Am in same situation as you are both re this being a new feature and uncertain as to effect versus the heated seat option. Not even sure as to how it is supposed to be effective given that your thighs, butt and back are blocking the vents.
Early days though as have only tried a few times and not yet on one of those really hot days where seats have heated up in the sun.
Doesn't seem to take effect as quickly as the heating does.
Am also wondering if the A/C needs to be functioning and of course there is a delay before it functions when you first star up, so that may also account for a delay in the effect on the seats.
So far early conclusion (VERY early) is heating is more effective than "cooling"; I say that in quotes as believe the description of the feature is "ventilated".

 

I believe the AC vents into the seat also so you would need to have the AC operating at a cool level.

 

Here is the link to an article from the designer; apparently not refrigerated air from the A/C

Stay cool and comfortable in the heat of summer

Apparently one trick to getting cooler air is when your A/C is functioning is to ensure that some cool air is blowing from the bottom vents and not just the top ones.

 

Looks like it is a just a fan that blows air into pockets in the seat. Supposed to reduce humidity/moisture, it won't make it colder without the AC since it is cycling cabin temperature air.

 

Think Kia websites are a little misleading by stating blue coloured cool air; without stating the source of the air. The manual is not helpful either as simply states to press the switch to get "cool" air. You would think this info should be expanded on to state that source is cabin air, not refrigerated air directly from the a/c; even add the tip for cooler air, to direct some of the A/C air through the bottom vents.
Your initial thought with this feature would be to get cool air when first get into a hot car interior, but all you will get is air based on the current air temperature inside the car. Further it takes awhile for the A/C to cool down the interior.
So my conclusion is unlike heated seats that can be of almost immediate help in a cold car, the "ventilated" seat option is more for long distance driving comfort.

 

Like many other vehicles, the Kia's seats are identified as "ventilated" not "cooled". This means they have a fan that blows air from under the seat through the perferations. Some higher end vehicles do use the A/C air and therefor are called "cooled".

 

On trips over 20 minutes I find them extremely useful. We haven't had any very hot days here where I am in a while, but if you are cooling the cabin, the seat fans will make a difference in long driving. I never expected them to freeze my butt (vs warming it in the winter) but instead keep it cooler than just a plain regular leather seat.

 

Mine (driver one) just worked properly the first time I used it.

Since then, it does not work anymore since I do not feel anything coming from the seat while the passenger one seems to work.

Looks like a case to go to the dealer !

 

Checked by 2 dealers, one said it is working adequately, the other one said that it has to be tested on another car.

Actually, I noticed that you only feel the ventilation/"cooling" when it is already cool in the car, that is when you do not really need it, making that gadget not really useful !

A pity since it's a great idea. I guess what could have been efficient is a seat plugged on the AC and not on a ventilator of warm air.

 

I tried mine on low and it was very noticeable. I see it being a nice feature on long trips.

 

seems to work ok on my car. I turn on high, and I can feel the coolness in about 5 minutes. I feel my pants between the seat, and my skin, and I feel the coolness. I haven't tried the passenger seat yet though. Oh, the temps outside were upper 80's to 90's. I didn't see much difference if any with the a/c blowing down at the feet, or straight on. I don't see any need for it to be cooler. I have black interior, and the nappa leather seats haven't been that hot in direct sunlight. I'll see how it heats in the winter

 

I have them on my Optima and will not by another car without them, but much like the Sorento, they are not "Air Conditioned" Seats, they are ventilated. I run the air through the seat at all times. Its not intended to cool your derrier, its intended to reduce moisture and increase airflow so you dont get swamp arse... For that purpose, I find they work VERY well.

 

Is there a reverse flow mode for those high flatulence days?

 

Server, that would be awesome! I would like to have selective venting of where it directs the aromatherapy session.

 

2014 SXL vented air seats

Since I rarely have a passenger in the front seat little did I know until today that the passenger side did not ventilate air. I could hear the fans while in the garage testing out the seat but no air. Went to the dealer and was told the are not useful anyways so are you sure you want looked at. Well of course, about an hour later was told the manufacture glued the bag of air the pushes against the perforated seat was incorrectly aligned and can,t be fixed. Was told bottom seat is 2800.00 to replace. This is on my new 2014 SXL. Part is on order. So, if you have problems with one side not as good. Might want to inform the dealer to review. I agree that they are not for cold air but the moving air gives the feeling of coolness and helps prevent sweat incase your wearing shorts on a hot day.

 

Here in the South we swear by the vented seats in her Optima. So I mad sure my new Sorento has them. With luck, we will be trying those out next weekend.

 

The found the ventilated seat is more noticeable when I'm hot. Otherwise, it's not like you have a hair-dryer down here.

 

Yes, it really only works when your body is hot. If I'm hot/sweaty, I feel it immediately. Once my body is no longer hot, I barely feel it, even on high.

 

I haven't tried it on my new Sorento, but on my Sportage it worked well on those hot days where the leather would sometimes warm up. It would help get rid of that excess heat and bring it to a more bearable temperature. They work; they aren't going to give you ice cold air but they will definitely help cool the seats on those hot days and keep you from warming it up too much on those long drives.

 

I would say it works when it is already pretty cold in the car.

Mine has been checked by dealer and it has been reported as working normally.

For me, it is more a sale argument by Kia which built a cheap system to look like a real cooling system than a real working function.

Imagine I barely feel it at max level so why 3 levels would be needed ?

Close to useless.

 

You didn't research what you were buying before you bought?

Ventilated seats may be "close to useless" where you live, but in the southern USA it is a wonderful feature to have.

 

I have found to the contrary that the ventilation system works quite well; have used different levels at different times. Key is that it is a ventilation system and not a "cooling" system, no cool A/C air. I find it removes the sometimes stickiness of your back and but.
However, don't expect any results when getting into a hot car as it circulates air that it around the seats.

 

Another explanation : Maybe my northern skin is thicker than your southern one

 

I feel it works pretty well. I had to reduce the level as I felt cold, specially when the AC is on and the cool air form ac in the cabin gets used

 

OUrs works great and we always run ours on high!