Steering wheel hand detection systems are disclosed herein. The systems can optionally be used with a system for identifying the presence and/or location of a driver's hands on the steering wheel. The systems include a sensor mat including a plurality of sensor loops arranged in the steering wheel to achieve multiple sensing zones. Because the systems include a sensor mat including a plurality of sensor loops, the systems can be implemented in steering wheels having different designs. The systems can also be implemented to achieve different numbers and/or types (e.g., tap detection, swipe detection, grip detection, etc.) of sensing zones. Additionally, the systems can be implemented in a way that reduces the likelihood of crosstalk due to wire routing.