Should you choose SofTex or leather seats for your next new Toyota?

 When you're looking for a new car, you've got a serious number of choices to make. From performance to technology to aesthetics, the options are endless. One of the most common questions we get asked at Toyota of N Charlotte is whether SofTex or leather is better when it comes to a new Toyota's interior, and we're here to answer - check out this quick and easy guide to SofTex vs. leather to help you decide which you should opt for. 

What are SofTex and leather? 

To kick things off, let's discuss what SofTex and leather are. 

• SofTex is a synthetic leather that is a great alternative to actual leather. It has a similar look and lots of perks that come along with it, and contains no animal products. 
• Leather is an animal product that's associated with plush luxury. 

So which is better for your N Charlotte Toyota? Here's a breakdown of some of the main points. 

Maintenance:

• Leather seats require a lot more car maintenance than SofTex. They need routine cleaning, but they also need routine conditioning to keep them supple and soft. If you don't take the time to condition them, they're very susceptible to cracking. 
• SofTex seats just need to be routinely cleaned; they're actually more dirt-resistant than leather. You can clean them up with just soap and water and call it a day. 

Climate: 

• Leather doesn't like heat or sun, so if you live in an area of the country that has one or both, be prepared to put a little extra TLC into your car detailing routine. Additionally, leather absorbs more UV rays than SofTex, which means it can get extremely hot and stay extremely hot (so watch your legs). On the other side of the card, they stay warmer in the winter. 
• SofTex, on the other hand, has a special coating that reflects UV rays so it absorbs less heat. 

How they look and feel: 

• Leather has a high-end look and is associated with luxury - we're all familiar with it. Leather seats are comfortable and also, stylish and sleek. 
• SofTex is thinner than leather but very soft. They look extremely similar to leather seats and come in a ton of colors so you can customize your N Charlotte Toyota's interior. 

Cost: 

• SofTex is definitely the more budget-friendly of the two and is cheaper than leather, but it is more expensive than fabric. 
• Leather is the most expensive interior trim material because of the extensive process used in creating it. 

Decide the SofTex vs leather debate in person at Toyota of N Charlotte 

Have questions or want to see these two material in person? Visit Toyota of N Charlotte to compare SofTex to leather and decide. We're open seven days a week at 13429 Statesville Road, just off I-77 at exit 23 in Huntersville.