The world of car parts and accessories is divided into two categories, OEM and aftermarket. The latter is synonymous with affordability and versatility since the former is all about fitment. While OEM accessories are made by the manufacturer, there aren’t as many to choose from as there are aftermarket ones.
Aftermarket accessories are also able to provide a more tailored experience if you go for such a product, which it definitely exists if there is enough demand for it. The same can be said for seat covers, which are one of the most important interior aftermarket accessories.
Types of Seat Covers
Neoprene
Three main benefits of neoprene seat covers are what Toyota owners who love to off-road want for their vehicles. This material is comfortable, water-resistant and highly durable as it’s the same one used to make wetsuits. A neoprene Toyota seat cover is the most fitting option if you have an active lifestyle.
Leather
If you use your Toyota for daily commutes and want to drive to and from work in style and comfort, leather covers are the way to go. Not only are they durable, but leather covers are easier to clean than neoprene ones and make the cabin look more luxurious.
Nylon
One of the toughest, if not the toughest, seat covers for Toyota are ones made of nylon. The material is quite durable and water-resistant while being easy to clean, which makes it ideal if you are going to bring pets or work on muddy trails.
Canvas
None of the above Toyota seat cover materials are waterproof, however, if you go with a canvas set of covers, you can rest assured that no water will get soaked in your seats. Canvas covers are also hard-wearing, which makes them ideal if you use your vehicle for agricultural needs.
Mesh
To battle the heat, you should consider getting mesh seat covers as they are extremely breathable. While comfort and protection aren’t on their side as much as they are on some of the above or below-mentioned covers, mesh covers are still an affordable option for a daily-driven vehicle.
Denim
If you want a more familiar material for your seats, then Denim is a fitting choice. This popular material offers the same qualities as it does when worn. It’s rugged and hard-wearing while being comfortable, especially if packed with a foam backing.
Velour
The most commonly used material to make both car seats and seat covers is Velour. This is an affordable and comfortable material that makes for the most convenient and versatile seat covers. Just don’t expect them to be as protective or durable as others.
Jacquard
Similar to Velour seat covers, Jacquard covers are also comfortable and affordable, but they come with one advantage over Velour covers. This is their rugged middle part that runs vertically along the seat. This makes Jacquard covers a bit more durable but not as modern as Velour covers when it comes to their appearance.
Sheepskin
The most comfortable and breathable material seat covers for Toyota are made of is sheepskin. Sheepskin is a material that can keep you warm during cold months and cool during warm months, but it requires dry cleaning in order to stay in good shape.
What to Look For in Seat Covers
Fit
One of the most important factors to consider when searching for a Toyota car seat cover set is how it’s going to fit the seats. Covers that fit well are usually custom ones made exactly for the year and model Toyota you have. If you go for universal covers that can fit on multiple models of even different makes of cars, they will sag and even slip away.
Comfort
Another factor to keep in mind is how much the covers improve your ride comfort. Some covers are better at this than others, but that doesn’t mean that you should go for a cover that doesn’t provide any comfort at all. Rugged covers may be less comfortable, but they shouldn’t be uncomfortable.
Durability
If you plan to protect the seats for a long time and keep them in good condition for years to come, durability is key. Covers that can take the rigours of everyday commuting are the way to go, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get them exclusively for that, they should still look stylish or at least not like you’ve draped a sheet over your seats.
Benefits of Seat Covers
Protection & Looks
The biggest reason why you should get seat covers, especially if you have an older Toyota, is to protect the material of the seats. This way, you will retain their original look and feel, which can help retain its value if you were ever to sell it. With covers, you can either change the way your interior looks or keep it the same.
Maintenance & Longevity
It’s a lot easier to keep your seats clean and to clean seat covers instead, since most of them can be put in a washing machine or wiped with a damp cloth. Not all seats can be cleaned this way.