An SUV with massaging seats can turn your driving experience from a painful and strenuous one to what can be compared to a relaxing session at the spa.
The demand for luxurious features that combine comfort with convenience and relaxation in SUV cars has been steadily increasing over the years.
This article will highlight some of the top SUV models that come equipped with massage seats and other tech features that will make the driving experience comfortable for both the driver and passengers.
The Rise of Luxury SUVs
SUVs have gained increasing popularity over the years, due to their versatility, size, and spaciousness,
Automakers, in a bid to further enhance consumer’s driving experience and satisfaction, chose to incorporate high-end features typically found in luxury sedans into their SUV offerings. This is done to offer a wider range of luxury options to cater to the different tastes and budgets of car owners.
Benefits of Massage Seats in SUVs
Having a massage seat in your car comes with numerous benefits that can improve your driving experience and your overall well-being.
Massage seats in SUVs help to;
- reduce muscle tension
- reduce stress during long drives
- promote relaxation
- improve blood circulation, and
- potentially alleviate back pain.
Massage car seats help to reduce discomfort and in turn enhance a more pleasant, overall driving experience.
SUV Models with Massage Seats
While you can buy a portable car massager, here are 9 examples of SUV cars that come equipped with massage seats and can save you extra costs:
Lincoln Nautilus
It is a crossover SUV built with style and comfort and comes with active motion massaging seats that feature 22-way adjustability (high and low settings) for the driver and passenger.
Porsche Cayenne
This mid-size SUV comes with a massaging front seat that has eight-way power-adjustable front seats and leather upholstery.
Volvo XC90
The front seat backrests have a massage function and several settings are available.
The five preset massage programs are; Swell, Tread, Advanced, Lumbar, and Shoulder. While the intensity and speed range from 1 to 3.
Audi E-Tron
Users can select from three different intensities and eight different massage programs present in the ten air chamber-infused seats it offers.
Mercedes-AMG GLS 63
The front seats are heated, ventilated, and available with multi-contour massaging seats to work on your sore muscles during a long drive.
Ford Explorer
The Active Motion seats offer five massage themes. These seats can concentrate on either the upper or lower back as needed.
Ford Expedition
It comes with leather-trimmed, heated, and ventilated Multicontour Front Captain’s Chairs with Active Motion massage technology that provides lumbar support and helps reduce lower-body fatigue as you drive.
This full-size SUV offers massage capability in its first and second-row seats.
Lexus LX & GX
Contains up to four configured massaging rear-seat captain’s chairs that recline up to 48 degrees.
Luxury Brands and Massage Seat Options
Certain luxury SUV automakers include massage seat features among other customizable options such as smartphone app integration and other aesthetic customization options to enhance comfort and relaxation while driving.
A few examples of luxury car brands that offer massage seats as an additional feature include:
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz offers “Energizing Comfort Control,” which features adjustable lumbar support and massage modes along with ambient lighting, adjustable intensity, climate control, and various fragrance options.
You can either choose the hot stone cushion massage or the air cushion massage.
BMW
BMW’s “Comfort Seats” may come with a massage function that offers various massage programs and adjustable intensity levels for various modes and an overall soothing driving experience.
The massage seats allow you to customize your massage experience by offering different modes such as rolling, kneading, and tapping coupled with adjustable intensity.
Audi
Audi offers massage seats known as “Individual Contour Seats”. They can come with adjustable massage functions, various modes, and personalized comfort settings for personalized comfort and a luxurious overall driving experience.
Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce’s “Individual Seats” may include massage functions and other customizable settings that give passengers a premium and tailored experience.
Individual seat features such as adjustable massage intensity, multiple massage modes, and focus areas enable the passengers to enjoy a truly opulent and relaxing ride.
Bentley
Bentley’s “Comfort Specification” can include massaging seats with various advanced programs which also come with adjustable settings and targeted massage to provide a luxurious and relaxing overall driving experience.
Note that the availability of each of these features in vehicles can vary depending on the specific model and year of production level.
This is why it is best to check with the respective luxury car brand to get accurate and up-to-date information about their massage seat options and customization before choosing one that ticks all your boxes.
Technology and Massage Seat Innovations
Massage seats have been in existence for over a decade now. They work in cars by using a system of air pockets which is located beneath the seat cover and fill or deflate depending on the settings.
The action it performs is similar to what a baker does with dough. It gives the person in the massage seat the feeling of their back being kneaded.
Modern SUV massage seats often incorporate advanced technology such as
- Multiple massage modes,
- Adjustable intensity levels,
- Heated and cooled elements, and
- Personalized massage settings.
Some models also make use of airbags and rollers to provide various massage techniques, while others go a step further to employ sensors that adapt the massage based on the occupant’s body shape and preferences.
Some SUV car models offer personalized massage settings which may feature connectivity options for controlling the massage through a smartphone app to cater to individual preferences.
Considerations When Opting for Massage Seats
While massage seats can enhance comfort and improve your driving experience, it is very important to weigh their benefits against potential costs before buying one.
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Determine your budget
- Research and compare various SUV models to find your best fit
- Test drive to have a firsthand experience
- Find out the maintenance cost
- Consider the impact of massage seats on the car’s resale value.
Other Comfort and Luxury Features in SUVs
Luxury SUVs are known for offering diverse features to promote the comfort and convenience of their upscale buyers.
Oftentimes, these features go beyond the basics and are designed to specifically appeal to the discerning tastes of these exquisite car owners.
Apart from the presence of massage seats, upscale SUV models also offer additional features to improve the owner’s overall driving experience. These features include:
- Premium interior materials
- Advanced climate control technologies
- Premium sound system and noise insulation
- Infotainment and connectivity
- Power-adjustable seats
- Driver assistance technologies
- Ambient Lighting
- Rear Entertainment Systems
- Automated Parking
- Massive Wheels and High-Quality Tires
CONCLUSION
SUVs contribute greatly to the growing trend of combining luxury with utility. This is because automakers are continuously innovating to meet the evolving expectations of upscale consumers seeking a more comfortable driving experience.
Massage seats as well as other luxury tech features in SUVs have been responsible for refining driving dynamics in markets and regions that prioritize this comfort and exclusivity.
However, remember that, before choosing an SUV, it is important to consider your needs and preferences as this will help you enjoy a sumptuous and convenient driving experience.
