Ventilated and cooled seats make you feel more comfortable on really hot days and keep the sweat off your back during long drives.
Unfortunately, they’re not as widely available as heated seats because they’re much more complicated to make.
If you’re looking for a hybrid SUV with ventilated seats, this article lists all the models and trim levels that have it as standard or as an optional feature.
Table of Contents
1. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and RAV4 Prime
The RAV4 has been the most popular SUV in the U.S. for many years in a row.
Since its introduction in 2016, the RAV4 Hybrid has also surpassed the Prius to become Toyota’s bestselling hybrid model. In 2021, the RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid was also added to the RAV4’s lineup.
To get ventilated seats in the RAV4 Hybrid, you’ll have to choose the top-of-the-line Limited trim level.
The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid also gets ventilated seats if you choose the XSE trim level with the Premium Package, which costs a little over $5,000.
Along with the ventilated seats, both top-spec models include power-adjustable driver and passenger seats, in addition to all the other bells and whistles. Lower trim levels only feature a powered driver’s seat and a manual passenger seat, as well as heated seats.
2. Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid
When the fourth generation Hyundai Tucson compact crossover debuted for the 2022 model year, it also received both a hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain for the very first time.
Aside from its new look, the Tucson boasts a quiet and modern interior that punches way above its price point.
Ventilated seats are standard in the Limited trim levels of the Tucson Hybrid and Tucson Plug-in Hybrid.
The top-of-the-line Limited trim level is also the only one that features leather seats, powered driver and passenger seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, a Bose premium sound system, and remote parking assist.
Related: 10 Hybrid SUVs With Massage Seats (With Pictures)
3. Kia Sportage Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid
The Kia Sportage underwent a bold redesign and received two hybrid powertrains for the 2023 model year.
The Kia Sportage and the Hyundai Tucson share the same vehicle platform, making them virtually identical underneath. The primary distinction between the two lies in their design and features.
Ventilated seats are only offered in the top-of-the-line SX Prestige trim level of the Sportage Hybrid and the X-Line Prestige trim level of the Sportage Plug-in Hybrid.
The top trim levels also give you upgrades like a Harman Kardon sound system, powered front passenger seat, premium SynTex seat upholstery, interior ambient lighting, and remote parking assist.
One key difference the Sportage has over the Tucson is its large infotainment screen that blends seamlessly with the digital dash.
4. Kia Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid
The Kia Niro is an affordable subcompact crossover that was designed as a hybrid from the ground up.
It first made its debut as a 2017 model, and its second generation model was just recently released for the 2023 model year.
You can get ventilated seats with the SX and SX Touring trim levels of the Kia Niro Hybrid, as well as in the SX Touring trim level of the Kia Niro Plug-in Hybrid.
Ventilated seats were also standard in the EX Premium trim of the first generation Kia Niro Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid.
In these higher trim levels, you also get extra features like a Harman Kardon sound system, digital key (Phone-as-a-Key) functionality, driver memory seats, and a heated steering wheel.
5. Lexus UX Hybrid
The Lexus UX is a subcompact luxury crossover that was first released as a 2019 model.
For the 2023 model year, Lexus dropped the gas-powered UX 200 model and transitioned to offering the UX exclusively as a hybrid model.
Ventilated seats come standard in the UX 250h Premium and F Sport Handling trim levels. It’s also available as a $680 option on the UX 250h F Sport Design.
The top-of-the-line UX250h F Sport Handling is the only trim level that comes with F-Sport suspension, F-sport styling upgrades, a larger 12.3-inch screen and premium speakers.
In older model years of the UX 250h, ventilated seats were standard on the Luxury trim level.
6. Lexus NX Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid
Although the Lexus NX is classified as a subcompact crossover, it uses the same platform and hybrid powertrains as the Toyota RAV4.
The NX first debuted as a 2017 model, but it was recently redesigned for its second generation release in 2022.
Ventilated seats are standard on the Lexus NX 450h+ Plug-in Hybrid, this includes the base model and the top-of-the-line F Sport Handling trim level.
You can also get ventilated seats in the Lexus NX 350h Hybrid, but only if you add the $3,000 Premium Package or the $6,000 Luxury Package.
When the NX 350h first came out for the 2022 model year, ventilated seats were standard on the Premium and Luxury trim levels.
In the first generation Lexus NX 300h hybrid, ventilated seats were only available as an option, but they eventually became standard in the Luxury trim level from 2020 to 2021.
Related: 10 Hybrid SUVs With the Most Ground Clearance (With Pics)
7. Toyota Venza Hybrid
Like the Lexus NX, the Toyota Venza also uses the same platform and hybrid powertrain as the extremely popular RAV4.
While the Toyota Venza doesn’t quite match the luxuriousness and flair of the Lexus NX, it is sleeker and more refined compared to the RAV4, which is more rugged and outdoorsy.
However, unlike its stablemates, the Toyota Venza is only available as a hybrid and doesn’t have a gas or plug-in hybrid variant.
To get ventilated seats in the Toyota Venza, you’ll have to pick the top-of-the-line Limited trim level.
The Venza Limited is also the only trim level that offers features like a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable driver and passenger seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen, a 10-inch head-up display, and a JBL speaker system.
8. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid
The fourth generation of the popular Hyundai Santa Fe midsize SUV was first released as a 2019 model, but it didn’t receive a hybrid powertrain until the 2021 model year.
It eventually got its plug-in hybrid variant, which boasts up to 31 miles of range in electric-only mode, in the following year.
You can only get ventilated seats with the most expensive Limited trim level for both the hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants.
The top trim level also comes with power-adjustable driver and passenger seats, heated rear seats and steering wheel, remote parking assist, a 360 camera, and a Harman Kardon sound system.
9. Kia Sorento Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid
The midsize Kia Sorento SUV shares a platform and powertrain options with the Hyundai Santa Fe.
Compared to the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Kia Sorento Hybrid has second-row captain’s chairs and third-row seats, allowing it to carry up to six passengers.
The SX Prestige trim level of the Sorento Hybrid comes with ventilated seats as standard. This is also the only available trim level for the Sorento Plug-in Hybrid, so all PHEV models come with ventilated seats.
Additional features that come with the SX Prestige include leather seat trim, heated rear seats, 12.3-inch digital dash, Bose speakers, 360 camera, and a 115-volt outlet in the back.
10. Lexus RX Hybrid
Lexus’ most popular model, the RX midsize luxury SUV, has had a hybrid powertrain since 2005.
Lexus was also one of the first to offer ventilated seats in the early 2000s, but the RX only got ventilated seats as an option in 2010 which was when the RX 450h hybrid was introduced.
When the fourth generation Lexus RX was released for the 2016 model year, ventilated seats became standard on all trim levels of the 450h hybrid. By 2018, only the top-of-the-line F Sport model had it as standard, and then it went back to being a standalone option.
With the release of the fifth gen Lexus RX in 2023, the RX 350h replaced the RX 450h hybrid. The high performance RX 500h model was also added to the lineup and a new 450h+ plug-in hybrid is expected soon.
For the latest generation Lexus RX, ventilated seats are only available as an additional option in the RX 350h Premium+ and Luxury trim levels. It can also be added to the RX 500h, which only has one trim level.
11. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander’s first hybrid variant was introduced in 2006, making it the first seven-seater hybrid vehicle in history.
When the fourth generation Toyota Highlander debuted in 2020, it also got a new hybrid powertrain, which it shares with the RAV4. This significantly improved fuel economy from 28 mpg to 36 mpg.
To get ventilated seats in the Highlander Hybrid, you need to pick the Platinum and Limited trim levels.
The top trim levels also get you memory seats, wood trim, interior ambient lighting, 120-volt outlets, JBL speakers, and a 12.3-inch screen. The Platinum model adds a 360 camera, head-up display, and heated rear seats.
The Highlander Hybrid has had ventilated seats since the third generation model was introduced in 2014.
Related: 13 Hybrid SUVs With Panoramic Sunroof (With Pictures)
12. Ford Explorer Hybrid
The Ford Explorer is largely responsible for sparking America’s love affair with family-friendly SUVs.
When Ford introduced the sixth generation Explorer in 2020, it also added a hybrid powertrain as one of the engine options.
Ventilated seats are standard on the Limited and Platinum, which are the only trim levels that have the hybrid powertrain option.
The Platinum model also has extra features like premium leather seats, power-tilt steering, heated rear seats, power folding third-row seats, and a 110-volt outlet.
13. Lincoln Aviator Plug-in Hybrid
The Lincoln Aviator is a midsize luxury SUV that was re-introduced for the 2020 model year after a 15-year hiatus.
The second generation Aviator uses the same platform as the sixth gen Ford Explorer, but uses the European-market Explorer’s plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The plug-in hybrid powertrain is only available with the Grand Touring and Black Label Grand Touring trim levels.
Ventilated first and second-row seats are standard equipment on the most expensive Black Label Grand Touring model.
It’s also available on the Grand Touring model if you add the $1,450 Elements Package Plus. This package also adds the heated steering wheel and wiper option.
14. Lincoln Corsair Plug-in Hybrid
The Lincoln Corsair compact luxury crossover replaced the MKC in 2020 and competes with the likes of the BMW X3, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Genesis GV70, among many others.
Although it uses the same platform and plug-in hybrid powertrain as the fourth generation Ford Escape, it lives up to its luxury aspirations when it comes to luxury trimmings, refinement and ride quality.
The Corsair’s plug-in hybrid powertrain is only available in the top-of-the-line Grand Touring trim level.
To get ventilated seats in the Corsair Grand Touring plug-in hybrid you’ll have to add the Collection II package which costs approximately $3,000.
The Collection II package also adds a 360 camera, hands-free liftgate, memory sideview mirrors, and power-folding rear seats.
If you want all the bells and whistles, you can spring for the Collection III package which adds a Revel 14-speaker system, heated rear seats, a head-up display, and CoPilot360 2.1 Drive which adds lane assist, parking assist and intersection assist.
15. Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Plug-in Hybrid
Jeep’s bestselling Grand Cherokee offers a unique combination of luxury, comfort, versatility, and off-road prowess in a very familiar-looking package that has stood the test of time.
In 2022, Jeep unveiled the Grand Cherokee 4xe, which boasts a plug-in hybrid powertrain that can deliver up to 26 miles of all-electric range.
Ventilated seats are standard in all trim levels of the Grand Cherokee 4xe except for the base model.
However, you can still get ventilated seats in the base model if you add the Luxury Tech Group II package which costs a little over $2,000.
16. Volvo XC60 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid
The XC60 stylish compact luxury crossover has led Volvo’s sales charts for a number of years.
When the second generation XC60 was unveiled for the 2018 model year, it also received a plug-in hybrid powertrain option.
The XC60 PHEV model, which was originally known as the T8, was renamed as the Recharge model in 2021.
To get ventilated seats in the XC60 Recharge, you’ll have to spring for the range-topping Ultimate trim level, which costs almost $10,000.
The XC60 Recharge in Ultimate trim also adds an array of luxury features and tech such as a 360 camera, a head-up display, Pilot Assist, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and a more upscale interior.
In the older XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid, ventilated and massaging front seats were available on the Inscription trim level when equipped with the Luxury package.
Related: 17 Hybrid SUVs with Head-Up Display (With Pictures)
17. Volvo XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid
Volvo’s second generation XC90 was one of the first luxury SUVs to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain when it was launched in 2016.
And despite being several years old, the flagship XC90 Recharge Plug-in Hybrid continues to impress when it comes to style, luxury and performance.
Ventilated seats are only available in the Ultimate trim level of the XC90 Recharge, which costs an additional $7,500.
This range-topping model adds more luxury features such as a head-up display, rear door curtains, nappa leather, and a Harman Kardon premium sound system.
In the older XC90 T8 plug-in hybrids, ventilated seats were only available in the Inscription trim level.
18. Audi Q5 Plug-in Hybrid
Audi’s bestselling Q5 compact luxury crossover got its first plug-in hybrid powertrain in 2020.
The Q5 55 PHEV can go up to 23 miles in electric-only mode and has an impressive 0 to 60 mph time of 4.5 seconds.
Ventilated seats are standard in the Q5 55 PHEV’s range-topping Prestige trim level. It’s also available in the mid-level Premium Plus trim level if you add the Warm Weather package.
The Premium Plus also comes with lots of premium features like a Bang & Olufsen sound system, active lane assist, heated steering wheel, power-tilt steering, a leather package, a 360 camera, and a panoramic sunroof.
19. BMW X5 Plug-in Hybrid
The midsize BMW X5 continues to be a favorite among luxury car buyers for its unique combination of luxury, style, handling and performance.
The first hybrid model of the BMW X5, called the xDrive40e, was only sold from 2017 to 2018. It was eventually replaced by the fourth generation X5 xDrive45e in 2021.
Ventilated seats were only available in the X5 plug-in hybrid models if the vehicle was equipped with the Luxury Seating package.
Unfortunately, for the BMW X5’s 2024 model refresh, this package appears to have been dropped throughout most of the range. This means that the latest X5 plug-in hybrid model, known as the xDrive50e, won’t have ventilated seats.
Only the new BMW X5 M60i, which features a 48-volt mild hybrid setup, is equipped with ventilated seats.
20. Cayenne Plug-in Hybrid
The Porsche Cayenne gets lots of praise for its exceptional handling and performance, but it still manages to provide all the comfort and refinement you would expect from an expensive luxury vehicle.
Porsche introduced the first hybrid version of the Cayenne, labeled as the S-Hybrid, in 2011. This was followed by the Cayenne E-Hybrid plug-in hybrid model in 2015.
As is typical with any modern Porsche, extra features like ventilated seats are only available as an option on all model years and trim levels of the Cayenne Hybrid. Even the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, which starts at over $170,000, must be customized to get the ventilated seats.
Fortunately, the price of adding the ventilated seat option to the Cayenne has stayed at around $800 for over 10 years. This doesn’t drastically change the price of a brand new vehicle, and it’s not going to be a rare option if you’re looking at used Cayenne hybrids.
Related: 10 Most Fun to Drive Hybrid SUVs (With Pictures)
