The leather option typically run about $1k for 'factory installed'. I called Clazzio seat covers, the middle can be leather, the outer is vinyl. You can custom the color of the seats, ie, two-tone to give it a personalized look.....black outer and red middle. Runs about $600 front and back and installs over existing seats. The Katzkin has to be ordered from an authorized installer or from the dealer. I do not know the cost. Has anyone have these installed?
Actually...I kinda like the pleather that the folks in Aichi uses in the up-optioned Priuses. It's probably more durable than real leather, and the fact that you don't have to use the skin of a 'for-real' critter to cover your seat probably makes it more palatable for the animal rights weenies out there. The only problem with this and most other factory options is that you get yesterday's technology at tomorrow's prices. The Clazzio seat covers are probably....almost certainly better than the OEM pleather, but interestingly enough the fact that they are 'aftermarket' means that they won't add to the value of the car as much as the OEM units. Life works that way sometimes. The good news is that they're seat COVERS. In addition to giving your car a distinctive look at a much more reasonable cost, they'll probably be just as (if not more) functional, and when you go to sell your car?????? You can take them off and you'll have new-looking factory OEM seats underneath. Win-Win. Good Luck!
I've got a 2013 V with just the basic configuration except I got the dealer 'leather' seats because I just don't like cloth seats in a car. I like mine. They look and feel good. Regards, Allen
I'd opt for the "pleather" option from factory. It's not leather anymore, but some man made crap toyota sells with a fancy name. But at least its factory fit and finish. Just don't expect it to hold up like leather. some say its more breathable, but you dont get leather for airflow to your a$$ or back.
Leather seat covers worked for me. My one came with fabric seats and with my kid, it was impossible for me to keep them clean. Getting seat covers was my only solution.
Can anyone who has installed leather covers or installed Katzkins take some pics for us to see. If you installed leather covers over the cloth, do you think the seat feels better or more comfortable? I'm thinking since cloth is more flexible than leather, the leather covers should provide a firmer support. Thoughts, comments?
I'm getting by on a $76 one size fits all Masque brand cover (driver's seat only so far) from PepBoys. It's genuine leather and smells it too. Tad baggy, had to cut hole in side for airbag. Not for everyone, but for sure, leather is more soft and supple than fabric. I would buy a lighter colored leather over a very dark color any day: I noticed the black leather cover was hot, then switched to a light gray. Never seen a luxury car around here with cloth
Clazzio's are known to be very good quality and great fit. I'd go for the perforated leather insert. Katzkin is a top brand at dealers around here. Website impressive. I'd expect to pay upwards of $1,50o , maybe more for perforated leather.
I considered Clazzio's strongly 3 years ago, when I got my Honda Fit, as many owners complained about the cloth interior. I almost bought them immediately. However I procrastinated and was glad I did, I found I liked the cloth interior. Maybe it's the same thing now with The Prius? I admit I may be in the minority, and I don't have a dog or children, so that probably makes a big difference, but I like the cloth interior. So far to me? It's comfortable and seems relatively durable. And my logic is? If the cloth does wear or start to be a problem, I can always get Clazzio's then. I think they are a great product. Across two vehicles and about 5 years, I can't remember ever reading a post or review where someone had purchased Clazzio's and was upset.
I am out of the country at the moment. I could have posted a few pics of how my one looks. Most of my friends couldn't figure out whether I am using seat covers or are they original seats. That explains the quality and your need to get it done from a professional place. I checked out at least 6 places to understand their quality of work before I finally got it done.
Even though I'm a Prius n00b, Ive been around the car scene for a long time. I had a 300ZX twin turbo years ago that I personally installed new leather in and it was such a pain in the nice person I swore I would never do it again. Flash forward to a few weeks ago when I finally found a suitable Prius that did not have leather, I was in a new dilemma. Fortunately, I was able to haggle a couple of thousand off the Prius and get them to throw in Katzkin leather at their installer (Plus an extended comprehensive warranty to 100k). The Prius is a silver III with solar package, nav, and had around 30k miles. I was able to get it with the leather installed for 18k. Anyway, the leather in it is pretty nice, plus its brand new so it will last awhile. I will be going to lunch in a little bit and will try to snap a pic of the leather. I was torn between two shades and think I went a shade too light for the mist grey interior but it looks and feels great. Anyway, give me some time and Ill post a few pics for reference. Update: I attached some pics for reference. As you can see, it has a few spots that will hopefully tighten up. When I did my Z years ago, it had some loose spots but the heat tightened them up and they looked perfect. Overall I am very pleased. So anyway, here ya go:
My plan is to do the same thing. How much was your final price after adding the leather? Can you post a picture of the interior?
