Is the leather real?

SW03ES · 06-26-2008, 05:39 PM

Who gave her smart ass comments? We answered her question and commented as to her opinion that Toyota should not have put leather in the car...

I don't see any smart-assed comments...

ceric · 06-26-2008, 09:12 PM

I think David Beagle already answered the question very well.

There is a reason it is called "trimmed" or "leather-trimmed" interior, not "all-leather interior".
Most Japanese vehicles (Lexus included) do not use full leather like most German luxury brands do (such as BMW, MB and Audi). Cost is a major factor. As David pointed out, only two pieces of the front seats are made of genuine leather. The parts that touch your backend and your back. Others are made of faux leather (or man-made leather). The same goes for the back seat.
I purchased a aftermarket kit from eBay. I can tell from the backside that this is true.
I also read a report a few years ago on this issue.
For example, most people do not know that the 3rd row seat "leather" surface in most SUVs/CUVs are made of man-made leather entirely. Not a single piece is made of real
leather. For example, Acura MDX.
They called it "leather-trimmed" for a good reason.

fcc · 06-26-2008, 09:23 PM

based on this thread, i can fully understand why prius drivers are stereotyped
as liberal, vegan, etc...

i wanted leather interior because it looks nice, easy to manage/clean, and lasts
longer then fabric if taken care of.

i have no concern, what so ever, of the cow it came from.

but i do understand how a vegan who detests meat would also think the leather option
is creepy. i just think it is mind blowing ironic when i see these vegans wearing leather
birkenstocks licking ice cream that came from a cow.

pdhenry · 06-26-2008, 10:07 PM

Quote:

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.

How is leather less environmentally friendly than plastic?

SW03ES · 06-26-2008, 11:21 PM

Aside from the fact that it comes from an animal...and thusly if you were vegan you wouldn't like that...the chemicals used to tan and dye leather are extremely bio-unfriendly generally.

06-26-2008, 05:39 PM	#21
SW03ES Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Gaithersburg, MD Posts: 1,114 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Is the leather real? Who gave her smart ass comments? We answered her question and commented as to her opinion that Toyota should not have put leather in the car... I don't see any smart-assed comments...

06-26-2008, 09:12 PM	#22
ceric Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Fremont, CA Posts: 806 My Car: 2005 Prius Package: #6 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Is the leather real? I think David Beagle already answered the question very well. There is a reason it is called "trimmed" or "leather-trimmed" interior, not "all-leather interior". Most Japanese vehicles (Lexus included) do not use full leather like most German luxury brands do (such as BMW, MB and Audi). Cost is a major factor. As David pointed out, only two pieces of the front seats are made of genuine leather. The parts that touch your backend and your back. Others are made of faux leather (or man-made leather). The same goes for the back seat. I purchased a aftermarket kit from eBay. I can tell from the backside that this is true. I also read a report a few years ago on this issue. For example, most people do not know that the 3rd row seat "leather" surface in most SUVs/CUVs are made of man-made leather entirely. Not a single piece is made of real leather. For example, Acura MDX. They called it "leather-trimmed" for a good reason. __________________ 2005' Tideland Prius (Dec, 2004) Life time MPG = 45+ Mods Done: body-side moldings, wood dash kit, rear bumper applique, ultrasound backup sensors, backup camera, signal mirrors, BT stiffening plate, 205/60R15 tires, leather-trim interior, all-weather mats, shark-fin antenna Mods Planned: 16" or 17" light-alloy wheels, front strut-tower brace

06-26-2008, 09:23 PM	#23
fcc Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Nashua NH Posts: 244 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: #6 Touring Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Is the leather real? based on this thread, i can fully understand why prius drivers are stereotyped as liberal, vegan, etc... i wanted leather interior because it looks nice, easy to manage/clean, and lasts longer then fabric if taken care of. i have no concern, what so ever, of the cow it came from. but i do understand how a vegan who detests meat would also think the leather option is creepy. i just think it is mind blowing ironic when i see these vegans wearing leather birkenstocks licking ice cream that came from a cow.

06-26-2008, 11:21 PM	#25
SW03ES Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Gaithersburg, MD Posts: 1,114 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Re: Is the leather real? Aside from the fact that it comes from an animal...and thusly if you were vegan you wouldn't like that...the chemicals used to tan and dye leather are extremely bio-unfriendly generally.

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