How do you turn on the heated steering wheel on a Subaru?
Subaru equips several trims with a heated steering wheel for winter comfort. Availability varies by model year and trim, and activation is typically straightforward via a dedicated control either on the wheel or on the center console. This guide explains how to locate the control, how to operate it, and what to do if your model lacks the feature.
The heated steering wheel is activated by pressing a dedicated button, usually marked with a steering wheel icon and heat waves, located either on the steering wheel itself or on the center console near the climate controls. A single press typically turns it on, a second press may cycle through heat levels, and a subsequent press turns it off. If your Subaru does not have this button, your model may not include the feature.
Where to find the control
Where you find the control can vary by model and year. Here are common locations seen in modern Subarus:
- On the steering wheel’s left spoke, as a dedicated button with a heated steering wheel icon.
- On the center console, near the climate controls, a button labeled with a steering wheel and heat waves.
- In some models, within the climate control touchscreen menu as a “Steering Wheel Heater” option.
- In older or more basic trims, the feature may not be available at all.
Knowing the location helps you activate the feature quickly, but if you still can’t find the control, consult your owner’s manual or contact your Subaru dealer for assistance.
How to operate the heated steering wheel
Follow these steps to turn the feature on and adjust it if your model supports multiple heat levels:
- Start the vehicle or turn the ignition to the On/Accessory position.
- Locate the heated steering wheel control (button with a steering wheel icon and heat waves) and press it once to turn the feature on. If your model has multiple heat levels, press again to cycle to the next level.
- Wait a few moments for the steering wheel to warm up; you should feel heat on your hands shortly after activation.
- To turn it off, press the button again. In most Subarus, the heater stays on until you manually switch it off or turn off the ignition.
- If your model uses a climate-control menu, ensure the option is enabled there as well, if required by your trim.
If you don’t feel heat after turning the feature on, double-check that the ignition is fully on and that the control is indeed activated. If issues persist, a dealer can diagnose a potential fault or confirm whether your trim includes the feature.
Availability by model and trim
Heated steering wheels are more commonly found on mid- to high-trim Subarus and are often bundled with winter packages or as part of certain trims. Availability tends to be higher in models like Forester, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent in recent years. Some Crosstrek or base trims may not include the feature. Always verify on your specific vehicle’s window sticker, owner’s manual, or Subaru’s official build options for your model year.
Tips for prospective buyers and owners
If you’re shopping for a Subaru and want a heated steering wheel, look for trims labeled as Limited, Premier, Touring, or with a Winter Package or equivalent option. If you’re unsure about your current model, check the settings menu and the owner’s manual to confirm availability and operation.
Summary
Does Subaru have a heated steering wheel?
Yes, many modern Subaru models are available with a heated steering wheel, though it is typically a feature on higher trim levels like the Limited or Touring, or included in optional packages. Models such as the Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Ascent, Legacy, Solterra, Impreza, and WRX offer this feature on certain trims. For the 2025 model year, it is standard on the Forester Limited and Touring trims.
You can watch this video to learn how to operate the steering wheel controls, including the heated steering wheel: 17sPeltier Subaru YouTube · Jan 14, 2025
- Availability: The heated steering wheel is not a standard feature on all Subarus but is common on mid-to-high trim levels.
- Examples by model:
- Forester: Standard on the 2025 Limited and Touring trims. It was available on the 2021 Limited trim as part of an optional package.
- Outback: Available on trims like the Premium, Touring, and Limited XT.
- Crosstrek: The 2026 model year will have it standard on the Limited and Wilderness trims.
- How to operate: In most cases, the heated steering wheel is activated by a button located directly on the steering wheel itself.
- Heating pattern: Some users have noted that not the entire steering wheel is heated, but specific sections (like the 10 and 2 o'clock positions) get warm.
Does the heated steering wheel come on automatically?
Whether a heated steering wheel comes on automatically depends on the vehicle's settings, as many modern cars offer an "auto" feature that can be enabled or disabled. When activated, it will turn on automatically when the vehicle is started and the outside temperature is below a preset threshold, typically around 10∘C10 raised to the composed with power cap C10∘𝐶 (50∘F50 raised to the composed with power cap F50∘𝐹). If you don't want it to turn on automatically, you can disable the feature in your car's climate or vehicle settings menu.
This video explains how to enable or disable automatic heated steering wheel functionality: 52sTrent Mazerolle at Boyer GM in AjaxYouTube · Jan 9, 2020
How to enable or disable the automatic feature
- Locate the settings: Go to your car's main menu, then find "Settings" and navigate to "Vehicle" or "Climate Control".
- Find the "auto" setting: Look for options like "Auto Heated Seats" or "Auto Climate Rules".
- Activate or deactivate: You can then choose to turn on or off the "Auto Steering Wheel Heat" or set the individual conditions for when you want it to activate.
What happens if it's turned on
- Temperature threshold: The heating will turn on automatically when the car is started and the outside temperature is at or below the temperature you've set (or a default, like 10∘C10 raised to the composed with power cap C10∘𝐶 or 50∘F50 raised to the composed with power cap F50∘𝐹).
- Remote start: The automatic feature may also be linked to the remote start function, turning on the steering wheel and heated seats when the car is started remotely.
This video demonstrates how to use the automatic heated seats and steering wheel on a BMW: 57sBMWofBridgewaterYouTube · Oct 21, 2021
Manual operation
- Buttons: In most vehicles, the heated steering wheel can always be turned on or off manually using a button on the dashboard, steering wheel, or center console, regardless of the automatic setting.
How to turn on steering wheel heater subaru?
And I is your intelligent mode which is your normal everyday driving here is your heated steering wheel toggle towards you to turn on and toggle again to turn off.
How do I turn on the heat in my Subaru?
To turn on the heat in your Subaru, locate the climate control panel, and turn the temperature dial or press the buttons toward the red "warm" side. Adjust the fan speed using the fan speed dial or buttons, and ensure the "AC" button is off to get only warm air.
Step-by-step guide
This video shows how to operate the climate control system in a Subaru Impreza: 58sDIY PintoYouTube · Jun 26, 2018
- Turn on the climate control system: This may happen automatically when you start the car, or you may need to press a power button on the control panel.
- Increase the temperature: Find the temperature control dial or buttons and turn/press the dial towards the red side or increase the numerical value to set a warmer temperature.
- Adjust the fan speed: Use the fan speed dial or buttons to set your desired airflow intensity.
- Disable the air conditioning: Press the "AC" or "Max AC" button to turn it off. The light on the button should turn off to indicate the system is now providing only heat.
- Set the airflow mode: Use the mode dial or buttons to select where you want the warm air to blow (e.g., feet, windshield, face).
- Use auto mode if available: If you have an automatic climate control system, you can press the "AUTO" button and set a desired temperature. The system will then automatically adjust the fan speed and airflow to reach and maintain that temperature.
- Turn on heated seats: If your Subaru has them, you can turn on the heated seats by pressing the heater button until you reach your desired level of heat.
You can watch this video to learn about the climate control system in a 2020 Subaru Outback and Legacy: 59sHalladay MotorsYouTube · Nov 8, 2019
