Upgraded Microfiber Leather Car Center Console Cover: Honest Review of the Universal Armrest Cushion with Storage

Ever found yourself with a sore elbow after a long drive? Or wished your center console had more convenient storage for your phone and essentials?

After putting the Stacool Upgraded Car Center Console Cover through rigorous testing, I’m sharing my complete findings on this affordable interior upgrade that promises to enhance both comfort and functionality in virtually any vehicle.

Upgraded Microfiber Leather Car Center Console Cover Review

What Is the Upgraded Car Center Console Cover?

The Stacool Upgraded Car Center Console Cover is a universal automotive accessory designed to fit over your existing center console.

Measuring 12.13 x 7.8 inches, this microfiber leather armrest cushion features memory foam padding and dual storage pockets on either side.

Designed as both a protective cover and comfort enhancer, it aims to prevent wear and tear on your original console while adding convenient storage and reducing driver fatigue.

Complete Features Breakdown of the Armrest Cover

Dimensions: 12.13 x 7.8 x 0.79 inches
Material: Premium microfiber leather exterior with diamond-pattern stitching
Padding: Thickened memory foam interior (approximately 12mm thick)
Storage: Dual side pockets measuring 8.66 x 5.12 inches each
Attachment Method: Two elastic bands with anti-slip silicone dot backing
Weight: 3.8 ounces
Available Colors: Black, Beige, Pink, and multiple other options
Price Point: $11.99 (as of this review)

Why Use a Center Console Cover in Your Vehicle?

After weeks of testing, the benefits of adding this armrest cover became increasingly apparent:

Protection from Wear and Tear: The cover effectively shields your original console from scratches, stains, and the dreaded cracking that often occurs with factory armrests after years of elbow pressure and sun exposure.
Enhanced Driving Comfort: The memory foam padding significantly reduces pressure on your elbow and forearm during long drives. During my 300-mile test drive, I noticed substantially less fatigue compared to my uncovered console.
Convenient Additional Storage: The dual side pockets transform wasted space into functional storage for frequently accessed items like smartphones, sunglasses, or parking passes.
Aesthetic Upgrade: For vehicles with worn or damaged consoles, the cover provides an instant cosmetic improvement at a fraction of the cost of replacement or reupholstery.
Temperature Moderation: The microfiber material remains comfortable to touch even when parked in direct sunlight, unlike leather or vinyl consoles that can become uncomfortably hot.

How Universal Is This “Universal” Center Console Cover?

Despite the “universal” claim, compatibility varies significantly based on your vehicle’s console dimensions. The 12.13 x 7.8 inch dimensions work well for most sedans and compact SUVs, but may not completely cover larger consoles in full-size trucks and SUVs.

Vehicle Compatibility Chart by Console Dimensions

Vehicle Type	Console Dimensions	Fit Assessment	Notes
Compact Sedans	10-12″ length	Excellent	May have slight excess material
Mid-Size Sedans	11-13″ length	Very Good	Honda Accord, Toyota Camry tested with ideal fit
Compact SUVs	11-13″ length	Very Good	Tested on Kia Soul with perfect fit
Mid-Size SUVs	12-14″ length	Good	May not cover entire length on some models
Full-Size SUVs	14″+ length	Fair	Only partial coverage, especially in length
Pickup Trucks	14″+ length	Fair	Works better on crew cab models with smaller consoles

Based on both my testing and customer reviews, vehicles like the Ford Explorer, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Kia Soul show excellent compatibility, while larger vehicles may experience incomplete coverage.

What’s the Quality of the Microfiber Leather Material?

The microfiber leather used in this cover strikes an impressive balance between affordability and quality. While obviously not genuine leather, the material has a surprisingly premium feel considering the price point.

The diamond-pattern stitching adds both visual interest and structural durability, helping the cover retain its shape over time.

In my testing, I deliberately spilled water, coffee, and hand sanitizer on the surface to evaluate stain resistance.

All substances wiped clean easily without leaving residue or discoloration, suggesting good stain resistance for daily use. The material texture provides adequate grip without feeling tacky or collecting lint.

Compared to genuine leather, the microfiber material offers superior stain resistance and heat management at the expense of that distinctive leather scent and patina development over time.

How Comfortable Is the Cushioned Armrest Cover?

The memory foam padding significantly enhances driving comfort, especially during longer trips. Measuring approximately 12mm thick, the padding provides meaningful pressure relief without feeling overly soft or unstable.

During temperature testing, the padded cover remained comfortable to touch even after sitting in 90°F direct sunlight for two hours, whereas my vehicle’s original console became uncomfortably hot.

This thermal management property alone makes the cover worthwhile for drivers in warmer climates.

The ergonomic benefits became most apparent during a 5-hour highway drive, where I experienced noticeably less elbow fatigue compared to previous trips without the cover.

The padding compresses slightly under pressure but recovers its shape quickly when weight is removed.

How Functional Are the Two Storage Bags?

The dual storage pockets (8.66 x 5.12 inches each) represent one of this product’s most practical features. During testing, I found they easily accommodated:

Large smartphones including iPhone 14 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra
Sunglasses in their case
Parking passes and toll transponders
Small notebooks and pens
Hand sanitizer bottles
Face masks
Charging cables

The pocket openings are wide enough for easy access while driving, though they do initially stand somewhat stiffly until broken in.

The pockets maintain their shape even when empty, which helps preserve the cover’s overall appearance but does make them protrude slightly from the console.

One limitation worth noting is that very thin items can slip too far into the pockets, making retrieval while driving somewhat challenging. For optimal functionality, these pockets work best with items that fill at least 1/3 of the pocket depth.

How Easy Is the Center Console Cover to Install?

Installation is straightforward and requires no tools or permanent modifications to your vehicle. The entire process took just under 40 seconds in my test vehicle.

Step 1: Preparing Your Console Surface

Before installation, wipe down your console to remove any dust or debris that might affect the cover’s grip. This step ensures maximum adhesion from the silicone dots on the underside of the cover.

Step 2: Fitting the Cover to Your Console

Open your center console lid and position the cover centrally over the console, ensuring equal overhang on all sides. Align the front edge of the cover with the front edge of your console for the most secure fit.

Step 3: Securing the Cover in Place

With the console lid still open, insert the elastic bands into the console box, stretching them slightly as needed. Close the console lid to tension the bands, which pulls the cover snugly against the console surface.

Step 4: Attaching and Positioning the Storage Bags

The storage bags come pre-attached to the cover, but you may need to adjust their position slightly to avoid interference with gear shifters or cup holders. Simply smooth them against the sides of your console for optimal placement.

Does the Cover Stay in Place While Driving?

After three weeks of daily use, the cover remained firmly in position without shifting or sliding. The combination of elastic bands and silicone dot backing provides excellent stability even during aggressive driving maneuvers.

During testing, I deliberately performed sharp turns, sudden stops, and rapid acceleration to assess stability. The cover maintained its position throughout these tests, with no noticeable movement or adjustment required.

Entry and exit from the vehicle caused minimal disturbance to the cover’s position, though occasionally the side pockets would need minor repositioning after multiple entries/exits. This represents a minor inconvenience rather than a functional issue.

How Durable Is This Console Cover Over Time?

While my testing period was limited to three weeks, durability indicators suggest good longevity for the price point. The stitching remained intact despite repeated pressure testing, and the materials showed no signs of premature wear or color fading.

Based on material composition and construction quality, I would expect this cover to maintain its appearance and functionality for approximately 2-3 years of daily use before potentially requiring replacement. This represents excellent value considering the modest investment.

Areas most susceptible to potential long-term wear include the elastic bands (which maintain tension well but could eventually stretch) and the side pocket seams, which bear additional stress when items are frequently inserted and removed.

What Are the Pros and Cons of This Armrest Cover?

Pros	Cons
Excellent value at $11.99	“Universal” fit isn’t truly universal
Memory foam provides genuine comfort improvement	Side pockets initially stick out somewhat awkwardly
Dual storage pockets add practical functionality	May not match premium interiors perfectly
Easy installation with no tools required	Elastic bands may lose tension over extended use
Good stain resistance and easy cleaning	Not as luxurious as genuine leather options
Multiple color options available	May shift slightly after multiple entries/exits
Protects original console from wear	Pockets can sometimes interfere with gear shifting in certain vehicles
Maintains comfortable temperature in sun	Limited warranty information available

Does the Black Color Match Most Vehicle Interiors?

The black model tested provides excellent versatility for matching various interior color schemes. The neutral black tone has a slight matte finish that blends well with both black and dark gray interiors without appearing mismatched.

For vehicles with two-tone interiors, the black version provides a safe option that doesn’t clash with surrounding elements. However, for vehicles with lighter interiors (beige, cream, or tan), the manufacturer offers matching color options that would provide more cohesive integration.

The diamond-pattern stitching adds a subtle design element that complements most modern vehicle interiors without appearing overly sporty or casual.

How Easy Is It to Clean and Maintain?

Maintenance proved to be remarkably simple during testing. Dust and light debris brush off easily, while more substantial spills wipe clean with a damp microfiber cloth.

For cleaning testing, I intentionally introduced coffee, hand sanitizer, and sunscreen to the surface. All cleaned completely with minimal effort using just water and mild soap, with no residual staining or discoloration.

The manufacturer doesn’t specify whether the cover is machine washable, so I would recommend spot cleaning only. The memory foam interior would likely deteriorate if fully submerged or machine washed.

How Does This Cover Compare to OEM Armrest Surfaces?

Compared to factory-installed console materials, this cover offers both advantages and disadvantages:

The memory foam padding provides superior comfort to most OEM surfaces, particularly those with minimal or no padding. The material stays cooler in direct sunlight than factory vinyl or leather consoles, which can become uncomfortably hot.

However, the microfiber material lacks the premium look of high-end OEM leather finishes found in luxury vehicles. The addition of side pockets creates a more utilitarian appearance that may not match the clean lines of factory designs.

For vehicles with worn, damaged, or cracked console surfaces, this cover offers substantial improvement in both aesthetics and functionality at a fraction of the cost of professional reupholstery or replacement.

What’s the Value Proposition Compared to Other Console Covers?

Brand	Price	Features	Material Quality	Fit Accuracy
Stacool (Reviewed)	$11.99	Memory foam, dual pockets	Good microfiber leather	Good for most vehicles
Lusso Gear	$24.99	Memory foam, single pocket	Premium leatherette	Excellent, multiple sizes available
Aully Park	$14.99	Basic padding, no pockets	Standard PU leather	Average, limited size options
FH Group	$16.99	Minimal padding, no pockets	Basic faux leather	Good, adjustable straps

The Stacool cover delivers exceptional value, offering features typically found in products twice its price. While premium options like Lusso Gear provide marginally better materials and size options, the functional difference doesn’t justify the price difference for most consumers.

Does the Cover Affect Access to Console Storage?

The cover design maintains full functionality of your console’s original storage compartment. During testing, I found no impairment to opening or closing the console lid, with the elastic bands maintaining enough flexibility to allow normal operation.

The cover slightly reduces the opening angle of some console lids, but not enough to meaningfully impact access to interior storage. Items stored inside the console remain easily accessible with the cover installed.

For consoles with unique opening mechanisms (side-opening or sliding lids), compatibility may vary, though standard top-opening consoles work perfectly with this design.

Will the Storage Bags Interfere with Gear Shifting or Controls?

Potential interference depends entirely on your vehicle’s specific interior layout. In my test vehicle (2020 Honda Accord), the pockets remained far enough from the gear selector to avoid any issues, even when filled with items.

Vehicles with console-mounted shifters positioned very close to the armrest may experience some interference from the side pockets. This can usually be mitigated by either not using the pocket closest to the shifter or by only storing thin items in that pocket.

The pockets maintain their shape even when empty, which means they do protrude approximately 1.5 inches from each side of the console. Consider your interior dimensions carefully before purchasing if space is limited between your console and other controls.

What Do Actual Users Say About This Console Cover?

Analysis of verified customer reviews reveals consistent themes:

Positive feedback frequently mentions comfort improvement, easy installation, and value for money. Many reviewers specifically praise the dual storage pockets as their favorite feature, noting how convenient they are for phone storage.

Critical feedback primarily centers around fit issues, with some users reporting the cover being too short for their particular consoles. Several reviewers mention the side pockets being initially stiff, though many note they soften with use.

Overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, with most dissatisfaction stemming from size incompatibility rather than quality concerns. The product maintains a 4.1/5 rating from over 1,800 reviews, indicating strong general satisfaction.

Does the Cover Slide or Shift During Regular Use?

After comprehensive testing under various driving conditions, I found minimal shifting during normal use. The combination of elastic bands and silicone-dot backing provides excellent stability for day-to-day driving.

Scenarios that occasionally caused minor shifting included:

Repeatedly entering and exiting the vehicle
Aggressively resting or pushing off from the armrest
Very hot conditions causing the silicone dots to temporarily lose some grip

Any shifting that did occur was minor and easily corrected with a quick adjustment. For most typical usage, the cover remained securely in place without requiring attention.

Is This Armrest Cover Worth the Investment?

Considering its modest $11.99 price point, the Stacool Upgraded Car Center Console Cover delivers exceptional value. The combination of genuine comfort improvement, added storage functionality, and console protection justifies the investment many times over.

For drivers who frequently take longer trips, the ergonomic benefits alone make this a worthwhile purchase. Those seeking additional organized storage for phones and small essentials will find the dual pockets incredibly convenient.

When weighed against alternatives costing significantly more yet offering comparable functionality, this cover represents one of the best value propositions in automotive interior accessories.