Small car for those with cold winter butts?

July 22, 2008 6:53 AM

Is there a Japanese car -- subcompact or compact size -- that has heated seats as an option? (I can't seem to find one among the new models.) If not, why not? We Northerners would certainly pay for this feature, but it looks like you still have to get up to the Accord/Camry size before they are an option!
posted by nancoix to travel & transportation (10 comments total)

The 2008 Civic Sedan has heated seats, and so does the Infinity G37 coupe.
posted by halogen at 7:06 AM on July 22, 2008

So does the top of the line Civic Coupe, by the way.
posted by halogen at 7:07 AM on July 22, 2008

My 2008 Subaru Forester has heated seats. It's not exactly a compact, but it's not a mid-size sedan, either. They're part of the "Premium" package, which is really only one step up from the base model.

I'm pretty sure heated seats were an option on the Impreza, which is more of a compact. Subaru might have removed the option with the 2009 redesign, however.
posted by jal0021 at 7:17 AM on July 22, 2008

The Acura TSX also fits your criteria.
posted by TedW at 7:21 AM on July 22, 2008

My 2007 euro Civic has leather heated seats, but it's top of the line version.
posted by ReiToei at 7:21 AM on July 22, 2008

Pretty much any dealer can install great aftermarket heated seats in any vehicle. Check Corporation makes pretty much the best ones out there, and if you prefer to not use your dealer there is an installer locator on their website.

In many cases, going this route is a LOT cheaper than having to select a certain vehicle or upgrade to a pricier option package just for the luxury of a warm butt. :)
posted by fusinski at 7:30 AM on July 22, 2008

Could you get a heated seat cover that plugs into the cigarette lighter?
posted by ecsh at 7:33 AM on July 22, 2008

The Mazda 3 s Grand Touring has heated seats.
posted by capsizing at 7:42 AM on July 22, 2008

Subaru Impreza Outback Sport or WRX
posted by azazello at 8:23 AM on July 22, 2008

My 2007 Elantra has heated seats, it's not the top of the line model (no leather)
posted by mutantdisco! at 10:10 AM on July 22, 2008