How do you turn on the heated seat on a Toyota Highlander?
In a Toyota Highlander, you turn on front-seat heating with a dedicated seat-heater control or via the climate screen, depending on your model year and trim. To activate it, locate the seat heater button for the seat you want, press to cycle through the heat levels, and press again to turn it off. On some trims, you can also enable heat from the Climate menu on the touchscreen.
Where to locate the heated-seat controls
The location of the heated-seat controls can vary by year and trim, but there are a few common spots you can check first.
- Driver’s and front passenger’s seat heaters are usually controlled by a button on the center console near the climate controls. The button typically shows a seat icon with wavy lines.
- On some trims, especially newer models, the seat heaters appear in the physical climate control panel as separate buttons for each seat.
- In vehicles with a larger touchscreen climate system, you may find seat-heater toggles within the Climate or Comfort settings on the infotainment screen.
- If you don’t see a physical button, consult the owner’s manual or check if your trim uses the touchscreen method for seat heating.
In short, the most reliable starting points are the center-console area near the climate controls or the Climate section of the infotainment system if your model supports it.
How to turn on and adjust heat levels
Before operating the controls, ensure the ignition is on (or in ACC/ON mode on some trims) so the seat heater can power up. Then use the appropriate control to select your preferred heat level.
- With the ignition on, locate the seat heater control for the seat you want to heat (driver or passenger).
- Press the button to turn on the seat heater. It will cycle through levels 1, 2, and 3, usually indicated by a series of LEDs or bars on the button.
- Continue pressing to increase the heat level up to the maximum setting (usually level 3). The indicator lights will show which level is active.
- To turn off, press the button again until all indicator lights go off. On some models, you may need to hold the button briefly to deactivate.
- If your Highlander uses a touchscreen climate control, go to Climate > Seat Heaters and select the desired level for each seat.
Always verify that the seat heater is off when you no longer need it, and remember that heated seats use power, so users in very cold climates may prefer to balance comfort with energy use.
Availability by model year and trim
Heated front seats are common on mid- to high-trim Highlanders, but availability can vary by year and market. Here’s a general guide.
- Base L and LE trims: Heated front seats are less likely to be standard; may be offered as part of an optional package or not available depending on the year and market.
- XLE trim: Front-seat heating is typically available, either as standard or as part of a package, depending on the model year.
- Limited and Platinum trims: Front-seat heaters are usually standard (and may include separate controls for driver and front passenger).
Because feature availability can shift between model years and regions, always check your specific vehicle’s window sticker or the Toyota build-and-price page for your year and trim to confirm whether heated seats are included and how they’re controlled.
Troubleshooting quick notes
If the heated seats won’t activate, verify that the vehicle is on or in ACC, check for any fuses related to the seat heaters in the fuse box, and ensure you’re using the correct seat heater control for your seat. If problems persist, consult a Toyota dealer for a diagnostic check, as some issues may involve the wiring or module that controls the seat heaters.
Summary
Front-seat heating in a Toyota Highlander is typically controlled via a button on the center console near climate controls or through the touchscreen Climate menu. Activate by pressing the seat heater button to cycle through levels 1–3, then press again to turn off. Availability varies by year and trim, with higher trims more likely to offer standard heated front seats. If you’re unsure where your specific model’s controls live, check the owner’s manual or your vehicle’s settings to locate the correct seat-heater option.
