Many trim levels have a set of characters that some people may not fully understand. Take Toyota, for instance. Some Toyota car trims come with the letters “LE” and “XLE,” so what do they mean?
The letters E always stand for Edition, L almost always for Luxury (except for the L trim, which is the base model), and X almost always for Executive, except in a few cases where it means Extreme. So, to put it all together, LE stands for Luxury Edition, and XLE stands for Executive Luxury Edition.
Read on to learn more about the meaning and main features of the LE and XLE trim levels.
What Do LE and XLE Mean on a Car?
Many people are unsure what different car trim acronyms mean. One Toyota car, for instance, can have two models: one is marked with LE, and the other is marked with XLE.
So, what is the difference? LE stands for Luxury Edition and is usually more opulent and stylish than the XLE one, which stands for Executive Luxury edition.
LE Trim
It contains more features than the classic edition. LE is the highest trim level for some cars and the lowest for others. For instance, it is the highest for the Corolla 2007, and its extra amenities include power windows and keyless entry.
It offers more color options and comfy chairs than other models, which only come in 6 or 7 colors.
XLE Trim
You can tell by the name that this trim style offers much more. You would get all the features of the luxury edition and the regular ones.
All the extra features for a given model would be standard on the XLE, such as a sunroof and cruise control. We should add that there is no XLE edition of the 2007 Toyota Corolla.
What Is the Difference Between Car Trim and Make?
The phrase “car trim” refers to the different models that one car has.
You can think of a trim level as a group of features and packages that any car in that level would have. It gives you an idea of how well a car would perform on the road.
There are different kinds of trim levels. Typically, the lowest trim level, the entry-level or base model, would have the fewest features.
A “car make” is very closely related to a car trim. It refers to the manufacturer of the vehicle.
In contrast, a car model is the specific series of a car the manufacturer produces. It can be a 2006 Toyota Corolla, 2008 Toyota Camry, or another year. Interestingly, not many people know what year their car is.
What Makes the Trim Levels Different?
Not every car model can fit people’s needs, so car manufacturers must keep up to date and follow the trend. The Tesla S Model, for instance, came in 3 trim levels.
The standard model was the first and cost $80,000; the long-range model was the second trim and cost $85,000. The performance model had the highest trim level at $100,000. Each one comes with a set of different features.
The base model’s 0-60 mph time is 3.7 seconds, the long-range one is 3 seconds, and the performance model can reach 2.4 seconds.
Notice that the specs increase as the trim levels do. Many features are available only on higher trim levels, not base or entry-level ones.
LE vs. XLE: Which One Is Better?
LE
It is ideal for drivers who want a powerful, roomy crossover SU but don’t want a ton of extra frills.
The LE’s privacy glass, daytime running lights (DRL) with a switch-off feature and halogen headlights with low projector beams provide a more modern appearance and energy-efficient performance.
The interior of the LE includes slim-back front seats to increase rear-passenger leg room and add to the feeling of openness.
The tilt/telescope steering wheel with mounted audio controls, Bluetooth hands-free phone, audio, and multi-information display (MID) enable drivers to stay safely connected. In contrast, the six-way adjustable driver’s seat offers personalized comfort.
The LE’s standard display audio features the following:
- 6.1-inch touchscreen
- AM/FM radio and Bluetooth connectivity
- USB and AUX mini-jack
- Six speakers
- MID: Shows car information
XLE
With the XLE, you get extra amenities for increased functionality and convenience. The XLE comes standard with dual-zone automatic climate control, heated outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, and a power sunroof with a sliding sunshade.
Drivers have an eight-way power adjustable seat with lumbar support. You also get bucket seats with sport bolstering that offer incredibly supportive comfort. French-stitched embellishments on the dash panel and seat give the XLE a classy appearance.
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Trim Level Highlights: Toyota LE vs. XLE
LE Trim
With an easy-to-use infotainment system and a variety of Toyota “Safety Sense” driver-assistance features, the LE offers a well-equipped car for your daily travels, even though it is a base trim.
It has 295 horsepower with 3.5 liters of V6. The LE has a city mileage of 21 mpg and highway mileage of 29 mpg. A 4.2-inch multi-information display, five USB ports, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system all come standard with the LE.
Features
Other features include:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Automatic high beams and LED external illumination
- Power-adjustable front seats (8w driver; 6w passenger)
- 60/40-folding backrests for the back seats
- USB and USB-C connectors are available on a 7-inch touchscreen
- Pre-Collision system for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with pedestrian detection
- Lane departure alert with steering assistance
- “Lane-tracing Assist” with full-speed
- Dynamic radar cruise control
- Road sign support
XLE Trim
The XLE trim adds more levels of comfort and convenience than the LE, and it is more expensive too.
One of the significant differences between the two trims is the seats. The seats in the XLE trim are made of Toyota’s SofTex material.
Moreover, the XLE has heated front seats. The LE has eight seats, while the XLE has seven.
There is a larger 7.0-inch multi-information display in the XLE. It also has HomeLink, which enables users to access garage doors with a single push of a button on the rearview mirror.
The XLE has added exterior features like mudguards, roof rails, and a one-touch power sunroof.
Other Features
The main features of the XLE include:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Chrome exterior
- Dual-zone automatic climate control with a smart key
- Leather furniture
- Heated front chairs
- Driver information display in 7-inch TFT
- 9-inch touchscreen
- Pad for wireless charging
- Speed range control
- Monitor for blind spots and rear cross-traffic
Again, what do the abbreviations LE and XLE mean on a car? LE stands for Luxury Edition, while XLE means Executive Luxury Edition. Meanwhile, SE and XE mean Sports Edition and Extreme Sports Edition, respectively. Other abbreviations include SR (Sports Rally) and SR-5 (Sport Rally 5-Speed).
What Is the Difference Between Toyota Corolla LE and Toyota Carolla XLE?
Toyota Carolla LE
Equipped with the Toyota’s “Valvetronic” Engine Technology
The Toyota Corolla LE trim has one engine option. The LE Eco grade does, however, benefit from increased fuel efficiency thanks to Toyota’s “Valvetronic” engine technology. You should have no problem achieving 40 mpg while driving at standard highway speeds.
Fuel Economy Rating
The city’s average fuel economy is 30 mpg. Other trims will deliver 28 city mpg and 36 highway mpg. Even though the Corolla LE Eco has eight more horsepower, performance in actual driving instances will not be that different.
Other Features
The Toyota Corolla LE has an infotainment touchscreen of 8.0 inches.
Although the wheels are steel, the inch-larger size of the rubber improves both appearance and performance. The wipers have an intermittent variable setting.
Moreover, the Corolla LE trim comes with a continuously variable gearbox. But, you may expect the CVT to be a little monotonous. Driving the Corolla LE with a six-speed manual transmission will be more enjoyable, and the improved performance will fit most people’s needs.
Toyota Carolla XLE
Comes with a 1.8-liter Engine
The Carolla XLE trim is slightly more expensive than the LE and comes with a 1.8-liter engine. It has a power sunroof, heated front seats, a steering wheel with leather trim, a proximity key with a push-button start, and a “Sport” mode on the transmission to get the most power out of the engine.
Fuel Economy Rating
On the other hand, these features reduce the XLE’s fuel economy ratings, which come in at 29/37 mpg city/highway.
Standard Suspension System Provides a Comfortable Ride
The Toyota Corolla’s standard suspension system provides a comfortable ride in the XLE.
Equipped with Safety Sense Package
Moreover, the Corolla XLE comes with Toyota’s “Safety Sense” package. However, this same feature has been criticized by auto experts as being faulty at times.
For instance, the lane departure system is ineffective at slower speeds. Toyota’s “Dynamic Radar Cruise Control” won’t completely stop your car when approaching traffic.
Other Features
The “Entune Infotainment System” is easy to use on the XLE.
While the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will displease some drivers, Bluetooth does a brilliant job of integrating devices. While the 6.1-inch touch screen is adequate for most tasks, the enhanced 7.0-inch touch screen should provide better results. It also has a navigation app.
Finally, the Toyota Corolla XLE does not have a quality sound system. Although the typical six-speaker stereo system sounds okay, you’ll get a distorted sound quality when you turn up the volume.
What Is the Difference Between Toyota Rav LE and XLE Trim Levels?
Toyota Rav LE
Despite being a base model, the Toyota Rav LE trim does not compromise comfort, performance, and efficiency. It has all the features you would expect from a compact crossover SUV.
You get 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway from the base 2.5L engine. The front-wheel drive is standard on the LE, while the all-wheel drive is available as an upgrade.
The spacious cabin of the Rav LE includes fabric upholstery, a single zone climate control system with a dust and pollen filter, a day/night rearview mirror, and remote keyless entry.
The Toyota Rav LE also comes with the RAV4 entertainment package with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM radio, and the standard Toyota “Safety Sense” 2.0 package.
Toyota Rav XLE
The XLE trim option raises the standard model LE to a new level and provides several high-quality and practical features. The XLE gives you a more dynamic driving experience as you can easily navigate the roughest roads thanks to its all-wheel drive and sport-tuned suspension.
While the fuel economy is somewhat similar to the LE trim, your extra features will improve the driving experience. The XLE includes an eight-way power driver seat, a heated leather steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and a smart key with a push-button start.
It has other features, such as a motorized sunroof, projector LED headlights, and black roof rails.
What Are the Safety Features of the LE and XLE Trims?
Both Trims Have an Engine Immobilizer
Both trims include an engine immobilizer, but the XLE also has an anti-theft system.
XLE Has a 3.5-inch TFT
The 3.5-inch TFT in the XLE offers programmable settings for the outside temperature, time, and cruise control, as well as a backup camera.
The steering wheel’s voice commands, music controls, telephone buttons, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a “HomeLink” transceiver on the mirror are further hands-free features.
Safety ConnectTM
You also get “Safety ConnectTM,” a subscription service, and rear parking sonar as optional safety features for the XLE.
Interior Features of LE and XLE Trims
XLE Is Superior to the LE Trim
Luxury-wise, the XLE is superior to the LE. Both trims have CFC-free air conditioning, but the XLE also has automatic climate control.
The XLE features six speakers, while the LE only has four. The XLE does not have the LE’s eight-passenger, two-wheel-drive, 2.7L four-cylinder engine. Six or eight cup holders and manually operable rear quarter windows are among the LE interior options.
Roof rails, front wide-angle fog lamps, motorized rear door, rear quarter windows, tilt/slide moon roof, and roof-mounted XM Radio antenna are among the features of the XLE.
The XLE has a fixed center console, an illuminated storage area, and a wood grain design. You can get a free 90-day XM Radio subscription with the XLE.
The heated front passenger seat and the leather-trimmed captain’s chair for the driver include eight-way adjustability and motorized lumbar support for additional comfort.
Moreover, there are 10 or 12 cup holders and manual sunshades for the second and third rows.
LE Package Options
The Toyota website lists several package options for the LE, such as:
- Adding voice command, phone, and audio controls to the steering wheel,
- Lumbar support for the driver’s seat,
- An overhead console with map lights,
- A conversation mirror,
- Microphone,
- Bluetooth,
- A USB port with iPod connectivity,
- An auto-dimming rearview mirror, and
- A “HomeLink” transceiver.
XLE’s Towing Prep Options
The XLE’s towing prep option includes an engine oil cooler, heavy-duty fan, and radiator, as well as a 3,500-pound towing capacity.
FAQs
What Does LE Mean on a Toyota Car?
LE typically refers to the “Luxury Edition.” Toyota uses such acronyms to identify the trim levels of their vehicles that come with a ton of extra features and options.
Leather seats, electronic power steering, stability control, and automatic climate control are just a few of the added features you get with the LE trim level.
Many Toyota cars, including the Camry, Highlander, Corolla, Prius, and Sienna, come with the LE package.
What Does XLE Mean on a Car?
XLE refers to “Executive Luxury Edition, and as you can tell by the name, it has considerably more added features than the LE trim level. Any extra features for a given car model would come standard on the XLE. T
Is the XLE Trim Level Better than the LE?
While the fuel economy is very similar in both trim levels, the extra features you get with the XLE trim will improve your driving experience.
The XLE includes an eight-way power driver seat, a heated leather steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, and a smart key with a push-button start.
Conclusion – What Do LE and XLE Mean on a Car?
Car manufacturers, such as Toyota, use acronyms to identify the different trim levels of their cars and the features that come along.
Usually, E stands for Edition, L for Luxury, and X for Executive. Note that X could also mean Extreme. So, what does LE mean on a car? It stands for Luxury Edition, while XLE stands for Executive Luxury Edition.
Each one comes with a different set of features. LE is the ideal choice for those who want a strong, spacious crossover SUV but do not need a lot of extra bells and whistles. It has a more contemporary appearance and provides an energy-efficient performance.
The XLE trim level offers many extra features for better functionality and comfort. Some additional features include dual-zone automatic climate control, heated mirrors with turn signal indicators, and a motorized sunroof with a sliding sunshade.
It all comes down to your preference and what you look for in a car.
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