Trim level stuff that is not an improvement, why is it like this?

Posted by CapoKakadan@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 88 comments

There’s a seemingly unavoidable automotive design pattern that I feel insults my intelligence and makes me, frankly, want to buy the LOWEST trim level of any given car. I’m wondering if someone can explain why it is like this and who they think they’re fooling: going from entry trim level to whatever next step, you have to accept extra plastic cladding around the bottom and front of the car, lower gas mileage because of said cladding, worse ground clearance, AND less rubber on the tires so they can fit larger metal wheels and the ride can be harsher and more prone to flats on potholes. Both those things. And you can’t get that trim level without both those things. Ever, seemingly. You can’t get heated seats or better climate system without the cladding and the rubber band tires.

So if I want less shit glued to the outside of the car, BETTER aerodynamics, and tires that can actually handle life situations, I have to buy lowest trim, WHY exactly?

/rant