Leather vs. Cloth Seats: Everything You Need To Know
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When you purchase a vehicle, you’re given many different options - starting with your vehicle’s make and model, paint color, powertrain, drivetrain, interior features, infotainment, etc. These days, one of the most extensive choices you’ll have to make when buying a new car is whether to get leather vs. cloth seats. After all, it’s where you’ll spend most of your time.
That’s easy. Just get leather seats since they’re premium and a symbol of luxury.
Well, if only it’s that clear-cut. The choice between leather vs. cloth seats goes much deeper than answering, “Which is better?” Both have their pros and cons that we’ll discuss in detail below. Keep reading to learn more.
Leather vs. Cloth Seats: What’s the Difference?
Let’s compare and contrast these two interior materials based on certain categories.
Price
Between the two, leather will almost always cost you more. Usually included as a premium feature, leather seats are made from animal hide and treated via tanning to make the material more durable and long-lasting. However, not all leather seats are made from genuine “animal hide” leather.
Leather quality can range from faux leather to brushed top-grain to ultra-luxurious Nappa leather. Naturally, the better the leather quality, the more premium it gets. Top-quality leather seats are generally available for premium, top-of-the-line trims and can easily add several thousands of dollars to your vehicle’s price.
On the other hand, cloth seats come standard in most base models, and the material will cost you nothing as far as added expenses go.
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Appearance
Leather has always been associated with luxury and style, which also applies to vehicles. Opening the car door and seeing a full leather interior is just a sight. If you care about style and appearance, leather seats are often your best bet.
However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that cloth seats can’t look good. Nowadays, car manufacturers have offered cloth seats with many different styles, colors, and textures. Some cloth covers may even give leather seats a run for their money, appearance-wise.
High and Low Temperature
Another significant difference between leather vs. cloth is how they react to high and low temperatures differently.
One of the most significant downsides to leather seats is that they become notoriously hot when the car is parked in direct sunlight for hours. Leather tends to absorb heat and has extended heat retention, a massive problem during hot sunny days. Moreover, since leather retains heat for hours, it can get hot enough to get burned if you sit with bare skin.
It’s worth noting that top-quality leather absorbs less heat than faux leather. Therefore, should you decide to get leather seats, you’ll have to confirm that it’s authentic leather, not faux leather or leatherette.
In addition, leather can also lose heat quickly during colder temperatures. However, the cold is less of a concern since most trims with leather will have heated seats. Even if your vehicle doesn’t have heated seats, you can still buy a separate heated seat cover.
On the flip side, cloth seats stay relatively consistent regardless of the weather. Sure, the fabric gets hot or cold during hot summer days or chilly winters, but it’s not going to reach the same extremes as leather. If you usually park under direct sunlight, you’re better off with cloth seats.
Comfort
For most people, comfort is one of their biggest considerations when choosing between leather vs. cloth seats. Leather comfort very much depends on quality. While authentic leather is luxuriously soft and supple to the touch, cheap ones can be hard and uncomfortable. Temperatures aside, having leather car seats is the closest you can get to being on your couch at home - with genuine leather anyway.
Meanwhile, cloth seats are typically soft and supportive. Since they’re less slick than leather, cloth material is recommended if you have family pets since it’s not slippery.
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Maintenance
If you want a low-maintenance interior, cloth seats make more sense. They typically need a quick vacuum, and you’re good to go. However, it becomes problematic when you require deep cleaning, which can be time-consuming.
Moreover, cloth absorbs liquid, which can be a problem since odors linger. Over time, dust and dirt become so deep-seated that you’ll require more intensive cleaning procedures like steam. Also, some substances like oil and ink may set in permanently.
On the other hand, the leather may be high class, but it also requires a lot of maintenance. Authentic leather upholstery needs regular maintenance and conditioning using specialized products. Your leather seats will crack, fade, and generally look worn out without proper care. Full cash-washing services can clean and treat your leather seats, but those cleaning bills will add up.
On the bright side, spills and stains are quickly taken care of if you have leather seats - a piece of damp cloth is all you need. Sure, leather may also absorb spills and stains, but not on the same level as cloth seats.
Health Concerns
From the summer heat to open windows to the dirty state of the car, vehicle interiors can be a bad place for people with allergies. If a family member has allergies, you should consider getting leather seats since the allergens can be vacuumed and wiped clean. Leather seats will not completely prevent allergens but can significantly reduce them.
Conversely, porous cloth seats are an ideal environment for allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander to settle. If you love driving with your pets and having windows down, keep this in mind.
Resale Value
As the premium option, leather seats get the upper hand regarding resale value. Compared to cloth seats, leather seats can add value to your vehicle by as much as $370-$500. Of course, this can depend on several factors like your vehicle’s age, condition, and mileage. Plus, ensure that your leather seats are adequately maintained; otherwise, they can only add so much resale value if they’re faded or cracked.
Leather vs. Cloth Seats: A Quick Breakdown
Below is a quick breakdown of the pros and cons of leather and cloth seats.
Leather Pros
- Luxurious appearance
- Offers superior comfort
- Easier to clean spills and stains
- Smells great
- Easier to remove allergens
- Increases resale value
- Durable and long-lasting
Leather Cons
- The premium price (usually available in higher trims)
- Absorbs and retains heat and cold
- High maintenance
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Cloth Seats Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Low maintenance
- Family-friendly
- Consistent during extreme temperatures
- Comfortable and supportive (after break-in)
Cloth Seats Cons
- Can be dull-looking
- Absorbs spills and stains
- Retains odors
- Retains allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander
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