• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Cloth vs leather interiors

Page 2 - Seeking answers? Join the AnandTech community: where nearly half-a-million members share solutions and discuss the latest tech.
I really don't mind cloth or leather. Some packages I want in a car include leather, some don't.

I will say that the leather on my 228i is miles above the leather (pleather? I don't remember) that was in my G35 and the pleather/vinyl in the Prius.
 
Cloth as it's better in the heat of FL all day long in heat myself at work.

I had the option of putting leather in the Mazda 3 when I bought it pretty cheap, thought about it and left the all ready nice cloth seats in it.
 
twinrider1 said:
For those that like leather, do you have full leather or 'leather seating surfaces?'

The leather seating surfaces may last, but it's been my experience that the other, non-leather parts will eventually crack.
Click to expand...
I can't afford cars that have full leather interiors. We'll see how the non-leather areas age. But I do have covered parking at work and will soon have the garage cleaned up at home. That should help a lot.
 
If I didn't have kids I'd be fine with cloth. But leather just cleans up so much easier.

Several brands do heated cloth. Ford Does in many of theirs (and for cheap...$400 winter pack). GM does in many of their option packs. VW does in the Golf/GTI's.

I don't find leather being the main factor in having a hot seat in the summer. For me it's more the function of having a heated seat and that metal grid on your back and butt. That seams to soak up more heat than a typical seat and will really scorch your backside if it's been sitting out cooking in the sun for hours.
 
My kids play baseball. Baseball players get really dirty pants. With leather, the dirt wipes off. With cloth, it takes a lot more work.

I've had two cars with leather, and more than that with cloth. I don't dislike cloth but the downsides of leather have never bothered me as much as the downsides of cloth.
 
I've always preferred leather seats. The main reason is that I'm a big dude (300lbs) and it is much easier for me to move around on leather vs cloth. It makes reaching for my wallet or adjusting my seat alot easier.
 
I prefer leather and heated/ventilated helps a lot. Also, a tan interior will greatly help with reducing heat. On my C7 Vette, I went with the suede inserts just to add to the heat issues during the summer. That alone made the seats in the CTS-V more than bearable during the summer when getting into the car.

As others said, it also is easy to clean up from spills and dirt. Had a couple small accidents when picking up milk shakes when the wife was pregnant 🙂
 
NutBucket said:
Yeah, Subaru may be the only company that does heated cloth.
Click to expand...

KIA and Hyundai do as well.

IMO, cloth is more comfortable, especially in the height of summer and winter when you're not burning/freezing your arse. Leather is definitely easier to clean though. You can literally spend an hour trying to vacuum pet hair out of a cloth seat and still not get half of it.
 
I'm wishy washy between the two.

However in my Prius C, it has the SofTex (tm) and looks absolutely brand new after almost 3 years of ownership. Doesn't feel like leather, but doesn't feel like cheap imitation leather either. Kind of hard to describe.

If stretched, returns back to its original shape shortly. Plus is significantly cooler than leather or pleather.

I wouldn't pay more for it as an option, but is an interesting alternative.
 
I prefer cloth for all the reasons the OP listed - basically it is more comfortable in all situations. And it is cheaper.

My wife wants leather because it doesn't stain. And I think a well done leather interior does look and feel better than a cloth interior. I'm not fond of cheap leather however, and once it starts cracking - well it is dreadful.

Pros and cons both ways it seems.

Moral of the story - get whatever you want - but if you get leather then treat it regularly!!!
 
cloth is not a great idea in my opinion. it's hard to keep clean and it looks cheap to me. i never sweated in a car. there is the ac.
 
In my experience, a car that has cloth seats but leather as an option always has nicer seats with the leather. The leather in my Cruze is great compared to the cloth, although the cloth was not too bad. One of the leather panels under the driver's butt looks pretty worn, though, and I might have a problem with it in the future. I try to keep them clean and conditioned to prevent that.
 
Leather went out with the Chrysler Cordoba and its "rich, Corinthian leather."

c70-61.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top