Cars with heated steering wheels

By Craig Hale

Last updated: 16 April 2025

Once considered a premium perk, you can now find used cars with heated steering wheels in the UK right across the board, from small superminis to executive saloons and electric SUVs.

Whether you’re preparing for winter or that cold summer breeze just tips you over the edge, having a car with a heated steering wheel will make sure that your fingertips remain nice and toasty.

In this guide, we take a look at how various popular models have implemented heated steering wheels to their ever-growing list of heated items to make sure you never catch a chill.

What cars have heated steering wheels?

• Tesla Model 3

• Volkswagen ID.3

• Kia Picanto

• Mercedes E-Class

• Polestar 3

• Nissan Qashqai

• Ford Fiesta

• Volvo EX30

The best cars with heated steering wheels in the UK

Tesla Model 3

This popular electric saloon stands out for its extremely minimalist cabin, but what’s not so obvious is just how much equipment comes as standard.

All high-spec models come with heated front seats, and from around 2022, every single Model 3 has been shipped with a heated steering wheel and heated rear seats (for all three passengers).

Ventilated front seats also got added to the standard equipment list with the launch of the new model in 2024.

If that’s not enough, you have one of the best mobile apps in the business, which you can use to pre-heat the cabin to exactly the right temperature before you set foot outside.

Volkswagen ID.3

This family hatchback is an incredibly important car for VW, redefining a new era of electrification just like the Beetle redefined the people’s car.

It also redefines what we can expect for value for money, because all ID.3 models come with a heated steering wheel and front seats, right from the entry-level Life trim.

Performance is brisk, and facelifted models even come with a GTX hot hatch variant with a whole bootload of power – 326hp to be exact.

Kia Picanto

Good things come in small packages, and the Kia Picanto is a great example of back-to-basics motoring that’s far from basic.

You retain control with a manual gearbox and a manual handbrake (those things are unheard-of in the 2020s), but you won’t have to do without luxuries like a heated steering wheel, which comes on high-spec trims like ‘3’ and Shadow.

Depending on model year and trim level, you can also expect tech like keyless entry, a wireless phone charger and a sliding and tilting sunroof.

Mercedes E-Class

Mercedes reckons heated steering wheels are too common these days, so they've made it easy to find a mid-spec or higher trim that will keep your hands toasty.

Where the E-Class really stands out, though, is in Premium Plus form. Newer sixth-generation models (sold from 2023) have a real treat – heated armests – for maximum comfort.

We also love just how many engine options there are, from economical 2.0-litre petrol, diesel and mild hybrids to bonkers V6s and V8s – you can even pick your plug-in hybrid powertrain with petrol or diesel backup, and not many other manufacturers do that.

Polestar 3

Polestar might be Chinese-owned, but its Swedish heritage comes to light with its three-stage heated steering wheel and heated seats.

What makes this electric car stand out among rivals is the fact that it can be insanely efficient despite having up to 510hp on tap – range figures stand at around 350 to 440 miles, give or take.

That’s thanks to the standard-fit heat pump across the Polestar 3 range, which makes heating the cabin more efficient in the cold winter months.

Nissan Qashqai

We couldn’t not include this car on the list – it’s a firm family favourite and is one of Britain’s best-selling new and used cars, and for good reason.

It’s high-spec models are verging on extreme luxury, with quilted leather massaging seats, a Bose sound system and a panoramic sunroof all optional. You’ll want to go for something like a Tekna model for a heated steering wheel and heated front seats.

The Qashqai has another trick up its sleeve, too, and that’s the e-POWER powertrain. It uses an electric motor to drive the wheels for a responsive drive, but instead of having to charge it, a petrol engine acts as a generator to keep the battery topped up.

Ford Fiesta

Another UK favourite, the Fiesta is the perfect car for virtually any driver. It has a compact footprint, a spacious interior and a really impressive petrol engine, which got the bonus of mild hybrid assistance in its later years on sale (it can now only be found on the used market).

Trim levels changed frequently, but check out models with Titanium, ST-Line, X or Vignale in their names, as they may include a heated steering wheel. Most trim levels also have a handy heated front windscreen, which really takes the effort out of de-icing in the deepest, darkest depths of winter.

Where this supermini excels is in the way it handles – for an affordable, everyday hatchback, it’s extremely engaging to drive thanks to pinpoint accurate steering and a reasonably firm suspension.

Volvo EX30

While we think they’re worth the cash, Volvos can be expensive. This small crossover is determined to change that - not just with a reasonable purchase price, but rock-bottom running costs from its electric motor(s).

Mid-spec EX30 Plus models have a heated steering wheel, heated front seats and even an air quality monitoring system with cabin cleaning for the highest level of comfort.

Pick from fast (0-62mph in 5.7 seconds) to ultra fast (0-62mph in 3.6 seconds) motors, and good news… coming from the cold climes of Sweden, the cabin heating warms up just as quickly.

How do heated steering wheels work?

Heated steering wheels use built-in electrical heating elements, such as thin wires that you won’t be able to detect with your hands, to warm the surface of the wheel.

Some sort of thermostat or temperature sensor typically regulates the heat to ensure it doesn’t get too hot.

Most systems are controlled either via a button on the centre console or steering wheel, or from the car’s main touchscreen. Depending on the model you pick, you’ll often see one, two or three different stages of heating.

Explore used cars for sale

Heated steering wheels might seem like a small detail, but they’re one that you might end up using every single day, especially if you’re an early-morning commuter.

From eco-conscious and fashionable EVs like the Polestar 3, to affordable hatchbacks like the Kia Picanto, heated steering wheels have now become so popular that you’ll never have to look far for the right car for you.

Browse from thousands of used cars from the comfort of your own home and have one delivered to your door with a 14-day money back guarantee and a 90-day warranty from cinch.

Read more:

• Cars with heated seats

• Cars with heated windscreens