Is the leather real?

[dogfriend]

Originally Posted by McDonald

No no guys, I'm not asking if and when it was an option. I'm asking if the leather is real (and animal product), or if it's synthetic.

I'm pretty sure mine came from a cow.

[SW03ES]

Its real, authetic leather.

[David Beale]

The "seating areas" are real leather. That's the centre seat bottom panel and the centre seat back panel. The side bolsters and sides of the seat bottom are vinyl, as is the seat back. This is common on Japanese cars. In fact, I think the only cars with "all leather" seats are European. Jaguars, for example, and some German cars. You -can- order all leather seat covers aftermarket, but even they supply only the centre panels in real leather unless you pay more. Perforated leather is also usually an extra cost option as well.

The comments/commendations you read were for the 2004/2005 models, which didn't offer leather, real or imagined.

Why anyone would object to leather used on seats is beyond me. What do they want us meat eaters do, throw the cowhide away?

[McDonald]

Originally Posted by David Beale

The "seating areas" are real leather. That's the centre seat bottom panel and the centre seat back panel. The side bolsters and sides of the seat bottom are vinyl, as is the seat back. This is common on Japanese cars. In fact, I think the only cars with "all leather" seats are European. Jaguars, for example, and some German cars. You -can- order all leather seat covers aftermarket, but even they supply only the centre panels in real leather unless you pay more. Perforated leather is also usually an extra cost option as well.

The comments/commendations you read were for the 2004/2005 models, which didn't offer leather, real or imagined.

Why anyone would object to leather used on seats is beyond me. What do they want us meat eaters do, throw the cowhide away?

Thank you for your answer. I think that it would have been more environmentally friendly of them, more conscious of their audience, to offer a leather-ette interior instead of real leather. Why anyone would want to sit on the sking of a once living animal is beyond me. But let's not get into that.

[SW03ES]

That would have defeated the entire purpose of offering leather. They were responding to a demand, buyers wanted a leather option from the factory. I think the leather really makes the car feel a lot nicer inside, we'd have gotten it had it been available when we bought ours. I love leather seats.

Its not like they require you to have leather...its an option.

[BlackBear]

I picked up my 2008 Classic Silver package 5 with XM and Leather upgrades (done "at the port"). I am very pleased with the perforated leather which I was not expecting. However, I thought that I would also get a leather-wrapped steering wheel based on what I read in the brochure. The dealer said the leather wheel cover was an error in the brochure and that it was not available. Does anyone know if this is baloney? Can you order a leather kit for the wheel? I loke this car and it is getting an unbelieveable amount of attention (+ and -) from neighbors. My only regret is that I did not get mud flaps which I will add later. Thanks!

[GatorJZ]

Originally Posted by McDonald

Thank you for your answer. I think that it would have been more environmentally friendly of them, more conscious of their audience, to offer a leather-ette interior instead of real leather. Why anyone would want to sit on the sking of a once living animal is beyond me. But let's not get into that.

I have it on good authority that the cow no longer needed the skin I sit on.

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by BlackBear

I picked up my 2008 Classic Silver package 5 with XM and Leather upgrades (done "at the port")... However, I thought that I would also get a leather-wrapped steering wheel based on what I read in the brochure. The dealer said the leather wheel cover was an error in the brochure and that it was not available. Does anyone know if this is baloney?

I understand that the factory-installed leather includes the steering wheel cover; while the port-installed leather does not include the cover.

You can order an aftermarket steering wheel cover that laces together; however it might be tough to match the color and grain.
Toyota 04-08 Prius Wheelskins Steering Wheel Cover (Euro-Tone 2 Color)|Custom WheelSkins Genuine Leather Steering Wheel Cover

[Patrick Wong]

Originally Posted by McDonald

... I think that it would have been more environmentally friendly of them, more conscious of their audience, to offer a leather-ette interior instead of real leather...

Toyota is trying to expand the potential Prius customer base; hence offers leather-trimmed seating surfaces as an option.

[MsDaisy]

McDonald asked a legitimate question and I don't see the point of all the smart-ass comments back to her.