Do they make air conditioned car seats?
Yes. A growing number of new cars offer vented or cooled seats, especially in luxury models and mid- to high-end trims. The system uses perforated upholstery and tiny fans to circulate air through the seat cushion and backrest, delivering a cooling effect without refrigerating the seat. Availability varies by vehicle, market, and trim level.
What exactly are ventilated seats and how do they work?
Ventilated seats, sometimes labeled as seat cooling or air conditioning for seats, rely on perforations in the seat surface and a network of ducts with small fans. Air is drawn from behind the seat and pushed through the cushions, creating a cooling sensation as the air passes over your legs and back. Some systems operate in tandem with heating; you can switch between heating in winter and cooling in summer, or use both in a climate-controlled mode. The technology is designed to be quiet and unobtrusive, but the feel can vary by vehicle and seat design.
Key differences to know
In most cars, ventilated seats are front-seat only and are commonly part of a premium or climate-control package. Rear-seat ventilation is far less common. Some models offer multiple levels of intensity or auto-adjustment based on cabin temperature and occupant preferences.
Where are ventilated seats commonly found?
The presence of seat ventilation varies by brand, model, and trim. The following observations reflect how the feature is typically offered in the market today.
- Luxury and premium brands frequently include ventilated seats as standard or optional equipment (examples include Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, Volvo, and Lexus).
- Some mainstream brands offer ventilation on higher trims or in selected models (for example Hyundai, Kia, Ford, and certain General Motors vehicles).
- In practice, seat ventilation is more common in warm-weather regions and markets where buyers expect comfort features in daily driving.
As always, check the specific vehicle's option list or window sticker to confirm availability for your chosen model and trim.
How to determine if a specific car has ventilated seats
When shopping for a car, verify the feature with the following steps. This helps ensure you get the cooling you want in the climate you drive.
- Ask the dealer or check the official product page for "Ventilated Seats," "Seat Cooling," or similar terms, often bundled in a "Climate Comfort" or "Premium" package.
- Review the car's window sticker or build sheet for seat ventilation as an included option.
- Inspect the front seat controls for a seat-shaped icon with airflow markings or a dedicated button labeled "Vent" or "Ventilation."
- Note that rear-seat ventilation is less common; if you need cooling in back seats, confirm its availability in the specific model.
Expect the option to add seat ventilation to involve a modest upcharge, typically a few hundred dollars in many brands, and sometimes included with other climate features or luxury packages.
Summary
Air-conditioned or ventilated seats are a real and increasingly common feature in today's cars, especially in higher trims and in many markets worldwide. They offer a practical way to stay cool in hot weather by circulating air through perforated seat surfaces. Availability varies by model and region, so buyers should verify on a model-by-model basis and consider it as part of a broader comfort package when shopping for a vehicle.
What cars have cooled seats in 2025?
Many 2025 vehicles, from various brands, offer ventilated seats, typically on their higher trim levels. Notable examples include the Hyundai Tucson, Santa Fe, and Kona Electric, Kia Seltos, Sonet, and Telluride, Chevrolet Traverse and Tahoe, and Mitsubishi Outlander. The availability depends on the specific trim, so it is important to check the vehicle's trim level when shopping.
You can watch this video to learn about the ventilated seats in the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander: 52sMitsubishi Motors North AmericaYouTube · May 30, 2025
By Brand
- Chevrolet: Traverse (High Country) and Tahoe (Premier, High Country)
- Chrysler: Pacifica (Limited, Pinnacle)
- Ford: Explorer (Platinum, King Ranch)
- Hyundai: Tucson (Limited), Santa Fe (Limited, Calligraphy), Palisade (Limited, Calligraphy, Calligraphy Night), Kona Electric (Limited), IONIQ 5 (Limited, D100 Platinum, N), and Sonata (Limited Hybrid, SEL Hybrid)
- Kia: Seltos (higher trims), Sonet, and Telluride
- Mitsubishi: Outlander
Other models
Tata Nexon, Jeep Compass, Volkswagen Taigun, and Ford Explorer.
How much does it cost to add cooling seats to a car?
$1400 for ventilated seat covers, $750 for heating/cooling system. Price includes installation costs.
Is there such a thing as air conditioned seats in a car?
Some models offer cooled seats, and some provide ventilated seats; models typically don't give a buyer the option to choose between these two technologies. That means if you favor one technology over the other, you'll have to find a model that offers it.
Can you get cooling car seats?
Ventilated car seats most often accompany the car's air conditioning system as a supplement, but they can also be equipped with a separate cooling system.
