Replaced LE light gray cloth with Limited black leather

Discussion in 'Gen 5 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by soft_r, Mar 20, 2026 at 5:20 PM.

  1. soft_r

    soft_r Active Member

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    2024 Prius
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    4 bolts, 2 clips, very easy. Vacuumed up what little debris and dust there was and wiped down anywhere that looked like it needed it. Couldn't find a listed torque spec so I went with 27ft/lb as per the front seat rail bolt spec. This is a 10 minute job.

    Really wanted the black leather interior but it wasn't happening as far as what dealerships near me were being allotted at the time I was looking to buy so I settled with the light cloth interior. And after my first oil change where the tech smudged oil or something on the rear seat cushion and then cleaning it left this weird water stain, I've been pretty locked into the idea of replacing the cloth seats.

    Picked up a full rear set from a wrecked one off ebay for cheap and they fit just fine.

    Ignore the wire runs, redoing some things in the coming weeks. Replacing with 16awg and running it all left side, away from HV line (not that it's currently picking up interference but might as well run it correctly since I'm replacing it).
     

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    #1 soft_r, Mar 20, 2026 at 5:20 PM
  2. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Active Member

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    Nice!

    So, you replaced just the rear so far, or the fronts too? You had some seat covers on the front as I recall.

    I just didn't like the oem gray cloth. I put some nice pleather covers, front and back and like them. They clean up well, and that's been my experience in MINI and BMW-their oem pleather is nice too. Wasn't a 10 minute job though.

    There was a little thing I had to figure out to get the middle belt off, as I recall.

    A plus about the covers versus oem, is that the cushions seem thin. The covers MAY add a little body to it, but who knows.

    Anyway, if you don't have the fronts, get looking! :)
     
    #2 VelvetFoot, Mar 20, 2026 at 6:09 PM
  3. soft_r

    soft_r Active Member

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    Fronts I'm leaving as is. I haven't even looked but I'm assuming most coming from wrecks will have the airbags blown. And even if not, with the airbag tech in the seat and everything else I just expect that the cost will be prohibitive. I can just slap some new covers on the fronts and be fine with that.
     
    #3 soft_r, Mar 20, 2026 at 6:35 PM
  4. VelvetFoot

    VelvetFoot Active Member

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    I didn't think there were airbags in the seats; sensors I thought were under the seat. Of course, seat heat would be nice....here anyway.

    I really like the covers I put on.

    Upholstery/Seat Covers ? | PriusChat
     
    #4 VelvetFoot, Mar 20, 2026 at 7:33 PM
  5. LRO

    LRO Junior Member

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    I'm not doing any deep dive or commentary here but there are SRS side airbags that are installed inside the front driver and passenger seats that run along the outer perimeter of the seats that I believe deploy through breakaway seams in the stitching. So, perhaps, seat covers need to accommodate for that? (rear seat side airbags are not in the seats). Page 35 onward of your 2026 owner's manual describes/shows it and Page 41 has a warning about seat covers. Be safe.
     
    #5 LRO, Mar 20, 2026 at 11:12 PM
    Last edited: Mar 21, 2026 at 4:03 AM
    mingc likes this.
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