Does Honda Use Real Leather? (Explained)

Honda cars are well known for being reliable and easy to maintain. However, other than these factors, when you are shopping for a new Honda, it is also important to look at the vehicle’s interior.

A good car should have a comfortable and good-looking interior. Even though a Honda’s interior may not be as luxurious as that of a Porsche, there are a couple of features that will ensure you enjoy comfy drives. One of these features is the material used on the upholstery.

Leather has been the go-to choice for many car owners because it is both luxurious and comfortable. But as times change, the use of leather in most car interiors is declining.

Car manufacturers such as Honda have adopted the use of cloth and faux leather as alternatives to leather. Faux leather and cloth are a bit cheaper than leather.

This greatly contributes to lowering the costs of production. And at the same time, it is a commendable effort to curb the use of animal products.

does honda use real leather

What Material Does Honda Use?

Honda uses leather, cloth, and faux leather in their vehicles. During manufacture, Honda makes the same car models but changes a couple of features such as the material used on the upholstery.

There are Honda cars made with pure leather upholstery, others have faux leather or cloth fabric. And there is this new trend that Honda has adopted, it is the use of leather trims. Leather trim is the incorporation of real and fake leather in the car’s upholstery.

The manufacturer, Honda that is, uses real leather in areas where you may make contact with the seats. And on areas that your body doesn’t touch, they use fake leather.

This new trend of fitting both real and faux leather is increasing in popularity and it is common in the newer Honda models.

Where Does Honda Use Real Leather?

This differs depending on the model in question. However, in most common Honda models such as the Accord, Honda uses real leather in the following areas.

Because these parts are touched more frequently than others, the shift knob and steering are made of leather. The armrests or inserts on the console and doors are made from vinyl.

If you are very keen, you will realize that the headrests are made from faux leather. The only part in a Honda that is made of real leather is the perforated section in the middle (the area where your backrests and the seat).

If you touch the side edges of your seat, you will realize that they too are made of faux leather.

Please note that Honda does have car packages where you can get an all-leather interior. You can get such packages from authorized dealers.

Alternatively, you can opt for a Honda with a cloth fabric if that suits your preference. But, most models that have been released in the last few years have the above mixture of both real and fake leather.

Knowing where there is real or faux leather in your Honda car is important as it ensures you use the right products.

Leather and vinyl have varying maintenance needs. Leather requires a lot of maintenance compared to vinyl. And you will need conditioners and specific leather cleaners. With vinyl, however, you can use regular car wash soap or shampoo.

If you are confused about what products to use when cleaning a Honda upholstery with real and faux leather, you can use an all-purpose cleaner that is gentle on all materials.

What matters the most is that you use a product that will have mild effects on the materials. Don’t forget that leather if not taken proper care of, you won’t like the way it will look when it’s worn out.

So, if your Honda has some leather, clean and condition it regularly.

How to Know If Your Car Seats Are Leather?

Toyota and Subaru were among the first carmakers to create their upholstery material that closely imitates leather but is tweaked to be more breathable and easier to maintain. Honda has yet to follow suit and is still relying on leather, vinyl, and cloth fabric.

If you are not sourcing your Honda from an authorized dealer, the odds of you being duped by salespeople that the material inside a Honda is leather is high. A salesperson can say almost anything to convince you to buy a product from them.

Being able to distinguish between real and faux leather is crucial when buying a car.

It is very easy for you to differentiate between faux and real leather. If you are buying a car, probably you have seen what leather seats look like.

So immediately you step into a car for assessment, anything that looks like a lower quality of the leather is automatically faux leather.

Leather has an authentic and soft-touch unlike faux which is rougher and feels like plastic. If you are buying a new car, the interior should smell like leather. Faux leather, being made of synthesized plastic and other materials, will smell like chemicals.

Before buying any car, you should bring in an expert to help you analyze the state of the vehicle. If you have a favorite mechanic, always have them look at the car and inform you whether it is in perfect shape.

Or, you could stick to recommend dealers who will be upfront about whether the Honda model you are interested in buying is made of leather or not.

Why Does Honda Use Leather and Vinyl?

The main reason is to cut down on production costs. All car manufacturers aim to give their customers the best features at affordable prices.

Being one of the most economical car models, Honda minimizes the use of leather so that they can sell their cars at pocket-friendly prices.

Another reason behind this move is that most car brands have realized the importance of reducing the use of animal products in the auto industry.

For years, a lot of people have been campaigning against the cruelty shown to animals when their skins are used to make leather upholstery.

Is Honda’s Vinyl Bad?

It depends on how you look at it, but there is absolutely nothing wrong with Honda’s vinyl. Here is the thing, if you want leather then be assured of paying more.

This is why leather seats are only found in luxurious car brands. Honda being a regular car brand, has a limit on some of the luxurious features they can add to cars.

In this case, Honda is willing to give their buyers some leather on essential areas such as where you sit and on the steering wheel.

Despite there not being leather in most Honda models, their vinyl has several advantages. It’s very easy to maintain. Unlike leather which requires regular washing and conditioning, vinyl is pretty easy to take care of.

It doesn’t stain easily. It is also more resistant to fading. And even after years of use, vinyl can still hold its shape. You can also have it repaired or replaced when it gets worn out.

Which Honda has Leather Seats?

You will have to do more research on this because there are many Honda models and not all have leather. A good number of Hondas have cloth fabric.

From what I have gathered from their site, you can find leather in the Honda Accord and CRV. In the same models, you can also find packages that have trimmed leather seats which is a compilation of both leather and vinyl.

The likes of Accord which have sports versions, you may not find leather upholstery. But you can get it as an aftermarket product.

Does Honda have a Specific Trim?

In an era where car manufacturers are developing their unique trims, Honda has also not been left behind. At the moment, they haven’t shared a patented trim that is to be associated with their brand.

In some of their models, they have included a top trim with chrome-colored handles. This new trim gives their vehicles a modern look and that’s just all.

What’s Better – Vinyl or Leather?

The choice is entirely yours. Because Honda offers both materials in their vehicles, it is up to you to weigh out your preferences and find what suits you the most.

Leather comes as a Honda package, it is not standard as is the case with cloth or leather trim. Therefore, you must request a leather package for your particular Honda vehicle. This means that you may be asked to pay more than the standard price of the vehicle.

Leather adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to a Honda car.

Vinyl doesn’t look bad but obviously, it doesn’t look or feel like leather. It is however cheaper and easier to maintain compared to leather.

If you are interested in buying a family car or just a vehicle to help you run errands, get a Honda with leather trim. This will be more manageable than one with leather.

For individuals who prioritize luxury, you are better off getting a Honda with leather upholstery. The interior will look classic and you will never have to complain about discomfort when seated in your car.

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