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So I wasn't sure that I wanted neoprene seat covers for my XV because I read that they can snag on keys dangling out of your pocket and it has a rubbery smell. Plus the cost was way up there. But I still wanted something that was waterproof and durable. After a few weeks of research and some fabric samples I settled on a Cordura/Endura type fabric. The ones that I bought specifically are the Endura Seat Covers for the XV Crosstrek from GTCovers.com. They are still pretty expensive, but they are custom/exact fit. After shipping and a $20 off coupon, my total cost was about $413.00.
The material itself is pretty tough. Like really tough. I spent a good amount of time trying to rip the endura fabric samples I requested. I couldn't do it without starting a small cut in the fabric first. I also made a hole in the middle with a pen and tried to tear the sample and still couldn't do it. This stuff is the same material used for laptop bags and backpacks. There is really no give or stretch which made installing the seat covers a huge pain in the ass. The fabric is also lined with 1/4" thick foam which didn't help when pulling the covers over the seats. The neoprene samples I requested had a lot of stretch and I could tear it by hand with enough force. I'd imagine neoprene seat covers would be much easier to pullover the seats.
Overall, after about 3 hours of climbing in and out of my car and one bloody knuckle later, I am pretty happy with the seat covers. I think the black/navy blue looks much nicer than the original ivory seats. Plus the navy blue is pretty darn close to the marine blue pearl. All the seams on the seat covers match the seams on the original seats. Each of the front covers have flaps for air bag deployment. The fit is really snug. Maybe too snug. But the instructions do say that after a few weeks the covers should settle and conform completely to the seats and to readjust all the straps.
So if anyone decides to order from gtcovers, you might want to request fabric samples. I received a $20 off code with my samples.
The material itself is pretty tough. Like really tough. I spent a good amount of time trying to rip the endura fabric samples I requested. I couldn't do it without starting a small cut in the fabric first. I also made a hole in the middle with a pen and tried to tear the sample and still couldn't do it. This stuff is the same material used for laptop bags and backpacks. There is really no give or stretch which made installing the seat covers a huge pain in the ass. The fabric is also lined with 1/4" thick foam which didn't help when pulling the covers over the seats. The neoprene samples I requested had a lot of stretch and I could tear it by hand with enough force. I'd imagine neoprene seat covers would be much easier to pullover the seats.
Overall, after about 3 hours of climbing in and out of my car and one bloody knuckle later, I am pretty happy with the seat covers. I think the black/navy blue looks much nicer than the original ivory seats. Plus the navy blue is pretty darn close to the marine blue pearl. All the seams on the seat covers match the seams on the original seats. Each of the front covers have flaps for air bag deployment. The fit is really snug. Maybe too snug. But the instructions do say that after a few weeks the covers should settle and conform completely to the seats and to readjust all the straps.
So if anyone decides to order from gtcovers, you might want to request fabric samples. I received a $20 off code with my samples.
