LockedTorSen

Just picked up a 2017 GX. The driver's seat is intact but there's normal wear and I can see it splitting/cracking on the outside if I neglect it long enough. I'm assuming I should use some leather conditioner on it?

And does anyone have a seat cover brand they recommend that's nicer than AutoZone but not insanely expensive?

I'm guessing the seats wear this way in large part from sliding off/down the side of the seat when getting out?

Thanks very much in advance!

jonshonda

From what I understand lexus leather has a type of clear coat over it, so you aren't actually protecting the leather as much as you are the clear coat. Also from what I understand keeping the seats clean hydrated is the best method for preserving them. I use warm soapy water and a microfiber towel that is slightly above damp to clean the seats, making sure to pay attention to the seams and stitching. In my 07 GX470 I would leave wet paper towels over the really nasty area to help hydrate them.

LockedTorSen

Thanks very much! I'll do that.

geckornr

What GX model do you have? Some have semi-aniline leather, some have traditional leather, and all others have Nuluxe which is a synthetic material.

If you leather or semi-aniline leather, the best product you can use is Leatherique, which is a two stage application that is absorbed by the leather to recondition and rehydrate it. Through this process, Leatherique can reduce the look fine cracks, and prevent cracking or wear for the future as hydrated leather is more forgiving and can stretch without cracking. It also lifts stains, debris, and oils from the leather. Leatherique isn't cheap but it is the best leather treatment and conditioning product on the market and trusted by high end car restorers and enthusiasts -- it really is great.

If you have Nuluxe and are seeing wear, there's not much you can do since it's a synthetic material that cannot be reconditioned or rehydrated. The best products to clean and manage Nuluxe are things like Adam's interior detailer, but there's no sense in using Lexol or other "leather" products since Nuluxe is not a porous, natural material like leather.

LockedTorSen

Oh very interesting, didn't realize that. It's a 2017 Premium trim w the Sport Design Package apparently.

Acrad

460 - Seating Materials - Semi-Aniline Leather, Leather or Nuluxe

‘10-’13 Premium Semi-Aniline Leather
‘10-’13 Base with “Comfort Plus Package” - Semi-Aniline Leather
‘10-’13 Base - Leather
​​​​​​​‘14-‘23 Luxury Semi-Aniline Leather
‘14+ Base - Nuluxe
‘14-’18 Premium- Leather
‘19 Premium Leather or Nuluxe depending on interior color choice
'20-'23 Base & Premium - Nuluxe
'21-'23 Premium Plus - Nuluxe

LockedTorSen

Okay, so if I'm reading this right I do have leather, 2017 Premium.