9-10-13 We just bought a beautiful new Barcelona Red Metallic 2013 PRIUS v FIVE w-ATP. We were underwhelmed, to say the least, with Toyota's version of 1963 car model's --all vinyl seating. Toyota calls it "supple SofTex" with "approximately 99% fewer Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) than that of conventional synthetic leather." In other words, Toyota cheaped out and has tried to smooth our feathers by utilizing eco-friendly wording to cover it's penny-pinching decision. A friend said that his dad's shop used to install "rolled and tucked" Naugahyde--which later became known as vinyl seating. No matter how you describe it, this vinyl product causes you to sweat out your clothes, especially here in Texas. Both of our previous top-line Prii had had leather seating. We voted with a no confidence and ordered perforated leather seating for our new car.
I find it quite comfortable in the summer heat, and it doesn't get hot when the sun shines on it. To each his own, but I appreciate Toyota finding ways to cut costs and weight too. I prefer it to either fabric or leather.
Same here. And it's way closer to leather than to vinyl for sure. I don't dislike cloth and had it in my last car, but the Softex (or real leather) is a premium product.
a-man, I couldn't agree more about the vinyl seating. It was one of the deciding factors in my choosing a Level 3, with which I'm very happy. "To each...", as they say; I'm all about someone liking the SofTex. I want Toyota to do well, and keep developing these babies. By the way, where did you get the leather? Was that an available extra from Toyota, or after-market? Anyway, congratulations on your new red one, and I hope you have a little better luck with it. Put us up a photo, what say? Best, WmH
Here's an 'industry' article on Softex: New artificial leather gains increasing Toyota acceptance Sounds like it actually outperforms real leather. Also -"What makes Softex unique is its high breathability and thermal quality. It actually runs cooler because it reflects infrared rays, which is a primary reason for seat-cover heat absorption. In testing, Softex can run up to 10°C (18°F) cooler than other seating materials. "
9-10-13 m-hound, The aftermarket perf leather seating was from Classic Leather. Will provide pics when installed. Thanks, archiveman2977
I'm happy with the Softex as well in my 2013 Prius Type 5 with ATP. It's been very comfy and cool. So far it's equal to the leather that was in my replaced 2002 Highlander, of course without the nice leather smell.
Congratulations on your new Privis 5 w/ATP. Excellent choice. That was my choice (Prius 5 w/ATP, not Prius v) prior to purchasing a 2012 Prius Plug In Advance with most of the features of your Prius. I added the Prius 5 wheels the first week. I think you should have given the SofTex seats more time, before incurring another large expense. I'm very happy with mine, like the color, feel, look, and they're easy to clean. What more could one (-1-) ask for? Same for those that replied to your post. No shortage of Prius 2 & 3 (?) owner trading in their cloth seats for leather aftermaket covers. I've had cloth seats, leather seats, and SofTex seats. I liked all three. But, I like the SofTex as well and currently wouldn't trade them for anything else.
We just traded in a Lexus RX with leather for a new v5 with softex. We had considered special ordering leather because my wife is used to it and insisted on leather until she drove one with Softex. We live between Houston and Austin so we know Texas heat and these seats are NOT not 'hot and sweaty.' They are NOT vinyl, which is plastic. They also clean up easier and will not hold a stain like leather will. Couldn't see paying a huge premium for leather. It's nice to have choices. You made yours. No need to bash the product, which in effect, belittles those of us who made a different choice. We, and countless others, like the Softex just fine.
9-11-13 Thanks for your thoughts, Kensterfly. While those comments represented our consideration of SofTex, my wife also noted that it didn't allow her to easily slide out of the seat; hence, we ordered the perforated leather seating. I still remain a big supporter of Toyota's quality and reliability as this Prius v is our third Prius, and fourth Toyota purchase which includes our 2001 Tacoma. Regards, archiveman2977
Only car I ever had with real leather seats was a 1984 Peugot 505 STI. Probably the best seats of any car i've ever owned/ridden in, front and rear, too bad the rest of the car was very odd and mechanically backwards to anything else in existence. Other than the slippery factor of leather and the nice smell which could be pro or con depending on your preferences, i personally love the softex seats, especially the fact they don't get so hot sitting in the sun as real leather. to each his own.
I, too, like the Prius v simulated leather seats. They will hopefully ear/last longer than the previous leather seats I had that cracked and faded. I was always treating the leather with creme conditioner to maintain that new look. Now, I can depend on synthetic technology to replace that chore. iPad ? HD
I came from a Porsche and Acura both with leather. Several months earlier my wife bought an Avalon with leather. I ordered a v 3 with Softex "dealer installed". I don't see any downsides after a year and around 8k miles. To each his own.
While traveling out in the Midwest, my wife and I saw a herd of SofTex. My, oh my, what a beautiful animal. They appeared to be handling the heat just fine........... <*}}}}>< Cape Codder......
The one in the midwest are pretty tame. Go to Texas if you want to see the really tough ones that seats are made out of.
I like the softex way better than leather. It does not get hot like my previous car's leather seat, and is so easy to keep clean. Seat feels so much more comfortable too. I know it's new, so we'll see how well it holds up over the next 8-10 years. SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 ? 2
Its interesting to hear about people's experience with Softex. One of the reasons I bought a v3 in 2011 was because my kids hated the feel of leather in my old Camry in mid-summer and mid-winter. I had assumed that Softex would be like leather but it looks its really quite different. Maybe consider it for my next car.
