Leather vs. NewLux
7th Gear
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 7
Likes: 3
From: TX
One other thing I would aid to those of us who really like the semianiline that Lexus makes, is that the Zaino leather cleaner and conditioner really do work well. As one of the other posters said, you do need to care for your leather and keep it out of the sun. You will get some "lines" in the leather, but like a well-worn leather chair, to me that is not objectionable.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 29
Likes: 2
From: Ga
Paint failure gx470 code 070
I have a '99 GS300 with 190K miles and an '07 GX470 with 235K miles. I've never seen the nulux in real life but I would take it hands down if it looks even half as good as real leather. Yes real leather is supposed to breathe EXCEPT the leather finish on both my vehicles is not perforated and has a 'plastic' finish/coating that means it doesn't breathe either. I've even thought I might rather have a nice cloth material finish rather than leather since it doesn't get so hot or cold in the extreme seasons.
The leather has held up reasonably well on all but the driver's seat which obviously takes a pounding. I've cleaned and conditioned the leather but they break down no matter. The '99 GS leather drivers seat has deep creases and the leather begins to rip/tear eventually. I would also say of the '99 that I was displeased with how the leather was looking 10 years ago. On the 10 scale I give the leather quality a 6 at best and while you can argue about it all day long, I think there are high line cars of similar price which have much better quality lease seats. Given wear, spills, and leather maintenance give me Nulux...although if they don't get a good EV to market very soon not sure if/when I buy another Lexus...although I have greatly loved these 2 since they have almost never failed me reliability wise. Opps, forgot the GX has major paint failure Lexus is running from that I will likely never get help with. I've bought enough vehicles over my life to know none are perfect and no manufacturers are either. Lexus has been excellent all in all. I'm glad to hear there are many happy Nulux owners who have lived with it for a few years. That would be enough for me to prefer it. You may love leather but they are going to fail.
The leather has held up reasonably well on all but the driver's seat which obviously takes a pounding. I've cleaned and conditioned the leather but they break down no matter. The '99 GS leather drivers seat has deep creases and the leather begins to rip/tear eventually. I would also say of the '99 that I was displeased with how the leather was looking 10 years ago. On the 10 scale I give the leather quality a 6 at best and while you can argue about it all day long, I think there are high line cars of similar price which have much better quality lease seats. Given wear, spills, and leather maintenance give me Nulux...although if they don't get a good EV to market very soon not sure if/when I buy another Lexus...although I have greatly loved these 2 since they have almost never failed me reliability wise. Opps, forgot the GX has major paint failure Lexus is running from that I will likely never get help with. I've bought enough vehicles over my life to know none are perfect and no manufacturers are either. Lexus has been excellent all in all. I'm glad to hear there are many happy Nulux owners who have lived with it for a few years. That would be enough for me to prefer it. You may love leather but they are going to fail.
When I was a kid it was in our 1958 Olds.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,492
Likes: 251
From: Illinois
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 29
Likes: 2
From: Ga
Lexus Champion
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 12,492
Likes: 251
From: Illinois
A few years ago we were looking at Class A and B rv's built on the MB Sprinter chassis. They had something called ULTRALEATHER on the seats etc. and i was really nice. Very soft and pliable. We were impressed.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 5
From: OH
Lexus or bust!
I own a 2021 GX 460 Luxury and the RX 350. Both are superb vehicles and I will buy nothing but Lexus if given the option. Both of my vehicles feature leather interiors. My preference is leather over faux leather Nulux due to the look, smell and feel of the seating surfaces. Leather is the perfect match for the wood trimmed steering wheel.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 67
From: TN
Rookie
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 33
Likes: 2
From: Wa
one way to tell is see how the material folds - when pinched leather should have more rounded edge whereas synthetic has more peak angular. Semi-aniline is very nice and the dye is thicker through the grain. Leather should be maintained properly .
