Winter driving in Newmarket means navigating sudden snow squalls, freezing rain, and frost-covered glass. When visibility drops in seconds, your vehicle's ability to keep critical surfaces clear becomes a safety priority. Kia's lineup of heated features—including heated steering wheels and heated seats—are designed to tackle Ontario's toughest winter conditions, helping you maintain control and confidence on the road.
From heated steering wheels available across multiple models to heated rear seats in select trims, Kia equips drivers with practical tools to combat winter's challenges. Here's how these features work together to keep you safe and comfortable during Newmarket's coldest months.
Acoustic Laminated Windshield: Enhanced Clarity and Comfort
The 2026 Kia Sportage EX trim features an acoustic laminated windshield, which reduces road noise and enhances cabin comfort during winter drives. While this windshield does not include embedded heating elements, it works in tandem with the vehicle's defrosting system to improve visibility and reduce distractions caused by wind noise during storms.
For drivers in Newmarket who face sudden weather changes on Highway 404 or local roads, the acoustic laminated windshield provides a quieter, more focused driving environment—allowing you to concentrate on the road ahead without the distraction of excessive cabin noise.
Heated Steering Wheel: Comfort and Control in Cold Conditions
A heated steering wheel does more than keep your hands warm—it helps you maintain a secure grip on the wheel without the bulk of heavy gloves. Cold hands can reduce dexterity and reaction time, making it harder to respond quickly in slippery conditions. A heated steering wheel solves this problem by delivering warmth directly to your hands, allowing you to drive with bare hands or lighter gloves.
Kia offers heated steering wheels across multiple models in the 2026 lineup, including:
- 2026 Niro HEV, PHEV, and EV (SX trim)
- 2026 Sportage ICE and HEV (EX and higher trims)
- 2026 K4 (EX and GT-Line trims)
For families in Newmarket who spend time shuttling between school drop-offs, grocery runs, and weekend activities, a heated steering wheel makes every trip more comfortable and safer.
Heated Seats: Warmth for the Whole Family

Heated front seats are standard or available across Kia's entire lineup, ensuring every driver and front passenger stays warm from the moment they start the vehicle. Several models also offer heated rear seats, which is a valuable feature for families with children or passengers who need extra comfort during long winter drives.
Models with heated rear seats include:
- 2026 Niro HEV, PHEV, and EV (SX and Wave trims)
- 2026 Sportage ICE and HEV (EX Premium trim)
- 2026 Sorento HEV (EX Premium trim)
- 2026 K4 (GT-Line trim)
Heated seats work quickly to eliminate the chill from cold upholstery, reducing the time it takes for the cabin to feel comfortable. This feature is especially helpful on early mornings when temperatures in Newmarket drop below freezing and your vehicle has been parked overnight.
Additional Winter-Ready Features in Kia's Lineup
Beyond heated features, Kia vehicles include several design elements that improve winter driving safety:
- Acoustic Laminated Windshields: Reduce wind noise and improve cabin comfort, making it easier to focus on the road during storms
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control: Allows driver and passenger to set individual temperature preferences, ensuring everyone stays comfortable
- Rear Floor Heating Ducts: Direct warm air to rear passengers, helping the entire cabin warm up faster
The 2026 Sportage and Niro models also include rear climate ventilation, which ensures consistent airflow throughout the cabin during long winter drives.
Why Heated Features Matter for Newmarket Drivers
Newmarket's winter weather is unpredictable. One moment, roads are clear; the next, a snow squall reduces visibility to near zero. Heated features give you an edge by eliminating the delays caused by cold steering wheels and uncomfortable seating. When every second counts, these features help you react faster and drive with greater confidence.
For families who rely on their vehicles year-round, heated features also reduce the physical strain of winter driving. With Kia's heated steering wheels and seats, your vehicle is ready to go when you are.
Reserve Your Winter-Ready Kia at Kia of Newmarket
Winter driving in Ontario demands vehicles that can handle the cold without compromise. Kia's heated features—from heated steering wheels to heated seats available across the lineup—are designed to keep you safe, comfortable, and in control during Newmarket's toughest weather.
Visit Kia of Newmarket in Newmarket to explore the 2026 Sportage, Niro, K4, and other models equipped with heated features. Our team can help you find the right vehicle for your winter driving needs and answer any questions about available features and trims.
To learn more about Kia models like the 2025 Kia Sorento, visit Kia.ca