What the 2020 Outback's heated and cooled leather seats do

The 2020 Subaru Outback offers front seats upholstered in perforated leather with integrated heating and cooling functions. The heating element warms the seat surface during cold weather, while the cooling function circulates air through the leather to reduce heat buildup in warm conditions. Both functions operate independently, so you can heat the driver's seat while cooling the passenger seat, or use them separately depending on the season.

These seats come standard on higher trim levels — specifically the Onyx XT, Touring, and Limited trims. The base model and Premium trim do not include this feature. The system uses the vehicle's climate control to power both functions, and you control them through buttons on the seat itself or through the infotainment display.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2020 Outback's heated and cooled leather seats are standard on Onyx XT, Touring, and Limited trims but not available on base or Premium models.
  • Heating and cooling operate independently through separate controls, so you can customize comfort for each front seat without affecting the other.
  • The system draws power from the vehicle's engine and climate control, so cooling works most effectively when the engine is running.
  • Seat heating typically reaches full warmth in three to five minutes, while cooling takes longer and works best in moderate to warm outdoor temperatures.
  • Perforated leather allows air to pass through for cooling but requires regular cleaning to prevent dust and debris from clogging the perforations.

How the heating function works

The seat heating system uses electric heating elements embedded beneath the leather surface. When you press the heat button on the seat or select the heating option through the infotainment screen, current flows through these elements and generates warmth. The heat radiates upward through the leather and into your back and thighs.

Most 2020 Outback models offer multiple heat settings — typically low, medium, and high. Low setting uses less power and generates gentle warmth, while high setting reaches maximum temperature quickly. You can adjust the setting at any time, and the seat will respond within seconds. The heating function works regardless of whether the air conditioning is on or off, making it useful during shoulder seasons when you want seat warmth but not cabin heat.

Heating is most efficient when the engine is running and the electrical system is fully charged. If you run the heating function while parked with the engine off, the battery will drain noticeably over time, so most owners use it only while driving.

How the cooling function works

The cooling system is more complex than heating because it requires active air circulation. The seat contains small perforations in the leather surface and a network of air channels beneath. When you set up cooling, a small fan draws air from the cabin through the seat's perforations and channels it across your back and thighs. This moving air removes body heat and moisture, creating a cooling sensation without lowering the cabin temperature.

Cooling effectiveness depends on the temperature difference between your body and the cabin air. On a hot day with the cabin at 85°F, cooling will feel noticeably refreshing. On a mild day with cabin temperature around 72°F, the effect is subtle. The system works best when the engine is running, because the fan requires steady electrical power. Cooling also works more effectively when the cabin air conditioning is already running, because the cooler cabin air produces a greater temperature difference.

Unlike heating, cooling cannot be used while parked with the engine off without draining the battery quickly. Most owners use it only during highway driving or in heavy traffic when the engine is running continuously.

Controlling heat and cooling through the seat buttons

Each front seat has its own control panel mounted on the outboard side of the seat cushion. You will find two buttons: one for heating and one for cooling. Pressing the heat button cycles through off, low, medium, and high settings. The button typically illuminates to show which setting is active. Pressing the cooling button cycles through off and on, with some models offering a medium setting as well.

The buttons respond when ready, so you can adjust settings while driving without taking your eyes off the road for more than a moment. If you prefer not to use the seat controls, you can also adjust heating and cooling through the infotainment touchscreen under the climate or seat comfort menu, though this requires more attention to navigate safely.

Maintenance and care for perforated leather seats

Perforated leather requires different care than solid leather because dust and debris can accumulate inside the perforations and clog the air channels. This reduces cooling effectiveness and can trap moisture. Vacuum the seats regularly using a soft brush attachment, paying special attention to the perforated areas. Use slow, gentle passes to avoid pushing debris deeper into the perforations.

For spills, blot when ready with a clean cloth rather than rubbing. Use a leather-specific cleaner designed for perforated leather, not general upholstery cleaner, because some products can clog the perforations or damage the leather finish. Avoid using water or steam cleaners on perforated leather, as moisture can seep into the channels and cause mold or electrical issues with the heating and cooling elements.

If cooling performance drops noticeably, the perforations may be clogged. A professional detailer with experience on perforated leather can clean the channels using compressed air and specialized tools. This is less expensive than repairing electrical issues and can restore cooling function significantly.

Common issues and troubleshooting

If the heating function stops working, first check that the seat button is not stuck in the off position and that the infotainment display shows the heating option available. If both controls show the function as off, the heating element may have failed. This typically requires replacement of the entire seat or the heating element assembly, which is a dealer service.

If cooling stops working but heating still functions, the fan may have failed or the air channels may be severely clogged. Try vacuuming the seat thoroughly first. If that does not restore cooling, the fan assembly likely needs replacement. Cooling failure is more common than heating failure because the fan has moving parts that can wear out over time.

If both heating and cooling are unresponsive, check the infotainment display to see whether the seat comfort menu appears. If the menu is missing or grayed out, there may be a software issue or a loose electrical connection. Restart the vehicle and try again. If the problem persists, a dealer technician will need to diagnose the electrical circuit.

Comparing the 2020 Outback to other vehicles with heated and cooled seats

Many competitors in the midsize SUV class offer heated and cooled seats, but the specific implementation varies. The 2020 Outback's system is straightforward and reliable, with independent controls for each seat and multiple heat settings. Some competitors offer only heating without cooling, or cooling as an add-on package that costs extra. Others integrate seat climate control into a larger comfort package that includes heated steering wheels or heated rear seats.

The Outback's perforated leather approach is standard across the industry for vehicles with cooling seats. Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot, and Mazda CX-9 all use similar systems. The main difference between vehicles is the number of heat settings, the speed at which cooling reaches full effect, and the durability of the fan mechanism over time. The 2020 Outback's system is middle-of-the-road in terms of performance — not the fastest to cool but reliable and straightforward to use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add heated and cooled seats to a 2020 Outback that doesn't have them?

Aftermarket heated seat kits exist, but they are not designed specifically for the Outback and require custom installation. A Subaru dealer cannot retrofit the factory system because it requires integration with the vehicle's electrical architecture and infotainment display. Aftermarket kits are less reliable and may void your warranty. Most owners find it simpler to trade up to a trim level that includes the feature.

Do heated and cooled seats use a lot of fuel or battery power?

Heating uses more power than cooling because the heating elements draw steady current. Using seat heating continuously can reduce fuel economy by a small amount — typically less than one mile per gallon. Cooling uses less power because the fan runs intermittently. Neither function will drain your battery if the engine is running, but both will drain it noticeably if you use them while parked with the engine off.

Why does cooling feel weak compared to heating?

Cooling relies on air circulation and temperature difference, while heating generates its own warmth. On a cool day, the cabin air is already close to your body temperature, so cooling has little effect. Heating works equally well in any weather. Cooling is most noticeable on hot days when cabin air is significantly warmer than you want it to be.

What happens if water gets into the seat perforations?

Water inside the perforations can cause electrical shorts, mold growth, or corrosion of the heating and cooling elements. Avoid steam cleaning or pouring water directly on the seats. If water does get inside, allow the seat to dry completely in a warm, dry environment — ideally in the sun with the doors open. If the heating or cooling stops working after water exposure, have a dealer inspect the electrical connections before using the functions again.

Can I use heating and cooling at the same time?

Yes. You can heat the driver's seat while cooling the passenger seat, or use both functions on the same seat if your model allows it. However, using both simultaneously on the same seat is uncommon because it works against itself — the heating element warms while the cooling fan removes heat. Most owners use one function or the other depending on their comfort preference.