What’s One Car Design Detail That Really Grinds Your Gears?

Car design is the heartbeat of the automotive world for Jalopnik’s Daniel Golson. From childhood fascination to a degree in car design and a career in automotive journalism, he’s always been drawn to the visual language of automobiles. While he celebrates bold styling and innovative aesthetics, Golson admits there’s one design detail that consistently drives him up the wall: the cheap fake leather grain pattern used on non-leather materials in modern car interiors.

It’s not about rejecting affordable cars or synthetic surfaces—he’s all for sustainable, creative alternatives—but the phony leather texture that tries (and fails) to trick the eye into believing it’s touching real leather. The effect is dated, unconvincing, and does the opposite of elevate the interior experience. Golson points to the 2027 Chevrolet Bolt EV and the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander as recent offenders.

Both are solid cars in many ways, but their use of this faux-leather texture undermines their otherwise thoughtful designs. He praises automakers like GM for moving toward cleaner, more authentic alternatives—think geometric patterns or natural materials—calling it a refreshing step forward. The larger point isn’t about material snobbery; it’s about authenticity in design.

A well-executed synthetic surface should feel intentional and modern, not like a desperate attempt to mimic luxury. So, what’s the one car design detail that annoys you? Golson invites readers to share their pet peeves in the comments, promising to highlight the best responses later in the week.