You’re probably wondering if the new Toyota RAV4 has leather seats. The answer is… it depends. Some models have leatherette (a type of synthetic leather) seats, while others come with cloth seats as standard. In this epic guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the different seat materials available on the RAV4, so you can make an informed decision when purchasing your next car.
What is Toyota RAV4?
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact crossover SUV that first debuted in the mid-1990s. It was one of the first SUVs on the market and helped start the trend of small, fuel-efficient SUVs that would eventually become extremely popular. The RAV4 has always been a very popular vehicle, and it continues to be one of Toyota’s best-selling models.
Since its inception, the RAV4 has undergone several redesigns and it is now in its fifth generation. The current generation of the RAV4 was introduced for the 2018 model year and it is still in production today. It is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and there are a few different engine options. There are also a number of different trim levels available, which can affect what features and amenities are included.
One feature that many people are interested in when shopping for a new vehicle is leather seats. Leather seats add a touch of luxury to any vehicle and they can also be quite comfortable. So, does the Toyota RAV4 have leather seats?
Unfortunately no, the Toyota RAV4 does not have leather seats. This is true for all trim levels and all model years of the RAV4. While certain models have leather trimmed steering wheels and other leather accents, none of them have full leather upholstery. [1], [2], [3]
Main Models of RAV4 and Their Interior Specifications
But what do the RAV4’s seats are made of then? It actually depends on the model. Let’s take a look at the main models of RAV4 and their interior specifications.
RAV4 LE
The RAV4 LE is the base model of the RAV4. The seats in the RAV4 LE are made of fabric. The fabric is a high-quality material, but it’s not as luxurious as leather. Toyota offers a variety of colors for the RAV4 LE’s seats, including black, gray, and beige.
The RAV4 LE comes with power windows, and power door locks. The seats are comfortable and have enough room for tall passengers. The RAV4 LE is a good choice for families who want a practical SUV with comfortable seating.
Toyota RAV4 XLE
The XLE is a step up from the LE trim. It also comes with cloth seats, but they are upgraded to be more comfortable and stylish. The XLE also has a few more luxury features than the LE, such as automatic climate control and a sunroof.
The front seats are 8-way power adjustable for the driver and 4-way power adjustable for the passenger. The driver’s seat also has 2-way lumbar support.
Still, let’s talk more about the XLE Premium model which comes with SofTex®-trimmed seats. SofTex leather is a material that is made to look and feel like genuine leather, but without using any animal products in its construction. It’s usually made from a blend of polyurethane and polyester, which gives it a similar appearance to leather but with a more consistent texture. SoftTex leather is often used as an upholstery fabric for furniture and cars because it’s durable and easy to clean.
RAV4 Hybrid LE
The RAV4 Hybrid LE comes with the same seats as the regular RAV4 LE. The seats are made of fabric and are comfortable for long journeys.
The RAV4 Hybrid LE comes with all the standard features of the RAV4 LE, plus a few extra features that come with the hybrid model. These include a dual zone automatic climate control system and an analog speedometer.
RAV4 Adventure
The RAV4 Adventure is a special edition of the RAV4 that comes with some extra features for off-roading. Because of this, it features SoftTex-trimmed seats that are more durable and can withstand more wear and tear.
Front driver’s seat is 8-way power adjustable with 2-way lumbar support. The front passenger’s seat is 4-way power adjustable.
You can also purchase an optional package that features a leather trimmed steering wheel and shift knob.
So, to answer the question, does Toyota RAV4 have leather seats – it doesn’t. As for artificial leather, it depends on the model. The base model, RAV4 LE, does not come with any leather seats. However, the XLE and XLE Premium models do come with SofTex-trimmed seats. And finally, the Adventure model also comes with SofTex-trimmed seats that are more durable for off-roading.
But how do these seats compare to leather seats? Let’s take a look. [1], [2], [3]
Comparison of SofTex Seats and Leather Seats
While it might sound disappointing that Toyota RAV4 doesn’t offer leather seats as an option, there’s actually no need to worry. The standard SofTex seats in the RAV4 are just as comfortable and luxurious as leather seats, if not more so. Here’s a comparison of the two seat types:
Leather seats are made from, well, cowhide. They’re softer and more breathable than fabric seats. They also add value to your car and have a luxurious look and feel.
Comfort
Comfortability is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a seat material. SofTex seats are incredibly comfortable, just like the leather seats are. The main difference is that SofTex is slightly softer than leather, making it more comfortable for long journeys.
Leather seats can feel a bit stiff and uncomfortable at first. However, they will soften over time and mold to your body shape. This makes them more comfortable for extended periods of sitting.
In addition leather seats can get very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. This is because they don’t handle temperature changes as well as fabric seats.
SofTex seats come with a weather responsive insert that adjusts the temperature of the seat to keep you comfortable no matter what the weather is like outside.
Maintenance
Another important thing to consider when choosing between seat materials is how easy they are to care for. SofTex seats are very easy to maintain. All you need to do is wipe them down with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or spills. You don’t have to worry about leather seats cracking or fading over time.
Leather seats require a bit more maintenance than SofTex seats. You’ll need to regularly condition leather seats to keep them from drying out and cracking. Leather seats can also fade if they’re exposed to direct sunlight for too long.
Durability
Leather seats are praised for their durability. They’re resistant to wear and tear and will last for 10+ years with proper care.
SofTex seats are also very durable. In fact, they’re actually more resistant to staining than leather seats. That’s because the synthetic fibers used to make SofTex are tighter than the natural fibers in leather. This makes it more difficult for spills and stains to penetrate the material. Cracks and fading are also not a concern with SofTex seats. With proper care, SofTex can also last for 10 years.
Feel
Leather seats have a softer, more luxurious feel than fabric seats. They’re also more breathable, which can be a godsend on hot summer days. Leather is very thick and can stick to skin in the heat, however.
SofTex seats feel similar to leather seats. Still, they are much thinner, which makes them lack the luxurious feel that leather seats have. They’re also not as breathable as leather, so you might get a bit sweaty on hot days.
Appearance
Leather has a more luxurious appearance than SofTex. From distance however, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the two. If you look closer, SofTex will have a more uniform appearance, while leather will have small imperfections and more pores that add to its charm.
Color option wise, leather will only come in a handful of colors since it is a natural material. SofTex, on the other hand, can come in any color imaginable since it’s synthetic.
Value
As you can see, functionality-wise, there’s little to no difference between SofTex and leather seats. Both are comfortable and offer the same level of support. However, leather seats may have an advantage when it comes to value.
Price
Finally, cost is an important factor to consider when choosing between seat materials. Leather seats are typically more expensive than fabric and SofTex seats. That’s because leather is a natural material and therefore costs more to produce.
SofTex seats are usually less expensive than leather seats since they’re made from synthetic materials. However, there are some high-end SofTex seats that can cost just as much as leather seats. [4]
Exploring Leather Seating in Toyota RAV4
When considering a Toyota RAV4, you might be wondering about the availability of leather seats. Below, we’ve provided information regarding the inclusion of leather seats in different RAV4 models and trim levels.
| Toyota RAV4 Model | Leather Seat Availability |
|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 LE | Not typically available with leather seats |
| Toyota RAV4 XLE | Not typically available with leather seats |
| Toyota RAV4 XLE Premium | May offer leather-trimmed seats as an option |
| Toyota RAV4 Adventure | May offer leather-trimmed seats as an option |
| Toyota RAV4 Limited | Often equipped with leather-trimmed seats as standard |
| Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road | May offer leather-trimmed seats as an option |
Explanation of the Table:
- Toyota RAV4 Model: Lists various RAV4 models available in the lineup.
- Leather Seat Availability: Indicates whether leather seats are typically available for each model. Some models may offer leather-trimmed seats as standard, while others provide them as optional features.
When considering a Toyota RAV4 with leather seats, it’s essential to check the specific trim level and available packages for the model you’re interested in. Leather seat availability can vary by model year and region, so consulting a local Toyota dealership or the official Toyota website for the most up-to-date information is recommended.
FAQ
Are Toyota RAV4 seats durable?
The Toyota RAV4 is a versatile and reliable vehicle, perfect for those who need an SUV that can handle various terrain and conditions. One of the most important features of any vehicle is its seats. Not only do they need to be comfortable for long drives, but they also need to be durable enough to withstand whatever abuse you might put them through.
When it comes to the seats in the Toyota RAV4, you’ll be happy to know that they are indeed quite durable. The leather seats, in particular, are built to last and will resist wear and tear much better than cloth seats would.
Which RAV4 trim has leather seats?
While some RAV4 models have leather trimmed steering wheel and spoke, when it comes to the seats, there are no models that offer leather as standard.
Toyota usually uses a synthetic leather called Softex in its cars. This material looks and feels like real leather, but it is more durable and easier to clean.
Does RAV4 come in leather?
No, Toyota RAV4 models come with either fabric or SofTex faux-leather upholstery. While there are some third-party companies that sell leather seat covers for the RAV4, there are no factory-installed options for leather seats in any RAV4 model.
Does the 2022 Toyota RAV4 XLE have leather seats?
The answer to this question largely depends on the model and trim of Toyota RAV4 that you purchase. Unfortunately, 2022 models do not have leather seats as an option in any of the trims. The highest trim level comes with SofTex simulated leather seats which look and feel like real leather but are made of a synthetic material.
If you’re set on having leather seats in your RAV4, your best bet is to purchase a used model or choose one of the lower trim levels and upgrade the seats yourself. There are many aftermarket seat covers available that can give you the look and feel of leather without the high price tag.
Do any Toyota RAV4 models come with leather seats as a standard feature?
No, leather seats are not a standard feature in any of the Toyota RAV4 trim levels. The RAV4 typically comes with fabric or synthetic leather upholstery as the standard seating material.
Can you get leather seats in a Toyota RAV4?
Yes, you can get leather seats in a Toyota RAV4, but it’s usually available as part of an optional package or in higher trim levels. Many RAV4 trims offer leather seating surfaces or the option to upgrade to leather seats as part of a package or customization.
Which Toyota RAV4 trim levels offer leather seats as an option?
The availability of leather seats can vary by model year and region. However, in many cases, you can find leather seats or leather-trimmed seats in higher trim levels such as the Limited or Adventure trims. Be sure to check the specific trim options and packages when purchasing a Toyota RAV4 to see if leather seating is available.
Useful Video: Leather Seats vs SofTex Seats – How to Pick the Best One for You!
Conclusion
Toyota RAV4s are one of the most popular crossovers on the market, and for good reason. They offer a great blend of utility, comfort, and style, all at a very reasonable price. One of the most common questions we get about the RAV4 is whether or not it comes with leather seats.
The answer is no, the Toyota RAV4 does not come with leather seats. They are actually made of a fabric material that is designed to look and feel like leather. This material is called SofTex, and it is a synthetic leather that is often used in vehicles because it is more durable and easy to clean than traditional leather.
SofTex is a synthetic material that looks and feels like leather but is more durable and easier to clean. It’s also more environmentally friendly than real leather, which is why Toyota offers it as an upholstery option in many of its vehicles. So, even though the RAV4 doesn’t have real leather seats, the seats are still quite comfortable and look very nice.
Thanks for reading! We hope this article has helped answer your question. If you have any further questions about the RAV4 or any other Toyota vehicle, please feel free to contact us.
References
- https://vehq.com/toyota-rav4-leather-seats/
- https://www.toyota.com/rav4/2022/rav4-features/
- https://www.toyota.com/rav4/2022/features/interior/4430/4435/4440
- https://blog.mccarthytoyotaofsedalia.com/2021/05/21/toyota-softex-vs-leather-whats-the-difference/
