Which Subaru models have heated steering wheels?
Overview: how Subaru typically packages heated steering wheels
Subaru models that commonly offer heated steering wheels
The following models in recent years have commonly offered heated steering wheels on higher trims or as part of a factory package.
- Forester
- Outback
- Legacy
- Crosstrek
- WRX
- Ascent
- Impreza (Limited trim in some years)
Model-specific notes
Forester
Outback
Legacy
Crosstrek
WRX
Ascent
Impreza
Market and year variations to watch for
Summary
Does the 2025 Subaru Forester come with a heated steering wheel?
Starting the trim levels is the comprehensive Base trim, but it only gets better as you move up the trim lineup. Features like a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, heated rear seats, and a premium audio system await you.
Which Subaru Forester trim has a heated steering wheel?
Touring. The top-level trim for the Forester is the Touring which not only includes all of the features we already mentioned and has memory settings for the driver's seat and side mirrors, a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and a DriverFocus distraction mitigation system.
Do any Subaru models have heated steering wheels?
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.
What year to stay away from a Subaru Outback?
You should be wary of Subaru Outback years such as 2013–2014, 2017–2018, and 2020 due to common problems like excessive oil consumption, transmission issues, and electrical faults. Additionally, the 2010–2011 models may have transmission, engine, and brake line problems. Older generations, like 2005–2009, are known for head gasket issues and oil leaks.
2010–2014
- Excessive oil consumption: The 2013 and 2014 models are frequently cited for this issue, which was due to faulty piston rings and can lead to engine failure.
- Transmission issues: Both the 2010 and 2012 models are reported to have transmission problems, including rough shifting and failure. The 2010 is also known for torque converter issues.
- Electrical problems: Some models in this range have reported electrical faults.
- Headlight issues: 2011 models, in particular, had problems with headlights that burned out or melted.
- Brake line issues: The 2010 model had issues with faulty brake lines.
2017–2020
- Electrical issues: These models were plagued with electrical system problems, from the 2017 and 2020 models.
- Weak windshields: The 2017 and 2020 models are notorious for easily cracked windshields.
- Transmission problems: Some owners reported issues with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in the 2017 and 2020 models.
- Fuel range display malfunction: Some 2018 models had issues with the fuel pump and the fuel range display.
Older generations
- 2005–2009: These models are known for costly head gasket failures, engine leaks, and catalytic converter failures.
- 1994–1999: This generation had issues with cracked cylinder heads and premature engine failure.
- 2000–2001: This period is when Subaru was transitioning ownership, leading to transmission issues in these models.
Modern models (2015+)
- While later models generally saw improvements, some issues persist. The 2023 Outback had problems with the infotainment system, and the 12V battery was prone to draining.
