Katzkin Leather Seats

[MightyMatsuda]

Has anyone had Katzkin leather seats installed in their CX-5? We bought a CX-5 Touring (tan cloth seats) and are thinking about replacing them with leather seats. Would love to hear if anyone has had any experience doing this.

 

[sylva143]

I installed Katzkins in my 2013. They looked fantastic. I had them professionally installed in town, so that added an additional $700. The result was very impressive.

 

[nXt]

I installed Katzkins in my 2013. They looked fantastic. I had them professionally installed in town, so that added an additional $700. The result was very impressive.

$700 to INSTALL the leather seat covers?
You have the Grand Touring that already has leather seats, so you spent more to have them removed and paid for another set of leather covers????
Want to ship those stock leather covers to me? You pay shipping ok? Since you like spending money. Thanks!

 

[paris1]

Pay attention nXt! sylva143 had a 2013 that he/she had Katzkins installed in. Then he/she got rid of that and got a 2014 GT with more leather. Say... sylva143 really does like spending money!

 

[MightyMatsuda]

$700 to INSTALL the leather seat covers?
You have the Grand Touring that already has leather seats, so you spent more to have them removed and paid for another set of leather covers????
Want to ship those stock leather covers to me? You pay shipping ok? Since you like spending money. Thanks!

Thanks. Was it $700 for the install on top of purchasing the leather covers or $700 total for everything? The MSRP on www.katzkin.com says about $2000 for a full set, but they don't sell direct to consumers -- only through local distributors. I was told by my Mazda dealer I could get a set of custom leather seats for less than the $2000 upcharge for a GT.

 

[sylva143]

Thanks. Was it $700 for the install on top of purchasing the leather covers or $700 total for everything? The MSRP on www.katzkin.com says about $2000 for a full set, but they don't sell direct to consumers -- only through local distributors. I was told by my Mazda dealer I could get a set of custom leather seats for less than the $2000 upcharge for a GT.

You can get a nice set of Katzkins from several distributors for about $800 which does not include installation. I'm sure the $2000 quote was for installation, and possibly some upgrades to the material. Just google Katzkins and you'll see several resellers that distribute via mail order.

 

[sylva143]

$700 to INSTALL the leather seat covers?
You have the Grand Touring that already has leather seats, so you spent more to have them removed and paid for another set of leather covers????
Want to ship those stock leather covers to me? You pay shipping ok? Since you like spending money. Thanks!

No, I had leather installed in my 2.0 Sport. I have original leather in my new 2.5 GT. These are not seat covers. The old cloth must be completely removed, along with the seats. Katzkins fit onto the seats just like original upholstery. It can be a tedious job to do it yourself, and after investing $800, I wanted to have the best result. For less than $2000 total, I think Katzkins are a great deal (better than OEM leather), unless, like me, you trade the car 8 months later!!! I won't be trading again any time soon!

 

[trollacoaster]

If you want leather, Katzkin makes a great product. I work in Mazda sales and I have seen a number of different aftermarket installations. The Katzkin always seems to have the best fit and isn't loose like some of the other stuff i have seen. You need to find a reputable installer to get that factory fit and appearance though, which will require a touch of research. I really don't advise anyone without the tools or experience to go at this themselves, as it takes some skill to get it done. Ask around some of the local dealers what trim shop they use for installs, and you'll find out who is doing the best work in your area. My customers have been so happy with the Katzkin installations I have set up for them, I got it for my CX-5. My wife and I are very happy with it.

One more thing: If you live in a warm climate, get the leather perforated down the middle like on the factory leather on these vehicles.

 

[trollacoaster]

I imagine you didn't do too badly on that trade Sylvia, since the CX-5 is very much in demand on the used market. Nobody is letting them go right now. There are always those who refuse to buy new, and I have encountered a good many begging to let them know when there is a used one available.

 

[HelloMello]

the CX-5 is very much in demand on the used market

It's only been out for 18 months, I am guessing they should be looking for bank repos instead of the private used car market

 

[HelloMello]

I installed Katzkins in my 2013. They looked fantastic. I had them professionally installed in town, so that added an additional $700. The result was very impressive.

Are the seats any different from '13 to '14 and from Sport to Touring? Katzkin site only showing 2013 models.

 

[DerlinStiles]

Are the seats any different from '13 to '14 and from Sport to Touring? Katzkin site only showing 2013 models.

Well... I know that the Sport doesn't have lumbar support in the driver's seat. I don't really know, but my guess is that, other than upholstery, everything else is the same..??

And just to kvetch... the seat w/o lumbar is pretty uncomfortable. I think I'll make a post asking if people have found any good lumbar pillows. I made one myself... quite ghetto.

Pretty annoying that they would go through the bother of manufacturing a different seat just to leave out the lumbar mechanism- you'd think they'd recoup the few bucks saved by simplifying the manufacture to one seat for all models. But now that I'm thinking about it, the back component of my driver seat is probably identical to that of the passenger seat, so there goes my argument. (I'm always arguing with myself!)

 

[pt00323i]

do a search, few of us have install it by ourselves, is not that hard, just need to be handy. I do like it lot more than the factory fabric seat, it is so thin like a tshirt.

 

[Fass Eddie]

So you installed the Katskins yourself?

 

[jomar23CX5]

installing them is not hard but time consuming, you will need the proper tool and clips to do the job correct and a very strong upholstery glue

 

[eclypsecl]

I am getting mine installed monday. Got the sport with nothing..so opted for heated leathers.

 

[rickprins]

My 2014 CX-5 Touring has the Katzkin leather along with after market heaters. I love them! The leather is really nice, and the heaters work faster then any I've had before. My wife's 2015 Pilot don't heat as hot or quick!

My car was a CPO that the previous owner had the leather put in. I had the heaters put in as part of the sale.

The only issue I have is that the drivers seat "slips". Every week or so I wind up tilting the seat back forward a little, and move the entire seat forward. I never go the other direction. I doubt that this has anything to do with the leather or heaters.

 

[paris1]

My 2014 CX-5 Touring has the Katzkin leather along with after market heaters. I love them! The leather is really nice, and the heaters work faster then any I've had before. My wife's 2015 Pilot don't heat as hot or quick!

My car was a CPO that the previous owner had the leather put in. I had the heaters put in as part of the sale.

The only issue I have is that the drivers seat "slips". Every week or so I wind up tilting the seat back forward a little, and move the entire seat forward. I never go the other direction. I doubt that this has anything to do with the leather or heaters.

A common complaint here. I don't know that anyone's ever found the cause (or cure!).

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

A common complaint here. I don't know that anyone's ever found the cause (or cure!).

Wasn't this addressed by a TSB?

http://www.carproblemzoo.com/tsb/mazda/cx-5/2013-mazda-cx-5.php



Bulletin Date: Jul. 11, 2013
Component: Front seats assembly recliner.
Bulletin Summary: Mazda: on some vehicles, the seatback of driver side, would recline on its own and possibly due to leg contacting recliner switch, when exiting vehicle, and changing the position of seat back. Model 20013-2014 cx-5.
Vehicles covered in this TSB:
2013 Mazda Cx-5, 2014 Mazda Cx-5.

 

[paris1]

I've never seen a TSB dealing with driver stupidity, but I guess there's a first time for everything!