Hi and welcome.

Not a dog fan/owner, but what I would say is that leather is easier to clean and seldom stains.

That aside, whatever you choose, its worth investing in a couple of sets of seat covers for spills etc and canine remnants to keep the original seats intact.

 

My personal, biased opinions.

I agree on the seat covers when it comes to the dogs to protect the seats from scratches or holes. If I had dogs, they'd ride in the cargo area, not on the seats with safety being a major concern. As a kid my dad and I always hunted small game and the dogs rode in the trunk. When we let them out of their pen, they could not wait to jump into the trunk as they knew they were going to be out hunting.

As to ketchup, etc., don't eat and drink coffee/pop/ etc. in the car. I've been driving since 1956 and that is something I've never done. I have never/don't allow drinking of coffee, etc., or eating my my vehicle when it is moving. Now, the only drinking allowed is bottled water as the bottles can be closed when not actually drinking. The only eating allowed in my cars was/is at drive-ins when parked and we were/are always very careful not to spill. The last thing I want to ever have to do is slam on the brakes if there is a cup of coffee or unpackaged food in the car.

One can buy spray-on fabric protectors that can keep fabric from being stained from spills and would probably be a good investment. We have a kitchen set with fabric-covered chair bottoms and backs. They were treated by the store when we bought them and nothing that has ever been spilled/dropped on them has ever left a stain.

 

I'd think about seat covers, easily replaced if soiled or damaged.

 

I agree with the above suggestions, however, I do not like seat covers myself. They get loose and tend to move around, and I am suspect about their ability to allow the seat side mounted air bags to properly deploy if needed. With this said, I would go with a dark leather interior, and try to clean up any droppings as soon as possible. As for dog claws, our dog is always in the carpeted area in the back, by the hatch, once in a while she will climb over the rear seatback, but we have not seen any scratches on the leather from her claws,

 

CoverCraft makes some nice covers that fit very precisely and have the "tear-away" stitching for the seat airbags, including the required markings for same.

 

For your needs, you want to go with leather. It will largely prevent spills from seeping into the undercushion materials as long as you clean it up promptly (since if liquid is left sitting, it will eventually leak through the stitching points on the leather.

With respect to your dog, get a fold out seat covering made for use with dogs in automobiles. They are inexpensive, easy to place and unplace, and easy to remove and clean.. or just replace once they get worn out from dog paws.

 

You are going to love it! We just got an EX precisely because we didn't want leather. Would've liked the powered rear hatch but cloth seats won out. I figured everyone preferred leather but it sounds like many around here also prefer cloth.

I have never had leather seats but we have a golden retriever who I have no doubt would shred the leather with his nails. No doubt. I mean, our wood floors are torn up and need to be refinished. But as others pointed out, seat covers would be an option. We have a heavy canvas "hammock" that anchors to the four headrests. There are no side airbags in the rear to worry about, and the dog should be back there for safety anyway. Of course ours only goes in the "old" car (we have two CR-Vs).

As for spills and drips, I think leather is the way to go. My thing is I just can't imagine getting in with shorts on a hot, sunny, sticky day. Yuck! Same reason I prefer gray interior, maybe not quite as hot in the sun. Plus any used car I've ever seen with leather, the seats always look all stretched and deflated.

That's my two cents.

 

WeatherTech and Husky sell covers that are supposed to be great. (I'm not a user)

another source regards covers is Site Sponsor CARiD.

CARiD.com

www.crvownersclub.com

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But, you asked about Leather vs. upholstery (cloth).

My preference is cloth, modern auto fabrics are VERY robust and will repel stains given a treatment with a water repellent (Scotch-Guard or similar). They are warmer in cold climates too, and offer more traction to paws.

Given your confessed circumstances, I think ANY interior material will require some periodic maintenance (or periodic seat cover washing/replacement).


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PS, the more of a pattern a seat covering has, the less noticeable drips and stains will be. Is plaid coming back into style?

 

Most vehicles have leather nowadays... while leather is easier to clean, it's more susceptible to scratches and punctures. The air bag compliant seat covers would probably be the best thing.

 

A dog probably will damage the leather with their paw and weight if you don't use a seat cover. I have 3 tears in the perforations on one of my cars with leather because the weight of a dog over a small paw surface area stressed the leather too much. Lesson learned and I always use a seat cover / dog cover now over my leather seats when the dog is coming along.

 

Ketchup and coffee would be much easier to clean off of leather seats than fabric. Fabric is going to absorb those products. You might want to consider front seat covers like these.

Seat Armour

Protect the original seat of your vehicle with the seat armour

www.bernardiparts.com

For the dog I would use a rear seat cover like this one.

Honda Rear Seat Covers (CRV)

The Honda rear seat covers help protect the seats in your CR-V from wear and spills. This is a good accessory for your CR-V, especially if you constantly have kids in the car. Perfect for pets too!

www.bernardiparts.com

 

Funny thing. I went to the dealer and was set to buy the EX L with leather and did the test drive in it. When we got to the dealer and they were showing me the the dash functions in a floor model I suddenly realized that I was in an EX with upholstery seats and the seats were more comfortable than leather. A personal preference thing but I ended buying the EX and using the "saved" money for accessories. Roof rack, cargo cover,trailer hitch etc. Personally as far as the dog goes if I bought leather I would be using seat covers, so why buy leather.

 

We just threw a blanket in the back seat for our pup.

 

Such a great video ! Glad andie approved ..I did buy the plastic seat back protector too!

 

Hi All,
I am planning to buy the 2020 CRV EX-Hybrid and I am stuck on one major thing. I spill a lot in the car (ketchup, coffee) and I will have a dog that sheds (collie like Lassie). Which material will clean up better and not scratch? Leather or Upholstery? Iv'e heard that leather can scratch from dog claws but this new Honda leather is not full leather from one hide so I am not sure how it holds up with big dog claws....and ketchup, coffee etc....

Also what color do you recommend (in either upholstery or leather) to hide the stains/scratches should they happen?

Thanks for your input!
Meemo927

 

THANK YOU 🙏 THANK YOU. You all are awesome and super helpful. I am loving this community already. So I purchased the 2021 HYbrid CRV Touring last night (pictures to come soon) and got black leather. I got a screaming good deal which included Honda CR-V back seat covers (like a neoprene material I think) and a leather protection spray treatment w a 3 year warranty covering any scratches or tears to the leather.

I test drove 3 different CRVs and personally found the leather more comfortable.

And as a side note i by accident left my drivers window open a crack last night after returning from being at the dealership for 9 hours at 10 pm!!! And guess what? It rained and got my new front seat wet. I dried it up w towell this am no problem. Never absorbed into leather and it was like nothing happened.
When this happened w my Subaru Forester the water soaked into the cloth and had mildewey smell despite me drying it.
So I’m reallly glad I got leather- and yes I’m a self proclaimed scatter brain and spill queen sometimes. 🤣🤪

 

THANK YOU 🙏 THANK YOU. You all are awesome and super helpful. I am loving this community already. So I purchased the 2021 HYbrid CRV Touring last night (pictures to come soon) and got black leather. I got a screaming good deal which included Honda CR-V back seat covers (like a neoprene material I think) and a leather protection spray treatment w a 3 year warranty covering any scratches or tears to the leather.

I test drove 3 different CRVs and personally found the leather more comfortable.

And as a side note i by accident left my drivers window open a crack last night after returning from being at the dealership for 9 hours at 10 pm!!! And guess what? It rained and got my new front seat wet. I dried it up w towell this am no problem. Never absorbed into leather and it was like nothing happened.
When this happened w my Subaru Forester the water soaked into the cloth and had mildewey smell despite me drying it.
So I’m reallly glad I got leather- and yes I’m a self proclaimed scatter brain and spill queen sometimes. 🤣🤪

Here she is!!

 

Hi All,
I am planning to buy the 2020 CRV EX-Hybrid and I am stuck on one major thing. I spill a lot in the car (ketchup, coffee) and I will have a dog that sheds (collie like Lassie). Which material will clean up better and not scratch? Leather or Upholstery? Iv'e heard that leather can scratch from dog claws but this new Honda leather is not full leather from one hide so I am not sure how it holds up with big dog claws....and ketchup, coffee etc....

Also what color do you recommend (in either upholstery or leather) to hide the stains/scratches should they happen?

Thanks for your input!
Meemo927

I really enjoy my '17 CRV EX but the cloth fabric seats are a awful to keep clean and while leather can scratch, it has to be easier to clean then these cloth seats.

 

Hi All,
I am planning to buy the 2020 CRV EX-Hybrid and I am stuck on one major thing. I spill a lot in the car (ketchup, coffee) and I will have a dog that sheds (collie like Lassie). Which material will clean up better and not scratch? Leather or Upholstery? Iv'e heard that leather can scratch from dog claws but this new Honda leather is not full leather from one hide so I am not sure how it holds up with big dog claws....and ketchup, coffee etc....

Also what color do you recommend (in either upholstery or leather) to hide the stains/scratches should they happen?

Thanks for your input!
Meemo927

we are on our third CRV. the first was cloth and the second 2 were leather including our current 2017 EXL. Our last one we sold with well over 120000 miles full of kids, dogs, vacation travel, and finally duty as our son's college car. the interior still looked almost new. Leather may be a bit hotter in summer and colder in winter but it cleans easily and holds up to heavy use. Just use leather treatment on it now and then.

 

Hi All,
I am planning to buy the 2020 CRV EX-Hybrid and I am stuck on one major thing. I spill a lot in the car (ketchup, coffee) and I will have a dog that sheds (collie like Lassie). Which material will clean up better and not scratch? Leather or Upholstery? Iv'e heard that leather can scratch from dog claws but this new Honda leather is not full leather from one hide so I am not sure how it holds up with big dog claws....and ketchup, coffee etc....

Also what color do you recommend (in either upholstery or leather) to hide the stains/scratches should they happen?

Thanks for your input!
Meemo927

Hi. I got terrific seats covers from Amazon that fit my 2020 CR-V EX seats perfectly and match the color of my upholstery. Not very expensive either. I have had them for 6 weeks and am truly happy with their appearance, feel, and protective covering.

 

Hi All,
I am planning to buy the 2020 CRV EX-Hybrid and I am stuck on one major thing. I spill a lot in the car (ketchup, coffee) and I will have a dog that sheds (collie like Lassie). Which material will clean up better and not scratch? Leather or Upholstery? Iv'e heard that leather can scratch from dog claws but this new Honda leather is not full leather from one hide so I am not sure how it holds up with big dog claws....and ketchup, coffee etc....

Also what color do you recommend (in either upholstery or leather) to hide the stains/scratches should they happen?

Thanks for your input!
Meemo927

Get yourself black cloth. I have grey leather. I have no issues maintaining it, but I also do not permit food or drink in my cars.......with the exception of water bottles. My dog sits on a towel if she rides with me.

 

We bought a 2020 CRV EX with cloth seats but then we got really great leather-like seat covers...we do seat covers on every car we buy. From Amazon, they are custom fit to the year/make/model and we were even able to get a changein the color to get all grey which matched the grey of the interior perfectly. Very reasonably priced. You HAVE to watch the video to understand the best way to install them. They fit great and feel great ...and the heated seat works fine through them.
EKR Custom Fit Full Set Car Seat Covers for Select Honda CRV 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021- Leatherette (Black/Gray)

 

I prefer leather. I find the very comfortable. Also the seat warmers that come with it are nice in winter. I keep a large towel for my dog. I have grandchildren so had a spill last week. It was easy to wipe up. Even the carpet was easy to clean up. I did have a carpet protector spray applied before.

 

I have 160,000 miles on my 2005 beige cloth interior . It looks as good as new. I get the car detailed and the interior shampooed, every year or so. One it is dry, I empty a can or two of scotch guard on it. My 15 yr old son grew up eating in the back, spilling everything, and sneaking food to the dogs. I did get a rear seat cover as a gift 5 years ago, so I just remove that, wash it, scotch guard, and replace it in between detailing. Also cloth never gets super-hot in the 100 degree sun !

 

Hi All,
I am planning to buy the 2020 CRV EX-Hybrid and I am stuck on one major thing. I spill a lot in the car (ketchup, coffee) and I will have a dog that sheds (collie like Lassie). Which material will clean up better and not scratch? Leather or Upholstery? Iv'e heard that leather can scratch from dog claws but this new Honda leather is not full leather from one hide so I am not sure how it holds up with big dog claws....and ketchup, coffee etc....

Also what color do you recommend (in either upholstery or leather) to hide the stains/scratches should they happen?

Thanks for your input!
Meemo927

FWIW: While asking a local upholstery man questions about recovering our motorhome seats, he mentioned he does not advise using seat covers as they damage the the seat they are intended to protect by moving around and scratching the OEM seats 'covers'. We had already determined to have new 'covers' installed and asked his advice about putting sheepskin seat covers in addition, so I don't think his need to make money came into play.

 

Hi All,
I am planning to buy the 2020 CRV EX-Hybrid and I am stuck on one major thing. I spill a lot in the car (ketchup, coffee) and I will have a dog that sheds (collie like Lassie). Which material will clean up better and not scratch? Leather or Upholstery? Iv'e heard that leather can scratch from dog claws but this new Honda leather is not full leather from one hide so I am not sure how it holds up with big dog claws....and ketchup, coffee etc....

Also what color do you recommend (in either upholstery or leather) to hide the stains/scratches should they happen?

Thanks for your input!
Meemo927

I have a 70 pound black lab, sheds a lot. Have leather and rear seat covers. What ever you decide, tell dealer to throw in the covers and mats as part of their current offer.

 

Yup did that !

 

Hi All,
I am planning to buy the 2020 CRV EX-Hybrid and I am stuck on one major thing. I spill a lot in the car (ketchup, coffee) and I will have a dog that sheds (collie like Lassie). Which material will clean up better and not scratch? Leather or Upholstery? Iv'e heard that leather can scratch from dog claws but this new Honda leather is not full leather from one hide so I am not sure how it holds up with big dog claws....and ketchup, coffee etc....

Also what color do you recommend (in either upholstery or leather) to hide the stains/scratches should they happen?

Thanks for your input!
Meemo927

Irrespective of whether leather or cloth, you can buy seat covers especially made for pets! Try Amazon or Orvis.com plenty of choices there....

 

Beautiful! I hope you enjoy it as much as we have enjoyed our CR-Vs!