Does The Honda Accord Have A Heated Steering Wheel?

If you’re considering a Honda Accord, you’re probably looking at its impressive fuel economy, reliability, and sleek design. But when it comes to daily comfort, especially in colder climates, a specific question often comes up: Does The Honda Accord Have A Heated Steering Wheel? The answer is yes, but it’s not available on every trim level. This comfortable and convenient feature can make those chilly morning commutes much more pleasant, and understanding where it’s offered is key to getting the Accord that’s right for you.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the heated steering wheel in the Honda Accord. We’ll cover which models have it, how to use it, and why it’s more than just a luxury. We’ll also look at related features that enhance comfort and discuss what to do if your Accord isn’t equipped with one.

Yes, the Honda Accord does offer a heated steering wheel. However, it is not a standard feature across the entire model line-up. It is reserved for the higher, more well-equipped trims. This is a common strategy among automakers to encourage buyers to opt for upper-tier models.

For the latest model years, the heated steering wheel is typically bundled within larger option packages or specific trim levels that emphasize luxury and comfort features. It is rarely a standalone option. You’ll usually find it paired with other cold-weather amenities like heated rear seats and a windshield wiper de-icer.

Which Honda Accord Trims Include the Heated Wheel?

The availability changes slightly from year to year, but the pattern is consistent. Here’s a general breakdown for recent models:

LX & Sport Trims: These base and sport-oriented trims usually do not include a heated steering wheel. They focus on core value and performance aesthetics.
EX-L Trim: This is often where premium features begin. The EX-L may include it as part of a package, but it’s not always standard. You need to check the specific build.
Touring Trim: This is the top-of-the-line Accord. The heated steering wheel is a standard feature on the Touring trim for most model years where it’s offered. It’s part of the full luxury experience.

Always verify with the official Honda website or a dealer for the specific model year you’re interested in, as packages can shift. Don’t assume just because it’s a higher trim that it has every feature; reviewing the window sticker is the best way to know for sure.

How to Use the Heated Steering Wheel in Your Accord

Using the feature is straightforward. The button is located on the dashboard or center console, near the other climate and seat heater controls. The icon looks like a steering wheel with squiggly lines (representing heat) on it.

Start your vehicle or turn the ignition to the “ON” position.
Locate the heated steering wheel button. It’s often next to the seat heater buttons.
Press the button once to turn on the heat. An indicator light on the button will illuminate, usually in amber or red.
The system will begin warming the steering wheel rim (the 10 and 2 o’clock positions primarily) quickly, often reaching a comfortable temperature in under a minute.
Most systems are designed to automatically regulate temperature or turn off after a certain period to prevent overheating and save energy.
To turn it off, simply press the button again. The indicator light will turn off.

Why a Heated Steering Wheel is a Worthwhile Feature

You might think this is just a frivolous luxury, but it offers real practical benefits:

Immediate Comfort: No more gripping a cold, stiff wheel on frosty mornings. It makes the first few minutes of your drive instantly more comfortable.
Improved Circulation: Warm hands mean better blood flow, which can improve dexterity and your grip on the wheel.
Potential Safety Benefit: When your hands are warm and comfortable, you’re less distracted and may maintain a more steady, secure grip on the steering wheel.
Reduced Reliance on Cabin Heat: You can sometimes set the cabin air temperature a bit lower if your core and hands are being warmed directly by the seats and steering wheel, which can slightly improve fuel efficiency.

Features That Pair Well With the Heated Steering Wheel

Honda typically bundles the heated steering wheel with other comfort features to create a comprehensive cold-weather package. If your Accord has the heated wheel, it likely also includes:

Heated Front Seats: Almost always paired together. This warms your back and thighs.
Heated Rear Seats: Available on Touring trims, keeping all passengers cozy.
Remote Engine Start: A key companion feature. Start your car from inside your house to let the cabin and steering wheel begin warming up before you even step outside.
Automatic Climate Control: Maintains your set temperature seamlessly, working with the heated surfaces to keep you comfortable.

What If My Accord Doesn’t Have a Heated Steering Wheel?

If you own or are buying an Accord from a trim level that doesn’t include this feature, you still have a couple of options to get that warm steering feeling.

Aftermarket Heated Steering Wheel Covers: This is the most common and affordable solution. These are slip-on covers that plug into your vehicle’s 12-volt power outlet (cigarette lighter). They often have multiple heat settings and auto-shutoff timers. Installation is simple, though the look and feel may not be as seamless as a factory-integrated wheel.

Professional Steering Wheel Replacement: Some specialty automotive shops can retrofit a factory-style heated steering wheel or install heating elements into your existing wheel. This is a more expensive and involved option, but it provides the cleanest, OEM-like result. It’s crucial to have this done by a reputable professional to ensure safety and proper integration with your car’s electrical system.

Comparing to Other Sedans in its Class

How does the Accord stack up against it’s main competitors? Most rivals also reserve the heated steering wheel for their upper trims.

Toyota Camry: Similar to Honda, available on XLE and XSE trims with certain packages.
Hyundai Sonata / Kia K5: Often offer heated steering wheels on mid-level SEL or EX trims, sometimes making it more accessible than in the Accord.
Nissan Altima: Typically found on the top SR and Platinum trims.
Mazda6 (when available): Was standard on the highest Signature trim.

The Accord’s positioning is competitive, aligning with the industry standard of offering it as a premium feature.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting Tips

The heated steering wheel is generally a reliable component. But here are a few things to keep in mind:

It Doesn’t Get Scorching Hot: For safety, it’s designed to reach a comfortable, warm temperature, not to be extremely hot. If it’s barely warm, that might be by design.
Check the Fuse: If the feature stops working entirely, a blown fuse is the first thing to check. Your owner’s manual will have the fuse box diagram.
Button Indicator Light: If you press the button and the light doesn’t illuminate, it could be a button issue, a wiring problem, or a fault in the heating element itself.
Professional Diagnosis: Due to the airbag located in the steering wheel hub, do not attempt to disassemble the steering wheel yourself to fix a heating issue. Always consult a qualified Honda technician.

Is It a Must-Have Feature?

Whether a heated steering wheel is essential depends entirely on your climate and personal preference.

If you live in the Sun Belt and rarely experience freezing temperatures, you’ll probably never miss it. However, for drivers in the Northeast, Midwest, or any region with long, cold winters, it quickly transitions from a luxury to a highly appreciated, almost essential comfort feature. The cost to add it via a higher trim can be worth it for the daily quality-of-life improvement during several months of the year.

When test driving an Accord in cold weather, make a point to try this feature if the model has it. Feel how quickly it warms up and how it affects your initial comfort. That hands-on experience is the best way to judge it’s value for you.

Looking at the Future of Accord Comfort Features

As automotive technology evolves, comfort features are becoming more integrated and smart. We may see heated steering wheels become more common on lower trims or be part of standard cold-weather packages. Future Accords might include features like:

Steering wheels that heat up automatically based on outside temperature when you use remote start.
Individual temperature zones for different sections of the wheel.
Coupling with ventilated (cooled) steering wheels for all-season comfort.

The focus is on creating a personalized, immediately comfortable environment from the moment you enter the vehicle, and the heated steering wheel is a key part of that philosophy.

Final Thoughts on This Cozy Feature

The Honda Accord’s heated steering wheel is a clear example of a feature that enhances everyday driving. It’s not about flash or performance; it’s about simple, thoughtful comfort. While not standard on every model, its presence on the Touring trim and available packages makes it an accessible luxury for those who prioritize it.

When configuring your new Accord or shopping for a used one, consider your local weather patterns and how long your daily commute is. That investment in a trim level with the heated steering wheel, along with the seat warmers and remote start, can fundamentally change your winter driving experience, making it something you look forward to instead of merely endure. It turns a basic necessity into a moment of genuine comfort.

FAQ Section

Q: What year did Honda Accord get heated steering wheel?
A: The feature became available in the Accord around the 2013 model year refresh for the ninth generation, primarily on high-end trims. It has been a consistent offering on top trims ever since.

Q: Is the heated steering wheel standard on Honda Accord Touring?
A: Yes, for model years where it is offered, the heated steering wheel is a standard feature on the Accord Touring trim. It is part of the comprehensive luxury package.

Q: Can you add a heated steering wheel to an Accord after purchase?
A> Yes, you have two main options: a plug-in aftermarket heated steering wheel cover (easy and affordable) or a professional retrofit of a factory-style heated wheel (more expensive but seamless).

Q: Does the Accord Hybrid have a heated steering wheel?
A: Yes, but following the same trim rules. The Accord Hybrid in the Touring trim level includes the heated steering wheel as standard equipment.

Q: How long does the heated steering wheel take to warm up?
A: Most factory systems are very quick, often providing noticeable warmth within 30 to 60 seconds of being activated. They reach their full operating temperature shortly after.

Q: Can I use the heated steering wheel in the summer?
A: Technically, yes, you can turn it on. But there’s no practical reason to do so. The feature is designed specifically for cold-weather comfort.