What are Ford Bronco seats made of?
The Bronco’s seating is offered in three main materials: cloth fabric, leather-trimmed upholstery (sometimes with full leather on select trims), and synthetic microfiber surfaces (often branded as Miko) used as inserts. Base models typically use cloth, while higher trims add leather and Miko accents or full leather seating, depending on the year and specific configuration.
Seat materials across the Bronco lineup
The following categories cover the common materials you’ll encounter in recent Bronco models. Exact combinations depend on trim and model year, so always check the specific build sheet for a given vehicle.
- Cloth fabric seats: Durable woven fabric standard on many base and mid-range trims, available in multiple color schemes and designed for easy cleaning and everyday use.
- Leather-trimmed seats: Genuine leather surfaces on higher trims or as part of leather packages; often includes perforation for ventilation and may be paired with heated front seats on premium configurations.
- Leatherette / synthetic leather: Leather-like upholstery used on some trims as a cost- and maintenance-friendly alternative to genuine leather; typically easier to wipe clean and resists wear in rugged use.
- Microfiber / Miko suede inserts: A soft, synthetic microfiber surface used as inserts or overlays on seat cushions and bolsters in many trims; intended to provide grip and a premium feel without the full cost of genuine leather.
- Vinyl (rare in current consumer models): Historically less common on modern Bronco trims, but some earlier or specialty configurations may have used vinyl; not typically found on current mainstream trims.
In practice, buyers choosing from the Bronco lineup should expect cloth on the entry-level models, with leather or leather-like options plus microfiber accents on higher trims. The specific mix—whether leather surfaces cover the entire seat or are combined with Miko inserts—varies by model year and trim package.
Notes for buyers and owners
Care and maintenance considerations
Cloth seats are generally easy to vacuum and spot-clean but may stain more easily over time; leather seats require conditioning to prevent drying and cracking and should be protected from prolonged sun exposure. Leatherette/Miko surfaces are typically easier to wipe clean but may wear differently than genuine leather. Always consult the vehicle’s owner manual for approved cleaning products and care routines.
Why material choice matters
Seat material affects comfort in various climates, durability under rugged use, and ease of cleaning after outdoor adventures—crucial factors for a vehicle marketed as an off-road capable SUV like the Bronco. If you plan to use the Bronco off-road or in challenging weather, microfiber inserts can help hold you in place during aggressive driving, while leather or leatherette options offer a more premium feel in everyday driving.
Practical guidance for selecting seats
Matching your needs to the material
- If you frequently tackle muddy trails or sand, consider cloth or microfiber inserts for breathability and easier cleaning.
- If you prioritize a premium interior and easier resale value, leather or leather-trimmed options on higher trims may be preferable, keeping in mind maintenance needs.
In sum, Ford Bronco seats are built from a mix of cloth, leather (or leather-trim), and microfiber-based materials, with the exact combination varying by trim and model year. Prospective buyers should verify the exact upholstery on the specific vehicle they’re considering, as options shift with refreshes and new trim levels.
Summary: The Bronco offers cloth, leather, leatherette, and microfiber (Miko) seating options, with base models leaning toward cloth and higher trims offering leather and microfiber accents or full leather seating. Material choices are year- and trim-dependent, so check the build sheet or dealership specs for the exact configuration.
What material are Ford seats made of?
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. ActiveX does not include any animal-based material.
How do I tell if my seats are leather or vinyl?
You can tell if car seats are leather or vinyl by performing a finger-press test: genuine leather will wrinkle like skin, while vinyl will remain taut or create a "spider web" of wrinkles. You can also check the backside of the material where it's folded over an edge or frame; leather has a soft, suede-like backing, whereas vinyl will have a fabric or plastic backing. Other indicators include a slight difference in feel (leather is softer and warmer, vinyl feels colder and stiffer) and looking for a more natural, inconsistent grain on leather versus uniform pores on vinyl.
This video demonstrates how to identify leather vs vinyl based on the material's texture and backing: 1mTheSeatShopYouTube · Apr 16, 2021
Look at the backing
- Leather: If you can lift an edge or find a seam with a small tear, the underside of genuine leather will look and feel like a rough, suede-like surface.
- Vinyl: Vinyl will have a fabric or plastic backing, sometimes white or "fuzzy," that looks like it's glued to the material.
Perform a finger-press test
- Leather: When you press your finger into the seat, the material will wrinkle or "spider web" in a way that mimics skin.
- Vinyl: The surface of vinyl will remain taut and smooth without wrinkling.
Feel the texture and temperature
- Leather: Feels softer, warmer, and more natural to the touch.
- Vinyl: Feels colder, stiffer, and more artificial or plastic-like.
Examine the grain
- Leather: The pores and grain patterns will be inconsistent and have natural variations.
- Vinyl: The grain will be a repeating, uniform pattern that looks more manufactured.
What Bronco has vinyl seats?
Badlands has standard marine-grade vinyl seats in Black Onyx or available Black Onyx leather-trimmed seats; Wildtrak has available Medium Sandstone with Black Onyx leather-trimmed seats; and Everglades™ has marine-grade vinyl seats in Dark Space Gray with Black Onyx.
Do Broncos have real leather seats?
Does Ford Bronco come with leather seats? A combination of leather and vinyl seating is an option for some of the trim levels of the 2025 Ford Bronco.
