What Is Kia SynTex?

Kia's synthetic upholstery is the only option on some models.

Ronan Glon | 

Apr 5, 2024 | 2 min read

Kia

Kia offers three basic types of upholstery: cloth, leather, and SynTex. While the first two are familiar choices for many buyers, the third one is a relatively recent addition that's marketed as a synthetic alternative to leather.

SynTex Is Kia's Leather Alternative

Until the 2019 model year, Kia buyers had two types of upholstery to choose from: cloth and leather. The brand introduced a third type of upholstery named Sofino in the 2019 Forte and gradually rolled it out across its range.

Sofino was renamed SynTex, which stands for synthetic materials/textile, in the early 2020s. Kia of America created the name SynTex, and the firm's other global divisions have since adopted it.

SynTex Is a Combination of Synthetic Materials

While leather is made of animal skin, SynTex is manufactured using several synthetic materials, each of which serves a purpose. The base layer includes a sewn pattern that helps improve durability, the middle layer features materials added to make the upholstery comfortable to sit on, and the top layer receives a water-based coating that makes the seat soft to the touch.

SynTex Has Some Advantages Over Leather, but Isn't Very Eco-Friendly

SynTex offers several benefits compared with leather. Broadly speaking, synthetic upholsteries — such as SynTex, leatherette, and vinyl — are easier to keep clean than leather. They're more durable and require less care, though Kia notes that SynTex isn't waterproof because it's perforated. It also costs less to manufacture synthetic upholstery than to make leather, and these savings are often passed on to buyers.

From a sustainability standpoint, however, it's important to note that synthetic upholstery isn't always an eco-friendly alternative to leather. While making it doesn't require animal skin, the process can involve petroleum-based, fossil fuel-derived materials and the resulting material may not be recyclable.

SynTex Is Available on a Range of Kia Vehicles

Kia offers SynTex upholstery in many of its cars, ranging from the Forte to the EV9. While the entry-level Forte LX ships with cloth upholstery, the GT-Line trim level comes standard with a blend of black cloth and SynTex upholstery. The full black SynTex upholstery is included when buyers select the $1,000 GT-Line Sport Premium Package, which also requires ordering the $1,400 GT-Line Premium Package.

The electric EV9, which stands out as Kia's most expensive model, comes standard with black and dark gray SynTex upholstery. Other color combinations are available on more expensive trim levels. The GT-Line trim is notably available with black and gray SynTex, but leather isn't an option on the EV9. Like leather, SynTex is compatible with heated and ventilated seats. The EV9 comes standard with both.

Ronan Glon

Ronan Glon is an American journalist and automotive historian based in France. He enjoys working on old cars and spending time outdoors seeking out his next project car.