Katzkin Leather - Does it match OEM leather?

[Jank4AU]

I bought the factory takeoff leather from a Jeep Rubicon 4xe. The set is missing the rear center headrest cover. If I get a Katzkin replacement cover, will it match the OEM color leather? What are my other options if not? Do I need to order it through a dealer?

Katzkin told me that I had to order it through one of their installers. The local installer advised me that it might not be a match. I'm curious of other opinions and options. At any rate, it will be a better match than the entire interior being leather with a single cloth headrest cover!

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[RAMSTEEL]

The headrest, I can't imagine you'll even notice the difference. I do think the leather on the Katzkin is a bit more leather-like...I know that sounds odd but the factory leather looks almost like vinyl in how smooth the texture is. For a headrest, you won't notice. Also have to believe you could find a leather headrest online somewhere, on eBay, salvage, etc.

 

[RAMSTEEL]

PS rear headrests are available for order individually according to Mopar parts.

 

[Jank4AU]

The headrest, I can't imagine you'll even notice the difference. I do think the leather on the Katzkin is a bit more leather-like...I know that sounds odd but the factory leather looks almost like vinyl in how smooth the texture is. For a headrest, you won't notice. Also have to believe you could find a leather headrest online somewhere, on eBay, salvage, etc.

You know, I didn't even think about salvage. Are all Rubicon rear benches the same with the center headrest built down into the seatback or are the 4xe's different? I know the seat bottom is different, just wondering if I could pull a headcover of a JK or JL as long as it's leather. I guess I could get on a few dealer sites and look at the interior. I'll also peruse ebay and see if there are any there. Thanks for the great suggestions!

 

[TheRaven]

The problem with the GOOD aftermarket leather (like Katzkin, CFI, Roadwire) is that it is significantly better quality leather than what FCA's OEM stuff is. So no, I don't think it will match well enough. You have to worry not only about color, but also texture and quality because leathers of different grades reflect light differently. So even if the color does match, it won't look like a match at all angles.

 

[JasonInDLH]

I bought the factory takeoff leather from a Jeep Rubicon 4xe. The set is missing the rear center headrest cover. If I get a Katzkin replacement cover, will it match the OEM color leather? What are my other options if not? Do I need to order it through a dealer?

Katzkin told me that I had to order it through one of their installers. The local installer advised me that it might not be a match. I'm curious of other opinions and options. At any rate, it will be a better match than the entire interior being leather with a single cloth headrest cover!

I’m pretty certain that the OEM perforated leather option on my 2021 JLUR is made by Katzkin. I bet it will be a direct match, but would definitely ask Katzkin directly.

 

[TheRaven]

I’m pretty certain that the OEM perforated leather option on my 2021 JLUR is made by Katzkin. I bet it will be a direct match, but would definitely ask Katzkin directly.

Yes if you got the upgraded "Mopar leather interior", you got Katzkin leather. However I wouldn't assume that that guarantees a match...all your seats are Katzkin. I bet if you put one of your seats next to one of OP's seats, you'd be like "WHOA".

 

[Jank4AU]

Anyone notice that on the Jeep configurator the 2023 Rubicon 4xe has a different rear seat? No center cup holder/armrest with the cloth seats now? And there's a different pattern on the cloth as well.

And here's the leather seats...totally different center headrest on the back row.

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