Are Leather Seats Necessary?

Hello,
I'm looking for my first Taco and have found some great builds that I want to jump on, but have noticed not many of them have Leather Seats.

I have a 10 month old and a Newfoundland dog (big slobbery beast) so leather seats have been our only must haves.

I previously had a Dodge Nitro with cloth seats that were supposed to be easy to clean that were destroyed by the dog.

Am I off-base to want Leather Seats on my Taco?

Thanks,
Andy

 

I like them in mine. The cloth seats in my wife's Rav4 hold onto dog hair like crazy, so I can see an argument for leather.

 

I had a slobbery dog that would drool as soon as he got in the car. I guess it was a sign that he got car sickness or anxiety. Every drip of drool mixed with the dust in my seats and I could see that spots until I did a carpet/cloth cleaner on them. I think if you often have a dog in there, get leather. I’m pretty sure just the limiteds come with the option of leather? But it seems it would be worth it. That or a dog blanket that covers the whole back seat.

 

I got clazzios (pvc) because: they look amazing and are very classy!
Also because I go to the beach a lot and get in my truck wet, I work construction and also haul small dogs around.
For me, it’s a must and I’ll never go back.
Whether it’s leather covers or leather from the factory I would totally go that way.

 

I have used vinyl seat covers in a previous 4runner. I have not yet bought my Taco but the AC OR M/T that I want, I don't think comes with leather, so I will likely buy leather seat covers. The only negative that I anticipate is that seat covers will make the heated seats less efficient.

I had my '93 MR2 (bought in 2000 and I still own) cloth seats recovered in leather about 18 years ago and they are better than stock leather seats and have stood up very well. However doing this is 4 to 5 times more expensive than leather seat covers and about 10 times more expensive than vinyl covers.

 

I have an 8 month old and a border collie I put in the back seats. I bought a bench seat style seat cover for the rear . Its made out of heavy duty nylon and covers the entire seat and sides. Best $20 I've ever spent. Most stuff just wipes right off and dog hair doesn't stick to it. It's also waterproof. I'd never go with out one again. My rear CLOTH seats still look brand new .

 

I personally prefer cloth and then the option of leather covers if I decide to go that route.

The TRD Sport upgrade package has leather, but it also has a sunroof.

Limited’s have leather for sure as well as the TRD Pro’s, I’m not sure what the Offroads have got options.

 

Just get something like this ...

URPOWER Dog Seat Cover Car Seat Cover for Pets 100%Waterproof Pet Seat Cover Hammock 600D Heavy Duty Scratch Proof Nonslip Durable Soft Pet Back Seat Covers for Cars Trucks and SUVs

$35 URPOWER Dog Car Seat Cover for Pets 100% Waterproof Seat Cover Hammock 600D Heavy Duty Scratch Proof Nonslip Durable Soft Back Seat Covers for Cars Trucks and SUVs

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0727Y5ZD7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_YbO8Cb9568S49

 

Only you can decide if leather is necessary. For me it is. IMO the fabric Toyota picked for the seats looks cheap.

Search for Tacomas with the Premium Package and leather seats will be included. They are out there.

Good luck.

 

i would 100% get one with leather or get aftermarket leather. My last truck was an f150 and i had leather put in it before i ever picked it up. I have a Great dane that is 50% euro which = big chops and lots of slobber. I traded in my leather f150 for a 19 tacoma sport and didnt have leather put in. I regret it. Its hard to clean up after him and it doesnt just wipe right off when its wet. My truck has 1800 miles and the head rests will need shampooed before i get them "water proofed" with System x. The stuff is supposed to last around 2 years and then i will get leather put in my truck. Personally if I could go back i would have just had them send the truck to an upholsterer and had the cloth removed and leather installed before i ever picked up the truck like i did with my f150. Front and rear real leather installed in my truck was 1200 bucks. That saved me 4k vs buying a lariat and getting factory leather. Just my 2 cents from someone else with a slobbery beast: Spend the money and get aftermarket leather installed before you ever pick the truck up

 

Thanks for the input everyone! I assumed I wanted leather.

But was trying to see if there were any good covers that would suffice

 

You can always add aftermarket leather seat covers. These are the ones I have. They are very high quality.

 

What kind of maintenance do the leather seat covers require? When I was younger leather seats meant keeping them up with conditioner.

 

I have the clazzio covers and the heated seats seem to work just fine.

 

Leather is a generous term for today’s “leather seats.” They are plastified to the point that they are likely to outlast Chernobyl’s radiation.

 

I have a 2yr old Husky/GSD and a 1 yr old husky. Their hair goes everywhere and gets woven into the cloth seats. I've always used a dog hammock and it helps keep hair off the seats but its so much better after adding Clazzio's seat covers front and back. I am changing up the back seat and have pulled the entire back seat out to build a platform for the dogs. Now they will have even more room and more stability.

 

Looks like dirt and mud goes everywhere, too.

 

I bought cloth and installed the Katzkin leather seats.. when Ebay does a 20% off everything coupon they're like 400 shipped.

 

No........is this thread necessary????