Carbon Fibre vs Leather vs Suede: The Best Steering Wheel Cover Material
Updated June 2026 · Written by the Carmoods team
Once you've decided to add a steering wheel cover, the next question is: what should it be made of? Material is the difference between a cover that feels sporty and grippy, one that feels plush and luxurious, and one that's warm on a frosty morning. It also affects how it handles an Australian summer, how long it lasts, and how it looks in your cabin.
This guide compares the four most popular steering wheel cover materials — carbon-fibre style, leather (microfibre), suede, and plush — on the things that actually matter: grip, comfort, durability, temperature and looks. By the end you'll know exactly which suits your car, your hands and your climate. (If you still need to size up first, our fit & size guide covers that.)
Quick answer: which material is best?
- Best all-rounder: microfibre leather — premium feel, great grip, year-round comfort.
- Best grip / sporty feel: suede — superb dry grip, race-inspired.
- Best looks / performance vibe: carbon-fibre style — modern, textured, sporty.
- Best for winter warmth: plush — soft and warm on cold mornings.
- For hot Aussie summers: breathable leather or suede beat plush, which is best kept out of direct sun.
There's no single winner — it depends on what you value. Here's the full comparison.
The materials compared at a glance
| Material | Grip | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microfibre leather | Very good | Smooth, premium, firm | All-round daily use |
| Suede | Excellent (dry) | Soft, sporty, tactile | Performance feel, year-round |
| Carbon-fibre style | Good, textured | Sporty, modern | A performance look |
| Plush / fur | Good, soft | Warm, cosy | Winter warmth, cute interiors |
Microfibre leather: the premium all-rounder
Microfibre leather is the most popular choice for good reason — it balances everything. It has a smooth, upmarket feel, a firm and confident grip, and it breathes well enough to stay comfortable across hot and cold days. It's easy to wipe clean and resists sweat, so it suits daily driving in almost any climate.
Pros: premium look and feel, excellent year-round comfort, easy to clean, durable. Cons: slightly less “grippy” than suede when your hands are dry. Pick it if: you want one cover that does everything well.
Try: the BMW Leather Steering Wheel Cover ($56.99) — soft-yet-firm microfibre leather with an anti-slip, sweat-resistant surface.
Suede: the best grip and sporty feel
Suede (microfibre suede, often called Alcantara-style) is what you'll find on performance and race cars — and for one big reason: grip. The soft, slightly textured surface gives superb hold, especially with dry hands, and feels wonderfully tactile. It breathes well too, so it stays comfortable in summer and isn't icy in winter, making it a strong year-round pick.
Pros: outstanding dry grip, sporty premium feel, breathable, all-season comfort. Cons: needs a gentle brush occasionally to keep its nap; can mark if treated roughly. Pick it if: you want the most engaging, performance-style grip.
Try: the Mercedes Suede Leather Steering Wheel Cover ($53.99) — soft, velvety, non-slip and tailored for a long list of Mercedes models.
Carbon-fibre style: the performance look
Carbon-fibre-style covers pair a sporty, textured carbon-look finish (usually with leather or suede sides) for drivers who want their cabin to feel performance-inspired. You get a modern, racy aesthetic plus a grippy, anti-slip texture — the best choice if looks are top of your list.
Pros: striking sporty appearance, good textured grip, modern feel. Cons: the carbon sections are firmer than full suede/leather (some love this, some prefer softer). Pick it if: you want a performance look to match a sporty car.
Try: the Toyota Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel Cover ($57.99) — carbon-fibre texture with a breathable, anti-slip grip, suited to Camry, Corolla, RAV4 and more.
Plush: the winter warmth champion
Plush (soft lint or faux-fur) covers exist for one glorious purpose: warmth. On a frosty winter morning, gripping cold metal is miserable — a plush cover insulates your hands instantly and feels cosy and soft. They also bring a cute, cosy aesthetic that's popular for styled interiors.
Pros: warm and soft, takes the bite out of cold wheels, cute look. Cons: best kept out of prolonged direct summer sun; many drivers swap to leather/suede for the warmer months. Pick it if: you want winter comfort or a cosy, cute cabin.
Try: the 38cm Winter Plush Steering Wheel Cover ($33.24) — warm lint that fits the standard 38cm wheel. More cold-weather tips in our winter driving guide.
Which should you choose? (by priority)
- I want one cover for everything → microfibre leather.
- I want the best grip / sporty feel → suede.
- I want the coolest look → carbon-fibre style.
- I drive cold winter mornings → plush (and swap to leather/suede for summer).
- I live somewhere very hot → breathable suede or microfibre leather; avoid leaving plush in direct sun.
Plenty of drivers keep two: a breathable leather or suede for most of the year, and a plush one for the depths of winter. They're affordable enough to swap with the seasons.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best material for a steering wheel cover?
For all-round use, microfibre leather is the best balance of grip, comfort, durability and looks. If grip is your priority, suede is superb; for a sporty look, carbon-fibre style; and for winter warmth, plush. The “best” depends on what you value most and your climate.
Is leather or suede better for a steering wheel cover?
Both are excellent. Leather feels smooth and premium and is very easy to clean; suede offers superior grip and a sportier, more tactile feel. Suede needs an occasional gentle brush to keep its nap, while leather just wipes clean.
Are carbon fibre steering wheel covers comfortable?
Yes — most “carbon fibre” covers combine a carbon-look textured section with leather or suede sides, so you get a sporty appearance plus a comfortable, grippy hold. The carbon sections are a little firmer, which many drivers actually prefer.
Which cover is best for hot weather?
Breathable microfibre leather or suede are best for Australian summers — they stay comfortable and don't trap heat the way a thick plush cover can. Keep plush covers out of prolonged direct sun, or save them for winter.
Do different materials affect grip and safety?
Yes — grip is a genuine safety factor. Suede offers the best dry grip, leather and carbon-fibre styles are anti-slip and secure, and plush is grippy and soft. Whichever you choose, make sure it's the correct size so it can't rotate on the wheel.
The bottom line
Choosing a steering wheel cover material comes down to what you value: leather for an all-round premium feel, suede for the best grip, carbon-fibre style for looks, and plush for winter warmth. All four improve comfort and refresh your cabin — just match the material to your climate and driving style, and get the size right.
Ready to pick yours? Browse every material and make in the Steering Wheel Covers collection, check sizing with our fit guide, and see our step-by-step install guide when it arrives.
