Does Highlander have real leather?
Yes—real leather seating is available on higher Highlander trims, but many models use synthetic leather (SofTex) or cloth. Availability depends on model year and market.
Understanding Highlander seat materials
Toyota uses three main materials for seats in the Highlander across model years: cloth, SofTex synthetic leather, and real leather. The exact mix depends on trim and year, so check your specific vehicle for accuracy.
- Cloth upholstery: commonly found on base L and LE trims in many regions.
- SofTex synthetic leather: used on mid-level trims and sometimes as part of leather-trim packages; it mimics the feel of leather without using hides.
- Real leather seats: typically offered on top trims such as Limited and Platinum in several markets, or as part of a leather-trim package depending on year; the degree of leather coverage may vary (seating surfaces vs. full coverage).
Because Toyota can update materials and naming from year to year, exact combinations can vary by country and model year. Verify the exact material with the official spec sheet or your dealer.
How to confirm the material for your Highlander
To confirm the seat material for a specific Highlander, use these steps:
- Check the official Toyota build sheet or brochure for the model year and market to see whether the seats are listed as Leather, Leather-trimmed, or SofTex.
- Inspect the window sticker (Monroney label) of the specific vehicle; upholstery details are usually listed there.
- Ask the dealer for the exact seat material specification and confirm whether it is real leather or synthetic.
- Review the configuration pages on Toyota's site or reputable automotive guides for the trim you are considering.
In practice, if you want genuine leather, focus on the upper-tier trims (for example, Limited or Platinum) and verify the year’s exact spec before purchase.
Regional variations and model-year differences
Seat material offerings can differ by country and by model year. Some markets consistently offer leather seating on more trims, while others rely on SofTex across a broader range. Always check the market- and year-specific specs for the Highlander you’re considering.
- United States: Leather seating is commonly found on Limited and Platinum trims; XLE and base models may use cloth or SofTex depending on year and package.
- Canada: Similar pattern to the US, with top trims offering leather seats and lower trims using SofTex or cloth.
- Europe/UK/Australia: Availability varies; many markets restrict leather to higher trims or optional packages, with SofTex or fabric on more affordable trims.
For the most accurate information, rely on the official spec sheets and your local Toyota dealer.
Summary
The bottom line: Real leather can appear in Toyota Highlander interiors, but it is typically confined to upper-level trims and certain markets. If leather is important to you, verify the specific model year and trim with official specs or a dealer to ensure you get genuine leather seats on your Highlander.
