I Just Bought a 2024 Toyota RAV4 But I Should’ve Gone With the Leather Seats, It’s Like Ugly Carpet Versus Beautiful Hardwood Flooring, Now I’m Stuck With It

Cloth or Leather?

I just bought a 2024 Toyota RAV4 with cloth seats, but now I wish I had gone with leather. What should I do?

This is the exact dilemma Mariah Cheri Cuthrell (@mariahcheri) faces. In a recent TikTok video, she showcased her husband's Acura with its sleek leather seats, a feature she now wishes her own car had.

She says,

“I just bought a 2024 Toyota RAV4 and I love the car, but should've gone with the leather seats. My husband's Acura feels so much cleaner with them. It's like having ugly carpet versus beautiful hardwood flooring." 

What Should Mariah Do Now?

She loves the car but can't trade her new RAV4 SUV in because she will lose too much money. She would lose thousands by selling it to the Toyota dealer and trading it for the higher trim level with leather. What should she do? 

It sparked a cloth versus leather debate. Which do you prefer?

Check out some of the comments Mariah received after she posted her short video clip.

JJ - I strongly prefer cloth seats bc they don't crack or rip or wrinkle

Mariah says, My parents prefer cloth for that reason, too.

Michael_Webb, Consider getting Katzkin leather installed. It's of higher quality than Toyota's factory leather and cheaper than buying a new car!

Danielle Johnson - Leather is a must-have for kids; do what anyone says! So easy to clean!

Mariah - Yes, one of the main reasons I want leather

natalie :) - I will always get leather seats because fabric is so hard to clean

Mariah - Yes!! And I have young kids, so it's even harder to keep clean with fabric seats.

BamBam - I'm a cloth fan. It's harder to clean them in the short term, but they are so much more comfortable. I hated my RAV4 seats specifically, though, along with the rest of the interior. I spilled water and stained that fabric.

Mariah - I do feel like it stains so easily

crystalmushroomz - I got Katskin leather put in; it's like $1,500-1,700, but SO worth it

Kyu - My mom has a RAV4. I think the cloth is more comfortable, but the leather looks nicer

Mariah Has Another Option

In the comments section, Mariah is told by at least six others to check out Katzkin. They manufacture unique custom leather seats for car owners like Mariah who wish they had a leather interior.

Mariah says, "Thanks to these comments, I'm getting the Katzkin with the black leather. I can't wait! I just scheduled an installation appointment for the leather seats with Katzskin on March 3rd! I'm so excited."

Should She Buy Aftermarket Seat Covers?

You may have seen the aftermarket seat covers that look fake and cheap. You know, you can buy the ones at the parts store. They are not a good option unless you have a $1,000 car. 

This is not an advertisement for Katzkin, but it's one way a Toyota RAV4 or other vehicle owner can upgrade to leather seats and not have to buy a new car to get them. And they look like a factory install. 

Katzkin is a brand of custom leather upholstery for cars, trucks, and SUVs. Katzkin leather can be purchased as an aftermarket installation, dealer accessory, or factory-offered option. 

Features

• Installation: Katzkin leather replaces the existing cloth upholstery in your vehicle. 
• Design: Katzkin offers a variety of design options, including standard designs and custom creations. 
• Materials: Katzkin leather is made from imported automotive leather. 
• Durability: Katzkin leather is designed to meet or exceed factory performance specifications. 

Benefits

• Professionally installed leather can transform the look and feel of your vehicle's interior. 
• Leather is easier to clean and maintain than cloth. 
• Katzkin leather is water-resistant and mold-resistant. 

How to Get Katzkin Leather Installed in Your Vehicle

Capitol One Auto Navigators says, 

Katzkin leather can be used for aftermarket installations, dealer accessories, or sometimes as a factory-offered option. While the company is best known for leather, it also sells vinyl seats, which some vehicle owners might prefer for open-top vehicles.

The first step to acquiring a Katzkin-sourced interior for your vehicle is to go to the company's online configurator. The tool lets you select your car's make and model and browse design possibilities ranging from established packages to fully customized original creations.

Katzkin offers various options, allowing customers to experiment with different looks and combinations. Both leather and non-leather materials are available and can be made with multiple textures and stitching, ranging from bright red to subtle gray.

Final Thoughts and Questions for Toyota RAV4 Owners

Should you opt for a Toyota RAV4 with comfortable cloth seats or go for the luxurious feel of leather? Mariah, a recent RAV4 owner, has made the decision to go with a leather seat install and cover her cloth seats. 

The cost to upgrade to professionally installed leather seats is about $2,000, much less than what Mariah would lose if she traded in her Toyota RAV4 for a higher trim level. So, it's a good option for her now. She doesn't have to live with it for the life of her car loan. 

How About You?

What's your preference? Cloth or leather? Have you upgraded your RAV4 or another vehicle's cloth seats with a professionally installed, premium leather interior? We want to hear about your experience. Click the red 'Add New Comment' link below and share your thoughts with us.

Check out my Toyota Camry story titled; 6 Months In, I Love My 2025 Toyota Camry, But 5 Things About It Absolutely Drive Me Crazy

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl