru Forester?
Oil Consumption
Many drivers have reported that they need to get their oil changed more frequently than they have had to in other cars. This is likely due to oil cracks or leaks in the camshaft and crankshaft seals as well as the oil pump seal.
