Trim levels are used by manufacturers to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features. The equipment/features fitted to a particular vehicle also depend on any [|options packages] or individual options that the car was ordered with.
Usage
For a given car model, the trim level denotes which equipment and features are included as standard. A car buyer may add to this standard equipment with trim packages or individual options. The trim level with the least equipment/features is referred to as the "base model", and the trim level with the most equipment/features is referred to as "highest specification" or colloquially as "fully loaded". Differences between trim levels typically consist of interior equipment, and cosmetic changes; however sometimes a trim level can include mechanical changes such as different engines, suspension or all-wheel drive systems. Some car brands use a different car model for what could be instead considered a trim level, therefore the distinction between a model and trim level can vary between brands. For example, Volkswagen could choose to market the Golf GTi either as a standalone model, or as a trim level within the Golf model.
Naming systems
Trim levels are often designated by a pair of letters, for example DX, LX, LS, EX, GL, SE or GT. They can also be designated an alphanumeric code, or using a word. In North American, long-running designations for high-performance trim levels include Chevrolet's "SS" and Ford's "GT". General Motors also use alphanumeric coding to denote handling packages installed on performance vehicles, such as "" on the Camaro, the Buick GS, or the Oldsmobile 442, and currently uses the designation "Z71" on the Suburban and Tahoe. During the 1970s and 1980s, some manufacturers used the same word for the highest trim level on several models, for example Nissan used the word "Brougham" as the highest trim level on both the Cedric and Gloria. The "Brougham" designation was generally only used for the North American market.
Options packages
Manufacturers sometimes sell bundles of options as an options package, usually at a discounted price compared with buying each option individually. Common options packages currently include:
Trim/appearance package: May include special paint colours, upgraded interior trim pieces and exterior decals. In past decades, appearance packages have also included two-tone paint, pin striping, bumpers painted the same color as the vehicle body, and vinyl roof covers.
Sports/performance package: May include engine upgrades, handling upgrades, a more aggressive front spoiler, a rear wing, upgraded brakes, and a limited slip differential. In an SUV or light truck, a sports package may consist of racks or tiedowns for transport of off-road recreational vehicles and other equipment.
Towing package: May include heavy duty radiator, larger cooling fans, extra transmission cooling provisions, and revised axle gearing.
