How does Softex hold up over time? Does anyone have a picture of heavily used seats from your Prime or maybe a Hybrid or any Toyota, really?
Softex durability?
JWG223
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5 Toyota Hybrids or Plug-ins, 4 with softex, lots of big dogs on those seats, never any damage or noticeable scuffs. My 10 year old Prius v is with my mother, but I’ll try to get a pic next time I see my old v.
The softex has held up better on the outside edge of front seats where noticeable creases would eventually appear on my RX300 leather seats (looking at our 10 year old Toyota/Lexus vehicles)
The softex has held up better on the outside edge of front seats where noticeable creases would eventually appear on my RX300 leather seats (looking at our 10 year old Toyota/Lexus vehicles)
After seven years my '14 R4 Limited black softex seats looked like new. So glad to have softex in my new R4P. Love the ventilated version which have been a great enhancement over what I had in the '14 as far as comfort through the summer. Sorry I can't provide a picture as I traded in the Limited to get the Prime.
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I would have loved the vented seats, had them in my CX5, but not for $5K, nope. Glad to hear this though!!!
My 12 Prius Five with Softex looked brand new when I sold it at 120K miles. Still looks brand new, guy who bought it only put on 500 miles because of pandemic.
IMO it is better than leather. Once you get over the fact you are not using "premium" dead animal parts in your interior.
IMO it is better than leather. Once you get over the fact you are not using "premium" dead animal parts in your interior.
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The last point means nothing to me. I want the best low maintenance and comfortable option. I am glad to hear this seems to be it!
Is softex the same as vynil? Vynil was like the cheapest alternative when I was a kid anyway, up market cars had cloth.
I purchased a used Rav recently, the dealer marketed the car as having a "leather interior".
before the guaranty goes out I'm intending on claiming $500 back due to it having "vynil" and not leather.
I doubt if they will agree to this, tho I may get a free service or 2 instead.
I purchased a used Rav recently, the dealer marketed the car as having a "leather interior".
before the guaranty goes out I'm intending on claiming $500 back due to it having "vynil" and not leather.
I doubt if they will agree to this, tho I may get a free service or 2 instead.
I have friends that go: "oh, not leather? Peasant!" once I explain what Softex is.
I don't bother to explain anything anymore. It is another RAV4 with leather seats. Nothing to see people. Frankly it is another virtue of the R4P. Ability to blend in. My Prius attracts attentions, mostly really positive, or really negative, nothing in between.
It is not exactly like vinyl. It is plant based and breathable. Your butt does not stick to it with sweat like vinyl because of the breathability. Holds up better than the vinyl that I remember.
It's not vinyl. It's synthetic leather.
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Various durable synthetic automotive fabrics are pvc/vinyl coated polyester ;-) Not sure if that's what Toyota uses for Softex, but it's possible. Polyurethane is common, too. Whatever it is, I find black softex to be about as sweaty as any other black pleather or black leather. None are as breathable as a good "cloth" fabric seat, like the YES Essentials Toyota used in my Highlander Hybrid. Partial seat ventilation helps with the black pleather, but full cooled seats would be preferable for me. On the plus side, they look and feel pretty durable, moreso than actual leather seats we've had. It's only been a few months, so the long term verdict is still out.
Summer and black seat would get you sweaty, regardless of materials.
I remember sitting in plain old vinyl seats in the winter and my butt would get sweaty from inability to breath out moisture. Softex is compatible to leather in this regard. No moisture build up.
I have a 2018 4Runner with Softex and it shows no wear of any kind. Granted, I don't have a lot of miles on it.
The beauty of Softex is it looks and feels like leather, but there is no maintenance. With genuine leather, you must apply leather conditioner often, otherwise it will dry and crack. None of that is needed with Softex.
The beauty of Softex is it looks and feels like leather, but there is no maintenance. With genuine leather, you must apply leather conditioner often, otherwise it will dry and crack. None of that is needed with Softex.
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I wish I had a picture but I traded mine in last year. It was a 2013 and the seats looked almost as good as the day I bought it new. Leather would NEVER last like that without cracking and wearing. I think it's the best.
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I am not what I'd call "a tree hugger", but if I can get a better/equal product that has less environmental impact, without it costing me more (money or otherwise), I am happy/pleased.
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Don't forget about lighter weight, better fuel economy and/or increased load capacity. There is a lot of Softex in there.
... I have what appears to be blue color on the outer side cushions of the front seats. It looks just like dye from blue jeans.
For anyone who knows what antifouling used on boat hulls is, it could be that as well, transfered via work trousers.
What can I use to get it off without risking damage to the SoftTex? Softex color is beige/ tan.
For anyone who knows what antifouling used on boat hulls is, it could be that as well, transfered via work trousers.
What can I use to get it off without risking damage to the SoftTex? Softex color is beige/ tan.
How did you manage to get non-black Softex on a Prime?
I use this stuff to wipe down Softex seats, and dashboard / Nav screen. Just not necessary the same towel.
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