Are Car Manufacturers Destroying Luxury by Abandoning Leather Interiors? | Carscoops

      Once a familiar feature in upscale vehicles, leather is gradually being phased out.

      Several automakers are either removing leather entirely or restricting its availability to specific trim levels. For instance, the 2026 Cherokee does not include leather, even in its highest trim, the Overland.

      Luxury brands, such as BMW and Mercedes, now charge extra for authentic leather interiors.

      The 2026 Jeep Cherokee offers increased size and luxury compared to its predecessor, but it notably lacks one upscale element: leather, which has been removed as part of the brand's commitment to eco-friendliness.

      Previously standard in higher-end models, leather has been replaced by Capri leatherette upholstery in the Limited and Overland trims. Thus, a customer spending $44,595 will receive synthetic leather instead.

      Evolving Luxury Standards

      Jeep is not the only brand embracing this change; even luxury names have started to distance themselves from leather. Most trims of the 2026 Infiniti QX60 now feature TailorFit upholstery made from 65% recycled materials. If you prefer authentic leather, you'll need to choose the top-tier QX60 Autograph, which includes semi-aniline leather.

      More on Modern Luxury Aesthetics

      While some automakers haven’t imposed changes on their customers, they have rolled out new upholstery options. Land Rover provides Ultrafabrics in the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport, while Polestar offers animal welfare-certified wool or “bio-attributed” MicroTech or WeaveTech upholstery.

      Evolving Consumer Expectations

      These examples illustrate a clear trend in the market away from exclusively offering leather or cloth. This shift presents a dilemma for some consumers who might feel shortchanged if leather seats are unavailable or come at an additional cost.

      This latter scenario is typical for BMW and Mercedes vehicles. Even with a starting price of $62,250, the 2026 GLE 350 comes with MB-Tex seats, and opting for leather will require an additional $1,620. The $67,600 BMW X5 follows a similar pattern, featuring Sensafin upholstery, which is available for an additional $1,950.

      For buyers, a lingering question remains: should manufacturers continue to include genuine leather, and how significant is its absence in a new vehicle? Would you miss leather, or are you prepared to move on? Share your thoughts in the comments below.