Updated: 27 JAN 2021
Once someone decides that a Chevy vehicle is right for them, they often find themselves wondering about the difference between LS and LT trim levels. Choosing the right trim level for your needs and wants is important because it can make a big difference in all features and even your vehicle’s capabilities. Depending on the model you select, there may be many trim levels available, but most drivers find it useful to start by comparing the LS vs. LT trims.
If comparing trim levels has always been confusing for you, you may find it helpful that we’ve already done a lot of the work for you. Continue reading as we explain what benefits you can expect from the LS and LT trim levels. To put it most simply, the LT is a trim above the LS in almost every Chevy model.
In other words, the LS model will be the most affordable, and it will still offer great value. If you appreciate the finer things in life, though, and you don’t mind paying just a little bit more, it might be worth it to upgrade to the LT trim level. Some models have several trim levels available, but it will be easier to make sense of all of them once you understand the answers to a few different questions about Chevy trim levels:
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What Does LS Stand For?
- LS stands for Luxury Sport. Over time, though, the relevance of its original meaning has become less important, and LS has become known as the base model for many Chevy vehicles.
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What Does LT Stand For?
- LT stands for Luxury Touring. Like LS, though, this original meaning has become less important over time, and LT is basically used to signify that this particular vehicle is a step above the base trim level.
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What Does LS Mean on a Car?
- When you buy the Chevy LS trim level, it usually means you’re getting the best value possible. These vehicles still contain plenty of great features, and they’re usually the most affordable new cars you can find. In some cases, there is the L trim level below the LS trim level, while other models start with the LS trim level.
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What Does LT Mean on a Car?
- The LT trim level is a trim above the LS in virtually all Chevy models. While we’re proud of every Chevrolet model on the lot, the LT trim levels usually bring a little something extra to the table. The differences may vary depending on the Chevy model you’re looking at, so compare the differences on the list below to further your understanding.
List of Chevrolet LS and LT Models
By exploring the vehicles below, you’ll be able to get a good idea of the differences between LS and LT trim levels. You may notice that some vehicles, such as the Chevy Colorado and Chevy Silverado, for example, aren’t featured on this list. That’s because these particular vehicles aren’t available in the LS trim level, so there’s nothing to compare. If you have questions about a vehicle that isn’t represented below, please feel free to contact a knowledgeable new car expert at your local Valley Chevy dealership or visit us in person.
2021 Camaro LS Vs. LT
2021 Camaro LS
Engine
2.0L Turbo Four-Cylinder Engine
Transmission
Six-Speed Manual Transmission
Body Style
Coupe Body Style Only
Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System With 7-Inch Color Touchscreen
✓
Eight-Way Power Driver's Seat
✓
Six-Speaker Audio System
✓
Four-Way Manual Front PAssenger's Seat
✓
2021 Camaro LT
Engine
Available 3.6L V6 Engine
Transmission
Available Paddle Shift 10-Speed Automatic Transmission With V6
Body Style
Available in Coupe or Convertible Body Style
Rear Spoiler With Convertible Body Style
Six-Way Power Front Passenger’s Seat
✓
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
✓
Track Performance Package
✓
Wild Cherry Design Package
✓
2021 Malibu LS
Engine
1.5-Liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine With Direct Injection and Stop/Start Technology
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
MacPherson Strut Front Suspension and Four-Link Rear Suspension
✓
Acoustic-Laminated Windshield
✓
Compass and Outside Temperature Displays
✓
Visor Vanity Mirrors for Driver and Front Passenger
✓
2021 Malibu LT
Available Automatic Emergency Braking
✓
Available Front Pedestrian Braking
✓
Multiple Available Wheel Upgrades
✓
Available Driver Confidence Packages
✓
LED Daytime Running Lamps
✓
Eight-Way Power Driver Seat
✓
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
✓
Available Grille, Badging, and Appearance Upgrades
✓
2021 Equinox LS
Engine
1.5-Liter Turbo Four-Cylinder Engine
Transmission
Six-Speed Automatic Transmission
LED Daytime Running Lamps
✓
Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System With Seven-Inch Color Touchscreen
✓
2021 Equinox LT
High-Intensity Discharge Headlamps
✓
Eight-Way Power Driver’s Seat With Lumbar Control
✓
Rear-Seat Release Levers
✓
4.2-inch Multi-Color Driver Information Screen
✓
2021 Trailblazer LS
Automatic Emergency Braking
✓
Automatic Front Pedestrian Braking
✓
Forward Collision Alert and Following Distance Indicator
✓
Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist
✓
Available Lane Change Alert
✓
Available Side Blind Zone Alert
✓
Available Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
✓
Available Rear Park Assist
✓
Six-Speaker Audio System
✓
Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System With Seven-Inch Color Touchscreen
✓
2021 Trailblazer LT
10-Way Power Driver’s Seat With Power Lumbar
✓
Roof-Mounted Side Rails
✓
2021 Traverse LS
Transmission
Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission
LED Daytime Running Lamps
✓
2021 Traverse LT
Seating for Seven or Eight
✓
Eight-Way Power Driver Seat With Lumbar control
✓
Outside Power-Adjustable Mirrors With Turn Signal Indicators
✓
2021 Suburban LS
Engine
5.3-Liter V8 Engine
Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus System With 10.2-Inch Touchscreen
✓
Keyless Entry and Start
✓
2021 Suburban LT
10-Way Power Front Seats
✓
Bose® Nine-Speaker Audio System
✓
Hands-Free Power Liftgate
✓
2021 Tahoe LS
LED Running Lamps, Headlamps, and Tail Lamps
✓
Chevrolet Infotainment 3 Plus System with 10.2-Inch Screen
✓
4.2-in. Color Driver Information Center
✓
Six-Speaker Audio System
✓
2021 Tahoe LT
Hands-Free Power Liftgate
✓
Ten-Way Power Front Seats
✓
Bose® Nine-Speaker Audio System
✓
Two-Position Driver’s Seat Memory
✓
2021 Trax LS
Engine
1.4-Liter Turbo EcoTec Four-Cylinder Engine
Six-Speaker Audio System
✓
Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System With Seven-Inch Color Touchscreen
✓
2021 Trax LT
LED Daytime Running Lamps and Tail Lamps
✓
Roof-Mounted Side Rails
✓
2021 Sonic LS
Engine
1.4-Liter Turbo I4 Engine
Body Style
Available in Sedan Body Style Only
Wheels
15-inch Steel Wheels
OnStar and Chevrolet Connected Services Available
✓
Chevrolet Connected Access Available
✓
60/40 Split Folding Rear Bench Seat
✓
Four-Way Manual Driver’s Seat
✓
Two-Way Manual Passenger’s Seat
✓
Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System With Seven-Inch Color Touchscreen
✓
2021 Sonic LT
Engine
1.4L ECOTEC® I4 Turbocharged
Body Style
Available as Hatchback or Sedan Body Style
Wheels
15-inch Silver Aluminum Wheels
Six-Speaker Audio System
✓
Upgraded Instrument Panel
✓
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
✓
2021 Spark LS
Wheels
15-in. Wheels With Bolt-on Cover
Chevrolet Infotainment 3 System With Seven-Inch Color Touchscreen
✓
OnStar® and Chevrolet Connected Services Available
✓
60/40-Split Folding Rear Bench Seat
✓
Single-zone manual climate control
✓
LED Daytime Running Lamps
✓
Halogen Projector Beam Headlamps
✓
Four-Speaker Audio System
✓
2021 Spark LT
Wheels
15-Inch Aluminum Wheels Painted Silver
SiriusXM Satellite Radio
✓
Six-Speaker Audio System
✓
Hopefully, this article has helped to clear up some of your most pressing questions about the differences between Chevrolet’s LS and LT trims. As the numbers show, when you’re looking to purchase a solid, reliable ride, while saving a few hundred or a few thousand dollars in the process, the LS trims are best for your budget.
However, for those of us who enjoy the finer things in life, such as heated seats and top-notch sound quality, the LT trim might be a better fit for your lifestyle. LT trims are also ideal for drivers who prioritize safety and share the car with new drivers, as these models often include a wider suite of active safety features and driver-assistance features.
If you still have questions about the LT vs. LS trims, or would like to learn about our other available trims, come see us at Valley Chevy and let our experienced representatives walk you through the different cars, trucks, and SUVs we have available on our lot.
Take a few out for a test drive and find out firsthand what some of the key differences are and what model and trim is best for you. An experienced Chevrolet expert can help walk you through all of the features, so you know exactly what you’re getting at each trim level. Ready to get started?
Find a Chevy dealership near you and come in for a test drive!
Joe has been closely associated with the automotive industry for the past 10 years. He worked closely with dealerships at his previous job with the Charlotte Observer, who had a partnership with Cars.com. At his current role, he is actively involved in promoting the Chevy brand in the Phoenix-Metro area along with Valley Chevy.