Do Honda Accords have real leather?
The short answer: real leather is available on higher-end Honda Accord trims, while base trims typically use cloth or synthetic leather. The exact material depends on the model year and market, so buyers should verify the specific car they’re considering.
As Honda updates its Accord lineup, upholstery terminology and materials can shift between generations and regions. This article explains which trims commonly offer leather, what Honda means by terms like “leather-trimmed” versus “leather-appointed,” and how to confirm the material on a particular vehicle.
Trims that typically include real leather
To help buyers understand what to expect, here is a general breakdown of upholstery across the current generation sold in the United States. The information focuses on the material of the seating surfaces and whether genuine leather is used.
- LX — Cloth seats (fabric) with no leather option on most model years in the U.S.
- Sport — Typically cloth or leatherette (synthetic), not real leather, though materials can vary by year and market.
- EX — Usually cloth or leatherette rather than real leather; leather seating is not standard on this trim in most recent years.
- EX-L — Real leather (leather-trimmed) seating on the seating surfaces, with other seat areas typically matching the trim; heated front seats are commonly included.
- Touring — Real leather (leather-trimmed) seating on the seating surfaces, often accompanied by additional comfort features and upgraded interior finishes.
In practice, the two top trims (EX-L and Touring) are where buyers commonly find true leather upholstery, while the lower trims rely on cloth or synthetic leather materials. Material availability can vary by model year and region, so always verify the exact car you’re considering.
How to confirm the upholstery on a specific vehicle
Because material names can differ and options can change year to year, use these steps to confirm real leather on a given Accord:
- Check the window sticker (Monroney label) or the dealer’s listing for wording like “Leather-trimmed seating surfaces” or “Leather seats.”
- Inspect the seats in person and ask the dealer to confirm whether the leather is real leather or a synthetic substitute (leatherette/vegan leather).
- Review the model year’s official brochure or Honda’s website for that year to see the upholstery specification per trim.
- If buying used, request the original window sticker or a trusted vehicle history report that lists the interior materials.
Verifying these details before purchase helps ensure you get the upholstery you expect, especially if real leather is a priority.
What this means for buyers
If real leather is important, target the EX-L or Touring trims and confirm the material for the exact model year you’re considering. Lower trims generally do not include real leather as standard, though special editions or regional packages can introduce variations. Always check the current documentation or contact a dealer for the most accurate, year-specific information.
Summary
Real leather upholstery is commonly found on the Honda Accord’s EX-L and Touring trims in recent U.S. model years, while LX, Sport, and EX trims typically use cloth or synthetic leather. Because materials can change between generations and markets, buyers should verify upholstery details on a per-vehicle basis using the window sticker, official brochures, or a dealer confirmation. With careful verification, buyers can confidently choose an Accord that matches their preferences for interior materials and comfort.
