Why Fake Leather Grain Still Haunts Car Interiors

Design has always been the heart of my automotive obsession. From the moment I could point at a car and say 'that one,' I was hooked on how they look. That passion led me to study car design in college, and though I ended up as a writer instead, I still geek out over every curve, crease, and surface texture.

Interviewing real designers is the highlight of my job, and styling is always top of mind when I review a new vehicle.

But here's the thing: with all that focus on design, I notice the small stuff. The details that either make me smile or make me cringe. Today, I want to talk about the cringe. What's one car design detail that, no matter the make, model, or price tag, just grinds your gears? I'm not talking about full-on hatred—more like that persistent annoyance that never goes away.

My latest test cars, a 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV and a 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander, reminded me of a pet peeve I can't shake. Both share a design choice that drives me nuts: fake leather grain on non-leather materials. Look, I'm not anti-cheap interiors. I love affordable city cars, and lower price points often bring bold, adventurous designs.

But if you're going to use leatherette, fabric, or some sustainable alternative, please drop the phony graining. It never fools anyone. The plastic still feels like plastic. Some automakers, including GM, are finally catching on, swapping fake grain for geometric patterns or natural materials.

It's a huge improvement. The Outlander's material mishmash is a whole other story for another day.

So, what about you? What design detail always bugs you? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and I'll round up the best answers later this week.