2022 Vehicles With Adjustable Pedals: Essential Guide

Many 2022 vehicles offer adjustable pedals, often found in higher trim levels or luxury models from brands like Ford, Toyota, and luxury SUVs. This feature uses an electronic control to move the brake and accelerator closer or farther away, making driving safer and more comfortable for drivers of different heights.

Does your morning drive feel a bit cramped? Maybe your knees are too close to the dashboard, or your arms are stretched too far to reach the steering wheel comfortably. This is a common issue, especially when sharing a car between drivers of different sizes. The good news is that many modern cars solve this problem with adjustable pedals. These handy features let you move the brake and gas pedals to the perfect spot.

Finding out if your specific 2022 ride has them can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Don’t worry! I’m Md Meraj, and I’m here to walk you through exactly what adjustable pedals are, why they matter for safety, and which 2022 vehicles offered this fantastic feature. By the end of this guide, you will know exactly how to check for and use this feature with total confidence.

Table of Contents

What Are Adjustable Pedals, Anyway?

Adjustable pedals sound complicated, but they are actually very simple! Think of them as power seats, but for your feet. They allow the driver to electronically move the brake and accelerator pedals forward or backward.

Why Do I Need Power Adjustable Pedals?

This feature is often grouped under “driver convenience” or “comfort features,” but it has real safety benefits. When your seating position is perfect, you can react faster and more accurately. Here are the main reasons this feature is so helpful:

Perfect Driving Posture: You can sit farther back from the steering wheel for better control, while still easily reaching the pedals.
Improved Safety Margin: Proper distance from the steering wheel is crucial in case of airbag deployment. If you are too close, the airbag might cause injury instead of protection.
Accommodating Different Drivers: If you and a spouse or partner share a vehicle, this saves time spent readjusting the seat and mirrors every time you switch.
Accessibility: For drivers with shorter legs, this makes operating the vehicle possible and safe when it otherwise might not be.

Manual vs. Electronic Adjustment

In older or very basic cars, you might find manual adjustment systems, which require you to physically unbolt or move the pedal assembly. However, for 2022 models, virtually all adjustable pedal systems are electronic.

Electronic adjustment is much easier. You usually find a small switch or button on the dashboard, often near the driver’s door panel or below the steering column. Pressing this switch moves the pedals smoothly to your saved memory setting.

How to Tell If Your 2022 Vehicle Has Adjustable Pedals

The biggest challenge is knowing where to look! Automakers don’t always advertise this feature clearly. Here is a simple, step-by-step process to check your 2022 vehicle.

Step 1: Look for the Control Switch

This is your primary clue. Walk around the driver’s side of your vehicle while standing outside, then sit inside and look carefully at the lower dash area.

Check the Driver’s Door Panel: Sometimes the controls are near the power seat adjustment buttons. Look for icons that look like pedals moving closer or farther away.
Examine the Lower Left Dash: This is the most common spot. Look below the steering column opening, often near the dimmer switch for the headlights or the trunk release button.
Search for the Memory Buttons: If your car has driver memory settings (usually labeled 1, 2, M), the adjustable pedals are often tied into this system. Press the “M” button and see if any indicator lights up that looks pedal-related.

Step 2: Consult Your Owner’s Manual

If you can’t find the switch, the easiest and most reliable source is your car’s manual. Search the index for “Pedal Adjustment,” “Driver Comfort,” or “Memory Settings.” If you don’t have the physical book, you can usually download the PDF from the manufacturer’s official website using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

Step 3: Check the Vehicle Trim Level

Adjustable pedals are rarely standard on base models. They are almost always bundled into technology packages, convenience packages, or reserved for higher trim levels (like EX-L, Limited, Platinum, etc.). If you have a base model, it is highly unlikely to have this feature.

2022 Vehicles Known to Offer Adjustable Pedals

While this feature is becoming more common, it is still primarily featured in larger vehicles, trucks, and luxury brands. For the 2022 model year, here is a breakdown of manufacturers and models that frequently included this option, often as part of an upgrade package.

The Big Three Domestic Brands (Ford, GM, Stellantis)

American trucks and large SUVs are major proponents of this feature, as they are frequently used by people with varying physical needs.

Manufacturer	Model Examples (2022)	Typical Availability
Ford	F-150, Expedition, Explorer	Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum Trims
Chevrolet (GM)	Silverado 1500, Tahoe, Suburban	LTZ, High Country Trims
GMC	Sierra 1500, Yukon	SLT, Denali Trims
Ram	Ram 1500	Laramie, Limited Trims

Japanese and Korean Manufacturers

These brands often place the feature in their higher-end family haulers and luxury divisions.

For Toyota, you often see this on the higher-end trims of the Tundra, Sequoia, and sometimes the Sienna minivan. Honda often reserves it for the higher trims of the Pilot and Odyssey.

Hyundai and Kia often include it on their flagship SUVs. For example, the 2022 Kia Telluride (especially SX trims) and the Hyundai Palisade often feature this for added driver comfort.

Luxury Brands

If you own a luxury brand vehicle from 2022, the chances are very high that adjustable pedals are included, often as standard equipment.

BMW: Common across most 5 Series, X5, and 7 Series models.
Mercedes-Benz: Frequently seen in C-Class, E-Class, and GLE models, usually linked to the Easy-Entry/Exit function.
Lexus: Available on models like the RX and GX, particularly when memory seat packages are selected.

A Note on Safety Regulations

While comfort is key, understanding the legal side of driving adjustments is important. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stresses the importance of proper seating position relative to steering wheel and airbag placement. Adjustable pedals help you achieve this safe position without sacrificing reachability of the controls.

How to Use Adjustable Pedals Safely and Effectively

Once you locate the controls, using them correctly ensures you get the maximum benefit without creating a new problem. Follow these easy steps to set your perfect driving position.

The Setup Procedure (Step-by-Step)

Safety First: Always perform adjustments while the vehicle is in Park (P) with the parking brake engaged. Never adjust the pedals while driving!

Adjust Your Seat First: Move your driver’s seat to your preferred distance from the dashboard. Ensure your back is firmly against the seat backrest. Your knees should have a slight bend when the brake pedal is fully depressed.
Locate the Adjustment Switch: Find the small button or rocker switch, usually marked with pedal symbols.
Move the Pedals: Press and hold the switch toward the direction you want the pedals to move. If you need more room, move them away from you. If you are too far, move them toward you. Watch carefully as they move.
Test the Full Range of Motion: Once they look right, test them. Push the brake pedal all the way to the floor. You should still have a slight bend in your knee. Do the same for the gas pedal.
Engage the Memory Function: If your vehicle has memory settings, press the “Set” or “M” button, and then immediately press the number button (1 or 2) corresponding to your preferred setting. This saves the pedal position along with your seat and mirror settings.
Test Drive (Carefully): Drive a short distance in a safe area, like an empty parking lot. Check if your feet feel comfortable and can easily switch between the brake and accelerator without strain.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

New users sometimes make simple mistakes that reduce safety or comfort. Avoid these pitfalls:

Adjusting While Driving: This is extremely dangerous. Distraction caused by fiddling with controls can lead to accidents.
Setting Them Too Close: If the pedals are too close, your knees can hit the steering wheel or dashboard during sudden stops or airbag deployment. Always ensure a safe distance remains.
Forgetting to Save: If you don’t save the setting to memory, you have to redo the entire process every time you get in the car.
Ignoring the Seat Position: The pedal position depends entirely on where your seat is. Always set the seat first!

The Relationship Between Pedals and Other Driver Aids

In many 2022 vehicles, adjustable pedals are not standalone features. They are often integrated into larger convenience packages designed to make driving easier for everyone who uses the car.

Easy Entry/Exit Systems

This is the most common companion feature. When you turn off the car and remove the key (or press the “Off” button), the system automatically moves the seat, steering wheel, and pedals to their farthest-out positions. This creates a huge opening for you to exit the vehicle easily.

When you restart the car and press the brake pedal or press your saved memory button (1 or 2), everything slides right back into your perfect driving position automatically. This combination is incredibly popular in large SUVs.

Driver Memory Profiles

If your 2022 model has numbered memory buttons on the driver’s door, those buttons control more than just the seat. They control:

Driver Seat Position
Exterior Mirror Angles
Steering Wheel Tilt/Telescope (if equipped)
Adjustable Pedal Position

This integration is what makes sharing a car so simple. Driver 1 sets their perfect driving geometry, saves it to ‘1’. Driver 2 does the same and saves it to ‘2’. A quick button press recalls everything perfectly.

Why Adjustable Pedals Are Better Than Just Moving the Seat

Some drivers try to compensate for short legs by moving the seat very close to the wheel. While this helps reach the pedals, it creates two major problems:

Steering Wheel Interference: Your arms become too bent, making quick steering movements difficult and potentially placing your chest too close to the airbag cover.
Reduced Visibility: Sitting too close obstructs your view of the dashboard gauges and creates a poor line of sight over the hood.

Adjustable pedals solve this by allowing you to sit farther back (for safety and visibility) while bringing the controls closer to your feet.

Troubleshooting Common Adjustable Pedal Issues

Even electronic systems can sometimes act up. As your trusted automotive guide, here are the typical issues drivers face and the simple fixes.

Issue 1: Pedals Won’t Move at All

If you press the switch and nothing happens, check these simple things first:

Is the Car On? Most pedal adjustments only work when the ignition is in the “ON” position, or the engine is running. Some only work when the car is in Park.
Check the Fuse: If the power seat controls are also dead, you likely have a blown fuse related to the driver convenience circuit. Check the fuse box diagram in your manual.
System Reset: Sometimes the electronic control unit (ECU) needs a soft reset. Disconnect the negative battery terminal for 10 minutes (only attempt this if you are comfortable with basic battery procedures) and reconnect. This often clears minor electronic glitches.

Issue 2: Pedals Move, But Don’t Save to Memory

If you can manually move them but they won’t stick to button ‘1’ or ‘2’, you are likely missing the final step of the memory save sequence.

The Fix: Re-read the manual, but generally, the sequence is: Adjust Seat & Pedals, press ‘M’ (Set), then press the desired number (1 or 2) within about five seconds. If you wait too long, the system assumes you just wanted to move the seat and forgets the pedal change.

Issue 3: Pedals Move Jerkily or Stop Mid-Travel

This indicates an issue with the motor, gears, or sensors. If the pedals move fine manually but fail when using the memory button, it could be the memory module itself. If they stop mid-way during manual adjustment, the system might have detected an obstruction (even if you don’t see one).

Action Required: If movement is erratic, it’s time to consult a professional technician. Do not attempt to force the pedals manually, as you could damage the internal gearing mechanism.

Pros and Cons of Having Adjustable Pedals

To help you decide how important this feature is when shopping for your next car, here is a balanced look at the advantages and disadvantages.

Pros (Why They Are Great)

Enhanced Comfort: Reduces strain on legs, ankles, and hips during long drives.
Improved Safety Integration: Ensures drivers can maintain the optimal distance from the steering wheel and airbag.
Excellent for Families: Makes switching drivers quick and stress-free.
High Resale Value Indicator: Often signals that the vehicle is a higher trim level equipped with more technology.

Cons (Things to Consider)

Cost: They are almost always part of an optional package, raising the initial purchase price.
Complexity: More electronic parts mean more potential points of failure down the road (though rare).
Not Universally Available: Many smaller cars or base models simply do not offer this at all.

For the everyday driver looking for maximum comfort and safety customization in their 2022 vehicle, the pros far outweigh the minimal cons.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Adjustable Pedals

Q1: Are adjustable pedals the same as an adjustable steering wheel?

A: No, they are separate features. Adjustable steering wheels (tilt and telescope) help you position your arms correctly. Adjustable pedals help you position your feet correctly relative to the dashboard. They work together for perfect driving posture.

Q2: Can a mechanic install adjustable pedals in a car that didn’t come with them?

A: While technically possible, it is extremely difficult and expensive for most non-luxury vehicles. It would require installing new pedal assemblies, wiring harnesses, control modules, and potentially reprogramming the car’s main computer. It is usually not worth the cost.

Q3: Do electric vehicles (EVs) have adjustable pedals?

A: Yes, many 2022 EVs offer this feature, especially in models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E or Tesla Model Y. The principle is the same: an electronic motor moves the accelerator and brake mechanisms.

Q4: If my seat memory is set, why do the pedals reset when I exit the car?

A: This is by design in most modern cars, often tied to the “Easy Exit” function. When you turn the car off, the system moves the pedals out to give you maximum legroom for exiting. They automatically return to your stored driving position when you start the car again.

Q5: Does having adjustable pedals affect fuel economy?

A: No. The motors used to move the pedals consume negligible amounts of power, similar to adjusting a power mirror. It has no measurable impact on your fuel efficiency or battery range.

Q6: How far can the pedals typically move?

A: Most systems provide about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) of travel range. This range is usually enough to accommodate the difference in leg length between most adult drivers.

Conclusion: Driving Better in Your 2022 Vehicle

Finding the perfect driving position is the foundation of safe and enjoyable driving. For owners of 2022 vehicles, especially trucks, SUVs, or models equipped with technology packages, power adjustable pedals are a fantastic feature that bridges the gap between comfort and safety.

If you have them, take a few minutes today to truly dial in your setting and save it to your memory profile. If you are shopping for a used 2022 model and find yourself cramped in the driver’s seat, remember to specifically look for that small switch near the lower dash—it could be the key to making that vehicle feel like it was built just for you. By understanding these simple electronic aids, you take control of your driving environment, boost your confidence, and ensure every trip is as comfortable as possible. Happy driving!