Coats and jackets; sweaters and sweatshirts; telling a lie and omitting information. There are several things in life that are almost the same thing, but not quite. Cargo liners and cargo mats happen to be another one of these things. Although many people use these terms interchangeably, there is actually a slight difference between these two styles. And, if you’re comparing cargo liners vs. cargo mats, you’ll be interested in knowing what this difference is before you make your buying decision.
Cargo Mats or Liners: Is there a Difference?
The idea behind cargo mats and cargo liners is the same—each one is designed to protect your auto’s cargo area against spilled groceries, pet hair, dirty sporting equipment and whatever else you might carry in the back of your vehicle.
A trunk mat, like dog car mats and the BedRug VanRug Cargo Mat, lays flat on your vehicle’s floorboards and often features a ridge around the outer perimeter that catches fluids and prevents them from spilling onto your carpets. A cargo liner, on the other hand, such as the WeatherTech cargo liner or the Canvasback Cargo Liner, have tall outer walls that go up the sides of your vehicle’s floorboards. These walls are designed to provide maximum stopping power against spilled spaghetti sauce, melted snow and other messy disasters.
Choosing the Right Cargo Liner or Mat
Whether you choose cargo mats or cargo liners, you’ll want to choose protection made by the best brands in the biz. Names like Husky cargo liners and WeatherTech liners have set the bar when it comes to outstanding protection. You’ll also need to decide which style you prefer for the protection you need. For example, are you looking for a rubber cargo liner that’s easy to clean? Or, do you prefer the plush comfort and style of a carpet cargo liner?
Still not sure whether to opt for a cargo cover mat or a cargo liner? Check out the cargo mat and cargo liner reviews on our website. Read up on everything from whether the Nifty Catch-All Cargo Liner fits as well as it claims, all the way to whether the Hexomat smells or not. Reviews are something you should consider when making your decision. Plus, find out other consumers are saying about cargo liners vs cargo mats.