Heated rear seats, list of the cheapest cars with this option

Warm your neighbor in your car.

How many car models do you know, friends, that have one extremely rare but very interesting feature? Namely, we are talking about heating the rear seats in the car. Do you think that this additional option is a privilege only for expensive and luxury car brands?

For drivers and front passengers, more and more often, manufacturers are installing such a pleasant and important option in cars, especially in countries with cold and harsh climates, as heated seats. But, unfortunately, at the same time they completely forget about an equally large group of citizens, i.e. about the rear passengers, whom they literally leave without their attention, throwing them all into the cold and inhospitable back seats of cars. It seems that this trend is gradually becoming a thing of the past; today, in new and modern cars, at a much lower cost for ordinary people, manufacturers are finally starting to install heated rear seats.

Technical characteristics: - the most popular cars in 2015

There is still an opinion among many citizens that heated front seats are a very expensive additional option that the manufacturer installs only on the most privileged and expensive or premium models of cars in its line of cars. But in the current technological world, this phenomenon is gradually fading into the background and is no longer a concrete axiom. But with the second row of seats, things are not so rosy for the same manufacturers. Why were all the rear passengers left to the mercy of the cold fate, and is it true that they were abandoned?

Whether your friends believe it or not, you don’t have to earn like a king in order to benefit all your friends or family members with such a luxurious option as back heating.

Selection of heating elements

The range of elements that are mounted directly into the body of the chair is quite extensive. This allows you to make the optimal choice based on the design features of the interior and its components, as well as the financial capabilities of the owner. The most popular products are from Russia, China, Taiwan and Germany. Here are some examples of models:

• installation kits from Weaco (Germany);
• built-in blocks "Emelya" from (Russia);
• “VO” kits from the “Avtotherm” group (Russia);
• sets from Megalight (Taiwan);
• kits from Autoline International (China).

Naturally, all models differ both in terms of workmanship and price. Owners who already know how to properly heat seats with their own hands assure that the high cost of German equipment is compensated by its reliability and versatility. Its elements are equipped with overheating protection and have several operating modes.

Russian models of heating technology are practically not inferior to German ones; reinforced cable or carbon fiber is used as a heating element. The kit includes an electronic temperature controller and overheat protection.

Products from China are attractive in price, but most often that’s where all the advantages end. As our car enthusiasts note, the main problems with such kits are:

• broken power button;
• short circuit or broken wiring;
• uneven heating of the seat plane.

BMW 320i with Cold Weather Package: $36,300 thousand US dollars

Our list starts with one of the most affordable cars on the market, the BMW 320i. The rear-wheel drive sports sedan, although it uses a relatively underpowered 180-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, still offers many of the same features found in pricier, more powerful BMW models.

This means that you, gentlemen, can choose for an additional fee the so-called “Cold Weather Package” option, which will add heated seats not only in the front, but also in the rear, thereby helping to make this BMW car from the initial level more hospitable, that is, to make it a place to move around in the winter with comfort and warmth.

Lada Vesta from 869,900 rubles

Such options as desired by every car enthusiast in winter, such as heated front and rear seats, steering wheel, windshield and side mirrors, can be obtained at once not only in foreign cars, but also in well-known Lada models. And not even in the most expensive versions. For example, all of the above can be found in Vesta with a 106-horsepower 1.6 engine and manual transmission in Luxe/Prestige version for 869,900 rubles, as well as in the top-end Exclusive configuration from 936,900 rubles.

Hyundai Santa Fe Sport with Tech Package: $33,995 thousand US dollars

The Koreans also went there. The Santa Fe is one of the few crossover models that sells for less than $34,000, which is why it makes it onto our list. For this money, you friends get this Santa Fe Sport with the Tech Package feature, which for an additional fee will make this car much more convenient for everyday use. And all due to the fact that this Tech Package function combines premium and popular equipment sets in one. All necessary functions will be available to the client for a reasonable fee. This means that this SUV has: -navigation, heated all leather seats, a panoramic roof, parking sensors, a visor over the rear window and much more. In general, we must admit that the Santa Fe Sport has become the most equipped model available in its segment.

See also: Hyundai and Kia will show 11 new models in 2015

Dodge Charger SXT: $32,990 thousand US dollars

Recently, the Dodge Charger has undergone quite important updates, the appearance of the car has become much more modern, and its equipment has moved into the category of premium sedans. The SXT "Plus Group" package includes a 3.6-liter V6 engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission and heated four seats in the cabin. For our part, we believe that for this amount of $32,990 thousand US dollars (unfortunately, presented only in the “citadel of democracy”) this equipment is very justified.

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Seat heating

Phantom PH2040
Phantom PH2040

Products devoid of any controls have their own charm: plug it into your network and use it. This is how this cape is made: there are no buttons here - everything is as simple as shelling pears. The current consumption is 3.6 A, but it soon dropped to 3.2 A. The automatic shutdown threshold we recorded was approximately 49°C. The price is lower than others: from about 800 rubles.

Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited: $31,145 thousand US dollars

The Subaru Outback may look a little boring on the outside, but don't judge it just by its clothes, let's look at its insides. From this angle, the value in the eyes of lovers of this car increases dramatically. To begin with, let's say that it (the car) comes with a standard all-wheel drive system regardless of the trim level you decide to purchase. But if you decide to go with the Limited model (which comes with both a flat-four and flat-six engine), this Outback will give you a warm hug from every seat in the cabin.

This makes this car model an excellent means of transportation for those people who live in regions with frequent precipitation and unstable cold weather.

How to choose heated seats

Here are the main parameters for choosing a system for heating car seats:

1. Heating element type
   . It can be carbon fiber or wire. The first option will last longer because it withstands deformation and pressure well. But a product with carbon fiber will be more expensive to build. The price of systems with wire heating elements is more affordable, but their service life is shorter.
2. Installation method
   . There are models mounted under the seat upholstery on foam rubber. This allows you to make the heating system completely invisible and preserve the factory interior. But this installation method is quite complicated, because you will have to unstitch the covers. A simpler option is a seat cover, but then you will need to choose a color so that it looks harmonious.
3. The size of the heating area.
   Can be from 37x29 cm to 49x100 cm. There are both children's and adult options. Measure your seat in your car to see which cover is right for you. Too many will hang down, and short ones will stand out from the interior.
4. Quality of cases.
   Heating devices in the form of covers can be made of textile, polyester or artificial leather. Pay attention to the color so that it does not stain, and the strength of the materials.
5. Connection method
   . Some models are connected to the vehicle's on-board network in a hidden way through contact chips. The thermostat button is displayed outside, and the cigarette lighter remains free for other needs. This type of installation is more difficult and may require the help of a specialist. Another way is to connect it to the cigarette lighter via a plug. You can do this yourself, but if you use a DVR in your car or need to charge your phone at the same time, it will be inconvenient.
6. Power
   . Varies from 32 to 70 W per seat. The higher the indicator, the faster the heat will begin to be felt and the higher the temperature the device can reproduce.
7. Completeness.
   Systems for heating car seats are sold in pairs (for the front two seats) or separately.
8. The location of the wire exit and its length
   . Most often, the network cable comes out from the right, which is designed to be installed directly on the driver's seat in order to lay the cable along the tunnel. But in the passenger seat, such a wire output will be directed to the doors and you will have to turn the cable 180º. Then take into account its length so that the size is enough to reach the cigarette lighter.
9. Number of modes
   . The more there are, the more accurately you can adjust the temperature for a comfortable stay, depending on the weather outside and the microclimate in the cabin. The number of adjustment steps can be from 2 to 8.

Kia Optima EX with Premium Package: $28,515 thousand US dollars

Another Korean car makes it to our list, and this time it is a stylish car in every way - the Kia Optima EX, which can be yours for $28,515 thousand and is equipped with a premium package. This package adds several nice bonuses to the car and significantly expands the list of standard features. It (the list) includes not only heated seats, but also: -a heated steering wheel and a ventilated driver’s seat (a very important element and a VERY convenient additional option). The driver's seat is customizable and has memory, and the audio system itself has been upgraded and much more.

Rating of the best heated seats

When compiling the TOP 6 best heaters, we were guided by the characteristics described above, selecting products with the most optimal indicators. We also took into account the experience of those who use such devices in cars and left reviews about them. This approach helped to identify the best models for heated seats that will definitely suit you.

Subaru Legacy 2.5 Limited: $27,590 thousand US dollars

With standard all-wheel drive, Subaru has always offered something more in its vehicles than any of its competitors. Moreover, some of Subaru's rivals do not have such a function at all, especially if you look at the ratio of all-wheel drive to the cost of the car.

In the Limited trim level of the Subaru Legacy, things are even more interesting. This car is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, or a 3.6-liter boxer engine with six cylinders. Equipment created for the convenience of drivers and passengers includes: - dual-zone automatic climate control, Harmon/cardon audio system, heated second row of seats. For safety, the Subaru Legacy offers a number of new systems, including a blind spot monitoring system and a rearview camera.

See also: Comparison of the 2021 BMW 3 Series with the 2015 model

It is absolutely clear that the Legacy model, costing just over $27,000 thousand, is not just an all-wheel drive mid-size sedan, but it is also a very serious statement of how much a modern and technically outstanding car should cost today.

How to make your own built-in heated rear seats in a car

This option is quite rare on budget class cars. For some motorists it is not of interest, but for those who have a large family, a warm rear sofa will not be superfluous. The technology for installing and connecting equipment is identical to that described above.

To implement built-in heated rear seats, you will need two heating kits. Despite the fact that the installation process is carried out by analogy with the front seats, it is worth briefly considering the main transitions:

• choose a location for installing control buttons;
• remove the trim from the back, it is not necessary to do this completely - it is enough to release only the front and side parts;
• fix the heating mats and remove the wires;
• remove the upholstery from the sofa using the same principle;
• secure the sensors and heating fabric, remove the power wires;
• lay the wires in the tunnel between the chairs under the cover;
• install the buttons and connect according to the diagram.

Some car enthusiasts recommend using seat belts as a “ground”; the contact is quite reliable. Each person places the power buttons at their own discretion. For example, this could be the back of the front armrest or door. This option allows passengers to adjust the temperature at their discretion.

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Hyundai Sonata Limited: $26,525 thousand US dollars

The Hyundai Sonata is not as popular as the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, but the Korean automaker offers its own tricks in pursuit of the buyer. And with each new model, it forces you to reconsider your relationship with this mass Korean automaker.

With a starting price of around $22,000,000, this Sonata falls into the mid-affordability segment. But, if you want to get a high level of comfort in the car for a little more money, then the most rational option for you will be to purchase the Sonata Limited car, which comes standard with heated all leather seats. The interior of the car is finished with textured wood inserts, and dual-zone automatic climate control will keep you from overheating in extreme heat.

Let's say a good set for a price of less than $27,000 thousand US dollars.

Kia Soul+ with Primo Package: $24,515 thousand US dollars

The Kia Soul isn't just a fun-looking compact car, it's also very roomy and, what's more, when equipped with the Soul+ Primo package, you'll find nice perks like: - heated seats all around in addition to ventilated front seats and with a large panoramic roof.

Under the hood is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 164 hp. Further, among the technical characteristics of the car, it is worth noting the six-speed automatic transmission, which ultimately allows achieving fuel consumption in the combined cycle of 9.0 liters per 100 km.

Kia Forte and Forte 5 EX with Premium Package: $23,815 thousand US dollars

Once again the Koreans, and again the Kia model surprises us. It is very interesting to take a closer look at the pricing strategy for your compact cars. Let’s look at the essence of this phenomenon with you, friends, using a specific example of the Kia Forte Sedan and Kia Forte5 Hatchback car models, which, even taking into account their options, have the same price.

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No matter what body style you choose, the EX model with the Premium Package is tempting because it comes with a lot of extra features. Let's find out: -are the rear seats heated? Eat! Is there a heated steering wheel? Eat! Are there ventilated driver's seats? Available, always welcome! Leather seats, a push-button factory, and an electric sunroof are also present. And all this for an affordable price of $23,815 thousand.

Hyundai Elantra Sedan Limited: $22.525 thousand US dollars

Is it true, friends, that it seems incredible that the Elantra sedan model is in first place on our rating list, which even includes such a famous car model as the BMW 320i? Yes, this is somehow unusual for many, but what can you do, Hyundai itself adheres to this strategy when it comes to sales of its mainstream cars, and apparently, it is bearing fruit.

For a minimal amount of money, the Elantra Limited offers more features than the same heated rear seats. Naturally, the front seats of the car are also heated. It also has: -touchscreen audio system, automatic headlights with LEDs both front and rear. For $22.525 thousand US dollars, the Hyundai Elantra is among the most complete and voluminous car configurations among compact cars available on the global car market.

PS To our regret, it should be noted that the cars presented in this review are practically not represented on the Russian car market. Therefore, the prices indicated here (in the review) correspond to the realities of the US market, for which these top-end configurations are mainly created.

Installing heated rear seats yourself

To work, we will need pliers, a screwdriver, a key for removing the hinges (in case the upholstery cannot be removed on site) and a heating installation kit, which includes:

It is advisable to work in a warm garage. Rain and cold are bad for work.

1. Remove the staples securing the upholstery.
2. We install mats between the fabric and the pillow.
3. We lay the wire along the loops, then under the carpet to the console.
4. In the plastic (if standard plugs are not provided), we mark and cut out sockets for the regulators. We use a screwdriver with a drill bit for drilling, a jigsaw or a Dremel for cutting.
5. Next, we connect three wires to the cigarette lighter - “plus”, “ground” and backlight.
6. Reassemble in reverse order and enjoy the warm seats.