Leather Advantages
Premium appearance and feel, easier to clean spills and stains, more durable long-term, and higher resale value. Modern synthetic leather (leatherette) is virtually indistinguishable from real leather and is more affordable.
Leather Disadvantages
Extremely hot in Perth summer (can cause burns on bare skin), cold in winter mornings, slippery on corners, and requires regular conditioning to prevent cracking.
Cloth Advantages
Comfortable year-round (no temperature extremes), breathable, grippy, and lower purchase price. Good quality cloth wears well for years.
Cloth Disadvantages
Harder to clean, absorbs spills and odours, and shows wear patterns over time. Stains from coffee, food, and muddy dogs are harder to remove.
Perth Recommendation
For Perth's climate, leather with heated AND ventilated seats is ideal — but that's usually only available in top-spec models. For most buyers, cloth with quality seat covers or a Scotchgard treatment offers the best practicality.