With the recent pace of change in the automotive industry, it is no surprise to see heated steering wheels migrate from luxury cars. When the temperatures drop, a heated steering wheel is a luxury that quickly becomes essential for many drivers, providing warmth and comfort for those brisk mornings and frozen commutes.

In 2025, we’re seeing this feature in a slew of budget-priced vehicles, opening up a world of warmth and comfort to consumers unprepared to break the bank.

From subcompact sedans to fancy crossovers, here are our picks of the 10 best budget cars with heated steering wheels. All three offer winter-ready elements, practical/utilitarian interior layouts, and tech and comfort standards across all budgets (all of them, to be frank). Whether you’re shopping for a daily sedan or an adventurous SUV, these should have something for everyone.

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Why Consider a Heated Steering Wheel?

Before we examine the top cars offering this feature, here are some reasons to pay for a heated steering wheel.

• Enhanced Comfort: When it gets colder outside, you will have warmer hands with a heated steering wheel, ensuring a comfortable drive, particularly on long commutes.
• Safety Benefits: A heated steering wheel keeps your hands from becoming frigid and can make your grip a little more secure, enhancing your safety.
• Health Advantage: If you have arthritis or any other ailment affecting your hands, a heated steering wheel might be a boon because it helps improve circulation and ease pain.
• Convenience: You can enjoy warmth and comfort almost immediately after starting your system, especially on cold, frosty mornings.

This makes the heated steering wheel less of a luxury and more of a safety-oriented feature that is as practical as it is comfortable.

Factors To Consider When Buying Cars With Heated Steering Wheels

Here are a few key elements to consider to get the most bang for your buck when searching for heated steering wheel cars. Now, here are some pointers you need to keep in mind:

1. Pricing and Budget

Heated steering wheels are nice, but only if you’re within your price range. This feature could be available on some vehicles, generally in higher trims or optional packages. You need to evaluate whether the price enhancement aligns with your desired features. The starting price for cars with heated steering wheels can vary between budget-friendly and high-end.

2. Climate Control Features

Beyond the heated steering wheel, some other winter-oriented amenities are heated seats, dual-zone HVAC, and advanced HVAC systems. These features, plus a heated steering wheel, make a difference in freezing weather driving.

3. Safety /Driver Assistance System

Cars with heated steering wheels are usually also equipped with various extra safety and driver assistance features, such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, or automatic emergency braking, which make the car more comfortable.

4. Reliability and Longevity

You want a car with a heated steering wheel that lasts for a long time. Ensure you research how dependable the car is for its longevity and performance of the heated steering wheel since this is an electrical component that may fail.

5. Trim Levels and Packages

Verify if the heated steering wheel is included in the base trim or is provided only in upper trims or selectable packages. Make a point of selecting a vehicle that suits your desires feature-wise and is within your budget.

#1. 2025 Honda Civic EX-L

Price Range: $26,000 to $28,000

Key Features:

• Heated steering wheel
• Leather-trimmed seats
• Advanced safety features
• Adaptive cruise control
• Apple CarPlay, Android Auto

The Honda Civic EX-L is the antithesis of the car you’re talking about. It has a premium feel without the premium cost, including a heated steering wheel to keep your hands toasty on cold mornings. It is excellent for everyday commuters and families and has leather-trimmed seats and safety systems.

Then, of course, there’s the Civic’s fuel economy and bullet-proof reliability; both tend to pay dividends in the long run. The Civic is just the ticket for those who desire a bright, spacious commuter car with a wealth of user-friendly tech.

#2. 2025 Toyota Corolla XSE

Price Range : $26,500 to $28,500

Key Features:

• Heated steering wheel
• Apple CarPlay
• Toyota Safety Sense
• LED headlights
• Leather upholstery
• Premium sound system

Toyota offers reasonable pricing with basic comfort features such as a heated steering wheel. Adding to the value proposition is Toyota Safety Sense, which bundles a suite of safety technology into one package.

The Corolla XSE trim is a pleasant daily driver thanks to its sharp handling, smooth ride, and solid build quality. It is also comfortable and fuel-efficient, making it an affordable option for staying warm this winter without spending a fortune at the gas station.

#3. 2025 Hyundai Elantra N

Price Range : $29,000 to $31,000

Key Features:

• Heated steering wheel
• Turbocharged engine
• Performance Suspension
• Apple CarPlay
• Sporty exterior design

If the most exciting part of your local drive is the burble of your engine, the Hyundai Elantra N is the car for you. As a bonus, it features a heated steering wheel, so this thing is perfect for winter driving and not just for the intense driving dynamics.

Couple a swift turbocharged engine with a 60 mph sprint in under five seconds and exhilarating handling, and the Elantra N will add excitement to that daily commute. It also has contemporary tech features like Apple CarPlay and a simple-to-use infotainment system to keep you comfortable and connected while driving. One of the best options if you want performance and comfort.

#4. 2025 Kia Seltos EX

Price Range: $27,000 to $29,000

Key Features:

• Heated steering wheel
• Advanced driver-assistance systems
• 8-inch touchscreen
• UVO connectivity
• All-wheel drive

Kia Seltos EX offers a value-rich ride with a comfy, tech-savvy cabin and a heated steering wheel. It has a decent suite of advanced safety features in the standard package and a roomy interior, making it a good option for anyone cross-shopping a compact SUV with some tech features.

Seltos EX comes with all-wheel drive in the winter if needed. An easy-to-use infotainment system is also on board and coupled with UVO connectivity, which helps in smartphone integration. The Kia Seltos EX is a well-executed combination of design and practicality that fits the bill for city use and a weekend escape.

#5. 2025 Ford Escape Titanium

Price Range : $33,000 to $35,000

Key Features:

• Heated steering wheel
• Hybrid engine option
• SYNC 3 infotainment system
• Adaptive cruise control
• Panoramic sunroof

The Ford Escape Titanium is a near-luxury compact SUV. Available in gas-powered and hybrid, you can experience a toasty in the heated steering wheel even if you are churning up those winter miles with no miles per gallon. You also get premium tech features such as the SYNC 3 infotainment system.

The roomy interior and cushy seats give you space galore to work with, making the Escape Titanium a solid family pick. The adaptive cruise control combines sound driver-assistance systems, making long miles safe and easy. The features also include a panoramic sunroof to state the vehicle’s roof is high to let in some natural light to brighten a dark winter morning.

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#6. 2025 Subaru Forester Sport

Price Range: $29,000 to $31,000

Key Features:

• Heated steering wheel
• All-wheel drive
• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
• Spacious interior
• 8.7 inches of ground clearance

The Subaru Forester Sport is an excellent choice for anyone needing a vehicle to deal with winter weather. It features all-wheel drive and a heated steering wheel, enabling it to tackle frigid, snowy climates.

In addition, families will be adequately protected with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology ™. With its spacious cabin, generous boot space, and healthy ground clearance, the Forester suits buyers who enjoy the great outdoors and is a rugged, all-weather-ready vehicle for the snow. Add excellent safety ratings and Subaru’s stellar name for lasting quality, and this SUV will be your friend for many years.

#7. 2025 Mazda CX-5 Touring

Price Range: $30,000 to $33,000

Key Features:

• Heated steering wheel
• i-Activ AWD
• Leatherette upholstery
• Rearview camera
• Bose sound system

Mazda is a brand known for fun-to-drive cars, and the CX-5 Touring continues that tradition. Tack on a heated steering wheel, leatherette upholstery, and available all-wheel drive, and it can be an entry-level people’s performance car that still provides some comfort.

With sharp handling, a smooth ride, and an upscale interior, the CX-5 feels more expensive than it is. The Bose sound system makes every drive extra special, and the rearview camera makes driving extra easy when parking and reversing.

#8. 2025 Nissan Rogue SL

Price Range : $33,000 to $35,000

Key Features:

• Heated steering wheel
• ProPilot Assist
• Panoramic sunroof
• Wireless charging pad
• All-wheel drive

The Nissan Rogue SL combines high-tech functionality and comfort with ProPilot Assist, a semi-autonomous driving system, and a heated steering wheel. With convenient features like the panoramic sunroof and a wireless charging pad, it is a practical SUV that is well-equipped for modern drivers.

Then there’s a roomy, thoughtfully laid out interior that makes long hauls more bearable, and the all-wheel drive also trucks some weather confidence. Nissan Rogue SL If you prefer a small SUV loaded with technology, a plush cabin, and a capable, reliable drive, the Nissan Rogue SL is a great pick.

#9. 2025 Chevrolet Equinox Premier

Price Range: $33,500 to $35,500

Key Features:

• Heated steering wheel
• Leather seats
• Advanced safety features
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Remote start

The Chevy Equinox Premier delivers a heated steering wheel and upscale seating materials in a compact SUV package with many safety features. A perfect family-sized locomotion for comfort, convenience, and performance of travel in wintertime.

Modern safety technologies like rear cross-traffic warning and forward-collision warning are included in Equinox Premier. Its remote start feature lets you warm up the car before you even sit in it, making it a solid choice for those in colder climates. The Equinox Premier is the most comfortable family hauler with a roomy interior and a smooth ride.

#10. 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Price Range: $31.000 to $33,000

Key Features:

• Heated steering wheel
• Sport-tuned suspension
• Apple CarPlay
• LED headlights
• Adaptive cruise control

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is the quintessential hot hatch sportiness with everyday usability. The turbocharged engine and nimble handling make driving fun, and a heated steering wheel adds comfort on chilly days.

Thanks to its sport-tuned suspension, there’s nothing dull about its driving experience, and inside, high-end tech like Apple CarPlay makes smartphone pairing easy. The Golf GTI provides a lively and controlled experience from city driving to weekend outings.

Conclusion 

A car with a heated steering wheel is affected by pricing, comfort, safety, and your specific needs. A heated steering wheel is a requirement for lower climates.

These top 10 cars will surely be delivered to that department. From a hot hatch to a family-oriented SUV to a commuter with a reputation for reliability, there’s a model for everyone on this list. Most importantly, consider which features are most vital for your personal use and research the best options to ensure you are getting the best bang for your buck!