Short answer: for the Quebec winter, the FloorLiner offers the most protection, because its edges extend up the sides of the floor. The All-Weather Floor Mat costs less and does a good job of trapping slush in its grooves, but it doesn't cover as high. And if you bring ski boots, a shovel, or wet grocery bags into the trunk, the Cargo Liner trunk mat solves the other half of the problem.
We sell all three at RécréaShop. Here is what distinguishes them, based on what WeatherTech says about its own products, and how to choose without picking the wrong model.
The FloorLiner: the tray that hugs the floor
The FloorLiner is laser-measured for the year, make, and model of the vehicle. Its raised edges cover the front, back, and extend up the sides of the floor. That lip is what makes the difference in January: the snow melting off your boots stays in the mat instead of reaching your original carpet.
WeatherTech describes it as a mat with high, rigid walls, made of a high-density core material that is rigid yet flexible. It attaches to the vehicle’s original hooks or anchors and is made in the United States. It is available for the front and rear, sold separately.
It is made for those who want maximum protection: families whose children arrive from school with snow up to their knees, those who work outside in work boots, or those who simply insist on keeping their floor clean.
The All-Weather Floor Mat: flexible, simple, and less expensive
The All-Weather Floor Mat (All-Weather Floor Mat at WeatherTech) is made of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), a material that resembles rubber. Its deep grooves, about 3/8 of an inch, trap water, road salt, mud, and sand. The outer rim is about half an inch high, and non-slip ribs on the underside prevent it from sliding.
According to WeatherTech, it remains flexible even in extreme cold and is designed not to curl or crack below zero. It is the most flexible of their mats and sells for less than the FloorLiner.
The real difference compared to the FloorLiner is the height. The all-weather mat keeps slush in its grooves with a half-inch rim; the FloorLiner adds walls that extend up the sides. If your car sees a lot of snow, that counts. For a second vehicle or a tighter budget, the all-weather mat does the job very well.
The Cargo Liner trunk mat: the trunk survives winter too
We think about our feet, but the trunk sees everything between November and April: snow shovels, bags of salt, thawing hockey gear, ski boots. The WeatherTech Cargo Liner, also known as a trunk liner, is laser-measured for your vehicle's trunk. Its raised outer rim traps messes (about 1 1/4 inches according to WeatherTech, though this varies by vehicle) and its textured non-slip surface helps keep your cargo in place. The material remains flexible in extreme temperatures.
Three details to check before ordering:
- Position. On some vehicles, there is a version behind the 2nd row and another behind the 3rd row. The title of our product pages specifies this.
- Vehicle options. WeatherTech indicates that a subwoofer, spare tire, or cargo rails may require trimming the mat. The manufacturer's fitment note mentions this when applicable.
- Bumper protector. Some versions come with a flap that protects the bumper when you are loading the trunk. It rolls up and must be secured in the trunk when driving.
You can see all of our trunk liners on the site.
Finding the right version and installing it
A concrete example: a 2015 Equinox
Let’s take a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox, an SUV you see in every driveway in Quebec. For the front, you have the choice between the Front Black FloorLiner for 2011-2017 Equinox and Terrain and the Front Black All-Weather Floor Mat for 2010-2017 Equinox and Terrain. For the trunk, there is the Cargo Liner trunk mat behind the 2nd row for 2010-2017 Equinox and Terrain.
Notice the parentheses in the FloorLiner title: for a 2011 model, the vehicle must have retention hooks. That’s the kind of detail that determines whether a mat fits perfectly, or not at all. Always read the complete compatibility before ordering.
Installing without putting yourself at risk
A poorly installed mat on the driver's side can interfere with the pedals. WeatherTech is very clear about this:
- Remove all existing floor mats. A WeatherTech mat must be installed directly on the floor, never on top of the original carpet (nor on top of the old winter mat).
- Locate the LHS (driver) and RHS (passenger) markings molded near the part number.
- Attach the mat to the hooks or anchors. If the vehicle does not have any, use the ones provided with the mat. If the mat cannot be secured, WeatherTech says not to use it.
- On the driver's side, press the accelerator, brake, and clutch (if applicable). They must move freely throughout their entire range of motion.
For maintenance, just shake it, rinse it with a hose, and you’re done. WeatherTech recommends a mild detergent or their TechCare cleaner, and advises against using strong chemicals or silicone-based protectants.
Our recommendations
- Lots of snow, children, or work boots: the FloorLiner, for both front and back.
- Tighter budget or second vehicle: the all-weather mat. It stands up to slush and salt.
- Gear in the trunk all winter: add the Cargo Liner.
- In all cases: search for your year, model, and exact version in our WeatherTech section or in all our floor mats, and read the parentheses in the title.
Still unsure about the right version for your vehicle? Write to our customer service team with the year, model, and version; it helps us find the right mat for you.