Does Honda Pilot Have A Heated Steering Wheel? (Let’s See)

An early drive-through in cold terrain becomes more accessible with a better steering wheel grip. That is one obvious benefit of having a heated steering wheel.

But unfortunately, this journey can often lead to the coldest part of the world. 

If any car needs this feature, it is the SUV type. In comes the most extensive SUV series from Honda.

Does the Honda Pilot have a heated steering wheel? Let’s answer.

There is no simpler way to put this. On the one hand, some Honda Pilot models have the heated steering wheel function. On the other hand, other models do not. Knowing the models that have this feature will influence your choice in the market. So before you set out to buy one, let’s get to the specifics.

Does Honda Pilot Touring have a Heated Steering Wheel?

The Honda Pilot Touring Model does not have a heated steering wheel. Therefore, it falls under the category of Honda SUVs without the heated steering wheel feature.

But this might surprise many potential buyers, especially when you consider the other excellent features that Honda Pilot Touring offers users.

There are seven different models in the Honda Pilot series. You probably know this already. Now, here is what you might not know.

There are only two Honda Pilot models that offer you a heated steering wheel. These models are the Honda Pilot Elite and the Honda Pilot Black Edition.

If the heated steering wheel feature is a crucial criterion in purchasing a new car, you should look to get the Honda Pilot Elite or the Honda Pilot Black Edition.

It gives you a factory-installed heated steering wheel feature. Here are some key details to know and note about this feature operation. 

#1. What Does Heated Steering do?

The name says it all. This feature helps to warm up your steering wheel before a drive. The warm grip makes for a comfortable one.

The warmth also helps to keep the nerves of your palm active. As a result, you feel alive while at the wheel. In addition, better handling means you can maneuver things easily.

Better handling is essential if traveling off the road: something popular among the SUVs family.

Even if you are not the type for cold terrain adventure, a heated steering wheel comes in handy on those chilly mornings when you need a bit of warmth to kickstart your day. 

#2. How Does a Heated Steering work?

The heated steering wheel uses an electrical charge from the engine to heat the fabric of the car’s steering wheel. Abusing this feature has its strain on the engine.

The vehicle will also consume more fuel.

One should also note that cars with heated steering wheels come at a premium. The prices tend to be high compared to those without the same features in the series. 

#3. Can I Install an Aftermarket version?

Installing a heated steering wheel into your car is possible if you don’t have a factory version. However, this type of installation is not an easy one.

Let’s explain.

Heated steering wheels are part of the car systems and mechanics. The wiring system comes from parts of the engine.

You can’t just remove the steering wheel and replace it with another.

It requires more than that.

For some models, removing the steering wheel will require removing the entire dashboard, which will be stressful and could lead to faulty installation if not done correctly.

In addition, after the removal, one has to install a new wheel and install the needed parts to the system. 

Market value research shows that installing a new steering wheel is pretty expensive. It is almost three times the cost of installing an aftermarket remote start system for your car.

As a result, people tend to shy away from installing an aftermarket heated steering wheel due to the cost, installation requirement, and expertise.

Do you have any other tricks up your sleeve? Is there any other option? Yes!

#4. Heated Steering Wheel Covers

Here is a simple, cheaper, and faster solution to the problem. One can buy a heated steering wheel cover of the appropriate size and model.

There are numerous options available in the market for car owners. Each has its features and components based on the price. 

But one thing is sure; the prices are meager compared to installing a third-party heated steering wheel. 

You need to cover the wheel and plug the cover cord into the car. Let it heat up for about 30 minutes before the drive.

That means you need to plug it in before starting your journey.

After that, it has time to heat up, and you can begin your journey with warm grips.

However, it would be best not to plug in the heated steering cover while driving. The steering and maneuvering can damage the cord.

And this might even affect your driving in general. Best to avoid it.

#5. Benefits of Heated Steering Wheel Covers

Other than the obvious advantage of providing a warm wheel for better grip, these covers give you some additional benefits.

You can add more decoration to the interiors of your car depending on which cover you choose to buy. There are some covers with basic colors like black or brown.

However, some have unique designs that give your car a new look. 

Wheel Covers also protect your wheel from wear and tear. In addition, they protect the wheel from accidents that include scratches and rough usage.

The good part is that you can easily replace the wheel cover if it is tearing off due to prolonged use. 

#6. Caution

If your car does not have the heated steering wheel feature, a heated wheel cover might affect the interior adversely.

Most times, the recommendation is that you buy a seat cover that adapts well to heat. That will protect your seats from the effect of the heat coming from the cover.

Where is the Heated Steering Wheel Button on the Honda Pilot?

Check the left side steering wheel; the heated steering wheel is beside the Bluetooth button. That is, of course, when the wheel is in its natural position.

The position makes it easy for one to turn it on and off. 

How to Turn on the Heated Steering Wheel on Honda Pilot?

You can simply turn on the feature using the button on the wheel. The dashboard shows confirmation if the system is active or not.

So that is one way to turn it on.

The second mode of activating this feature is automatic. The Honda Pilot series has a remote start engine. The heated steering wheel system integrates the remote engine system.

Therefore, when the temperature is lower than 40°F, the remote start will activate automatic system heating. 

You can heat your steering wheel without stepping into the car with the remote engine start. And when you step in to drive, the wheel is warm enough to aid grip and drive. You may read our post Does Honda Accord Have Heated Steering?

Honda Pilot – Adjusting the steering wheel height

Conclusion

Honda Pilot Elite and Honda Pilot Black Edition are two Honda Pilot SUVs with fully functioning steering wheel heating mechanisms.

You can add this feature to your criteria for getting a new car.

While the other models in this series do not have the feature, a solution abounds regarding that particular problem. Explore and enjoy!