Which Cars Under $40,000 Have Heated Steering Wheels?
A heated steering wheel — one of life’s little pleasures — is no longer just a treat for high rollers. Wheel warming has gone mainstream, with the feature standard or optional not just on luxury vehicles, but on an increasing number of models with sticker prices of $40,000 or less — in some cases, even on sub-$30,000 rides.
Related: Which Cars Under $40,000 Offer Heated Exterior Mirrors?
Whether a heated steering wheel is just nice to have or a must-have might depend on how often you have to clear snow and ice from your car on frigid nights. The chunky gloves you need for subzero weather are incompatible with a good grip on the wheel and can lead to a lot of fumbling with dashboard controls, capacitive or not. But like heated seats, a warm steering wheel also can be a treat on a cool night with the moonroof open or for people afflicted with arthritis or circulation issues.
Here are the 2025 model-year vehicles offering a heated steering wheel as standard or optional equipment; note that this list will grow as it includes only vehicles for which 2025 specs have thus far been officially announced. All vehicles on this list have an MSRP of $40,000 or less (including destination and any higher trim level or option package needed to get the heated wheel).
2025 Cars Under $40,000 With Heated Steering Wheels
- Alfa Romeo: Tonale
- Buick: Encore GX, Envision, Envista
- Cadillac: CT4
- Chevrolet: Equinox, Equinox EV, Malibu, Trailblazer, Trax
- Dodge: Hornet
- Ford: Bronco Sport, Escape, Maverick, Mustang, Mustang Mach-E
- GMC: Terrain
- Hyundai: Kona, Sonata Hybrid, Tucson
- Jeep: Compass, Wrangler
- Kia: K5, Niro, Niro Plug-in Hybrid, Sportage, Sportage Hybrid
- Mazda: CX-30, CX-5, Mazda3
- Mini: Convertible, Countryman, Hardtop
- Mitsubishi: Eclipse Cross
- Nissan: Altima, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Rogue, Sentra
- Subaru: Forester, Legacy, Outback
- Toyota: bZ4X, Camry, Prius, Prius Plug-in Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid
- Volkswagen: Atlas, Atlas Cross Sport, Jetta, Jetta GLI, Taos
What Are the Different Types of Heated Steering Wheels?
A basic heated steering wheel includes a heating element in the rim and sensors to control temperature and prevent overheating. Some are simply on or off, while others let you choose levels of heat like most heated seats. Some heated steering wheels are more complicated and can interact with the automatic climate control to turn down or off when the cabin temperature rises, while others are among features that you can turn on remotely to precondition the cabin. Heated steering wheels also vary in how hot they’re allowed to get and in how well they heat the entire circumference of the wheel. As always, research and try before you buy if this is a priority feature for you.
More From Cars.com:
- How Did Lexus Mess Up a Heated Steering Wheel?
- GM Begins First Phase of Retrofit Installation With Heated, Ventilated Seats
- BMW: New Subscription Fees for Heated Seats Won’t Impact U.S.
- Heated and Cooled Cupholders Put to the Test
- Levers to Lumbar Perfection: How Many Ways Does That Seat Go?
Can You Add a Heated Steering Wheel Later?
Sort of. Retrofitting a factory-style heated wheel is not a practical option — even for automakers. The pandemic-era shortage of control chips caused some automakers to suspend heated wheel and seat options; afterward, the companies retrofitted the seat feature for buyers but not the steering wheels.
There are, however, numerous aftermarket steering wheel heaters. Most are a cover with an electric heating element and a power cord to plug into the vehicle’s 12-volt outlet. The obvious downside is that while this can warm up the wheel (and your hands) initially, you have to unplug it to actually drive.
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
