Does the Envision have a heated rearview mirror function?
3 Answers
The Envision is equipped with a heated rearview mirror function. The switch for the heated rearview mirror is located in the air conditioning control area on the center console panel. Above the AC button is the heated rearview mirror button, which is marked with a rectangle and three wavy lines. The heated rearview mirror button and the rear window defogging button are the same. The heated rearview mirror function is particularly useful during rainy or snowy weather. When activated, the heater behind the mirror quickly warms the mirror surface, gradually removing rainwater or fog, eliminating the need for the driver to manually wipe the mirror frequently, thereby reducing driving hazards. How to use the heated rearview mirror function: There are generally two ways to activate the heated rearview mirror function. One is combined with the electric rearview mirror adjustment function button—simply rotate the knob to turn it on. The other is located on the air conditioning control panel—press the heating button to activate it. No manual angle adjustment is needed; the driver's side has an adjustment button. Principle of the heated rearview mirror function: After pressing the button, the electric heater behind the rearview mirror glass rapidly heats up to a fixed temperature within a few minutes, typically between 35-60 degrees. The heat will dissipate from the left and right rearview mirrors. Simultaneously, as the temperature rises and evaporation occurs, water droplets on the mirror surface become smaller, and fog gradually disappears, thus heating the mirror and removing frost. If the rain is particularly heavy, its effectiveness may decrease and become less noticeable. Precautions for using the heated rearview mirror function: The principle of the heated rearview mirror involves adding electric heating wires to the mirror. These wires consume a significant amount of power. When using the heated rearview mirror function, ensure the car is in an operational state. Avoid activating the function while the car is stationary to prevent draining the car battery, which could lead to insufficient power for starting the vehicle. Other methods for defogging the rearview mirror include: Opening windows for convection: Crack open the side windows slightly to allow air convection between the inside and outside of the car, reducing the temperature difference and causing the fog to disappear gradually. Adjusting the car's air conditioning to the appropriate setting can also help defog the mirrors by blowing warm air.
My Envision is the 2022 Elite model, and it does have the rearview mirror heating function. It's integrated with the rear window defroster on the same button - that rectangular icon with a wavy arrow on the climate control panel. It's especially useful on rainy days; water droplets start evaporating from the mirror surface about three minutes after activation, significantly improving visibility. Note that this function doesn't operate independently - it must be activated simultaneously with the rear window defroster, and it automatically turns off after 20 minutes to prevent overheating. I used it during a heavy rain last time - when exiting the underground garage with completely fogged mirrors, my vision became perfectly clear within five minutes of activation.
Twenty years of driving experience tells you that the Envision comes with this feature across all trims. The button is located on the left side of the AC control panel, with an icon resembling a windshield emitting heat. However, the heating speed is slower in base models—my friend’s base trim takes about ten minutes to show effect. Remember two key points when using it: first, it only works when the engine is running, and second, the heating activates only when the ambient temperature is below 40°F (it won’t respond in summer heat). Last winter during sleet, I used it and the mirrors stayed completely ice-free, making highway driving extra reassuring.
