I believe it is the only way you can do it options wise. One thing you can try, is still get the option, and inquire at your dealer or junk yard about a non-leather one. You should be able to purchase them sepearetly...

 

Is the "leather" really even leather?

 

I've wondered that about mine since I've gotten it.

My feeling is that it is more of a PLeather or a VLeather, if it is Leather at all.

 

I'm pretty sure it's not even genuine leather... I think it should be ok, but if you're that strongly against it, I would request not to have it, maybe they can do it at the factory :S But that regular steering wheel doesn't feel as nice!! and looks cheaper.

 

Find someone in your local with out leather area and trade em. I am sure alot of people would jump at the chance to get a free leather upgrade... just another option.

 

How would I find out if it IS even real leather? If it's just fake leather (like all my shoes and belts and stuff! LOL), then I'd be okay. Just don't want an animal product.

I haven't ever had a wrapped wheel, so I'm used to the "plain" ones. And I've never custom ordered before- just got lucky and found ones without it.

I am trying to figure out if I can just remove the wrap - or if it's glued or something.

I put in another call to my dealer today, and he's going to try to find out if I can specifically request to NOT have it. But he thinks it's something to do with the radio controls on the wheel with the premium sound package.

 

But he thinks it's something to do with the radio controls on the wheel with the premium sound package.

Maybe a swap would work better for you then, The plastic trim piece on the back of the wheel with the controls can be disconnected from the steering wheel with just a couple of screws to remove (did this on my ram to get steering wheel controls) swap the wheels, reconnect the plastic piece and presto no more leather. Sooner or later the dealer will probably get one in with out the leather wheel. The whole process would only take about 15 min or less. hope this helps

 

Hey if you are in Canada, I just might trade you for a regular Grey 08 steering wheel...I wanted the leather wrapped steering wheel but not the sound system upgrade...

 

I think it is real leather, keep in mind though, even without the leather, the car is still not Vegan/animal safe. I don't think there is really any cars that are vegan, or trucks, or crossovers for that matter.

Also, don't feel as if you, by accepting the leather, are causing the death of a cow... leather is a byproduct of the beef industry, essentially you'd be helping using a product that would have been uselessly thrown away, though I understand your opposition, I was a vegan myself for 3 years...

You could also try and find an 07' that has BA system in it, it does not include a leather wrapped steering wheel, or, unfortunately wheel mounted audio controls.

 

Forget the cows, just think of how many Pleathers are killed each and every year just so us greedy consumers can have something fashionable to wrap our hands around.

 

Yea, and the pleather meat is reeeeallly tough too.

 

Buy a cloth or vinyl steering wheel cover. Sure the cow is still dead, but at least you don't have to touch its dried skin. It might also keep the steering wheel cooler.

But hey, I'm a leather-loving carnivore, so what do I know?