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When purchasing a new compact SUV, heated seats are one of the top features customers want. If you are looking to buy a compact SUV, which car brands and models have the best heated seats? A new report from J.D. Power says the microchip shortage is putting pressure on automotive manufacturers as heated seats move into the top five reported problem areas.
The recently released J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study reveals the 2022 Subaru Forester has the fewest problems with its heated seats and is rated number one overall in the compact SUV category.
The high number of owner-reported problems is a reflection of either the heated seat not working correctly or the microchip responsible for heating the seats has not been installed, says J.D. Power.
“The microchip shortage continues to plague the automotive industry, and we’re seeing that, especially in heated seat systems,” said Ashley Edgar, senior director of global automotive supplier benchmarking and alternative mobility at J.D. Power. “Consumers are aware of the supply shortage and its effect on heated-seat options, but what’s missing is clear communication from the manufacturers and dealers about when the situation will be resolved.”
The J.D. Power study measures heated seat quality by the number of problems and level of satisfaction experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100) during the first 90 days of ownership, with a lower score reflecting higher quality.
The top three compact SUVs
Among mainstream (non-luxury) car brands, the 2022 Subaru Forester has only 5 reported heated seat problems by customers per 100 vehicles in the compact SUV category. The second best compact SUV is the Kia Soul (7.1/100), Ford Bronco Sport is third (7.8/100), and the Jeep Compass ties with 7.8/100 problems.
The 2022 J.D. Power U.S. Seat Quality and Satisfaction Study is based on responses from 84,165 purchasers and lessees of new 2022 model-year vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study was fielded from February through May 2022.
Which 2022 Subaru Forester trim levels have heated seats?
All 2022 Subaru Forester trim levels except the Base trim come standard with heated front seats and the all-weather package. Heated rear seats are available on the top Forester Touring trim level.
What is the 2022 Subaru Forester pricing?
The 2022 Forester comes in six trim levels; The Base Forester starts at $27,070, Premium ($30,070), Sport ($31,640), Limited ($33,750), new Wilderness ($34,695), and Touring ($37,170). Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,175).
Compact SUV shoppers looking for a vehicle with the best heated seats should check out the 2022 Subaru Forester. J.D. Power says the Forester is ranked number one overall with the least reported problems.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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