All About Trim Levels on Cars
Some vehicles are better equipped than others. With features, components and aesthetics, these vehicles surpass their counterparts in every way. However, these advancements don’t just change with models as trim levels play a part too. A specific model can also have different variants with superior performance specs. The common term used to describe these sorts of variations is car trim levels.
Trim levels on cars can help drivers better identify and differentiate vehicle models. We will do a detailed overview of car trim levels, their meaning and the most common levels found on vehicles.
Meaning of Trim Levels on Cars
Car trim levels are simply different variations of a specific model. These can help better distinguish between vehicle models as features usually differ. A higher trim level generally indicates better specs and features. Moreover, vehicle prices usually go up with higher trim levels.
Vehicle trim levels are entirely different from a car facelift or other modifications. However, facelifts can occur on different trim levels. Some manufacturers may offer several different trim levels of a vehicle while some only introduce a few.
Some of the most common changes with different trim levels may include the following:
- Upgraded car upholstery material
- Enhanced rims
- Bigger engine
- Better transmission type
- Modern exterior features
- Interior upgrades
- Better tyres
- Exclusive colour choices
The changes and upgrades may vary with vehicle manufacturers. However, in general, these remain the most common changes in different car trim levels.
Car Trim Levels Examples
Vehicle owners always have the option to go for upgrades, a full bolt-on job or other modifications. It is important to comply with the country’s laws regarding modifications. However, with different trim levels on cars, they have the option to buy a stock upgraded version of the vehicle.
That said, let’s take a look at some of the most common types of car trim levels.
BASE TRIM LEVELS
This is the most basic trim level of cars. A basic trim level car comes equipped with all the standard features. Additionally, these vehicles remain the most standard in the vehicle lineup.
The trim level names may vary depending on the manufacturers. However, some common base car trim levels found on cars are listed as follows:
- Standard – S
- Standard Level – SL
- Entry Level – L
- Standard Value – SV
- Extra – EX
PERFORMANCE AND SPORTS TRIM LEVELS
These are the higher trim levels. For vehicles with additional features such as car turbochargers, or advanced powertrains, these sports trim levels better illustrate these models. Moreover, some models may reflect ‘sports’ or ‘turbo’ terms in the trim name.
Some of the performance and sports trim levels include the following:
- Gran Turismo – GT
- Grand Turismo Sport – GTS
- Rally Sport – RS
- Sports Rally – SR
- Luxury Sport – LS
- Street Racing Technology – RTS
- Extreme Racing Edition – XRE
LUXURY TRIM LEVELS
The features of luxury cars easily surpass conventional models by a margin. Manufacturers also use unique trim levels to distinguish these high-end vehicles of the same series. A luxury trim level car may include unique terms such as Reserve, Premium or Platinum.
Some common luxury trim levels found on high-end vehicles include the following:
- Luxury – LX
- Luxury Edition – LE
- Extra Luxury – EX-L
- Executive Sedan – ES
- Special Luxury Touring – SLT
- Executive Luxury Edition – XLE
- Limited – LTD
- Special Edition Limited – SEL
- Luxury Touring – LT
All the aforementioned trim levels may vary depending on the manufacturers. However, the classification usually remains the same. Vehicles with higher trim levels come equipped with more advanced new car technology, design and performance specs.
Benefits of Car Trim Levels
In addition to helping in identifying different models, trim levels of cars are also beneficial in other ways. Listed below are some of the major advantages of vehicle trim levels.
SAVE MONEY UPFRONT
Different trim levels can help individuals save some money upfront. For instance, a person interested in a specific model can opt for a car with a lower trim level in the lineup. This can be a viable option for people on a budget.
Additionally, higher trim levels are more expensive than standard ones. Depending on their preferences and budget, people can opt for a trim level best suited to their needs. Moreover, trim levels can also have affect car valuation when owner puts a vehicle up for sale.
ENHANCED PERFORMANCE
People looking for some extra power under the hood can opt for higher trim-level models. Higher trim levels allow people to opt for a specific model with modern vehicle safety features, engine components and design.
AESTHETIC APPEAL
Higher car trim levels typically include exterior advancements – making the vehicle more visually appealing. This provides people with an option to go for a stylish vehicle without making any custom changes.
FAQs
How Many Trim Levels Do Auto Manufacturers Offer?
This depends on the vehicle manufacturer and the model in question. Some automakers may offer several trim levels for a specific model. Conversely, other manufacturers may only go with a couple of trim levels.
What is My Car Trim Level?
A car trim level is a variation in a specific model. You can find your car trim level on the vehicle documents. Additionally, the trim level is usually found on a vehicle’s trunk or tailgate.
What is the Trim Level of a Car?
A trim level specifies different variations of a vehicle model. Higher trim levels come with more modern specs and features. For instance, advanced car infotainment system features, a better interior, exterior and more.
This is everything about trim levels on cars. Vehicle trim levels can help with model identification and differentiation. Different trim levels allow vehicle seekers to choose a model as per their liking. Additionally, they can opt for a model with the features they need.
Go through these car terminologies to learn more about the terms used in the automobile world.
Moreover, pre-owned versions can be considerable options for buying vehicles of different trim levels. Browse through these pre-owned cars for sale in the UAE and select from a wide variety of vehicles of different trim levels.
Stay tuned to dubizzle’s auto blog to learn the meaning of style on cars, trim levels and more.