How much does it cost to add heated seats to a truck?
Adding heated seats to a pickup is feasible on a range of budgets. In general, aftermarket installations are far cheaper than factory-style retrofits, with front-seat setups typically running a few hundred dollars per seat, while OEM-style upgrades can run into the thousands for the pair.
Cost framework: aftermarket vs. OEM retrofit
There are two main paths to heated seats: affordable aftermarket kits you install yourself or have installed, and higher-priced OEM-style retrofits that aim for factory integration. Each option has different price ranges, installation requirements, and potential impacts on warranties.
Prices and components you should expect when selecting aftermarket seat heater kits, plus labor estimates:
- Kit cost (per seat): roughly $60–$250 for basic universal pads; $150–$350 for mid-range kits with better controls and connectors.
- Labor for installation (per seat): about $60–$300, depending on shop rates and how hard the seat is to access.
- Total per seat (kit + install): approximately $120–$550.
- Notes: Some models may require upholstery removal or seat disassembly; compatibility with leather or vinyl may affect the recommended kit.
In practice, a typical front-seat pair installed with aftermarket parts costs around $240–$1,100, depending on the kit quality and labor rates. If you want dual-zone or memory-style features, costs can climb.
OEM-style retrofit or dealer installation
For a factory-like retrofit, you’re paying for dedicated heated seats (or redesigned cushions) plus wiring harnesses, control modules, and professional labor. Availability and exact pricing vary by model and region, and this route is often more invasive than aftermarket kits.
Prices you might encounter with OEM-style retrofits and dealer-installed systems:
- Parts (heating elements, control switches, wiring, and modules): roughly $600–$1,200 per seat.
- Labor (seat removal, wiring integration, testing): about $700–$2,000 per seat.
- Total per seat: approximately $1,300–$3,200.
- Notes: Some vehicles require dealer-level programming or integration with other seat functions (memory, airbags, power adjustments), which can add time and cost.
For both front seats, OEM-style retrofits commonly fall in the range of roughly $2,400–$6,000, depending on vehicle complexity and regional labor rates. This option delivers a more seamless, factory-like result but comes with a higher price tag and longer turnaround.
What to consider before you decide
Choosing between aftermarket and OEM retrofit depends on budget, vehicle model, seat design, and how you plan to use the feature. Here are factors to weigh before committing:
- Vehicle compatibility: Some trucks, especially newer or highly optioned models, have integrated seat electronics that complicate retrofits.
- Front only vs. front and rear: Heated rear seats are less common in pickups and may dramatically affect cost and feasibility.
- Warranty and resale: Aftermarket kits may affect warranty coverage; OEM retrofits may preserve more warranty alignment if installed by a dealer.
- DIY vs. professional installation: DIY kits save labor but require comfort with upholstery work and electrical work; professional installation adds reliability and may include warranties on labor.
Quotes from multiple providers are essential. Ask about compatibility with your seat material, warranty terms for the heating elements, and whether the price includes switches, wiring, fuses, and any required modules.
Summary
For most truck owners, aftermarket heated-seat upgrades offer the best value: about $120–$550 per seat installed, or roughly $240–$1,100 for both front seats. OEM-style retrofits provide a more integrated, factory-like result but at a higher price, typically $1,300–$3,200 per seat or $2,400–$6,000 for both front seats, depending on the vehicle. Always get multiple quotes, confirm compatibility with your seats, and clarify warranty coverage before proceeding.
How much does it cost to put heated seats in a truck?
If money is a big issue, perhaps you could install the heated seat systems as modifications to your car. This process requires fitting a heated seat system to a vehicle not originally equipped with the system. Retrofit kits would range from $300 to $1,500 depending on the quality and brand of the kit.
How much does aftermarket seat heater cost?
Adding heated seats to a car can cost anywhere from $300 to over $1,000, with professional installation typically ranging from $300 to $500 per seat for a basic kit, and higher costs for more advanced features or if the dealer is involved. For a basic installation of two front seats, a cost of around $500 to $700 is a reasonable estimate, while more complex setups like adding them to rear seats or getting a high-end system can be more expensive.
Factors that influence the cost
- Number of seats: Adding seats to both the driver and passenger side will cost more than just one. Rear seats are often more expensive or complex to add.
- Type of installation:
- DIY: You can save money on labor by installing the heating elements yourself with a kit, which can range from $175 to $400, but professional installation is recommended to avoid potential safety risks.
- Professional installation: This is the most common and recommended option, with costs typically ranging from $300 to $700 for both front seats, depending on the installer and the car.
- Dealership: A dealership may be more expensive, sometimes offering it as a "package" for a higher price (e.g., $995).
- Features: Basic heating elements are cheaper than those with multiple temperature settings or other features.
- Car model: Some car models may be more complex to work with, increasing labor costs.
- Seat material: Leather seats can be more expensive to work with than cloth seats.
- Bundled packages: Some installers may offer discounts if you combine heated seats with other services, such as a remote car starter.
Where to get heated seats installed
- Auto stereo and interior shops: These are often the most affordable and reliable option for professional installation, with prices ranging from $300 to $700.
- Dealership: The dealership can install heated seats, but they may charge more than other options.
- DIY: You can purchase a heated seat kit online for a lower price, but proper installation is crucial to avoid safety risks.
Are heated seats worth the cost?
Cost-Effective Upgrade: Unlike other luxury upgrades, installing heated seats is relatively cost-effective. Given the added comfort and resale value they bring to your vehicle, they provide a high return on investment.
Can I add heated seats to my truck?
Yes, you can add heated seats to your truck using an aftermarket kit, which can be a complex installation that is best performed by a qualified professional to ensure safety. While it can be a DIY project, improper wiring can cause electrical damage or fire hazards, so professional installation is recommended.
This video demonstrates the process of installing aftermarket heated seats in a truck: 54sRyan MayerYouTube · Nov 16, 2017
How it works and what to expect
- Under the upholstery: The new heating elements are installed beneath the existing seat covers (cloth or leather), which preserves the original appearance of your seats.
- Heating elements: Kits typically include heating pads for the bottom and back of the seat, which are wired together with a switch and a fuse.
- Installation process: The process involves removing the seat covers, affixing the heating elements, installing a switch (often in the dash or side panel), and carefully wiring the system to your truck's electrical system, taking care to avoid airbags.
- Cost: The price varies depending on the brand, quality, and complexity, but professional installation can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.
Professional installation vs. DIY
- Professional installation: This is the safest option, as professionals have the necessary tools and knowledge to handle the wiring safely, run the wires cleanly, and avoid potential issues like damaging airbags or creating error codes.
- DIY installation: This is a possibility if you have the right tools and knowledge, but it is a complicated process that can be risky if done incorrectly. You'll need to be very careful when working with the electrical system to avoid fire or damage.
