Leather vs. Cloth Seats: Which Is Right for You?

Leather and cloth are the two main options when choosing interior upholstery for a new car. Of course, both fabrics have their pros and cons, which will be discussed later. Compare some of the following key considerations, so you'll know if leather or cloth is the best fit.

Cost

Leather upholstery is generally more expensive upfront than cloth. Many automakers charge $1,000 - $5,000 extra for leather depending on the vehicle make and model. However, over the long run, leather may save you some money due to easier cleaning and greater durability.

Maintenance and cleaning

Leather's smooth finish makes it very easy to clean by simply wiping away spills and dirt. Cloth requires more scrubbing with soap and water to treat stains. Leather is also more durable and resistant to wear and tear over time. But it can crack from sun exposure if not properly conditioned or a poor leather cleaner is used.

Climate

In hot weather conditions or direct sunlight, cloth can breathe better and stays cooler than leather which can get sticky with skin contact. But in colder climates, leather holds its warmth better and is more comfortable. Cloth also absorbs body moisture, which makes it feel colder.

Aesthetics 

For luxury appeal, high-end sleek looks, and customization with colors, leather may be more desirable. But some prefer cloth for certain textures and patterns which are unavailable in leather. Ultimately aesthetic preference is subjective.

Resale value

Leather interiors typically help a vehicle retain more resale value down the road, especially if it’s still in good condition. According to Kelley Blue Book, leather upholstery can increase a car's value by $1,000 - $2,000 compared to cloth when selling or trading it in. The extra cost of leather is often recouped in the long run.

How much value do leather seats add?

Leather seats can add value to the resale price of a car, but there is a lot to take into consideration. Leather seats can be seen as part of high-quality, luxury vehicles and are, in general, more durable than cloth seats, which can help maintain a vehicle's aesthetic appeal over time. But the exact increase in value will depend on multiple factors such as the condition of the leather, the make and model of the vehicle, and the overall market demand. 

It's worth mentioning that the added cost of installing leather seats does not ultimately lead to a desired resale value. While leather seats may add some resale value to your car, it's important that you take good care of them. 

Comfort

Comfort depends on individual preference as well as climate. Leather has a smoother, contoured feel but can be hot on those hot summer days, especially black leather. Cloth breathes better but absorbs moisture. Those with sensitive skin may find leather irritating over time. Test out each fabric to decide what's most comfortable.

Other factors

Leather is easier to keep clean with kids but also shows scratches more. Replacement and repairs will cost you more with leather than cloth. You should also consider noise absorption and environmental impact as well. Cloth seats are known to be better at absorbing noise compared to leather. The fibrous nature of cloth can help dampen sounds and reduce echo within the car, creating a quieter overall environment. Leather has a smooth surface that reflects sound waves, therefore, making the driving experience a bit noisier.

As for the environmental impact, leather production has a large environmental footprint, since it involves resource-intensive farming and tanning processes that are producing harmful pollutants. However the longevity and durability of leather can balance out its initial environmental cost over time. Cloth seats, often made from synthetic materials like polyester (which are not biodegradable), require less energy to produce and may have a smaller initial environmental impact. However, they typically wear out faster than leather, which could mean more frequent replacement and an increased long-term environmental impact.

If you want to go for some real leather or faux leather seats in your next car, you should take a look at the following pros and cons:

Pros:

• Luxury appeal: Genuine leather seats add a touch of luxury to the interior of a vehicle, giving it a premium and sophisticated feel.
• Durability: Real leather is generally more robust and resistant to wear and tear than fabric seats, which can help to maintain the car's aesthetic appeal over time.
• Easy to clean: Unlike fabric, spills and stains can be simply wiped off from real leather seats, making them more convenient for families with younger kids or pets.
• Comfort: Genuine leather can provide a more comfortable seating experience, especially on long drives, as they're often associated with higher-end models that come with more ergonomic design and features.

Cons:

• Cost: Leather seats are typically an upgrade over the base model fabric seats and come at an additional cost, usually only available in higher trim levels. 
• Temperature sensitive: Leather seats can get extremely hot in summer and quite cold in winter, which can be uncomfortable.
• Maintenance: Leather requires regular maintenance such as conditioning to prevent it from drying out and cracking over time.
• Visible scratches: Scratches and scuffs are more visible than on fabric seats.
• Environmental impact: The production process of leather can have a big environmental impact due to the resource-intensive farming and tanning processes involved.

Cloth seats have their own set of advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

• Cost-effective: Cloth seats are typically less expensive than leather, which can make them a more budget-friendly option.
• Temperature neutral: Unlike leather, cloth seats are not as sensitive to temperature changes. They don't get overly hot in the summer or freezing cold in cold weather.
• Variety: Cloth seats come with lots of colors and patterns, so you will almost definitely find the perfect seats.
• Comfort: Some people find cloth seats to be more comfortable as they can be softer and less slippery than leather.

Cons:

• Prone for stains: Cloth seats are more prone to stains and can be harder to clean compared to leather, which can be a problem for families with young kids or pets.
• Wear and tear: Over time, cloth seats can show signs of wear and tear more easily than leather, such as pilling or fraying.
• Less luxurious: Compared to leather, cloth seats might not offer the luxury car or premium feel that some car owners prefer.
• Allergens: Cloth seats can absorb allergens like dust mites and pet dander, which could cause issues for people with certain allergies.

In the end, choosing between leather and cloth seats in your car really depends on your personal preferences, the needs of your family members, lifestyle needs, and (mostly) budget. If you're looking for a more luxurious feel and easy maintenance, leather seats are probably the best choice for you. Leather is generally more durable and easier to clean than cloth. But, it can be more expensive, both in terms of initial cost and repair costs. 

On the other hand, if you want a more cost-effective solution that is less sensitive to temperature changes, pick some cloth upholstery. Cloth seats come with lots of colors and patterns and can be softer and less slippery than leather. Keep in mind that they can be more prone to stains and show more signs of wear and tear over time.

Ultimately, if you're on the fence between cloth or leather, a FINN car subscription lets you test drive both before deciding. For example, you  can subscribe to a cloth-seated model like the Chevrolet Traverse for six months, then swap into a leather-trimmed 3LT after to help you  make an informed choice.