Re-hashing whether the Limited has real or faux leather

After reading through every thread with every keyword combo I could think of, I could not find a definitive answer

This thread was the most informative, but leaves the debate open ended.

one user called Toyota and was told that the platinum and 1794 are the only trims that are “real leather”

now for my data point-

I went to treat my seats today with Obenaufs LP and Conditioner. I have been using this product on my boots since I was a child. Here is my truck after it has been sitting for 2 hours in 82degree heat.





As you can see, the product has not soaked in one bit. I did not saturate it or over-apply. I’ve done this hundreds of times.

moreover, when applying to boots, belts, bags etc the products have always soaked in within SECONDS of application in proper heat conditions. My truck has sat for 2 hours. Obenaufs uses a beeswax formula in their conditioner that leather just drinks up.

this all leads me to a personal conclusion that the seats *may* at best be split grain leather with a synthetic coating. If treatments can’t permeate the synthetic layer - why do anything besides a very basic cleaner when spills etc occur?

I’d like your input, especially on my final question as perhaps there may still be benefit. Cheers all!

 

The Limited has faux leather, it's not natural.

 

My experience is that when real leather is used it is actually only the seating surfaces, not sides, backs, etc. Tried to buy a full grain 100% Italian leather living room group about 18 months ago, nobody can custom order one of those either. Simply ridiculous in my opinion.

 

From the manufacturer's VIN spec sheet on my '21 Tundra: Leather-trimmed-and heated front bucket seats; 10-way power- adjustable driver's seat; 6-way power-adjustable front passenger seat

So probably both.

 

The product didn’t soak in anywhere. Not the side bolsters, back, cushion etc

 

I suppose it could all be fake, but I'd think they would just say so. Maybe it is the quality and coating on the leather? I'm no expert.

 

Im not either, two self proclaimed experts went back and forth to no end on the thread I linked. Im inclined to say it’s fake, as much as it disappoints me. I had a huge mess the clean up. I just spent an hour and probably 10 dry towels soaking up all the product

 

PLEATHER!!!
The ole plastic leather!

Only Platinum and 1794 have what is referred to as Lexus grade leather, which is actually real leather. All other trims with "leather" get the Toyota synthetic, stiff, plastic, faux leather... Not genuine Corinthian Rícardo Montebán skins.

 

Leather interior, in almost any automobile, has a coating on it so that it is protected from stains and UV light. Meaning, it may be hard for anything to actually soak in. The Limited, which is what I have on my Off Road, has "leather trimmed seats", it has a lot of faux leather but I believe that the center of the seats and bolsters are leather and the sides, back and headrests are faux. The only way to really know is to pull apart a seat and see which parts are "suede like" or has "split grain" on the back. I know that when I bought my truck it had leather smell for quite a while. I mention the coating because even though you are treating the leather and trying to take care of it, the products may not soak in, they may be more a topical treatment or a cleanser at this point. Not trying to argue one way or another, but I don't think the entire seat is faux. Toyota's that have the entire seats covered in faux leather state it in their descriptions as softex.

 

I appreciate this take. the most favorable to me at this point haha. Maybe I’ll try again when I have more miles/time on the truck. It has 5k right now, 2 m.o.

 

My 2018 has 14K miles on it and I use Lexol and have been for years. While it doesn't soak in, when I buff it out is definitely looks better. I use their cleaner and then the conditioner. I think that cleaning the leather properly is the best solution, just don't let it dry out and keep the dirt out of the creases. BTW, I have 3 cars with leather, I treat them twice a year and all of them have perfect leather. Acura RDX and Civic EX-L (yeah I know, a lot of faux on that one too...LOL)

 

I think it all depends on what they consider trim Whatever it is, it's not the same as what they use in the 1974 or the Platinum. I personally think it's a marketing ploy.

 

I think its most likely real leather but its covered by a protective coating. Someone posted a pic of where they accidentally got bug spray on their 1794 seats and it looked like it stripped the coating to expose unprotected leather.

 

I have a 2021 Limited TRD Off Road and after owning it for 3 months I'm thoroughly convinced that the very leather looking seats are as legitimately leather as the chrome looking grill is truly chromed metal. But then again, I believe one can order as many "Limited" Tundras as one wishes to.

 

I bet you spot test any product the next time!

 

Watch this video, just the first few minutes, this guy is good and explains about leather coatings and what it means. His video are really good and he seems to know his stuff. Basically, all leather seats are coated for the reasons I stated above. Our Acura RDX with the tech package has the upgraded or "real" leather trimmed seats. They act exactly like my Tundra seats when I clean them and apply conditioners. The base model RDX states leatherette, not leather, and there is a difference.

Most car manufacturers state leatherette or some sort of "tex" in the name to use instead of vinyl.

Also, the Tundra work truck package states vinyl seats, not leather, but in other vehicles they state softex. So, those descriptions seem interchangeable. Vinyl = "tex" = "ette", I'd say leather = some small portion of the seat has real leather. LOL.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ov3Wb-GC_cY&ab_channel=AutoFetishDetail

 

I wasn't aware that any leather in any Toyota brand vehicle was anything but their "fake" leather. Softex I think it's called? Anyway, I thought it was leather, but not high grade and it had the plastic outer layer or whatever to give it the right look and add durability. It's lower maintenance, easier to clean, less likely to stain, and close enough IMO.

 

Either it is leather or it is not. Sounds like it is not.

 

Correct Softex is not leather.

https://www.cherishyourcar.com/toyota-softex-problems/#What_is_Toyota_Softex

 

What you have is "bonded leather". It's leather scraps bonded with vinyl to make a pliable, durable surface that is easy to clean.

Popular thing to do, every mfg does it because it can be called "leather" because there is leather in it.

Real cowhide, an entire cowhide skinned off of a cow slaughtered for steaks is a difficult thing to do, then tanning it, then precisely sewing it for a vehicle is expensive.

I love real cowhide, a snob kinda thing. I take care of it with conditioner and it lasts a long time. Bonded leather probably lasts as long but less care needed.