Softex vs Leather

A common question plaguing most Toyota owners is deciding on the best car seat for their car interior. We will go over in detail the pros and cons of the Softex vs. Leather car seats to help you make an informed decision on what should work for you. However, before going into comparison, a little introduction.

Softex is synthetic leather. It is touted as having a soft feel, capable of resisting spills, and easy to clean. However, the most distinctive aspect of Softex is its manufacturing process. Unlike leather, this material is made through a more environmentally friendly process that generates 85% less carbon dioxide emissions and 99% fewer volcanic organic compounds.

Being synthetic leather, this composition of this material does include any animal-based material. That said, let’s look at how Softex compares to leather as a reliable car seat for your Toyota.

Quick Comparison Chart

Softex		Leather
SofTex is synthetic leather made from artificial substances. The material is thinner and soft.	Material	Leather is the product of animal skin. The material is luxuriously soft, thick, and firmly cushioned.
SofTex is a thinner material that is unlikely to withstand prolonged friction for as long as leather, though made of quality.	Durability	Adequately maintained, leather is a very durable car seat that can withstand the stress of friction and movement, and it can last for up to ten years.
SofTex is a thin fabric that works well in harsh weather, making it more comfortable and breathable.	Breathability	Leather is a thick fabric that can be unbearable in extreme weather. It lacks breathability.
Softex is produced more environmentally friendly than leather, saving up to 85% and 99% of carbon dioxide and volcanic organic compound emissions, respectively.	Maintenance	Leather needs proper maintenance with leather cleaners and conditioners to prevent damage.
Softex is produced more environmentally friendly than leather, saving up to 85% and 99% of carbon dioxide and volcanic organic compound emissions, respectively.	Environment friendly	The tanning process of leather has long been an enormous cause for concern.
SofTex is marginally more affordable than leather upholstery.	Price	Leather is a more expensive material than SofTex.

Is SofTex better than leather?

Sparing you the expert mumbo jumbo detailed further on, it is safe to say that SofTex is by far one of the best car upholsteries ever produced. Although leather is a thicker, classier material, its competitor has a slight edge in performance. A little caveat, we have no practical knowledge of how well this material will age on vehicles.

What are Toyota Softex’s Problems?

Despite its nouveau nature, users have a few complaints about the Toyota SofTex. The primary grumble is its lack of luxury. SofTex does not possess the kind of classy look that leather exudes. Having a great look is a key criterion in a world where vehicle performance alone does not cut it. So, buyers who prioritize luxury may not enjoy the look and thin feel of SofTex.

Another criticism of this car upholstery is its thin feel. To increase breathability, the car material must be as light as possible. Ironically, this is an industry where the thicker the material, the more likely it is to age well.

Thin upholstery has long been seen as materials that do not last. The reason is that the car interior, mainly the steering wheel and seats, is exposed to the most movement and friction. Therefore, it needs to be turgid enough to withstand the pressures of regular use.

Although the car upholstery maker claims that the quality components of this car seat guarantee prolonged use, the delicate look of this material is why it might wear quickly. These are the two major problems this car seat is associated with.

The Difference Between Softex and Leather

On the surface, SofTex looks and feels like leather. That is as far as the similarities go. Here is a breakdown of the difference between these two car seat materials.

Durability

SofTex is made of thin material to enhance breathability. While this aids its ability to withstand harsh temperatures, its lack of turgidity naturally makes it incapable of lasting long. On the other hand, leather is a thick material that is capable of ageing well provided it is correctly cared for. This material is highly resistant to fading or cracking due to staining or sun exposure.

The winner: Leather

Breathability

SofTex is a breathable material that can maintain breathability in hot or cold weather. The reason is that its components do not absorb as much UV rays as leather. On the other hand, leather seats absorb extreme temperatures. Expect your leather seat to be scorching in summer and freezing in winter. Therefore, our winner is a material that does not leave lots of sweat at the end of a ride.

The winner: SofTex

Maintenance

Leather has never been an easy car upholstery to maintain. From vacuuming to regular use of leather cleaners and conditioners, leather is a classy material that requires proper care. SofTex is not so burdensome. Maintaining this fabric is easy and affordable. It also doesn’t stain and is easy to clean.

The winner: SofTex

Environment friendly

SofTex is made from synthetic substances, and no animal parts are used during its production. Despite being a synthetic car upholstery, it interestingly releases fewer emissions into the atmosphere than leather. This ranks it as one of the most eco-friendly car interior materials currently on the market. On the contrary, leather is criticised for its tanning process’s enormous harm to the environment.

The winner: SofTex

Price

Toyota SofTex is more expensive than most cloth seats. However, its price tag is less than the amount required to purchase leather car seats. Note that the price difference between SofTex and leather car seats is marginal.

The winner: SofTex

Sum Up

There are numerous factors to consider when choosing a car seat. Beyond those listed above, we must also look at the grip, comfort, smell, resale value, and varied colour options. SofTex has a steadier grip than leather, keeping your body firm while navigating the tight corners at top speed. Grip has been a longstanding flaw with leather as it allows drivers to slip easily. Therefore, leather is not used in race cars.

Softex is more cushioned than leather making it more comfortable. Like leather, it does not absorb any foul odours. Leather has a better resale value than SofTex, where the leather is adequately maintained. But, leather does not have as many distinct colour options as Softex; leather colours are limited mainly to black, grey, brown, and white.

Therefore, Softex is well on its way to occupying a dominant position in the car upholstery market. It is cheaper and has a considerable edge over its classier counterpart. However, leather is easily the go-to product for those who love class and will sacrifice everything for it. Persons who value functionality will find SofTex a significant improvement on leather.

FAQs

Is SofTex a vinyl?

Yes, SofTex is a vinyl-type material that comprises thermoplastic polyurethane. Though similar to leather, it is easier to clean, resistant to stains and spills, and is lighter than genuine leather.

Are SofTex seats comfortable?

Like leather, SofTex seats are soft and well-cushioned. Thanks to its thin synthetic material, it is incredibly breathable, providing maximum comfort in the extremities of hot and cold weather.