I think the new ones are way better quality material.Vinyl is great for enclosed vehicles but doesn't the material crack from sunlight and extreme temperatures over time? If you get a removable top, those seats will be seeing a lot of sunlight and probably absorb a lot of heat.
It doesn't necessarily have to be vinyl. I think what Op meant was a "waterproof/easy-clean" seating surface, which i am fully hoping for too. With no carpet inserts, just exposed metal in the color of the body, rubber mats, and waterproof/weatherproof seats.
The only concern at that point is if the color will fade with washes. But throwing in the wash might not be required depending if they even get to a point they're that soiled.Ventilated seats would cure us all of sweaty bums, especially with the top down in the summertime. But I would just go for normal fabric seat covers, they're cheaper and easier to clean compared to neoprene. throw them in the wash and slap them on the seats again.
Fortunately that won't be something to worry about with Jeep, the only frequent downside i've heard of is seats being uncomfortable, but often that comes from people who have a difficult time finding comfortable seats overall, some are able to adjust to whatever is offered.I ultimately don't care much for seat materials as long as it's not cheap fabric or leather. One just doesn't last as long and leather is just too much effort to take care of. Synthetic materials that won't produce too much dust is ideal for me.
For some people even that is too much, but you can always get a seat cover with the sort of support that can get over that break in curve much like what you would put in a shoe that right off the production line doesn't have a comfortable insole.It's only a matter of either breaking in the seat or breaking in your butt. I hope we at least get vinyl on the outer skirts of the seat to keep us planted so we don't slide around while making sharp turns.