What are Car Trim Levels?
Car trim levels refer to the different configurations of features and equipment that are available for a particular vehicle model. Trims represent increasing levels of standard features, technology, performance capabilities and luxury appointments as you move up the trim range. Each trim builds upon the previous one by adding upgraded components.
For example, on an entry-level trim, you may get basic features like power windows and a radio. On a mid-level trim, you may additionally get alloy wheels, a sunroof and better upholstery. At the top trim levels, you may see premium audio, navigation, leather seats, more powerful engines and other luxurious amenities. The higher the trim level, the higher the price.
According to Consumer Reports, over 90% of new car models offer at least three trim levels. This tiered structure allows automakers to appeal to a wide range of budgets and preferences within the same vehicle lineup [1]. Trims differentiate similar models and give buyers choices between basic transportation or a more indulgent, feature-packed experience.
[1] https://www.consumerreports.org/car-pricing-negotiating/the-pros-and-cons-of-car-trim-levels/History of Trim Levels
Trim levels began being used by automakers in the 1950s as a way to differentiate models beyond just engine sizes. As more features and options became available, automakers needed a system to organize the various configurations for consumers. General Motors is often credited with pioneering the trim level system with the 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air having distinct 150 and 210 trim levels.
According to Wikipedia, trim levels allowed automakers to better market the wide array of features and differentiate models for various buyer interests and budgets. Having distinct trim names helped simplify the shopping experience and allowed customers to better understand what they were getting at different price points. As options grew over time, trim levels became an essential tool for both automakers and buyers to categorize and compare vehicles.
Common Trim Level Names
Car manufacturers use common naming conventions for their trim levels. Here are some of the most popular trim names and what they typically signify:
- LX – Luxury edition with upgraded features
- EX – Extra features beyond the base model
- Touring – Comfort-focused features and styling
- Sport – Performance upgrades and sporty styling
- Limited – Exclusive features and interior appointments
- Premium – Additional luxury amenities and technology
- Platinum – Top-of-the-line luxury and performance
- SE – Special edition with unique options
Manufacturers will often use combinations like “EX-L” or “Touring L” to denote luxury models of certain trims. The naming conventions reflect the general ethos and added value of that trim band over lower models. Consumers can use the names to get a sense of what role that trim level serves in the lineup before diving into the details.
Typical Features by Trim
The base trim of a car typically includes only the most essential features needed for basic transportation. These can include features like manual door locks and windows, cloth upholstery, a basic audio system with AM/FM radio, and limited safety features beyond what is federally mandated. Manufacturers use the base trim to attract buyers looking for an affordable, no-frills vehicle.
As you move up through the trim levels, additional comfort, technology, performance, and safety features are added. For example, the mid-level trim may add features like power locks/windows, alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system, and more airbags. The top trim levels include luxury amenities like leather seats, a premium sound system, navigation, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, and more.
Higher trims bring more features to make the driving experience more enjoyable, comfortable, and safe. However, they come with an increased price tag. Buyers need to decide which features are essential for their needs and budget. Most features can be added as options on lower trims if desired, though it is typically cheaper to get them as standard equipment on a higher trim level.
According to one industry expert, “The base model is the cheapest, standard offering that covers the essentials while higher trims add layers of technology, performance and luxury.”[1]
Overall, trim levels allow manufacturers to provide a range of features and prices to appeal to diverse buyers. Carefully considering the differences between trims can help buyers choose the best configuration for their individual needs and budget.
[1] https://www.progressive.com/answers/car-trim-levels/Pricing Differences
As you move up through the trim levels, the price of a car model increases. This is because higher trim levels add more features, better performance, and increased luxury. According to Progressive, “Higher trim levels usually cost more and include additional features, technology, and performance enhancements.”
For example, with the 2022 Honda Civic, the base LX model starts at $22,350, while the top Touring trim starts at $29,295 – nearly $7,000 more. According to Honda of Oxnard, “When you add up all the features in a given trim level and package, it costs more for the manufacturer to build it and thus they pass that cost along to the customer.”
My Auto Loan notes that “A car model at the base trim level is cheaper than a fully loaded model. The pricing difference is due to the additional features present in a fully loaded vehicle that are not in the base model.” Things like leather seats, navigation, premium sound systems, and more powerful engines all add to the cost as you move up through trim levels.
In general, expect to pay around 10-20% more for a mid-level trim compared to the base model. The top trims can often cost 50% or more than the base. This gives buyers flexibility to choose the right combination of features, performance and price for their needs and budget.
Naming Conventions by Brand
Automakers use different strategies when naming their trim levels. Here’s an overview of the most common naming conventions:
Audi uses “Premium” for their base models, then “Premium Plus” and “Prestige” for higher trims. Their performance S and RS models also have Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige variants.
BMW uses names like “Sport”, “Luxury”, and “M Sport” along with numbers like 328i and 540i. Numbers denote engine size while names indicate amenities.
Toyota uses letters like LE, XLE, SE, XSE. “L” stands for “luxury” while “S” is “sport.” The X denotes all-wheel drive models. They also use grades like L, LS, and Limited.
Ford uses names like S, SE, SEL, Titanium, Platinum. “S” represents “sport.”
Hyundai uses names like GLS, Limited, Ultimate to denote higher trims. They also use Sport and Eco to denote performance and fuel economy.
Overall, automakers want memorable, hierarchical trim names that denote value, performance, or luxury. They mix letters, words, and numbers to achieve this branding goal across their lineups.
How Dealerships Utilize Trims
Dealerships often utilize the different trim levels as an upselling tactic. Salespeople will start by showing customers a base model of a vehicle, which has minimal features and the lowest price. From there, they highlight all of the additional amenities and benefits included in higher trims to entice customers to upgrade and spend more. This allows dealers to increase the average transaction price and their profit margins.
Dealers also tend to stock higher quantities of mid-range and top trim vehicles versus entry-level models. The higher trims have more features and options that appeal to customers. They also carry higher prices and dealer margins. It’s more profitable for a dealer to sell a loaded SUV in a premium trim than a bare bones base model. Having ample inventory of better equipped vehicles facilitates upselling as well.
According to an analysis by Car Dealer Tricks, most customers only cross-shop within 2 adjacent trim levels. This allows dealers to offer incentives or discounts on a mid-level trim to convince buyers to upgrade from the base. Customers feel like they are getting a good deal, while the dealer earns more profit versus just selling the entry trim.
Considerations for Buyers
When choosing a trim level, it’s important to consider your needs and avoid overpaying for features you don’t need. Here are some tips for choosing the right trim level:
Take into account how long you plan to own the vehicle. If you only plan to own the car for 2-3 years, sticking with a lower trim level can save you money. However, if you plan to own the car for 5+ years, it may be worth upgrading to a higher trim for more comfort and convenience features over time.
Determine your must-have features versus nice-to-have features. Safety tech like blind spot monitoring or adaptive cruise control may be must-haves for some buyers. For others, premium audio and larger wheels are nice but not necessities. Prioritizing the features you really need can prevent overspending.
Compare trim pricing and look at the percentage increase between trims. Sometimes moving up just one trim level can add thousands to the price tag. Make sure the additional features are worth the price increase for your needs.
Don’t underestimate the value of a test drive. By test driving different trims back-to-back, you can get a feel for whether you’d truly benefit from certain upgrades like a larger engine or sport-tuned suspension.
Consider buying used if you want higher trim features without the price tag. Letting the first owner take the depreciation hit can get you a well-equipped used car for thousands less.
In the end, choose the trim that provides the best blend of must-have features and value for your budget. Avoid upgrades that seem nice but aren’t essential for your needs.
Trends and Innovations
In recent years, there have been some notable trends and innovations in car trim levels and configurations:
Simplified Trim Structures: Many automakers are moving towards simplifying their trim level structures, reducing the number of configurations to make it less confusing for buyers. For example, according to research from Fire Belt Bug, Toyota has reduced the number of trim levels on its Camry model from 25 in 2011 to just 4 in 2021.
Customization Options: There is a push towards more customization, where buyers can select individual options to create their perfect configuration. Brands like Mini Coopers and Scion pioneered this with their online configurators. According to Transparency Market Research, this increases loyalty and brand engagement.
Technology Packages: Many automakers now offer popular high-tech features like advanced driver aids as optional packages, rather than linking them to top-tier luxury trims. This allows more buyers to access these innovations.
Badging: Some car brands are moving away from traditional luxury badges (like Mercedes’ S-Class) in favor of more unique names that emphasize key attributes (like Mercedes’ AMG series). This can help better connect with buyers.
Overall, the trend is towards more consumer-focused options, flexibility, and simplification in trim levels and configurations.
The Future of Trims
As automotive technology continues to advance rapidly, especially with electric vehicles (EVs), experts predict significant changes to trim levels in the coming years. According to CarScoops, the way automakers differentiate trims will likely shift from features like leather seats and bigger wheels to upgraded battery packs, motors, and autonomous driving capabilities.
For EVs especially, range and performance will become defining factors between trim levels. While today most EVs offer relatively similar range and power between base and higher trims, analysts predict more divergence in the future. Lucid Motors already exemplifies this with up to 520 miles of range in their top Dream Edition trim, compared to 406 miles in their base Air Pure model.
As self-driving technology improves, advanced autonomous features may also become key differentiators between EV trims. For example, autonomous driving on highways or in certain conditions may be limited to more expensive trims. Over time, this could evolve to fully autonomous city driving abilities restricted to premium versions. Luxury vehicles in particular may tout exclusive self-driving capabilities to further differentiate trims.
Overall, industry experts foresee car trims evolving beyond superficial features like heated seats or alloy wheels. Core performance metrics and advanced technology will likely define trims, especially as EVs become more prevalent. How automakers package these technological capabilities across trims will shape the car buying experience in the decades ahead.
