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The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback are great vehicles, but they lack two features that owners wish they had. I own a Subaru Crosstrek, Outback, and WRX, and none have a heated steering wheel. Only some Outback trims have it, but why not more?

Heated steering wheel

Subaru sells a significant number of its all-wheel-drive vehicles in cold-weather mountain Pacific and Northeast states. It’s the Japanese automaker’s home turf. So why don’t they offer a heated steering wheel on more models and trim levels? That's a good question. 

What Subaru models have a heated steering wheel?

A 360-degree heated steering wheel is standard on the 2024 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition XT, and Wilderness trim. The previous year, this feature was only offered on higher trim levels. 

The top-level trim for the Forester is the Touring, the only trim with a heated steering wheel. The Crosstrek Hybrid had a heated steering wheel, but it’s been discontinued. 

Head up Display 

I have talked to many customers who want a head-up display (HUD) system that projects information onto the windshield. What was once exclusively available in luxury vehicles and head-up displays now come standard on some mainstream brand cars. Hyundai, Mazda, and Toyota offer head-up displays.

It's a great convenience feature and offers another level of safety for drivers to keep their eyes on the road. So far, Subaru has yet to provide any new model with HUD, and the 2025 Forester won't come with it either.

Why is a head-up display a critical feature?

A head-up display is more than a luxury feature. It's a needed safety feature because it allows the driver to keep both eyes on the road by directly putting essential information in the driver's sight. Many automakers like Mazda and Hyundai now offer a head-up display on lower trims, and you don't have to buy a luxury car. It's the one feature Subaru should offer on all its SUVs.

Unfortunately, Subaru doesn't offer a HUD on any vehicle in its lineup. The sixth-generation 2025 Subaru Forester compact SUV won't have a head-up display either.

What Do You Think?

Do you think Subaru Corporation should add a heated steering wheel and HUD display on more vehicles? Click the red Add New Comment link below and join the discussion.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

photo credit: Subaru