How is your SoftTex holding up?

It's so new, I can't imagine anyone has too long a period for evaluation. Didn't it just become available on all 2012's?

Get a better idea in a couple of months...or even a year.

However if you have 2 kids and 3 dogs? You might just need something that goes beyond "durable", to some Comic Book magical material.

It's your review of Softex, that I'd like to hear in a couple of months.

 

Don't most people with kids opt for leather/vinyl rather than cloth as they're much easier to clean up?

 

I think I read somewhere that the softex had been used on other Toyota models prior to using it in the Prius, but I can't find the post.

 

I just purchased a 2012 with SofTex seats. Within 24 hours of taking delivery, I visited the dealer's service department to have an accessory installed. The dealership does not cover the drivers seat during service. When the car was ready, I noticed a puncture in the driver's seat. The SA said this type of event had never happened before. I was extremely upset, and they offered to replace the seat. Who in their right mind would want a new car that needs a seat replacement, as it's very likely that a host of other problems would be experienced if they remove and reinstall another seat.

After taking my case up the ladder, they agreed to let me take delivery on another Prius. After all, it was a new car, and the miles on the car was basically a test drive.

It appears that owners willl need to treat this new material with kid gloves. I see problems forthcoming with the use of this material. While it feels very soft and comfortable, I believe a human fingernail could easily damage the material.

 

Whatever punctured your seat most likely would have punctured real leather too. Faux leather materials have been used for ages and they keep getting better. In fact they usually wear better than leather. No stretching, cracking, etc. I suggest you relax... I'm sure it's fine.

 

Mercedes has been using MBTex for 25 years or so.... Is the material similar?


- Bill -

2010 Toyota Prius V w/ATP (8/10 build) - Barcelona Red w/Dark Gray Leather

iPad ?

 

If you select a '12 with Softex is the added cost the same as if you select leather in an '11?

 

Mine are holding up really well so far, but I put a towel down on the softex before the dog gets in. I'm just not ready to have dog hair and dirt all over my new seats.

 

Just because a technician was careless enough to puncture it with their tool doesn't make it fragile.

 

The cost is the same or higher. I had leatherette in my first BMW, and it still looked new after almost four years. As d2mini suggests, whatever punctured the seat could have likely happened to leather, and I don't know what caused the damage.

Hopefully this new material will stand the test of time. Toyota has a patent on the material and is using it across several model lines. This forum will be useful in determining if the material is fragile.

 

A good idea if you have to bring your car in for service, put on some heavy seat covers before you leave home just in case some meathead mechanic is dirty or otherwise carrying tools in their pockets.

Mike

 

I'm sure Toyota tested the material thoroughly, a sharp tool would have gone through leather and cloth the same way! However, I do like the smell and feel of a high quality leather interior, hopefully that could also be a premium option in the future with softex being a mid grade option?

 

I'm very surprised the dealer drew up new paper work and corrected their inventory just to give you an entirely different Prius because of a rip in the seat. I guess what ever dealer you went to really wanted you to be happy! That's a good thing.

 

Another thought, Toyota most likely chose to go with Soft-tex over leather to avoid the radicals starting a war about how our eco-friendly vehicles are somehow linked to the senseless animal cruelty that is displayed in such publications as the PETA videos.

Leather is a great option, just not for the buyers of Prius.

This of course, is merely an educated guess based on all prior attacks of Prius.

"If you don't like mosquitos, stay out of the marsh."

 

I heard that the softex weighs a lot less than leather, so it's another move to improve mileage.

 

Time will tell if it holds up better than the leather/vinyl interiors of former priuses. That being said, it sure FEELS a lot better than the leather used before. I hated the feel of the old "leather" seats with the utilitarian shoe leather and sticky vinyl. The softex feels wonderful!

 

I must say I am glad i got a 2011 IV with leather.. that "softex" or whatever fancy name they have for vinyl is the thinnest cheapest material i have ever seen in a vehicle.
They put that in the Lexus CT as well... it was a complete turn off for me.
but good luck with it.. i think a dogs nail may poke right through that stuff.. be careful