I use the separate Lexol cleaner and conditioner. Maybe not the boutique leather stuff, but it is a very good leather cleaner and conditoner.
What is softex made of? I thought it was just vinyl like BMW or MINI leatherette? I love the real leather in my Prius IV, never felt hot or cold unlike the vinyl in my parent's old cars.
If you found out you would be shot! I believe it's made by Mercedes. They now make more on this material than they do selling cars!
New artificial leather gains increasing Toyota acceptance - SAE International "Softex is a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). 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. The thermal effect is from within the polyurethane layer itself, not a surface treatment." "Softex, for example, absorbs moisture about 15% more slowly than natural leather but releases it more quickly, which is a plus, as in high humidity the passenger's back will feel more comfortable. Although Softex releases moisture more quickly, so that in effect it dries faster, the material's characteristics are such that, unlike vinyl, it is highly resistant to dry-cracking, according to Toyota. Softex also reportedly has good strength-to-weight and surpasses natural leather in seam fatigue, abrasion, and scratching tests." "Softex, like other artificial leathers, is more resistant to absorbing dirt than natural leather and can more readily be cleaned."
For some of us, a HD "fleet" type interior would be very advantageous. Rubber flooring, vinyl or plastic seat coverings and door inserts. You know something for industrial environments, kids and pets. After-market seat heater and lumbar add-ons are always available.
Good thread. So far SofTex looks really attractive -- an upscale look like my old car's leather, but smoother, and thus probably easier to clean. SofTex is a little more flexible, so should last longer without cracking at the seams. The sweaty-back factor seems equivalent... I think either material is less breathable than cloth, but easier to clean, and nicer-looking. The biggest difference I've noticed is the smell. SofTex definitely does not have the distinct, classy smell of leather. It smells clean, but more synthetic, which makes sense since it is polyurethane. Plus my animal-loving wife approves, haha.
Edit - First said softex felt cool even in direct sunlight. Not true. I was just feeling the black softex on the bolsters of my Camry Hybrid SE rental: It felt like it might be cooler to the touch than leather would be. I don't find anything luxurious about hot leather.
The closest thing I see is India-based "Art Skin Comforts" offering covers that they call SofTex, but which have different grain that suggests it is really an inferior type of leatherette... Haha, so maybe not yet. The SofTex looks cool and is soft to the touch, but a mesh or cloth cover might be a better bet. A mild case of sweat-back during our first long drive in the Pri has tempted me to cover the SofTex seats, even with something cheap-yet-breathable like these $16-for-a-pair jobbies. They reportedly fit a Prius V. I'm too new here to be allowed to post a link or URL, so, for this low-cost example, just search FH-FB102102 Classic Bucket Cloth Car Seat Covers Grey / Black color
This link should work. Anyone know why the forum forbids links to Amazon? FH FB102102 Classic Bucket Cloth Car Seat Covers Grey Black Color | eBay Mike
Can I assume you traveled with the windows down or the A/C off? I'm 3/4 through our 2nd trip to Georgia with over 5,000 miles under our belt so far this time. I wear sweats and a long-sleeve Levi denim shirt and have yet to sweat even a little on the Softex seats. I keep the A/C on 72-74, though I do turn it down to 66-68 in the mornings to keep the heater from coming on. It's been 50's in the morning and the 80's during the day in the humidity of Georgia, Maryland, Virginia and New Jersey the past 2 weeks. Even when I'm sweating getting in/out during the day, I cool down quickly and the Softex is so much better than the cloth was in our Montana van. I guess different strokes for different folks.
Check out this thread: How to Clean Softex Seats? | PriusChat Or these links: How To Care For Toyota SofTex Seats - Serra Toyota How to Clean Cloth and Leather Seats in Your Toyota
