Would YOU Switch Your OEM CLOTH Interior For Leather? What Would It Take?

This week, the head honcho here at AutoSpies posted a story about his all-new, 2018 Jeep Wrangler. I'll tell ya, I've known the big cheese for about 10 years now and he's always the most excited when taking delivery of a Wrangler.

But, this time was different. That's because he didn't pick up a Rubicon with a bright red leather interior. Instead, 001 took a different approach.

2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JL Sport S Katzkin

This means his vehicle came with cloth. And, to be straightforward, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) isn't known for producing the most amazing cloth interiors.

Given that Katzkin makes an amazing product and 001 detailed the process in the photos below where it's clear that it's not simple seat covers, I think it presents auto buyers with an interesting alternative. But, I have to admit, I am a tough sell.

That's because I love cloth interiors. I am the kind of guy that if I were ordering a BMW M3 it would have a cloth interior. I'd have zero hesitation skipping the hides.

No, I am not vegan.

All that said, I wanted to see if I was alone in the enthusiast community: Would YOU switch out your OEM cloth interior for leather? If not, what would it take?


2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JL Sport S Katzkin





































































































































































































2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JL Sport S Katzkin

TomM - 4/14/2018 6:58:14 AM

+4 Boost

IN my Mini-van - I prefered the Cloth seats to the leather and it is one of the few seats I am able to get comfortable in without power adjustment as well. In this case - a good leather alternative would have been preferred over real leather. I did the same over the years with my station wagons when I could - Vinyl goes well with kids.

In my other cars - leather was standard.

Agent00R - 4/14/2018 10:53:44 AM

0 Boost

Not gonna lie, if I had kids to worry about I'd probably seek out leatherette.

Takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'.

Vette71 - 4/14/2018 11:45:08 AM

0 Boost

Just the opposite of Tom. Never able to get comfortable with cloth seats. Always feel like the are sagging. There is a firmness to real quality leather that I find much more comfortable. The plastic imitation doesn't breathe and sure doesn't have the feel of the real thing. Kids or not even our minivan had leather.

MDarringer - 4/14/2018 12:06:24 PM

+1 Boost

If you do any amount of track time, cloth seats are 100% the way to go. If you live in hot climates...cloth seats.

Agent00R - 4/14/2018 1:05:11 PM

+2 Boost

I hear your concerns Vette71 but so far my cloth seats in my Golf are doing A OK with 51k on the clock.

t_bone - 4/14/2018 8:48:21 AM

0 Boost

Custom leather has always been king.

MDarringer - 4/14/2018 12:04:21 PM

+1 Boost

You do know that leather in cars is usually "synthetic" leather aka vinyl. If the leather comes on big rolls, it's vinyl.

mre30 - 4/14/2018 9:52:15 AM

+2 Boost

Its nice to know that this exists. Looks like quality work.

You should like it though, because you won't get the money back when its time to sell/trade.

Agent00R - 4/14/2018 10:54:45 AM

-1 Boost

I think it's a matter of how custom you go. If you do something generally appealing to the eye I don't think one would have trouble getting the money back on a resale.

MDarringer - 4/14/2018 11:55:58 AM

0 Boost

I'd like to make a list of people for whom I'd pay for fancy seat covers from this place then pray for side impact wrecks.

Agent00R - 4/14/2018 1:06:17 PM

+1 Boost

001 could detail better but I am pretty sure the side impact airbags work A OK with these seats.

As previously mentioned, they're not covers.

MDarringer - 4/14/2018 2:23:00 PM

-2 Boost

The seat is the structure. What goes over the structure is the cover. These are covers. You can be forgiven because you are not in that line of business, but I'm sure you have to be right. so...

MMMMMMK

And how are you "pretty sure"? Do they use the perforated material that OEM manufacturers use where the airbags are located?

Or are you just assuming?

MDarringer - 4/14/2018 6:35:37 PM

0 Boost

It's why you see the company's work featured so prominently at BimmerFest.

MrEE - 4/14/2018 6:46:43 PM

+3 Boost

Also in cold climates cloth is better, does not require heating to remove the cold. Comfort with leather needs both heat and venting plus more maintenance in the long run.