Only leather for me on seats and never on a steering wheel, that's just a breeding ground for something I don't want, but get whatever you want, that's the beauty of choices.

 

There is no choice if your want the suede look and feel. That will be a man made Alcantara type product and far superior to any leather based suede. The car seats I have had with the synthetic sued in the center sections of the base and back have been the absolute best, a full leather seat really does not compare.

 

I really enjoyed the suede option on my C7. Much softer, grippier, and my cooled seats worked great while I assume the people that complain about their cooled seats have leather.

 

I personally think suede/microfiber/alcantara are starting to be less seen on cars and either leather or high end fabrics will hold up better over time from style and resale perspective. If you’re allowed to change, I’d recommended just sticking with leather.

 

I’m thinking the microsuede seat inserts will wear better than leather as there won’t be any issue with creasing and cracking over time.

For those seats like natural or grey that aren’t black, do people use some kind of stain resistant spray on these surfaces?

 

If you have oily or sweaty hands, then avoid the suede steering wheel. I don't and have the suede steering wheel. I wipe it down periodically with a damp microfiber cloth to clean it. Looks like new. The feel of suede steering wheel takes some getting used to, however.

As for the seat, I also have the black suede inserts and like it. Does not wrinkle and cleans up with a damp cloth. With my Sebring Orange paint and natural Napa leather interior, the contrast looks extremely nice.

I believe the suede wears and cleans up extremely well. Probably better than leather. Its a spun polyester based material. Ultra Suede and Alcantara are basically identical but covered under different patents. Weirdly invented by the same guy. GM probably uses the generic term "sueded" so not to identify the material with either one.

Leather in cars is highly processed and is coated with a clear urethane to keep it looking good. All the bottled leather treatment do basically nothing because they don't actually get thru the urethane. Auto manufacturers all say wipe the leather with a damp cloth and avoid harsh cleaners. I still use popular leather treatments because they are safe and I like how they feel and smell. I know they really don't treat the leather.

 

I have had both and I prefer the feel of leather on the steering wheel for sure.

I think the leather seats don’t show dirt as much. We have a CTS-V with the suede seats. Dog is not allowed in there because that stuff holds dog hair. Leather it wipes right off.

So, the dog gets to ride in the ZR1 instead.

D.

 

I’m not into defining anyone’s personal preferences by trying influence them with my own, but since my previous 2022 Stingray and my current 2025 Stingray both have microfiber seat inserts and microfiber-wrapped steering wheels, I’m relaying my personal experience/opinion…

I prefer the microfiber-wrapped wheel over leather. It’s easy enough to clean and my 2022 wheel still looked new when I traded it a little over a week ago. My hands sweat a bit with the leather wheels I had in previous Vettes. Not an issue, and I think leather-wrapped wheels are fine, but I like the way the microfiber wheel feels better.

As to the microfiber inserts, they too are easy enough to keep clean. My 2022 was natural dipped (tan) and looked great the entire time with daily use (my Vettes are daily drivers). They are cooler in summer and warmer in cooler temperatures and the heated and vented seat functionality works better with the microfiber inserts. I had leather inserts in every other Corvette I have owned, so I’m not against them, but having experienced the difference with the microfiber inserts, I prefer them over the leather in terms of comfort.

At the end of the day, you have to take the chance and try the microfiber inserts and wheel out and judge for yourself. There is always risk in trying something new, but there is a reason these options cost a little more and tend to be popular. I think the microfiber inserts and wheel are more “functionally-pleasing” as they offer more comfort to the driver experience. It’s a tad more challenging to clean, but not so challenging that it becomes a burden. I cleaned my wheel and inserts once every couple of months with an Alcantara cleaner easily purchased from Amazon.

Leather looks great, but Alcantara looks great and feels even better. YMMV.

 

As the original poster of this leather vs sueded microfiber insert question, I decided to post again since there have been a couple recent of new posts. A lot of the responses indicated a preference for leather, but many many posts provided positive feedback on the look and feel, and on the cleaning and long-term wear of the "sueded microfiber" seat inserts and steering wheel covering. Thats the feedback I was looking for because I was worried about how it held up after long term use. I ultimately went with the sueded/fake material option and am glad I did. It was the right choice for me, and now almost 20,000 miles later I can tell you firsthand that it wears well and is easy to clean. And in my opinion, it provides a little more pop to the interior overall.

 

@C2 legacy
I didn’t realize how old this thread was until I posted my reply. Very glad you took the “risk” and went with the microfiber/Alcantara. Alcantara is increasingly popular in sports car and luxury car interiors and for good reason.

Thank you for posting your own feedback to your thread. I hope this thread helps others arrive at an informed decision.

 

I have a 70th anniversary edition with a full microsuede interior. I love everything about it except the steering wheel. I washed my hands before every drive but every time I cleaned it, which was often, with a cleaner made for it the rag was noticeably dirty. I’ve seen older microsuede wheels and they always seemed worn and shiny. I decided to swap out the wheel with a carbon fiber wheel with microsuede on the sides to keep it matching the interior. I do love the look a lot more and am less concerned about the dirt and hand oils.something to consider.

 

Everybody should get whatever makes them happy but I think microfiber or alcantra looks cheap in a premium car.

 

No, really, tell us how you really feel and be honest this time. We appreciate your input.

 

You are entitled to your opinion and I respect it, but Alcantara is not cheap, it doesn’t look cheap, and many sports cars and luxury cars are using it in place of or in combination with leather.

https://www.motortrend.com/features/...ic-what-is-it/

 

Alcantara is used extensively in Ferraris, Lamborghinis, etc. I have had it in several cars and it is fantastic.

 

Interestingly the article used a picture of a C8 interior although GM's sueded microfiber doesn't carry the Alcantara's brand name.