10 Affordable 2017 Cars with Ventilated Seats
Drivers are continuously demanding cars that not only perform and are affordable to run, but that are also comfortable to be in.
From the seats to the space, all are key ergonomics.
Cooling technology continues to advance to satisfy customer demands. Some customers are now looking for cars with ventilated seats.
The system works through perforations in the seat upholstery, through which air is blown from fans embedded in the seat.
Below, we take a look at 10 affordable cars with ventilated seats in 2017.
1. Kia Forte
The Kia Forte is a small sedan or hatchback powered by a 164-horsepower 2.0-liter engine that is paired with a standard 6-speed automatic. The fuel economy comes in at an impressive 28 mpg combined.
The Kia Forte is one of the cars with ventilated seats in 2017.
They are part of an option on the sedan EX and Forte5 SX trims.
The Forte5 hatchback is powered by a 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter mated to a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Fuel economy is 26 mpg combined with the manual transmission, and 27 mpg with the dual-clutch transmission.
Each model is offered in three similar trims. The sedan trims are LX, S, and EX, whilst the Forte5 hatchback’s trims are LX, EX, and SX.
The entry-level trim is the LX for both styles.
Standard features include a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, height-adjustable driver seat, and Bluetooth.
The S sedan and EX hatchback add sport-tuned suspension, a 7-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Kia’s Uvo eServices telematics
The EX sedan adds keyless ignition, dual-zone climate control, and heated front seats, whilst dropping the sport-tuned suspension.
The SX comes with a sport-tuned suspension, LED taillights, and 18-inch wheels.
Standard safety features include traction and stability control, antilock brakes, and front and side curtain airbags.
Key safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane departure, and the automatic emergency braking are part of the sedan S trim’s Technology package.
Also read: Do Kias Hold Their Value? (7 Models Compared)
2. Kia Optima
The 2017 Kia Optima sedan is offered in a number of rather confusing trims. The trims also differ on affordability based on powertrain and drive train.
The entry-level is LX, powered by a 2.4-liter 185-horsepower engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
The generous standard features include automatic headlights, a rearview camera, cruise control, Bluetooth, and 16-inch alloys.
Next up is the 1.6T, powered by a 1.6-liter 178-horsepower engine, with a 7-speed transmission. It adds keyless entry and ignition, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel, among a few others.
Other features come through the Value package, which adds LED daytime running lights, a 7-inch touch screen, and heated front seats.
A Technology package adds dual-zone climate control, blind-spot monitoring, and an 8-inch touch screen.
Further up is the EX model, which comes with 17-inch wheels, LED taillights, leather upholstery, and the Value package features.
The EX is accompanied by two packages; the Premium and the Premium Plus.
As you move up the trims, the Kia Optima is another one of the cars with ventilated seats in 2017.
Trending Video: How to Easily Bring Back to Life any Old Car Battery and Save Tons of Money (click to watch)
Ventilated front seats and heated rear seats come with the Premium package.
The Premium package includes the Technology Package features and adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a panoramic sunroof.
The ventilated front seats are also found on the higher trims except if you choose the Sport value package that comes with the sporty SX.
The Premium Plus notably adds a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Other trims are the SX, a sporty trim with a 245-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and adaptive LED headlights, and a sport-tuned suspension.
3. Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is another Kia model that makes the list of cars with ventilated seats in 2017.
The Kia Sportage is a compact front or all-wheel drive crossover SUV that is offered in three trims.
It has two rows of seats that can accommodate five.
The Sportage is powered by a 181-horsepower 2.4-liter or a 240-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. Transmission is a standard 6-speed automatic.
Fuel economy for the 2.4-liter engine on the all-wheel drive is 22 mpg combined, whilst the 2.0-liter does 21 mpg.
The LX is the base trim. It features Bluetooth, a touch screen, a USB port, LED running lights, 17-inch wheels, and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.
The EX rides on 18-inch wheels, and also adds keyless entry and ignition, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 7-inch touch screen, and Kia’s Uvo infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
The EX trim also has ventilated front seats available as part of the Technology package that also comes with an 8-inch touch screen, and Harman Kardon audio system.
Ventilated front seats are a key feature of the top SX Turbo trim.
The trim also features 19-inch wheels, paddle shifters, a sport-tuned suspension, and a panoramic sunroof.
All trims are fitted with traction and stability control, antilock brakes, and a rearview camera as part of the safety features.
The SX Turbo model adds lane departure warning, forward collision mitigation, and blind-spot monitors.
Also read: Do Kias Hold Their Value? (7 Models Compared)
4. Chevrolet Malibu
The 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size sedan that is offered in four trims; the L, LS, LT, and Premier.
The Malibu makes the list of cars with ventilated seats in 2017 through its top Premier model.
The base L trim is powered by a standard 160-horsepower turbocharged 1.5-liter engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
It also comes with keyless entry and ignition, cruise control, Bluetooth, and air-conditioning.
The LS trim rides on 16-inch wheels and adds MyLink infotainment with a 7-inch touch screen.
The LT trim comes with a leather interior and heated front seats, as well as 17-inch wheels.
The top Premier trim is all-inclusive. It starts by upgrading the power to a 250-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, mated to a 9-speed automatic. The wheels are also upgraded to 18-inch.
The interior is fully loaded and includes the much-desired ventilated front seats.
The seats are accompanied by a heated steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and a navigation system.
5. Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is a rear-wheel-drive muscle car that comes in coupe or soft-top convertible body styles.
The Mustang qualifies to be on the list of cars with ventilated seats in 2017 due to their presence in the EcoBoost Premium and GT Premium models.
It is presented in five trims, which are V6, EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, and GT Premium.
There are three engines and two transmissions to choose from.
The V6 is powered by a 300-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 engine, with a fuel economy of 21 mpg combined when mated with a 6-speed manual, and 22 mpg when linked with a 6-speed automatic. The automatic includes manual shift mode.
Key features on the V6 include keyless ignition, cruise control, automatic xenon headlights, 17-inch alloys, Bluetooth, and a rearview camera, among others.
The EcoBoost and EcoBoost Premium are powered by a 310-horsepower turbocharged 2.3-liter. When paired with the 6-speed manual it gives a fuel economy of 25 mpg combined, and 24 mpg with the automatic.
Standard equipment on the Ecoboost includes 18-inch alloys and a six-way power driver seat. Optional packages add 19-inch wheels, sport-tuned steering wheel, and stability control.
The Mustang EcoBoost comes with a 300-horsepower engine with a combined fuel economy of 25 mpg.
The GT is powered by a massive 5.0-liter V8 that produces 435 horsepower, posting a fuel economy of 19 mpg combined.
The EcoBoost Premium and GT Premium models come with standard ventilated seats.
In addition, the two trims also feature satellite radio, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, leather upholstery, and a 12-speaker Shaker sound system.
Also read: Are Ford Mustang Parts Expensive? (Comparison)
6. Chrysler 200
The Chrysler 200 mid-size sedan is presented in six trims, namely LX, Touring, Limited Platinum, 200S, 200S Alloy Edition, and 200C Platinum.
The Chrysler 200 makes our list of cars with ventilated seats in 2017.
They are optional on the 200S, 200S Alloy Edition, and 200C Platinum trims.
Two engines are available. One is a 184 horsepower 2.4-liter with fuel economy of 23 mpg in city driving and 36 mpg on the highway. The other is a 295 horsepower 3.6-liter V6 with fuel economy of 19/31 on front-wheel drive and 18/28 on all-wheel drive.
Transmission is a standard 9-speed automatic.
The various trims are offered with different standard and optional features. Of note and common are Bluetooth, keyless ignition, air conditioning, height-adjustable front seats, and optional satellite radio.
The 200 Limited Platinum comes with a rearview camera, LED running lights, leather interior, and an 8.4-inch touch screen.
A lot of features come through packages. These include remote engine start, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and auto-dimming.
Also read: Are Chrysler Good Cars? (and 2 Models to Avoid)
7. Kia Soul
The Kia is a simple front-wheel-drive van, wagon, or a compact crossover SUV with a high roofline. It is a very affordable car, and surprisingly, features among the cars with ventilated seats in 2017.
Heated and ventilated front seats are included in the Primo package, available to the trims.
The Kia Soul comes in three trim levels which are Base, Plus, and Exclaim.
The Base is powered by a 130-horsepower 1.6-liter engine paired with a 6-speed manual or an optional 6-speed automatic.
The Plus comes with a 161-horsepower 2.0-liter engine paired with the 6-speed automatic.
Lastly is the Exclaim, which features a 201-horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged engine that is linked with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Standard features for the base include Bluetooth, a USB port, and satellite radio.
The Plus adds automatic headlights, remote keyless entry, cruise control, and automatic climate control, whilst the Exclaim trim comes with the Technology Package that includes xenon headlights.
The Plus is also eligible for the Audio package that comes with an 8-inch display, a navigation system, and a Harman Kardon audio system.
Most of the other features are part of optional packages.
The Primo package also includes leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure and collision warning.
8. Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is presented in six trims. These are the SE, SE Plus, Eco, Sport, Night, and Limited trims.
The Tucson makes the list of cars with ventilated seats in 2017 through a package for the Limited trim.
Two main engines and transmissions are available.
The base SE is powered by a 164-horsepower 2.0-liter engine that is connected to a 6-speed automatic in front or all-wheel layout.
The engine returns fuel economy estimates of 26 mpg combined.
The other trims come with a 175-horsepower turbocharged 1.6-liter engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Fuel economy estimates check in at 28 mpg combined for the Eco trim.
Among the key features of the Tucson SE trim are Bluetooth, heated mirrors, cruise control, and a rearview camera.
Keyless entry and ignition, heated front seats, and 19-inch wheels accompany the Sport trim, whilst the Night trim adds a panoramic sunroof, aluminum pedals, and a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
The SE Plus and Limited come with a leather interior, an 8-inch touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Ventilated front seats are included in the exclusive Ultimate package for the Limited trim.
The package also comes with adaptive xenon headlights, lane departure, and collision warning.
Advanced safety features are reserved for trim levels with starting prices of around $26,000. Sport and Limited models get blind-spot monitors, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The optional Ultimate Package for the Limited features the aforementioned automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warnings, and backup sensors.
9. Lexus RX 350
The mid-size SUV Lexus RX 350 is a favorite of many. The rear-wheel-drive SUV is powered by a 3.5-liter 295-horsepower V6 engine.
Transmission is a standard 8-speed automatic. Surprisingly, acceleration is a slow 7.4 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is not very competitive.
The RX however scores well on handling, fuel efficiency, and safety features. Fuel efficiency is 28 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in city driving.
Key interior features include an 8-inch touch screen integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, and a 25-speaker audio system. A panoramic sunroof is also part of the standard features.
The interior is luxuriously draped with leather upholstery, including the steering wheel. It stands out against the completion.
The Lexus R 350’s comfort is further enhanced with ventilated seats.
Many customers that love the RX 350 would be glad to know that it is one of the cars with ventilated seats in 2017.
Also read: Top 3 Best Lexus Cars Under 15k (with Photos)
10. Mercedes-Benz C300
One of or any Mercedes-Benz had to make the list of cars with ventilated seats in 2017.
We chose the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, presented in various trims and styles.
Heated and ventilated seats come as part of a stand-alone package.
The 2017 C300 comes with a modest 241-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
A 7-speed automatic transmission sends the power to the rear, although all-wheel drive is an option through the 4Matic system.
Acceleration to 60 mph takes 6.3 seconds, with an estimated fuel economy of 26 mpg combined.
The styling is the usual Mercedes, whilst the interior comes well-appointed with simulated or genuine leather.
Cabin utility is achieved through the COMAND infotainment interface.
Cabin space is standard, with comfortable rear space for the average passenger.
Standard equipment includes dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, rearview camera, automatic wipers, and a 10-way power front seat.
Various packages add to the standard features.
Safety is taken care of by anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, a unique drowsy driver monitor, frontal collision warning.
Packages add blind-spot monitor, adaptive headlights, lane keep assist, and many others.
