Does Ford use synthetic leather?
Yes. Ford uses synthetic leather in many of its vehicles as a non-animal alternative, and the brand is expanding vegan-friendly interior options. However, genuine leather remains available on certain trims and in some markets.
The question touches on how Ford outfits its interiors across models, years, and regions. Material offerings vary by trim level, model, and market, so the exact answer depends on the specific vehicle you’re considering and the year it was built. This article outlines the current landscape and how to verify for a given model.
Ford's interior materials today
Ford has historically offered leather seating surfaces on higher trims, but in recent years the company has increased the availability of synthetic leather and other non-animal materials for many base and mid-range trims. Leather remains an option on certain models and higher trims, depending on the market and year.
What Ford calls its synthetic upholstery
Below are the main categories of interior materials Ford uses to provide animal-free or non-animal alternatives, as well as traditional options in various configurations.
- Synthetic leather seating surfaces (animal-free upholstery used on many current models as an alternative to genuine leather)
- Vinyl or leatherette options and other non-animal seat coverings offered on various trims or markets
- Fabric and vegan textile options used on base and some mid-range trims (including microfiber-like finishes in some configurations)
These options illustrate Ford’s shift toward animal-free and recycled-material interiors while preserving leather options for buyers who want them on specific trims.
Regional and model variations
Material offerings differ by region, model, and year. In North America and Europe, synthetic and vegan options are commonly available on base and mid trims, with genuine leather still offered on higher trims or as a standalone upgrade. Availability can vary in other regions based on supplier arrangements and local consumer preferences.
- North America: Synthetic seating options (including branded animal-free upholstery) are frequently offered on base and mid trims; genuine leather remains available on selected models and higher trims
- Europe: A similar pattern, with synthetic options on many models and leather offered on premium trims
- Asia-Pacific and other markets: Availability is expanding in some models to include vegan interiors, while others continue to offer leather depending on demand and supplier arrangements
Because materials and options change year to year, consumers should verify the exact trim contents on Ford’s official pages or through a dealership for a given model and year.
Ford's sustainability commitments and future directions
Ford frames interior material choices as part of a broader push toward sustainability, including increasing the use of recycled and plant-based materials and reducing reliance on animal-based materials where feasible. The company has highlighted vegan and synthetic upholstery options as part of this strategy, alongside traditional leather where customers want it.
- Expansion of synthetic and vegan interior materials across more models where feasible
- Partnerships with suppliers to develop durable, climate-friendly alternatives to animal-based leather
- Incorporation of recycled-content fabrics and other sustainable materials in future trims as part of a broader sustainability roadmap
Overall, Ford emphasizes choice and sustainability, with synthetic leather options widely available in many markets, particularly on base and mid-grade trims, while genuine leather remains an option on certain vehicles and higher trims.
Summary
Ford uses synthetic leather and related non-animal materials in many of its interiors and is expanding vegan-friendly options across its lineup. Leather remains available on some trims and regions, while other trims rely on synthetic alternatives. For the exact material composition, check the current model year brochure or a dealer for the specific vehicle you’re considering.
What car brands use synthetic leather?
Some synthetic leathers — like Mercedes' MB-Tex — has been around for more than half a century.
- The BMW Road Home Sales Event. Shop Now. BMWUSA.com.
- The new 2026 Subaru Forester Wilderness. Learn More. Subaru.com.
- 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander. Learn More. Mitsubishicars.com.
- 2025 Mazda CX-5. View Offers. MazdaUSA.com.
Is Ford Lariat real leather?
The Evolution of Truck Interiors: Comfort Meets Practicality
However, the latest model year marks a significant shift as Ford replaces traditional leather with ActiveX synthetic seating in several F-150 trims, including the popular Lariat and King Ranch editions.
What is a Ford leatherette?
This is usually a vinyl material, sometimes called “leatherette”, so that people will think they are getting leather when it probably is not. It looks like leather, but it is a man-made, non-animal product.
Does Ford use fake leather?
ActiveX™ is a high-end synthetic seating material designed to fit your active lifestyle. It is easier to clean, resistant to staining, and more durable than leather while maintaining a premium look and feel over time.
