You’re rough on your car’s upholstery. Whether it’s kids grinding animal crackers into the fabric or your pooch redecorating the backseat (because dog fur goes with everything), the interior of your ride takes a beating.
If you want to preserve your car’s resale value — or if your existing seats are just cracked and uncomfortable — then investing in some neoprene seat covers is the way to go. Not only will they protect your upholstery, but they look snazzy and feel great to boot.
What You Need to Know Before Buying Neoprene Seat Covers for Your Car
Buying something like a seat cover seems like a brainless proposition — you just buy the one you like and put it over your seats, right?
While that isn’t terribly far from the truth, there are a few things you need to be aware of before you make a purchase.
Not Every Cover Fits Every Seat
As you might expect, a Ford F-150 has a different seat layout than, say, a Toyota Camry. That means that not every neoprene cover on the market will be compatible with your car, so it’s essential that you make sure you have a match before you make a purchase.
Pay special attention to whether the cover is designed for bucket or bench seats. It’s not easy to make a cover fit an entire row of seats when it was only designed to cover one, after all.
We’ll go over all of this in more detail later on, but for now, the important thing to remember is to make sure the cover you buy will work with the car you drive.
What Do You Want the Cover to Do?
This may sound simple — it needs to cover your seat, right? What else could it do, help you solve mysteries?
While your cover may not be much help when it comes time to figure out what’s haunting the old Suggins place, some options excel at different things than others.
For example, some are great at repelling pet hair, while others provide excellent comfort on bumpy roads. If you don’t know what you’re looking for your cover to do before you start shopping, you’ll have a hard time evaluating the different options.
Unfortunately, there’s not a single cover that excels in every single category, but our top pick, the Gorla Premium comes closest.
That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s right for you, though.
Additional Factors to Consider in Neoprene Seat Covers
Along with the compatibility with your vehicle and the primary purpose of the seat covers, there are three other key factors that you’d be wise to consider when browsing through the available products:
- Comfort: Don’t underestimate the value of some thick foam padding. After all, the chances are that you’ll be sitting on this thing on a daily basis.
- Durability: Sure, a seat cover might be comfy for the first few weeks, but for how long can you expect it to stay that way?
- Care: The odd stain here and there is no biggie, as long as you can clean it up with relative ease. Some neoprene seat covers are machine washable, while others require you to be a little more hands-on. Our reviews will let you know what to expect.
For a thorough look at our top 10 picks, including a detailed breakdown by category, read on.
Top 10 Best Neoprene Seat Covers 2021
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Compatible with: Any make and model (bucket seats only)
- How many in each order: 1
- Warranty: Lifetime
Comfort
The Gorla Premium is our top pick because it’s very good at everything while still being convenient and affordable. However, it’s not necessarily outstanding at any particular thing, and comfort is a great example of that.
This cover is comfy, don’t get us wrong. It only provides a medium amount of padding, though, and it won’t protect you from every bump and dip on the road (for something that will, check out the Rough Country 91018).
Durability
The company backs its covers with a lifetime warranty for a reason. It may not survive a knife fight, but it’s more than capable of standing up to everyday wear and tear. You really have to work to damage this thing.
That means it can withstand puppy claws too, so you can take your pets with you wherever you go.
It’s also completely waterproof, so you don’t have to worry if you spill a drink on it or sit on it while still soaking wet from a day at the beach. The cover won’t stick to your skin either, regardless of how drenched you are or how hot it is outside.
Care
The company recommends hand-washing it, but it is safe for use in the washing machine. Just don’t put it in the dryer.
Keeping it clean on a day-to-day basis is fairly easy, as you can just wipe most stains away with a damp towel. It will attract pet hair like a magnet, but fur usually comes off in the washing machine.
You may want to wash it as soon as you get it as well, because it has a strong odor out of the box. The smell quickly goes away, though.
Pros
- Backed by a lifetime warranty
- Machine washable
- Strong enough to withstand dog claws
- Won’t stick to skin
- Completely waterproof
Cons
- Attracts pet hair like a magnet
- Strong odor out of the box
2. Best Budget Pick: TANYOO Waterproof
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Compatible with: Any make and model
- How many in each order: 1 (2-piece option is also available at a higher price)
- Warranty: Lifetime
Comfort
There’s not much to the TANYOO Waterproof in terms of fabric; it’s designed to fit over your existing seats and nothing more. As a result, most of the comfort will come from your car’s existing interior.
That’s not to say that this thing is uncomfortable, though. It’s perfectly fine to sit on, and if you have heated seats, you’ll love how much heat it allows through. The flip side to that, of course, is that it’ll get hot in the summer and cold in the winter.
There’s a rubber backing on it that helps keep it in place well, so you shouldn’t have to deal with too much slipping and sliding. At this price point, though, don’t expect perfection.
You’ll also find three convenient pockets at the bottom. This lets you store your phone, a drink, or really anything that you might want to put into a pocket. When cup holder or console space is at a premium, they really come in handy.
Durability
The thin fabric isn’t as durable as some other models out there (and if durability is your primary concern, you may want to check out the toughest option on this list, the Smittybilt 471225). You’ll definitely see some wear and tear after a few years.
The good news is that the company backs its products with a lifetime warranty, so you can send it back if it starts to wear out. We definitely think it’ll give you plenty of bang for not-very-many bucks, though.
Care
The waterproof material is extremely easy to clean. Spills can be mopped right up, and any other stains usually come up with a damp cloth and a little bit of elbow grease.
If the thing gets really grody, though, you can toss it in the washing machine. That should do the trick.
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Compatible with heated seats
- Convenient pockets at bottom
- Easy to clean
- Rubber backing holds them in place well
Cons
- Offers little in the way of comfort
- Will show wear and tear after a while
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Compatible with: 2015-2020 Ford F150 XL/XLT
- How many in each order: 3 (2 bucket seat covers, 1 bench)
- Warranty: 1 year
Comfort
These covers boast a layer of thick foam padding that cradles your body and acts as a shock absorber. You can practically go off-roading and it will feel like you’re on a freshly-paved road with these things installed.
The fabric is extremely breathable as well. It offers wonderful protection against the elements, allowing you to climb inside wearing shorts on a hot summer day without burning your skin off in the process.
Part of the reason why they’re so comfortable is because they’re designed to fit the F-150 perfectly, including room for the air bags, seat adjuster, headrest, and more. This custom fit makes them fairly easy to install as well, and there shouldn’t be any bagginess or sliding to deal with.
Durability
If you tend to be hard on your truck, then these covers are exactly what you need. They’re made to withstand a rough-and-tumble lifestyle, so you don’t have to change your behavior to accommodate your car’s upholstery.
Of course, given how much these covers cost, they should be able to stop a bullet.
One small detail that may irk you, given what you’ll spend on these things, is the fact that the logo is only screen-printed on. It will fade over time, but the underlying material should remain completely intact.
Care
The Rough Country covers are highly stain-resistant, and you can deal with most spills and messes by simply wiping them down. You can even leave the mess for a few hours without it staining the fabric.
You can put them in the washing machine, but for best results, they should be hand-washed and air dried. This is a minor inconvenience, but any inconvenience at this price range sticks out like a sore thumb.
Pros
- Extremely durable
- Will fit your truck’s seats like a glove
- Easy to clean
- Includes a layer of foam padding
- Fabric is very breathable
Cons
- Very expensive
- Need to be hand-washed
- Logo fades over time
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Compatible with: Any make and model (bucket seats only)
- How many in each order: 1
- Warranty: None
Comfort
The MAJA Premium slips right over your existing seat, including the headrest, and the thick fabric gives you plenty of extra padding. You’ll definitely appreciate the difference when you’re stuck in traffic during your morning commute.
However, it’s designed to just sit on top of your existing seat, so you can expect it to bunch up and slip around while you drive. This can make it uncomfortable at times, especially on bare skin.
Of course, that also makes it easy to put on and take off as needed, so it’s an excellent choice if you just want occasional coverage.
Durability
The thick fabric does a good job of withstanding regular wear and tear, but if you sit on it wrong, you can put a crease into it. This won’t necessarily shorten its lifespan, but it can make it permanently less comfortable.
Given that it’s so easy to get on and remove, though, you can choose to only use it when the situation truly demands protecting your upholstery. If you do that, it should last for years and years.
Care
It’s very easy to maintain this model, as you can spot-clean any messes, and getting rid of dirt and crumbs is as easy as taking it out and shaking it off. It’s machine washable in case it gets seriously dirty, but it needs to air dry.
There are three different color options — or rather, you have your choice of three different colors of piping along the black material. The colors tend to fade over time if left in the sun, but this isn’t a terribly stylish option to begin with, so that may not matter much to you.
Pros
- Easy to put on and take off
- Good amount of padding
- Cleaning is a breeze
- Ideal for occasional use
Cons
- Tends to slide around and bunch up
- Can be creased permanently
- Not especially stylish
5. Best for Jeeps: Smittybilt 471225
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Compatible with: 1997 – 2002 Jeep Wrangler
- How many in each order: 3 (2 bucket seats, 1 bench)
- Warranty: None
Comfort
The middle portions of these Smittybilts have quite a bit of padding, giving your lumbar some extra cushioning for long, rough rides down dirt roads.
This also allows you to slide right out of the vehicle, which can be helpful for people with mobility issues as it drastically reduces the effort needed to get in and out. That extra boost can be necessary, as a side effect of all that padding is you’ll have a tendency to sink right into the seat.
They’re not quite as comfortable to install, though, and you’ll likely end up with bruised and bloody knuckles along the way. What’s worse, if you can’t get them to fit just right, it will compromise how comfortable they are in a big way.
Durability
There’s little to complain about in terms of durability, as these are well-made covers. That’s important, given that Jeep owners aren’t known for being easy on their gear.
The neoprene is very thick and heavy, and it can stand up to all sorts of abuse. It will fade if left in direct sunlight, though, so you may want to park in the shade.
Care
These covers can be cleaned with a little bit of water and a chamois, and they dry quickly. Even mud comes right off, so there’s no reason to avoid taking your Jeep off-roading.
That’s good, because they’re not machine washable. You wouldn’t want to take them off anyway, given how difficult they are to put on in the first place.
Pros
- Lots of lumbar padding
- Easy to slide in and out of seats
- Simple to clean
- Thick and durable
Cons
- A pain to install
- Will cause you to sink into seat
- Tends to fade if left in the sun
6. Best Temporary Option: Goodyear GY1121
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Compatible with: All makes and models (front seat only)
- How many in each order: 1
- Warranty: None
Comfort
There’s nothing to this cover, really; it’s designed to protect your existing seat, and that’s it. However, it’s not uncomfortable, but overall the coziness will depend largely on the seats that came with your car.
Each of these covers is sold individually, though, so you don’t have to put one on every seat if you don’t want to. It’s a cinch to get on and off, as it just slips on and then straps in place, which means it doesn’t have to be a permanent addition, either.
Durability
This is quite an inexpensive cover, so you might not expect much in the way of longevity. However, it should be able to handle normal wear and tear.
It’s only water-resistant, not fully waterproof, which means there’s not as much neoprene in it as you’ll find in some other options, like the Motor Trend OS274. You shouldn’t expect it to last forever, but it can get the job done in the short term.
Care
You can throw one of these in the washing machine if it gets too dirty, but that shouldn’t be necessary too often. Food doesn’t really stick to the neoprene and liquid beads up for easy blotting, so it should never be too filthy.
Pros
- Sold individually
- A cinch to install
- Liquid beads on the surface
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Almost no padding whatsoever
- Not fully waterproof
- Won’t last as long as some other options
7. Snuggest Fit: GEARFLAG JK
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Compatible with: 2007 – 2017 Wrangler JK
- How many in each order: 2 (front seats only)
- Warranty: None
Comfort
There’s no foam padding or anything like that on this option, but that allows them to fit your seats like a glove. Assuming that your seats are the least bit comfy, these covers should suit you just fine.
The neoprene is extremely thick and heavy, so it should give you plenty of support.
Installation is an absolute pain, but it’s at least fairly straightforward, so you shouldn’t be confused. There will be a heavy rubber smell for a few weeks, though.
Durability
The thickness of these covers ensures they’ll last for a few years at least, and even the stitching is well-done. They’re more than capable of handling anything the road can throw at them when you drive with the top down as well, including rain, wind, and salt water.
There’s no opening for a side airbag, though, so you’ll either need to modify them or understand that they may be damaged in the event of an accident.
Care
These covers don’t ship with instructions, so you’ll have to use your own best judgment when it comes to taking care of them. We wouldn’t recommend throwing them in the washing machine, though.
For the most part, all you should need to do is wipe them off when they become visibly dirty. You may also want to put some protectant on them as well if you don’t want the color to fade.
Pros
- Made of thick neoprene
- Fit seats like a glove
- Even the stitching is well-done
- Easy to take care of
Cons
- Lacks an opening for side airbag
- Installation is a pain
- No instructions included
8. Best for Jump Seats: CarCovers Custom
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Compatible with: 2009 – 2014 Ford F150, F250, F350
- How many in each order: 1 (jump seat only)
- Warranty: No
Comfort
If you have a truck with a jump seat, then you know that’s the hardest one to find a decent cover for. This option from CarCovers Custom does an excellent job of keeping your middle seat protected, but it’s not as comfortable as a model that would be made for one of the bucket seats would be.
It covers the seat itself as well as the middle backrest, with holes cut out for the cup holders. As such, it’s extremely convenient to use and easy to put on. It’s not really meant to be sat on very often, although it does a good job of keeping your seat at a comfortable temperature.
Durability
This is an extremely durable cover; it’s been treated with an application designed to increase UV-resistance, in addition to being thick enough to prevent regular wear and tear.
You may have to really pull on it to get it over the seat, though. Over time, that may stretch the cover out, but that’s not an issue unless you want to put it in another truck.
Care
Liquids tend to just sit on top of this water-resistant cover, so it’s likely that all you’ll need to do is mop up any spilled drinks.
It’s not machine washable, but it can be hand-washed and air dried. However, putting it on is difficult, so it’s likely you’ll only take it off if it starts to get really gnarly.
Pros
- Easy to put on
- Holes cut out for cup holders
- Treated to resist fading
Cons
- Not machine washable
- May stretch over time
- Less comfortable than other covers
9. Best Weather Protection: Motor Trend OS274
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Compatible with: All makes and models
- How many in each order: 2 (bucket seats only)
- Warranty: None
Comfort
These covers are designed for two things: to protect your seats and allow proper ventilation. There’s virtually no padding, so if you need a cover to provide comfort, keep looking (and look at the FH Group FB085RED114 in particular).
They’re designed to be a universal fit, but they won’t be a snug one. Expect a little bagginess, which may lead to bunching or creasing. However, they shouldn’t be uncomfortable (unless your seats are already pretty ragged).
Durability
Given that these are budget covers, the durability is in line with what you’d expect. They won’t last forever, but they can give you a few years’ worth of protection, assuming you’re not too rough on them.
You won’t have to worry about them getting damaged by the airbags, though, as they’re cut in such a way as to allow unfettered deployment.
Care
The covers are completely waterproof, which means you shouldn’t have any issues with messes, as long as you have napkins or a towel handy. They’re not machine washable, though.
There is one issue with their waterproof nature however, they don’t cover the entirety of the seat. That means you need to be quick on the draw with the cleaning supplies if you don’t want the mess to reach your actual seats.
Pros
- Provide plenty of ventilation
- Completely waterproof
- Very inexpensive
Cons
- Fit tends to be baggy
- Won’t cover the entire seat
- No padding whatsoever
10. Most Attractive Covers: FH Group FB085RED114
Editor’s Rating:
Quick Facts:
- Compatible with: Most bucket seats
- How many in each order: 3 (2 bucket seats and 1 bench)
- Warranty: None
Comfort
The neoprene on this option covers a healthy dose of EVA foam, making them plush and comfortable. Plus, despite the padding, they won’t interfere with heated seats.
While these covers are fun to sit on, it’s the appearance that really sets them apart. You can get them in 8 different colors, allowing you to choose a pattern that complements your car’s interior beautifully.
Durability
The durability definitely leaves something to be desired here. You can expect the seams to start fraying after a year or so, and they’ll likely tear if they come in contact with something sharp.
However, the biggest issue will come with washing them. They’ll fall apart after a few trips through the washing machine, so we’d recommend hand-washing or spot cleaning them instead.
Care
As mentioned above, you can throw these things in the washing machine, but it isn’t recommended. Spills are easy to clean, though.
You’ll likely need to vacuum them frequently, as they collect cloth balls, food crumbs, and pet hair. All that mess usually comes right up when vacuumed, so there shouldn’t be any need to toss it in the dryer.
Pros
- Padded with EVA foam
- Very attractive
- Available in multiple colors
Cons
- Won’t stand up to much abuse
- Will fall apart after a few washes
- Tend to trap hair, crumbs, and other debris
How to Find the Perfect Neoprene Seat Covers for Protecting Your Car’s Interior
Seat covers may not be something you’ve ever given much thought to — after all, covering your seats was the manufacturer’s job, right?
The existing upholstery may be all you need, but there are several reasons to consider an upgrade. We’ll go over some of the most important below.
Why Should You Consider Putting Covers on Your Seats?
There are several benefits to putting aftermarket covers on your car’s seats. For the most part, they fall into three categories: protection, comfort, and cleanliness.
Protection
There are many things that can damage your car’s seats: UV rays from the sun, your dog’s nails, a spilled soda, or giving your friend Shredder a ride to Arby’s. By putting a cover over your seats, you can protect them from all sorts of harm.
Not only does this keep your car looking pristine, it also increases the resale value once it’s time for a new ride. That makes seat covers an investment that can pay off many times over down the line.
Comfort
Many covers have extra padding sewn in, making them even more plush and comfortable than your existing seats. This can come in handy if you have back problems, or even if you just want to live in luxury during your daily commute.
Not only that, but neoprene covers are extremely breathable. This means they’ll be comfortable even if it’s scorching hot or freezing cold outside. Many people put them over leather seats for that reason alone.
Cleanliness
If your hectic schedule forces you to eat meals in the car, or if you have kids, then you know how easy it is to make a mess of your seats. Drinks can get spilled, ketchup can get smeared everywhere, and crumbs can find their way into every nook and cranny of the fabric.
It’s even worse if you add a dog or other pet in the mix. Now you have to deal with slobber, sharp nails, and tons of fur — and we’re still just talking about your kids (kidding — we hope).
Rather than spend hours trying to vacuum your car out (or worse, living with seats that look like a Jackson Pollock painting), you can use a seat cover instead. Most covers are easy to remove and can be thrown in the washing machine, allowing you to always have pristine seats — no matter how clumsy you are with your Big Mac.
What Makes Neoprene a Good Material for Seat Covers?
Neoprene is a type of synthetic rubber that’s often used to make wetsuits, orthopedic braces, and more.
It makes an excellent material for seat covers because it’s extremely durable, and it’s resistant to UV damage as well as normal wear and tear. It’s also waterproof, so spills won’t penetrate to the material below.
However, not all neoprene covers are created equal. Some are made of thick cuts of the stuff, while others use thinner layers or a mixture of neoprene and some other material. That’s why some covers are waterproof, while others are only water-resistant.
Why Do Some Seat Covers Only Work on Specific Cars?
It all depends on how they’re installed. Some seat covers — the ones that are universal fits, or close to it — attach with Velcro straps or other simple mechanisms. The MAJA Premium is one such model.
Others, however, are specifically designed for certain makes and models. These usually take more time to install, as they line up specifically with certain parts of your car. The upside is that these usually look and feel better — and cost more. The Rough Country 91018 is a good example of a custom-fit cover.
You should also realize that the custom-fit models are more likely to accommodate things like side airbags. If you’re buying a universal fit option, you should check beforehand to see whether it will interfere with any of your car’s safety mechanisms.
Is There Anything Else I Need to Know About Seat Covers?
There are a few other things to think about, but they’re fairly minor in the grand scheme of things.
One is whether or not the cover will block the warmth from your heated seats. Some are too thick for the heat to penetrate, rendering that particular luxury useless. However, neoprene does a good job of stopping cold on its own, so you may not need heated seats at all with a neoprene cover installed. If you don’t have heated seats and are worried that neoprene seat covers won’t be sufficiently warm, check out our guide to the best heated seat covers.
Finally, some options come with accessories like seat belt covers, headrest covers, pockets, and more. Again, these bonuses shouldn’t be enough to swing your buying decision one way or the other, but they’re nice extras to have.
Final Thoughts
The best way to keep your car’s interior looking as beautiful as the day you bought it is to be extremely careful every time you’re inside it — with no eating, drinking, dogs, or fun allowed.
If you want to actually enjoy your car without compromising its attractiveness, though, putting neoprene covers over the seats is the way to go. Neoprene prevents liquids and other messes from setting into the fabric, and it’s also extremely comfortable to sit on.
You could leave your seats the way they are and treat your car like it’s an art museum full of priceless works — but installing neoprene seat covers will allow you to actually drive the thing without ruining its beauty in the process.
Source: Tools - autoquarterly.com
