In order to properly protect the interior of your truck, it’s important to have either floor mats or floor liners in place. Oftentimes the terms “liners” and “mats” are used interchangeably when discussing floor protection, however, there are key differences between the two.

Understanding the benefits and drawbacks of floor mats vs. floor liners will make it less confusing as you prepare to make a buying decision.

Both liners and mats will adequately cover the floor area of your vehicle, so the choice usually comes down to your environment, price, and preference. Below, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of both floor liners and floor mats, to help make your decision easier.

Floor Mats

Floor mats generally come standard with any vehicle you buy. They are what you think of when you think of a car or truck “mat”. They’re typically carpet material, with a rubber layer on the bottom that lies flat against the floor of your vehicle.

Better quality floor mats will be made entirely of rubber, with grooves that catch gravel, dirt and other debris. This prevents any moisture, mud or other dirt from sticking to the bottom of your shoes or rubbing into a carpet. Below are some pros and cons of floor mats:

Pros:

• They’re typically less expensive than floor liners.
• They are easy to find at your local auto store and online.
• Mats come in a wide variety of colors and materials.

Cons:

• The standard mats that come in most cars are typically carpet and therefore require more cleaning than rubber versions.
• Unless you upgrade to a more expensive floor mat, they typically are a “one size fits all” accessory that doesn’t completely cover the floor beneath your feet.
• Carpet floor mats can become smelly when wet, as they trap moisture and odors.

Floor Liners

Floor liners are normally custom to a specific vehicle type and model. They’re made to mold precisely to the shape of your car’s floor space, unlike a floor mat. Generally, floor liners are made of a thick rubber material.

Sometimes the liner takes the place of carpeting in a vehicle’s floor and is installed directly on top of the metal structure of a vehicle. It’s best to avoid “universal” liners as they won’t fit to your truck’s exact special requirements.

Liners typically have deep grooves in them that trap debris from lying directly on top of them and against a passenger or driver’s shoes. Explore the pros and cons of floor liners below:

Pros

• Liners typically fit the floor area of a truck better than a floor mat will.
• Liners are generally made of thicker, more durable materials such as rubber, as opposed to cheaper carpet floor mats.
• Floor liners can hold up better against burns, spills and stains.

Cons

• Floor liners are generally more expensive than floor mats.
• Liners can be difficult to take in and out of the vehicle for cleaning.
• Buying “universal” floor liners can be dangerous as they won’t fit as well as custom liners.

Floor Mats vs. Floor Liners – Which Is Best?

Both floor mats vs. floor liners will protect the floor of your vehicle better than not using anything at all. There are benefits and disadvantages to both mats and liners.

It’s important to take into account your weather environment (is it rainy or mostly dry where you live?), your budget (how much are you willing to spend on floor protection?) and your style preference (do you prefer carpeting or rubber?).

When shopping for floor mats vs. floor liners, be sure to confirm that they’re fit for your specific vehicle model.