I guess we have terminology confusion here. Vinyl has a woven cloth backing, so I was calling anything that is not 100% real leather from a cow "cloth". This includes imitation leather that is often called "leather" by marketing folks. Sorry for creating the confusion. I realize my definition of cloth was confusing and overly broad.That would be incorrect from my recent observation. 2021 Laramie I drove had leather bolsters with a suede-like insert. It was a primary reason I stepped up to the Laramie. Obviously the suede-like insert may not be leather, but it certainly isn't cloth.
It seems many people who own these trucks don't even realize their seats are not 100% real leather. That speaks well of the quality of materials used by Ram. These days they are making vinyl that looks more like leather than real leather does. They way leather breaks in and creases, you can tell over time from those creases if it's real leather. I know the 2019 and 2020 Laramie 2500's my next door neighbor has are definitely NOT real leather except for the suede, and both those trucks are loaded with most every option. The suede-like inserts are real leather as far as I can tell. That may be the only part that is real leather. FCA says the Laramie seats are "leather trimmed". That should tell you the rest of the seat is not real leather, no matter how realistic the imitation. Vinyl could be superior to leather in some applications and in many ways, including durability in some cases depending on the quality of the vinyl. Vinyl of course is waterproof, at least the outer layer, not the cloth backing. Leather wins in breath-ability and breaking in to conform to your butt. Then of course there is the smell of real cowhide. Maybe everyone should smell their Laramie seats if they think they are real leather.
Leather also dries out over time and can fade more than vinyl. It needs more maintenance than vinyl.
Further confusing the vinyl/leather issue (although not in this case) is bonded leather. This is ground up leather scraps glued to a cloth backing. Bonded leather usually peels after a few years and is not used in any cars I have seen, but is used extensively in "leather" furniture.
