Ventilated seats are a luxury feature. And whether to have or not have them in your car, this is a matter of preference.
If you are considering getting ventilated seats, you should know that they are only available in selected car models which we will list later on. Also, if this is a feature you are interested in having in your car, you need to evaluate its value.
When talking about the worth of ventilated car seats, all car models with this feature can’t be put in the same category.
There are some car brands whose ventilated seats are more comfortable and offer a better driving experience than others. This all depends on the technology used as well as the quality of materials.
Getting a car with ventilated seats is worth it, especially if you get a model from a reputable brand.
Mercedes and Audi are known to have the best-ventilated seats that will ensure you have a cool driving experience when the temperatures become unbearable.
What are Ventilated Seats?
We are fortunate enough to live in an era where luxury has been fully integrated into automobiles. Cars nowadays pay keen attention to luxury and that’s why features such as ventilated seats exist.
From the minute you enter a car with ventilated seats, the change in temperature welcomes you to a fancy environment. At that point, you know that you are going to be riding in style.
Air conditioning has come a long way in most cars. It’s not just seats that have received this upgrade, in some cars even the steering wheel incorporates this feature.
Ventilated seats are designed to keep your body at a comfortable temperature irrespective of the weather outside. They supplement the function of the AC by either heating or cooling your seat so that you can enjoy a comfortable ride.
These types of seats often feature porous materials that can allow hot or cold air to flow from the seat to the passenger or driver.
Instead of trapping heat on the cushion, it allows it to pass through the seat and escape into the environment.
This modern technology has taken car heating and cooling systems to the next level. To facilitate this flow of hot or cold air, inside the seat is a set of well-installed fans that ensure air circulation.
Why Should I Buy a Car with Ventilated Seats?
Just from reading the above, driving in such a car sounds great. Doesn’t it? Well, it’s more than that.
Contrary to what people say about ventilated seats, they do add a considerable amount of luxury to a vehicle.
Being able to control the temperature on your seat, as a passenger or driver, you will always be comfortable when driving around.
Picture the following scenarios; As you are preparing yourself to go to work on one chilly morning, you start to think how cold it is.
The thought of sitting on that cold car seat till you reach work sends chills up your spine. Or, it’s summer and the temperatures are agonizingly high.
At your workplace, the parking lot is exposed to the sun all day long. Your seat is so hot you could even fry an egg on it.
However, your car has ventilated seats. When you get in, you just have to adjust the seats to either send cold or hot air to cool/heat your seat and body.
Though it may not sound like much, this is a feature that will significantly change your driving experience. There is nothing that speaks luxury more than driving in a car with ventilated seats.
You and your passengers will be guaranteed a comfortable drive no matter how cold or hot it is outside.
What about Ventilated Steering Wheels?
Ventilated steering wheels use the same mechanism as ventilated seats. They are designed to ensure the driver has a comfortable temperature when handling the wheels.
A ventilated steering wheel can help prevent sweating of hands when driving in hot temperatures.
Also, when it gets cold, the fingers suffer the most. With a ventilated steering wheel, you can increase the heat. And in the process, your fingers will be warmed up.
How Do I Find a Car with Ventilated Seats?
Most car models released after 2015 have this package. Kindly note that ventilated seats are a luxury feature. So, don’t expect to find this feature in all cars. Probably, you will find this feature in high-end models.
In most economy cars, the ventilated seats are part of their luxury packages which have to be ordered separately from other cars.
Examples Of Cars With Ventilated Seats
• Acura RDX and MDX
• Audi A4 and A6
• BMW M340i and 540i
• Buick Encore and Envision
• Chevrolet Impala and Corvette
• Chrysler Voyager and Pacifica
• Ford Mustang Ecoboost and Escape
• Honda HR-V and Civic Hatchback
• Hyundai Tucson and Sonata
• Jeep Renegade and Cherokee
• Land Rover Range Rover
• Lexus UX 200 and ES 350
• Mercedes Benz VLA Class and E300
• Nissan Frontier and Altima
• Porsche Cayman and Boxster
• Subaru Outback and Crosstrek
The above list is just a roundup of some of the cars that have ventilated seats. More models do come with ventilated seats.
If you are in the market for a car with this feature, make sure that you confirm with the manufacturer that this feature is included in your car of choice.
Do Some Cars Have Ineffective Ventilated Seats?
Back to what we talked about earlier, not all car models will have the best-ventilated seats. The technology and execution of this feature differ from one manufacturer to another.
Some will go all the way to ensure the ventilated seats work correctly and give off the right amount of cold or heat to ensure the occupants are comfortable.
Online there are plenty of complaints against certain cars having ineffective heating and cooling systems on the seats.
In most cases, these complaints usually touch on the fact that the cooling sensation is only felt slightly and only when one is wearing light clothing.
The problem with getting a car with an ineffective ventilated seat system is that there is nothing you can do about it once you have already bought the vehicle.
In most cases, the ineffectiveness isn’t because of defective products it’s just that the technology wasn’t properly integrated into the seats.
Not unless your mechanic is extremely gifted, getting to increase the effectiveness of ventilated seats requires a lot of effort and money.
To be on the safe side, do your research thoroughly. Before buying a car with such a feature, find out what other car owners are saying about the car’s ventilated seats.
Is the system powerful enough to keep your back warm when it’s cold and vice versa? It would be better to have non-ventilated seats than to have ones that don’t offer any considerable amount of heat or cold air.
Are There Cons of Having Ventilated Seats?
All car features have pros and cons, regarding ventilated seats, The advantages are more, but there are some downsides.
One of the main disadvantages of ventilated seats is that in some models when switched on they can be a little bit noisy.
Not noisy to the point of interrupting your car radio. But for a person who prefers to drive in a quiet car, the noise can be slightly irritating.
There is also the above issue of some cars having ineffective ventilation systems. There are many complaints online regarding cars that have ineffective ventilated seats.
That is the amount of hot or cold air isn’t enough to keep your back fresh. Other cars require you to reach the highest setting so that you can feel the full effect of the ventilation.
Ventilated vs. Non-Ventilated Seats
This has been a huge debate in most car forums with members arguing that one is better than the other. When it comes to seating options, it’s a matter of preference.
Ventilated seats keep your back and seating area very fresh and are ideal in hot weather.
However, some feel weird when there is air hitting their backs when seated. They prefer non-ventilated seats.
Please note that additional car features don’t always go hand in hand, you may find a car with extra support and another with ventilated seats.
It is up to you to determine which feature matters most to you. To ensure you make the right choice, I recommend you visit a dealership and try both ventilated and non-ventilated seats.
From your experience, you will judge which type of seat is worth having in your car.
Other than Ventilated Seats, What Other Luxurious Features Should I Look for in a Car?
Driving around in ventilated seats is a feeling like no other. You will never experience the discomfort caused by driving in hot or cold areas. However, other than this, what are other luxurious features you should look for in a car?
• Paddle shifts give your car that sporty feeling
• With rear-seat climate control, the front passengers don’t have to dictate the temperatures for everyone
• A panoramic sunroof enhances mood and improves lighting within the car
• The more compartments you have, the better
• Infotainment systems at the back will keep your kids entertained during road trips