by The Move Away from Leather in Cars
Automakers are increasingly abandoning the use of natural leather in car interiors or limiting its availability to only specific trims. For example, in the new 2026 Jeep Cherokee, even the top-tier Overland version lacks leather, which is part of the brand’s environmental strategy.
Instead of natural leather, the Limited and Overland trims use a material called Capri leatherette, which is an artificial alternative. This means that even customers willing to pay $44,595 receive an interior made of synthetic materials.
Changing Standards of Luxury
Jeep is not alone in this trend. Even luxury brands like Infiniti are moving away from leather: most versions of the 2026 QX60 are equipped with TailorFit upholstery, which is 65% made from recycled materials. Natural leather is only available in the top-tier Autograph trim.
Other manufacturers, such as Land Rover and Polestar, offer alternative materials: Ultrafabrics, certified wool, or eco-friendly synthetic fabrics.
Buyer Expectations
The market for car interiors has changed significantly: there are no longer just two options—leather or cloth. However, some consumers might feel cheated if they don’t have the option to get a leather interior or have to pay extra for it.
For example, in the Mercedes GLE 350 for $62,250, the base upholstery is MB-Tex, while leather costs an additional $1,620. A similar situation exists with the BMW X5: Sensafin is a $1,950 option.
The question remains whether manufacturers should continue to offer natural leather and how important its absence is to the modern buyer. Are you ready for changes in interior materials?
These shifts in the automotive industry reflect not only environmental trends but also a change in the perception of luxury. Today, it is increasingly associated with innovation, ethics, and sustainability, not just traditional materials. The technology of synthetic materials is constantly improving, offering comfort, durability, and aesthetics that sometimes surpass natural analogs. Furthermore, growing consumer awareness of the environmental and animal welfare impact of production is making such changes increasingly acceptable and even expected.
