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There aren’t many modern SUVs that are true to their core purpose without sacrificing modern looks. One such vehicle is the Nissan Patrol, which is a 4WD, 2,786 kg heavy off-road capable SUV that comes with a 5.6-litre V8 under the bonnet, a rear helical limited-slip differential, as well as 560Nm of torque.
This, combined with Nissan’s HBMC (Hydraulic Body Motion Control), allows the Patrol to tow up to 3,500 kg. However, the Patrol hasn’t been as prepared for tackling challenging terrain as easily as its rivals. But, apart from improving its off-road capabilities, this large SUV can also benefit from seat covers, too.
Advantages of Seat Covers
Clean
You definitely want to keep your vehicle’s interior as clean as possible, and quality Nissan Patrol seat covers can help with that. They not only keep the original seats clean, but most of them are also quite easy to maintain. You can usually just toss the covers in the washer and have them looking like new.
Protected
Sturdy covers help your seats stay protected from sharp objects, spills and the sun. This way, you are able to preserve them as much as possible without any repairs costing a fortune, which is especially the case with leather seats.
Appearance
A big reason to invest in seat covers is the fact that they can change the way your Patrol’s interior looks. You can go for something bold in both colour and design, or something similar to what you already have, if you’re not a fan of dramatic changes.
Longevity
By protecting the seats and keeping them clean at the same time, you are able to make the material they’re “dressed” in last longer. Again, this goes especially for leather as it’s a high-maintenance material that can develop cracks from everyday wear as well as UV rays.
Types of Seat Cover Materials
Leather
Talking about leather, you can still get covers made out of it and the same look and feel as you do without them on your seats. Leather is quite comfortable and makes any interior look more luxurious. Keep in mind that it also makes for more expensive covers.
Neoprene
If, as a true off-roading enthusiast, you want to make your Patrol’s seats more functional, you should consider getting neoprene covers. They are the same material used to make wetsuits, so you don’t have to worry about moisture getting to the seats while you still get to have a decently comfortable material over them.
Velour
Although quite basic in comparison to neoprene and leather covers, velour covers are made to look much like modern-day upholstery in economy cars. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing as velour is a great multi-purpose material; therefore, it makes for covers that are affordable, quite protective and comfortable at the same time.
Jacquard
Quite similar to velour, jacquard covers are even more practical as they come with a more rigid middle part. This makes them useful if you want to use your Patrol for more than just a family car, but don’t want to spend a lot on protecting the seats. Just remember that comfort won’t be on your side with jacquard seats as much as it will with velour ones.
Nylon
Another affordable and durable option for seat covers is nylon. With nylon covers, you can protect the seats from spills, UV rays, mud, and everyday wear much better than you could with velour or jacquard. Nylon covers are also machine washable and oftentimes can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Again, they are not the most comfortable.
Canvas
While mainly known as a medium for painting, canvas is also used to make seat covers and some pretty durable ones at that. Canvas covers are tough and fully waterproof, which makes them the most adequate when you are driving around pets and heavy-duty gear, as the covers are designed to take a beating, not for comfort.
Mesh
Lightweight, breathable and somewhat comfortable are what mesh covers are all about. In order to stay comfortable during summer, mesh covers are what you should consider, as they improve air circulation and thus help reduce sweating. Quality-wise, they are rather similar to velour Nissan Patrol seat covers.
Denim
For a more unique appearance and durable protection at the same time, you can get denim seat covers. They often come with a foam backing, which makes them more comfortable than most other seat cover materials, all while being hard-wearing. The look of denim covers may not be for everyone, though, but their longevity definitely is.
Sheepskin
Sheepskin makes for the most comfortable and luxurious-feeling seat covers. Although the material is probably even more cumbersome than leather, when it comes to maintenance, it’s still usable in both hot and warm climates. Sheepskin is extremely breathable, so you’ll stay warm in cool weather and cool in warm weather.
Acrylic Fur
The imitation of sheepskin covers is one made of acrylic fur, which looks and feels a lot like sheepskin, but it doesn’t have its breathability or hypoallergenic properties. Acrylic fur is also more affordable than sheepskin, and it’s much easier to keep clean.
