Leather vs. Cloth
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New Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 8
From: Astoria, NY 11102
Leather vs. Cloth
3rd generation EX vs. EX-L. Thoughts? I like the look and feel of leather especially in the steering wheel. However, the hot and cold suck with black leather. Can’ decide.
Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 155
From: Washington, DC
I was also debating between the EX and EX-L. Practicality resulted in me going with the EX. I bought the Fit for utility and versatility, neither of which are compatible with leather seats. I could see myself getting super mad if my bike put a hole in the leather, or freaking out about getting into the car after a day at the pool or beach and realizing I've got leather seats.
Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 147
From: LANGLEY
I have an EX with cloth seats and leather steering wheel.
I saw couple of used Fits with leather and the interior does not age well.
My car has 22,000 kms on the ODO and the upholstery looks brand new, bolsters and all. No wear whatsoever.
I also like the cloth inserts on door panels, leather trim looks just like vinyl (and I think it is) making door panels look drab and boring.
Strongly recommend cloth seats.
I saw couple of used Fits with leather and the interior does not age well.
My car has 22,000 kms on the ODO and the upholstery looks brand new, bolsters and all. No wear whatsoever.
I also like the cloth inserts on door panels, leather trim looks just like vinyl (and I think it is) making door panels look drab and boring.
Strongly recommend cloth seats.
Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 426
From: Dunedin, Florida
Most of my previous cars had leather. I had two previous Honda fits as well with leather but soon got tired of these because of the heat in the summer and cold in the winter. So my new fit, a 2018, came with cloth. I am a happy camper now. But each to their own likes and dislikes and it’s up to you.
Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 948
From: Foothills of the Smokies, east Tennessee
Our LX has cloth (no choice), am fine with the quality of the material, as I'm not particularly fond of leather seats in a car. However, as utilitarian as the Fit is, transporting our 3 dogs is a hassle, because the dog hairs left behind become magically attached to the fabric, never had this much trouble cleaning dog hair from other cars (of course, one great way to get the hair off seems to be to just sit in the seats and you'll be wearing dog hair - my favorite color 
… vacuums do little, lint removers kinda work, but …..cleanup is a lot easier in my wife's Kia Forte SX w/ leather seats - however, that leather is stiff as a board, not what I think of when I think "oooooh, leather seats..." Have no experience with a Fit's leather, but am sure it has good points and bad points
… vacuums do little, lint removers kinda work, but …..cleanup is a lot easier in my wife's Kia Forte SX w/ leather seats - however, that leather is stiff as a board, not what I think of when I think "oooooh, leather seats..." Have no experience with a Fit's leather, but am sure it has good points and bad points
Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,074
From: Oregon
To be honest, I really like cloth better.
For the upholstery. It's IMO easier to clean, durable, warm in the winter, cooler in the summer.
I agree about the steering wheel.
All things being even, I'd get the cloth interior, and then just buy a leather steering wheel cover.
For the upholstery. It's IMO easier to clean, durable, warm in the winter, cooler in the summer.
I agree about the steering wheel.
All things being even, I'd get the cloth interior, and then just buy a leather steering wheel cover.
Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 296
From: NTX
I had a 2006 Ridgeline with leather. The driver’s seat in particular was looking quite worn after 168k miles, and I am very particular about care and maintenance and used Griots leather care products routinely. Our 2006 Subaru Tribeca, same year, 150k miles, had leather that aged incredibly well, with no cracks or fading at all when we traded it last year. Honda leather does not seem to hold up, so I opted for cloth with the Fit. If I end up wanting leather (doubtful) I will buy Clazzio or Katzkin replacement covers.
Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,097
From: Friendswood, TX
Our LX has cloth (no choice), am fine with the quality of the material, as I'm not particularly fond of leather seats in a car. However, as utilitarian as the Fit is, transporting our 3 dogs is a hassle, because the dog hairs left behind become magically attached to the fabric, never had this much trouble cleaning dog hair from other cars (of course, one great way to get the hair off seems to be to just sit in the seats and you'll be wearing dog hair - my favorite color … vacuums do little, lint removers kinda work, but …..cleanup is a lot easier in my wife's Kia Forte SX w/ leather seats - however, that leather is stiff as a board, not what I think of when I think "oooooh, leather seats..." Have no experience with a Fit's leather, but am sure it has good points and bad points
… vacuums do little, lint removers kinda work, but …..cleanup is a lot easier in my wife's Kia Forte SX w/ leather seats - however, that leather is stiff as a board, not what I think of when I think "oooooh, leather seats..." Have no experience with a Fit's leather, but am sure it has good points and bad points
just get good tint and the leather shouldnt get THAT hot. my cars run llumar pinnacle. its a lot warmer dan cloth when u get in da car on sunny day but not like SUPER HOT.
I originally wanted the EX-L but as soon as I sat in it,I changed my mind. The leather felt cheap compared to more expensive cars.
I wrapped my steering wheel with leather and changed the shift knob to leather.
I wrapped my steering wheel with leather and changed the shift knob to leather.
Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 296
From: NTX
Where did you get the steering wheel wrap and shift knob?
Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 47
From: Rockland, MA
I have a 2019 Fit EX, so cloth, but did order seat covers that are made of PVC. Haven't arrived yet, but I imagine the PVC would get just as hot as leather. As for the care of it, I'm thinking PVC would be easier to care for, since I think you can use just any cleaner, instead of needing special leather treatment stuff. Plus going with seat covers means you could always just replace them if they did get bad. Cheaper than an all new seat.
Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 28
From: Sunny San Diego
I love the leather seats in my EX-L. I got leather because I get electrocuted getting out of a car with fabric seats. As in, people two blocks away can see the flash and hear the snap. (Yes, I know the trick where you touch the door jamb while swiveling out; my face still gets zapped by the window frame - my wife has seen the arc and heard the yelp.)
My last car had leather, and it held up way better than the fabric seats in my wife's car. Baby poop, vomit, dog hair, spilled food on long road trips, beach sand, campin' dirt, it all wiped right up/off with no stains, smells, or problem. 22 years later the back seat could be wiped with a damp rag and look just fine. So, to me, leather is also the easy maintenance option compared to fabric. But to each their own.
My last car had leather, and it held up way better than the fabric seats in my wife's car. Baby poop, vomit, dog hair, spilled food on long road trips, beach sand, campin' dirt, it all wiped right up/off with no stains, smells, or problem. 22 years later the back seat could be wiped with a damp rag and look just fine. So, to me, leather is also the easy maintenance option compared to fabric. But to each their own.
Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,074
From: Oregon
I'd be curious about the shift knob as well...
I've got the steering wheel situaton "covered" but I can find no Automatic Shift Knob solution I like, and I'm not particularly happy with the textured plastic shifter.
I'm jealous of manual transmission owners who have a universe of possible shift knob replacements.
I've got the steering wheel situaton "covered" but I can find no Automatic Shift Knob solution I like, and I'm not particularly happy with the textured plastic shifter.
I'm jealous of manual transmission owners who have a universe of possible shift knob replacements.
Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,671
From: Boston, MA
Does the Fit Sport no longer offer a leather-wrapped steering wheel like the GE?
I'd go with cloth for hot/cold comfort and durability, leather for ease of cleanup and touchy-feel ... unless it's so cheap that it doesn't feel nice. There is a wide range of leather out there now.
I'd go with cloth for hot/cold comfort and durability, leather for ease of cleanup and touchy-feel ... unless it's so cheap that it doesn't feel nice. There is a wide range of leather out there now.