Leather vs Cloth Seats - It's a Personal Preference

Leather vs cloth seats is a choice each driver must make when purchasing their next vehicle. The choice of the interior comes down to cow versus manufactured cloth and can sometimes be a difficult choice.

This is because each offers benefits and pit falls.

Some of the benefits of leather...

Leather offers a soft, supple feeling while driving down the road. It is a comfy fit for your bottom.

Additionally since leather is a more expensive choice, it is often a sign of prestige and luxury. For those whose car is a reflection on their being or their status, leather offers a sense of class to the driver.

The additional cost of leather upholstery you pay up front can be a benefit when it is time to sell your vehicle.

Typically, leather brings a greater resale value.

Oh! And there is nothing better than the distinct rich aroma of new leather interior in a car, truck or SUV.

Yippee! Rawhide!

The downside of leather...

It requires more maintenance to keep the leather conditioned and supple. If leather seats are your choice, you should regularly clean them and put a leather conditioner on the interior so that the leather does not crack.

Another drawback is the comfort. In extreme heat, the seats can be almost too hot to handle. The opposite is also true, in extreme cold weather the seats take quite a bit of time to warm up. So with leather, prepare to have your buns toasted or frozen depending on the weather.

Also because leather seats may be slippery, take caution when entering so that you don't find yourself under the dashboard!

Now, let's take a look at the benefits of cloth...

First, there is the affordability factor. Cloth seats will cost you less than leather and will yield a slightly lower resale value than its counterpart - leather.

With cloth, you can avoid some of the haphazard while trying to enter the car. Because cloth is a more breathable choice, it typically stays the same temperature year around. No burnt or frozen buns with cloth. As well, you have a better chance of entering the car and remaining on the seat as you round corners.

Now, the pitfalls of cloth...

Your cloth seats may not earn you the same respect you would get with leather seats. If you are looking to impress, leather would be a much better choice.

Cloth tends to get dirty easier and absorb stains more easily. Likewise odors can be easily locked into the fibers of the cloth. Smells such as pets or smoking tend to make themselves comfortable in cloth interiors. This can negatively affect your resale value as well.

Now that we have discussed some of the aspects regarding leather vs cloth seats, it is best to look at your own personal situation. Consider the use of the car, the mileage you travel each month and the ability to maintain the car's interior. The final decision is yours.