Durability of softex

[cryan]

Question, I've got a 2016 TE with cloth seats but it's a chore to manage the dog hair on the cloth seats even when keeping the dog in the back. I'm considering the possibility of trading in for a TEP or TRD Pro with softex being the primary driver. What is the general opinion on durability?


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[NorthwoodsRunner]

Question, I've got a 2016 TE with cloth seats but it's a chore to manage the dog hair on the cloth seats even when keeping the dog in the back. I'm considering the possibility of trading in for a TEP or TRD Pro with softex being the primary driver. What is the general opinion on durability?

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Read the following article: New artificial leather gains increasing Toyota acceptance - SAE International

I have softex but my truck has less than 800 miles so I can't say anything about the durability yet.

 

[e60ral]

I just use this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0081XIBF4/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

its great because i can toss anything in the backseat and not worry about it. it is a little bit slick for dogs though and i put the dog bed in the back for her to sleep in. You can get the same thing in quilted cloth that will protect the seat and not be so slick at the expense of probably not being waterproof.

 

[flyboysgt]

Softex is great. I have a German shepherd pup that has constantly scratched at it and not even a mark. Not saying it's bullet proof, but it's great for dogs and I'm sure kids. Plus it's very easy to clean.


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[gm350reratliff]

I've had my 2014 TEP for over 2 years, 61k miles, and my softex seats still look and feel great. Even with two hyperactive kids and a dog. I wipe them down real good a couple times a month with an interior detailer spray. I usually don't allow anything but water in the vehicles but there have been times when something else gets smuggled in and inevitably spilled but it wipes up with no stains left behind. I for one really like the softex.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

We won't know for 10 years +/-.

Either it's going to be really durable or really not durable - my opinion.

I have cloth on purpose because Toyota cloth upholstery is bulletproof (experience) and I don't think the SofTex will hold up over the long haul.

Again, my opinion and why I didn't buy a TEP. I keep my vehicles a long, long time and.....

 

[sn_85]

Why don't you just get aftermarket leather like Katzkin? There are a few advantages over Softex. 1) It's real leather 2) You can get whatever pattern/color you want 3) You can get perforated leather 4) You can get it BOTH heated and cooled whereas Softex is only heated 5) If you trade in your TE for a TEP or TRD Pro consider it a $5k - $10k "upgrade" when you could just add the Katzkins for about $1200-$1800.

 

[Muzzle of Bees]

I have had my truck about 8 months. My 90 pound Shepard rides with me often. I do have an old blanket to cover the seats since I beat them pretty hard.
No worries. The seats are holding up well. I am not a fan of cloth.

 

[SirBarton]

Why don't you just get aftermarket leather like Katzkin? There are a few advantages over Softex. 1) It's real leather 2) You can get whatever pattern/color you want 3) You can get perforated leather 4) You can get it BOTH heated and cooled whereas Softex is only heated 5) If you trade in your TE for a TEP or TRD Pro consider it a $5k - $10k "upgrade" when you could just add the Katzkins for about $1200-$1800.

This is my plan. I live in LA and love my Trail edition cloth seats. They are never hot and as durable as any Toyota seats I've had.

I have had softex in another car and just don't care for it all that much. If I decide to upgrade the seats I'm going with cooled Katzkins.

 

[ReddN]

I can't really speak to the durability of the softex but I use one of these in my vehicles and have never had any issues with the dog or kids messing up my seats.
INNX Canine Seat Cover with Non Slip Backing Covertible Hammock Black Waterproof Quilted dog seat cover for Sedan Cars, Trucks, SUVs or Minivans Size 58"L x 54"W https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FPK07KM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_R4d6xbKAHR6EW


“I believe that there is a subtle magnetism in Nature, which, if we unconsciously yield to it, will direct us aright.” –Henry David Thoreau
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[Gecko]

I have 3.5 years and 65k miles on my SofTex - looks new.

 

[cryan]

Thanks for all of the opinions. I need to do some more homework in seat covers. If I feel justified to jump for the TEP, I'll look for KDSS as well which my current TE does not have.


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[cryan]

Update: Dealer revised their trade in offer. My 2016 Trail in MGM with 7600 miles that I bought in March+$2700 for a White 2016 TEP schedule to be delivered on 10/11. Part of me thinks it's silly, part of me thinks its a good deal. The cost difference appears to be the same between the MSRP of a new TE and TEP.

The upgrade + starting over on warranty/maintenance timeline, etc has be very tempted.