Marathon Seat Covers by Covercraft vs. TigerTough

We get asked a lot how TigerTough covers stack up against other big names in the seat cover game. So today, we're going head-to-head with Marathon seat covers (now owned by Covercraft) and giving you a no-fluff, side-by-side look.

This isn’t a review. We're just laying out the details so you can decide what works best for your truck. Let’s get into it.

What Changed with Marathon?

If you’ve used Marathon covers before May 2024, these aren’t the same. Covercraft bought them out, and a few things have changed. We cover that in another blog, but keep in mind this comparison features the new Marathon covers, not the originals.

Unboxing What’s Inside

Marathon by Covercraft

• Arrives in a decent-sized box, packed in a clear plastic bag.

• Includes universal install instructions, a tool (plastic piece with Velcro) for removing headrests, and a mix of seat bottom, back, headrest, and armrest covers.

• Fabric is listed as Cordura®, but the denier isn’t specified.* 

• Made in Mexico.

• Comes with a four-year manufacturer’s defect warranty.

• Standard features include seatback pockets and a center console cover.

*Disclaimer: We reached out to Covercraft and asked about the denier of the Cordura® used for the Marathon seat covers. They said they didn’t know. Our best guess is that they use around an 800-denier Cordura®.

TigerTough

• Ships in a soft-sided branded bag.

• Includes detailed color install guide with truck-specific instructions.

• Covers come clearly labeled for driver and passenger sides.

• Includes our patented Stringlock™ tool for installation.

• Made from 1000D Cordura®…tough enough to last the lifetime of your truck.

• Made in the USA.

• Covered by a 2-year unconditional warranty. If anything breaks, for any reason, we’ll replace it.

Installation Comparison

Marathon

• Driver and passenger pieces aren’t labeled.

• Instructions are generic, with a QR code that just links to the homepage (not install help).

• The center console cover isn’t marked, and we couldn’t get it on despite trying.

• Overall, it was a bit of a guessing game.

TigerTough

• Every piece is labeled and tailored to your specific truck.

• Installation was smooth, even for someone who doesn’t install covers regularly.

• Headrests, seat backs, and seat bottoms went on quickly and securely.

• All seat cover sets come with detailed instructions and an installation video.

Side-by-Side Fit and Finish

We installed both covers on a 2023 Ford F-150 (Marathon on the passenger side, TigerTough on the driver’s). Here’s how they compare:

Fit and Construction Details

Both seat covers are three-piece systems (headrest, seat back, seat bottom) and install separately, which helps them stay in place. They both feature:

• Flaps under the headrest for a tighter fit (no saggy elastic bags here).

• Tearaway stitching for side airbags.

• Hook-and-loop closures.

Differences That Stood Out

Seat Bottom Security

TigerTough wraps around the seat and uses Stringlock to keep the cover tight. It won’t budge. Marathon uses a clip-and-buckle system that feels decent, but isn’t quite as locked-in.

Console Cover Fit 

Marathon includes one, but it wasn’t sized right and wouldn’t go on. TigerTough doesn’t offer one for this truck, though they do for others.

Back Panel Design 

TigerTough makes its own flap that replaces your factory one. Marathon leaves the factory flap and covers over it. Both work, but the TigerTough setup is cleaner.

Final Thoughts

We’re not here to tell you which seat cover is best…that’s your call. But we are here to make sure you’ve got all the facts.

If you value American-made products, a truly secure fit, and a no-questions-asked warranty, TigerTough’s going to be tough to beat.

Want to see more comparisons? We’ve lined up a few other brands in similar side-by-sides.