Definition of a Car Trim Level

Every vehicle on the market these days can be had in a variety of configurations that relate to price and specification level. This means you can get a Honda Civic that's pretty basic as well as one that's kitted out with all the luxuries and conveniences on the table. The same goes for most cars on the market. These various levels are called car trims.

Let's break down what trim levels mean on a car. Whereas the word 'trim' can be used to describe the aesthetic bits and pieces in and around a car too, in this case, a trim level refers to the different models in one specific lineup. Manufacturers design various models to suit specific needs, lifestyles, and price brackets. Sometimes, this may even include trading out the base engine for something a little more exciting. Every manufacturer has its own designations for each trim level, though there are often some similarities and common terms to be found.

Understanding car trim levels and the different features and equipment that come included in each is an essential part of the car-buying experience. You get base, or entry-level trims that usually only cover the basics, mid-range trims that add a few luxuries and conveniences for a little more money, sporty or performance-focused trims that often boast more powerful engines and sport-tuned underpinnings, and top-end or luxury trims that cost the most and include the longest list of features.

The Different Between a Trim and a Package

It can be easy to confuse a trim with a package since both essentially alter the standard features and equipment of a vehicle. However, trims do so more broadly to widen the appeal of a car, while packages are more focused. Whereas a trim is a set model with specific features, packages add a bundle of features onto these trims.

For example, a driver-assistance package would often add things like lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, or adaptive cruise control. Performance options are often grouped under packages, too, and may swap out the transmission, suspension, and even exhaust system. On the other hand, an appearance package would generally add exterior accents or unique paint colors, as well as unique interior color combinations and materials.

If you don't necessarily want everything comprised within the packages, individual options could be the answer. These often include things such as parking sensors, an upgraded sound system, a sunroof, and leather upholstery. These don't push up the price as much as a package does, but you often can't get everything you may want this way, either. Our handy guide to which options to consider can be found here.

Trim Levels in Action

To get a better idea of how the trim level of a car affects its configuration and specifications, it helps to take a look at some examples. Some cars, such as the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 can be considered as a trim on its own, or as the range-topping trim in the CLA-Class lineup. Most mainstream vehicles are available in more than just a single trim. Here are some examples.

Example: Toyota RAV4 Trim Designations

As one of the most popular crossover SUVs in the USA, the Toyota RAV4 is presented in a variety of forms to appeal to the largest market possible. Each trim on the vehicle has something to offer, be it aesthetics or added functionality. Generally, the base trim is the cheapest, with prices increasing with each trim as new equipment and features are added.

• LE: The entry-level model is called the LE which may have originated as a 'luxury edition' but now forms the base of the lineup. It comes with only the basics, including a good safety suite, a basic infotainment setup, fabric seats, and a backup camera. It is also presented as a hybrid model with the same specs.
• XLE: Also available as a hybrid, this trim retains its ride comfort with smaller wheels but adds some extra conveniences, such as a power driver's seat, keyless ignition, as well as blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. The XLE may represent a more executive luxury edition in the range.
• XLE Premium: A step higher, this trim and its hybrid variant add some luxuries, such as 19-inch wheels, leatherette upholstery, and a panoramic moonroof, along with a power liftgate.
• SE: For the Hybrid, the SE represents a sport edition with black-painted sport alloy wheels and sporty interior accents.
• TRD Off-Road: As the name suggests, this trim level of the vehicle is focused on improving its capabilities. It does this by equipping slightly smaller wheels, a TRD-tuned suspension, a multi-terrain select system, and a front skid plate. TRD is a well-known designation indicating 'Toyota Racing Development'.
• Limited: The creme de la creme of the range, the top model trim makes the RAV4 near-premium with heated front seats, an 11-speaker JBL sound system, front and rear parking sensors, and a surround-view camera.
• XSE: For the hybrid, this is one level up on the sporty SE variant, where XSE represents a more extreme sport edition. To that end, this model gets a sport-tuned suspension, two-tone exterior, and bespoke wheels.

Example: Dodge Charger Trim Designations

To get another perspective on how trims work, we can have a look at the Dodge Charger and what some of the trims encompass:

• SXT: The base trim for the Charger is the SXT, which could denote the 'standard extra trim'. Basics include cloth upholstery and only standard safety features.
• GT: Designating either 'gran turismo' or 'gran touring', this trim adds bigger wheels, performance suspension, and an infotainment system upgrade.
• SRT: The famed SRT means 'street and racing technology' and designates the performance-focused variant in the lineup. Charger SRT trims get a supercharged V8 and rear-wheel drive as standard - absolute nirvana for enthusiasts.

Some Common Car Trim Name Meanings

Though many automakers use unique names to refer to their various trim levels, there are a few car trim level names that are common across brands and car types. Each trim is often an abbreviation of an industry term, but some can have multiple meanings. Here are some of the more common car trims with potential definitions:

• L, S, SL - Entry-level grade, standard, or standard level.
• SV, EX - Standard value or extra
• SLE - Standard extra trim or special level extra
• XL - Extra load or extra luxury

Sports cars get specials codes too, including:

• GTS - Gran turismo or gran turismo sport
• SR, RS, RST - Sport rally, rally sport, or rally sport truck
• LS - Luxury sport
• SE, SX - Sport edition or sport crossover
• SV - Special version

Further examples for luxury SUVs and sedans include:

• ES, LX - Executive sedan, luxury, or luxury edition
• EX-L - Extra luxury
• LTX- Luxury touring special or special luxury touring
• LTD - Limited
• XLT - Extra luxurious truck or Extra level touring

Conclusion

Hopefully, this information helps you when you go to buy your next car. Knowing your own specific needs and your budget will help you narrow down the trim level of your car to ensure you get what you need and don't pay more for things you don't. Often, you can save by opting for a lower trim and equipping it with packages to flesh out the missing pieces. Our car-buying guide will be useful in this regard.