Top 7 Compact SUVs With Heated Steering Wheels 2023 For Cold Days

suvs with heated steering wheels

As we move into the year’s colder months, we begin to think about making our cars more comfortable for the winter. One feature that is becoming more and more popular in SUVs is the heated steering wheel.

As the weather gets colder, it’s important to have a vehicle to keep you warm. That’s why many manufacturers offer SUVs with heated steering wheels. Keep reading to learn more about the heated steering wheel trend and what to expect in the coming years.

Several different SUVs offer a heated steering wheel as a standard or optional feature. This blog post will look at some of the best SUVs with heated steering wheels for the winter of 2023.

So, if you are in the market for a new SUV, consider one with a heated steering wheel. You won’t regret it on those cold winter days!

Quick View At The List Of 2023 SUVs With Heated Steering Wheels

Finding the best deal on your next vehicle starts with knowing what features you’re looking for. A heated steering wheel is available as standard equipment or an optional package on most cars today.

However, there are a few that still consider it a luxury item. Here is a list of some of the most popular SUVs with heated steering wheels.

  1. Nissan Pathfinder
  2. Land Rover Discovery
  3. Lexus LX
  4. Ford Explorer
  5. Jeep Cherokee
  6. Toyota RAV4
  7. Subaru Forester

Buyer’s Guide For Luxury SUV With Heated Steering Wheel In 2023

Many SUV models on the market today come with heated steering wheels. Consider not only the features that make your journey more enjoyable but also a vehicle with a powerful engine.

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Therefore, we have put together this buyer’s guide to assist you in making a well-informed decision when buying your next car. Here are some important features to consider when shopping for SUVs with heated steering wheels.

A. Budget

It would help if you first considered how much you’re willing to spend. While a more expensive model may provide better value in the long run, this is only sometimes the case. If you have a limited budget, consider an older model with a basic interior and low miles.

However, it’s important to remember that all vehicles will eventually need repairs. It’s always a good idea to do your homework before making a major purchase to know what to expect.

B. All-Wheel Drive vs. 4-Wheel Drive

There are two types of SUVs available: 4-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The four-wheel drive offers greater traction and better handling during inclement weather conditions.

As a result, these vehicles are better suited for off-road use. An all-wheel drive is also a good option for driving on icy roads.

C. Interior Features

Another important factor to consider is the interior features of the vehicle. For example, will the model offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility? Some drivers may find these features useful for staying connected while on the road.

You should also make sure the model comes with a hands-free phone system so that you can safely communicate while driving.

D. Performance

The engine’s amount of torque is important if you’re looking for a powerful SUV capable of hauling heavy loads. The larger the engine, the more powerful it will be.

On the other hand, a smaller engine will be more energy efficient and less polluting. It would help you compare various engines to find a model that meets your needs.

E. Safety Features

Many SUVs have modern safety features such as parking sensors, a rearview camera, and blind-spot monitoring. These features can improve your safety and increase your peace of mind while you’re on the road.

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In addition, some models include advanced driver assistance systems that can help to protect you in the event of a collision. These systems can mitigate the effects of a collision and even help you avoid them altogether.

With the chilly weather on the horizon, it’s time to start thinking about which cars will keep you warm this winter. While many people think about heated seats when it comes to winter car comfort, heated steering wheels are a must-have feature.

In addition to keeping your hands warm, they prevent the steering wheel from becoming icy cold, making it easier to grip and drive. Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of the 7 most popular 2023 SUVs with heated steering wheels.

1. Nissan Pathfinder

suvs with heated steering wheels
  • MSRP: $36,295
  • Engine: 3.5 Liter 6-Cylinder
  • MPG: 21/City, 27/Hwy
  • Horsepower: 285 – 295 HP
  • Seating Capacity: 5 + 2

Nissan will redesign its midsize Pathfinder in 2023 with upgrades that will make it one of the cars with heated steering wheels. It has a 3.5-liter V6 engine with 284 horsepower and a nine-speed automated transmission.

The Pathfinder’s four-wheel drive system has a Terrain Mode Selector. This model includes one for the best traction on icy surfaces, despite its 7 inches of ground clearance. There are also other important driver-aid safety features.

The Pathfinder has a roomy, pleasant interior finished in high-end materials, accommodating up to eight passengers across three rows of seats.

A heated steering wheel, tri-zone climate control, heated side mirrors, heated front, and second-row seats, and a remote start feature to warm the car before driving are among the available winter-friendly features.

Pros

  • Convenient interior cubby space.
  • Excellent maximum towing capacity.
  • Well-isolated cabin.
  • Winter-packed heating features.

Cons

  • Aggressive driving orientation.
  • Top trims cost more than major competitors.

2. Land Rover Discovery

suvs with heated steering wheels
  • MSRP: $59,875
  • Engine: 2.0 Liter/3.0 Liter V6
  • MPG: 19/City, 22/Hwy
  • Horsepower: 296 – 355 HP
  • Seating Capacity: 5 + 2

The midsize Land Rover Discovery is an excellent luxury SUV with a heated steering wheel, just like the company’s previous models. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 296 horsepower or a turbocharged six-cylinder engine with 355 horsepower is available.

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The Discovery’s riding height, which is already high, may be increased to 11.1 inches. For driving on snow, the Terrain Response 2 system has a preset. It also has an automated mode that tracks traffic conditions and adjusts traction levels automatically.

The engine options are also available, along with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive. Up to seven passengers can sit comfortably in its elegant, well-designed cabin.

It is standard to have heated front seats. Heated third-row and middle-row seats, as well as a heated steering wheel, are available conveniences. Systems for controlling the temperature in three and four zones are available.

Pros

  • Attractive exterior.
  • Posh and well-furnished cabin.
  • Go-anywhere capability.

Cons

  • Using the third row leaves little room for cargo.
  • Only kids can sit in the backseat comfortably.

3. Lexus LX

suvs with heated steering wheels
  • MSRP: $89,160
  • Engine: 3.4 Liter 6-Cylinder
  • MPG: 17/City, 22/Hwy
  • Horsepower: 409 HP
  • Seating Capacity: 5 + 2

While Toyota dropped its tough Land Cruiser flagship SUV in the US in 2023, its upscale competitor, the Lexus LX, has undergone revision. Although it has heavy-handed riding and handling, there is no denying its capability to trample through any terrain.

With four-wheel drive as standard, a twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engine with 409 horsepower is coupled to a new 10-speed automatic transmission. The LX has a maximum 8.3-inch ground clearance.

You can alter it depending on the tires and the driving environment with an optional Active Height Control suspension. To maximize traction, the driver can select from six settings in the Multi-Terrain Select system.

One of these modes is for navigating snowy terrain. There are several necessary driver assistance features and heated seats as standard equipment, and heated second-row seats and a heated steering wheel are options.

Pros

  • Decent fuel efficiency for its size.
  • Comfortable ride.
  • Great off-roading capabilities.
  • One of the top luxury SUVs with a heated steering wheel.

Cons

  • Little shaky handling.
  • Congested third-row seats.

4. Ford Explorer

suvs with heated steering wheels
  • MSRP: $37,005
  • Engine: 2.3 Liter 4-Cylinder
  • MPG: 27/City, 29/Hwy
  • Horsepower: 300 – 400 HP
  • Seating Capacity: 5 + 2

The mid-size Ford Explorer’s four-wheel drive-powered all-terrain performance complements its rugged exterior. Selectable modes in this Ford’s Terrain Management System provide more traction on various terrain, including deep snow.

A 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 is an option and provides 400 horsepower in addition to the basic 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinders horsepower. An automatic transmission with 10 speeds is mated to both engines.

Most trims have a ground clearance of 7.9 inches, but the off-road capable Timberline model has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches. The Explorer offers a wide cargo space and much standard equipment, despite low-quality materials and a small cabin.

It is one of the cheapest cars with heated seats for the front & back and a heated steering wheel keeps hands toasty. Driving off in a warm interior is ensured with an optional remote start function, and tri-zone automatic climate control is standard.

Pros

  • Smooth on-road ride.
  • Comfortable seats.
  • Sufficient room for people and luggage.

Cons

  • The third row is only big enough for kids.
  • Materials in the Interior might need some shine.

5. Jeep Cherokee

suvs with heated steering wheels
  • MSRP: $31,590
  • Engine: 2.0 Liter/3.2 Liter V6
  • MPG: 23/City, 31/Hwy
  • Horsepower: 270 HP
  • Seating Capacity: 5 + 2

It is one of the few compact SUVs that can handle difficult terrain. The compact Jeep Cherokee comes with many basic comforts, convenience, and safety equipment, and it is also a willing everyday driver.

A turbocharged four-cylinder with a similar 270 horsepower is also an option, in addition to the 271 horsepower V6 that comes standard. Nonetheless, producing more torque enables speedier launches. A usual automatic transmission is a nine-speed unit.

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The Jeep Selec-Terrain traction control system, which includes a snow mode, is available on all three of the Cherokee’s four-wheel drive systems. The Cherokee’s Trailhawk grade, with its 8.7-inch ground clearance and all-terrain tires, is the most powerful model.

Standard features include heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a remote start; higher-level versions add dual-zone climate control and heated rear seats.

Pros

  • It may haul more than competitors.
  • Superior to rivals in off-road capability.
  • Pleasing ride and handling characteristics.

Cons

  • The Interior has a dated look and feel.
  • Despite being big, the cargo area is tiny.

6. Toyota RAV4

suvs with heated steering wheels
  • MSRP: $28,910
  • Engine: 2.5 Liter 4-Cylinder
  • MPG: 32/City, 35/Hwy
  • Horsepower: 203 HP
  • Seating Capacity: 5

The Toyota RAV4 is one of the cars with heated steering wheels 2023 that can go on all terrains, along with the Jeep Cherokee. With all-wheel drive and a Multi-Terrain Select system, it has a ground clearance of up to 8.6 inches.

The vehicle’s Dynamic Torque Vectoring System distributes engine power between the front and rear axles. It can increase the torque being sent to either rear wheel as necessary. The toughest RAV4 trim is TRD Off-Road.

A four-cylinder engine with 203 horsepower is mated to an eight-speed automated transmission. The cabin is roomy enough and nicely finished, particularly in higher trims with standard features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

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Additionally, it has numerous driver-assistance systems. With dual-zone climate control, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel as options, it tackles winter.

Pros

  • Easygoing driving demeanor.
  • Rugged good looks.
  • Driver-assists come standard.

Cons

  • The entry-level model is too basic.
  • The four-cylinder engine has a rough sound.

7. Subaru Forester

suvs with heated steering wheels
  • MSRP: $27,620
  • Engine: 2.5 Liter 4-Cylinder
  • MPG: 26/City, 33/Hwy
  • Horsepower: 182 HP
  • Seating Capacity: 5

The compact Subaru Forester is one of the cheapest cars with heated steering wheels 2023. Additionally, the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is standard on it. The Subaru Forester’s X-mode traction boost also gives it 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

All-terrain tires and a 9.2-inch clearance make the Wilderness trim a go-anywhere, anytime. With a cabin finished in high-quality materials, the Forester keeps trips during inclement weather on course.

Moreover, it has sufficient space to comfortably fit adult riders in the front and back. A continuously variable automatic transmission is coupled with a 182-horsepower horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine.

The higher variants come with dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front and back seats, and a heated steering wheel, in addition to standard safety and infotainment technologies.

Pros

  • Cargo-friendly Interior.
  • Spacious for adults in both rows of seats.
  • Pleasant ride quality.

Cons

  • Sluggish acceleration.
  • Overly simple base model.

FAQs About Cars With Heated Steering Wheels

Are Heated Steering Wheels Worth It?

For many drivers, heated steering wheels are a necessary feature of their car. They improve driving comfort in cold weather and reduce the risk of accidents in icy conditions. However, many people need clarification on whether they are worth the extra cost.

So, are heated steering wheels worth it? In a word, yes! One of the main benefits of heated steering wheels is their ability to help keep hands warm and comfortable during the winter.

What Cars Have Heated Steering Wheels?

The winter can be tough for anyone, but it can be especially challenging when you have to drive in the cold. One way to make the drive more tolerable is by having a car with heated steering wheels.

Many cars have this feature, so you may be wondering which vehicles have them. Here is a list of some of the best cars with heated steering wheels:

1. Nissan Pathfinder

2. Land Rover Discovery

3. Lexus LX

4. Ford Explorer

5. Jeep Cherokee

6. Toyota RAV4

7. Subaru Forester

Do Toyotas Have Heated Steering Wheels?

Among the many questions, drivers ask about their vehicles is whether Toyotas have heated steering wheels. The answer to this question is a bit complicated, but the short version is that Toyotas offer heated steering wheels.

Moreover, they also offer heated seats and a heated windshield as an option on many vehicles. And we’ve also mentioned one of Toyota’s SUVs with heated steering wheels, i.e., the Toyota RAV4. This SUV comes with both a heated steering wheel and seats.

Do Any Subarus Have Heated Steering Wheels?

Yes! Subaru Forester is among SUVs with heated steering wheels. This feature is available on certain trim levels and provides convenience in cold weather. Studies show that heated steering wheels increase driver comfort and reduce hand fatigue during long drives.

They also provide added safety by helping to keep drivers’ hands warm in the winter, when ice, snow, and low temperatures are common.

How Long Does It Take A Heated Steering Wheel To Heat Up?

When it comes to winter weather, many drivers are glad to have a heated steering wheel. Unfortunately, not all cars have this feature, and not all drivers know how to use it. So how long does it take a steering wheel to heat up? Well, the answer depends.

Some models heat up in seconds, while others can take several minutes to get warm. This largely depends on the temperature outside and the heat you want in your car’s Interior.

Final Thoughts

As we head into winter, it’s important to have a vehicle to keep us warm. SUVs with heated steering are a great option for those cold days ahead. The list above includes some of the finest SUVs with heated steering wheels.

However, the Nissan Pathfinder is one of the top cars with a heated steering. Also, Nissan packs this compact SUV with many more safety features for winter, like heated seats. You can also check other cars to find the best fit.


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Henry William

Henry William is an automotive enthusiast and experienced blogger with a passion for all things related to automobiles. With a deep knowledge of the industry and a keen eye for detail, Henry provides insightful and engaging content for automotive enthusiasts and casual readers alike. From car reviews and industry news to practical tips and advice, his articles cover a wide range of topics to cater to every reader's interest. With years of experience in the automotive field, Henry brings a unique perspective and a wealth of information to his writing. Whether you're a car aficionado or simply looking for reliable information, Henry's expertise and engaging writing style will keep you coming back for more.

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