Pacakge 6 vs. Package 5 w/ port-installed leather

Howdy...

Last November, we traded our 2004 Prius for a 2007 Prius, Package 6, Option A... which had the factory-installed leather. We found an area dealer who had both Package 5 and 6 actually in stock are were able to compare them 'live.' We noted that the Pkg 5 with "port installed" leather [we could tell by the 'Liqui Cell Comfort' tag sewn into a seam on the leather] had a 'lumpy' feel particularly on the passenger seat and Pkg 5 did NOT have a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Pkg 6 with "factory installed" leather felt smoother and did have the leather wrapped steering wheel. Both did look about the same with the exception of the steering wheel. It's interesting that the MSRP was the same on Pkg 5 and Pkg 6.

We felt the 'factory installed' would be a smoother and more professional installation and have been pleased with the Pkg 6. It was interesting that an 'Internet Salesman' at that dealer assured me that "All leather seats are 'port installed.' I suggested he check on the difference between Pkg 5 and Pkg 6, which he did and said "I learned something today." The 'LiquiCell Comfort' is nothing more than a thin pad under the leather... If you're curious Google 'LiquiCell'

From other PriusChat posts, it seems that some Toyota Regions do not offer the Pkg 6, or offer Pkg 6 in very limited quantities.

YOU'RE GONNA ENJOY YOUR PRIUS B)

 

You do have a third option...aftermarket leather. I have no experience personally (yet), but it seems most opinions have been that the Katzkin leather is superior to the factory leather. I will find out in a month.

Additional advantages to going aftermarket: 1. only about $1000 for the leather; 2. can pick your color from many (incl. black), or even go two-tone; 3. can go perforated, smooth, or combo; 4. can easily and more cheaply add lumbar, massage, and/or heat functions. You won't get the leather steering wheel, but I can tell you that the Wheelskins leather cover makes it fat and soft; I preferred that (on my old 2005) to the factory leather wheel (on my 2006), and you can match colors, two-tone, perf., etc.

 

<_< Aftermarket Leather may be wonderful - BUT - If your Prius has side airbags located on the outside of the front seat backs, you must be sure that the stitching in those areas is specifically designed to release in an event which deploys the airbags.

 

The dealerships in my area will not do aftermarket leather through them on any car with side airbags for that reason; I guess they see it as a liability. I have not seen any "port installed" leather Prii in RI or MA at the dealerships I visited.

My brother-in-law is a service manager at a Nissan store and would have done it, but I really liked the factory leather and there is still a small part of me that wonders if the airbag would be affected by aftermarket leather. I know it is pretty silly & probably wouldn't happen, but I'd rather not mess with safety stuff, call me a worry wart.

I recommend the factory leather

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PorkchopPrius @ Feb 15 2007, 06:51 PM) [snapback]391189[/snapback]</div>

I had aftermarket leather installed on my Prius. The leather shells are set up to accomodate the side air bags. There are even labels showing where the bags are. All the armrests, and the center console were covered as well. The only thing not covered was the steering wheel, which I didn't really care about.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(PorkchopPrius @ Feb 15 2007, 07:51 PM) [snapback]391189[/snapback]</div>

Don't do it through your dealership, you'll end up paying more. katzkin.com can give you a list of locally-approved installers.

And the kits allow for the side airbags, same as the OEM leather; no problem.

rpm

 

I have the port installed leather and the seats aren't lumpy at all.

The only down side is that the center console, the armrests, and the steering wheel are not leather. I believe they would be if you get the factory leather package.

 

The "factory installed" leather option does cover the center console and armrests, but I believe they are a matching vinyl as are the sides and backs of the seats. Looks the same, but natural leather is used on the 'seating surfaces.'