I finally gave in and paid the $200 for the Kia Connect app because I really wanted remote climate control… but to my surprise, the most important part for me, the seat heaters, are missing. I saw that they were supposed to be part of the subscription, so what’s going on? Am I missing something? No updates showing in the Apple Store. I have the 2023 model. I tried sending a support request, but I’m not even sure it went through because I didn’t get a confirmation email or a response. I love my car, and I wasn’t happy about paying extra every year, but I figured with the cold weather, it would be worth it. Now I’m just frustrated.
You should do the monthly plan instead. It’s cheaper unless you need it for more than 9 months a year.
I also don’t have heated seats in my climate settings. Best bet is to turn them up to 3 when you get in, and they should heat up pretty fast.
@Nate
If I did month-to-month, I’d probably forget to cancel and end up spending more.
They do heat up fast, but not as quickly as I’d like. Also, if I try to turn them on while the climate settings are running, it doesn’t work. I have to turn the whole car on, which kind of defeats the purpose. I’m taking it in for an inspection next week, and you better believe I’m bringing this up at the dealership.
Mine heat up in less than a minute. Saves me some electricity in the winter too.
Rowen said:
Mine heat up in less than a minute. Saves me some electricity in the winter too.
Mine warm up in about 15 seconds on my 2023. Never thought a remote option would even be useful.
I have a 2023 too, and my app looks the same as yours.
I’ve noticed that my seats get warm just from the vents blowing hot air at them. I usually set the temp to 70 or 80, and by the time it gets to 80, the seats are already toasty.
Wait… you have to pay for the app?
Noor said:
Wait… you have to pay for the app?
Yeah, unfortunately.
As far as I know, they’ve never had remote seat heating.
I heard a rumour that it has to do with fire safety regulations in some places. Basically, if something flammable or dangerous is left on the seat, remote activation could cause a disaster. Most of the time, it wouldn’t be intentional, but still a risk.
@Hartley
That’s so weird…
Kingsley said:
@Hartley
That’s so weird…
Yeah, I don’t really get it either.
@Hartley
That’s a very specific percentage you gave there…
Keir said:
@Hartley
That’s a very specific percentage you gave there…
It’s a reference to an old Ivory soap ad. You might be too young to remember.
I have a 2022 Niro EV. My app looks totally different. Mine is free, but my car is still under warranty, so maybe that’s why? Also, I can’t turn on my seat heaters remotely either—just climate control and the steering wheel. I don’t think it’s even an option.
Do you also ask your wife to warm up your toilet seat?
@Noah
That’s interesting… maybe it really depends on the model and region.
And lol, no, I handle the toilet seat warming myself .
Kingsley said:
@Noah
That’s interesting… maybe it really depends on the model and region.
And lol, no, I handle the toilet seat warming myself!
Didn’t mean any offence with that comment. Just joking around.
Anyway, yeah, it’s weird how inconsistent the features seem to be depending on the model and warranty status.