Honda CR-V Heated Seats (Availability, Cost, & More)
Driving on chilly mornings or freezing winter days makes a heated seat feel like an absolute lifesaver. Thankfully, this cozy comfort feature is available in the Honda CR-V. But how much does it cost, and which trim level offers it?
I’ll answer these key questions for you. Plus, I’ll dive into the benefits of having heated seats and explore alternatives if the CR-V trim you choose doesn’t include this feature.
Model Availability
Not all CR-V models come with heated seats, but the good news is that most trim levels include them:
- LX (Not Available)
- EX (Available)
- Sport Hybrid (Available)
- EX-L (Available)
- Sport-L Hybrid (Available)
- Sport Touring Hybrid (Available)
It is worth noting that the heated seats are only available in the front. Unfortunately, Honda CR-V models in the USA do not offer heated rear seats, which is a feature available in the Canadian version.
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Cost
Since heated seats are standard, you do not need to pay extra. However, you must choose a trim level other than the LX to enjoy this feature. Sticking to the lowest trim level will not keep your budget down if heated seats are on your must-have list.
To refresh your memory, here are the starting prices for each Honda CR-V trim level in the 2025 model year:
- LX ($30,100)
- EX ($32,350)
- Sport Hybrid ($34,650)
- EX-L ($35,000)
- Sport-L Hybrid ($37,650)
- Sport Touring Hybrid ($41,100)
Benefits & Drawbacks of Heated Seat
We can all agree that heated seats are a great feature and incredibly useful in certain situations. But is it worth upgrading to a higher trim level to get them if the one you are considering does not include them?
To answer that, consider your lifestyle, climate, and budget. Let’s weigh the benefits and drawbacks to give you a clearer idea of whether this upgrade is worth it.
Benefits
There are many advantages to having heated seats. Here are just a few:
- Enhanced Comfort: Driving in cold weather becomes much more enjoyable with heated seats. They quickly warm your body, helping you stay cozy and preventing that frozen feeling during winter drives.
- Customized Temperature: Each seat’s temperature can be adjusted to suit individual preferences. If you feel colder than your passengers, there is no need to heat the entire cabin and risk making others uncomfortable. This is where heated seats truly shine.
- Muscle Fatigue Relief: Heated seats can also ease muscle fatigue and soreness that often come with long drives. This is especially beneficial when driving long distances in cold conditions.
- Increased Resale Value: As a sought-after and luxurious feature, heated seats can boost your CR-V’s resale value when it is time to sell.
Drawbacks
While heated seats offer plenty of benefits, there are also a few downsides to consider:
- Potential for Fire: Although rare, a faulty thermostat that fails to turn off the heater when it reaches the desired temperature could potentially cause a fire.
- Skin Burns: For individuals with sensitive skin, prolonged use of a heated seat or setting the heat too high can cause skin irritation, often resulting in redness or discomfort.
- Damage to Upholstery Material: Over time, consistent exposure to heat can damage seat upholstery, particularly materials like leather, which may crack or fade with prolonged use.
Based on the information above, you should be able to decide whether heated seats are a worthwhile feature. It is also important to consider the climate where you live. For example, if you live in Florida, where the weather is warm, you will unlikely need heated seats.
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How to Use a Heated Seat
Every CR-V equipped with heated seats includes a dedicated button to turn them on and off. This button is typically located below or next to the A/C controls.
To activate the heater, simply press the button. For a detailed guide, follow the step-by-step instructions below.
- Locate the Button: Find the heated seat button on the dashboard.
- Turn On: Press the button once to activate the heated seat at the highest setting.
- Adjust Heat: Press the button again to lower the heat to medium, and press it a third time for the lowest setting.
- Turn Off: Press the button a fourth time to turn the heated seat off.
Aftermarket Options
If the CR-V model you are considering or the older one you are driving does not come with heated seats, there is no need to settle for the cold. Aftermarket options are a great way to stay warm during winter drives.
You can find heated seat covers on online marketplaces for around $45 to $100. They are easy to install and perform just as well as factory-installed heated seats.
A YouTuber named Robert reviewed heated seat covers that he installed in his SUV. According to him, they were even better than the OEM version. Check out Robert’s video below.
Aftermarket heated seat covers are a great alternative, but they come with their own set of pros and cons. Here are the benefits and drawbacks to keep in mind:
Benefits:
- Affordable: These covers are a budget-friendly solution compared to upgrading to a higher trim with factory-installed heated seats.
- Easy Installation and Removal: Installing or removing them is simple, making them convenient for seasonal use.
- Versatile: They can be used in different vehicles, so you are not tied to a single car.
Drawbacks:
- Dealing with Wires: The presence of visible wires can be inconvenient and may clutter the cabin.
- Risk of Shorting: As with any electronic accessory, there is a potential for short circuits.
- Reliability Concerns: Aftermarket options may not match the durability or reliability of OEM heated seats.
Frequently Asked Question
Final Words
In addition to the heated steering wheel, heated seats are indispensable for driving in winter. Both features add a layer of comfort that makes cold-weather driving much more enjoyable.
Fortunately, heated seats come standard on nearly all trim levels of the latest CR-V, so you do not need to upgrade to enjoy this feature.
However, if you are considering the CR-V LX, keep in mind that it does not include heated seats. If you decide you need them in the future, aftermarket options can be a practical solution.
I would love to hear about your experience with heated seats in your CR-V. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
