Which cars come with puddle lights?
Most modern cars offer puddle lights, especially in higher trims and luxury brands. These lights project a beam onto the ground beneath each door to illuminate the area as you approach or exit, helping you see steps or hazards in low light.
What puddle lights are and why they matter
Puddle lights are small LED projectors embedded in the door area or beneath the side mirrors. When you unlock or approach the vehicle, they illuminate a pool of light on the pavement by each door, providing better visibility and a touch of style.
They are now widely offered across many brands and trims, sometimes as standard equipment and sometimes as an option or part of a lighting package. Availability varies by model and region, so checking the specific trim or spec sheet is the best way to confirm.
Brands where puddle lights are commonly available
Here are brands where puddle lights are routinely included or widely available, either as standard equipment or as an optional package.
- BMW
- Mercedes-Benz
- Audi
- Lexus
- Volvo
- Jaguar
- Land Rover
- Porsche
- Cadillac
- Infiniti
Note: In many brands, puddle lights are standard on mid-to-high trims or offered as part of a lighting or luxury package. Always verify the exact model and year to be sure.
Popular mainstream brands and how they approach puddle lights
Beyond luxury marques, puddle lights are commonly available in mainstream models too, often in mid-to-high trims or as part of optional lighting packages. Availability varies by model and region, so check the specific vehicle listing.
- Toyota
- Honda
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Ford
- Chevrolet
- Nissan
- Volkswagen
As with the luxury brands above, puddle lights on mainstream cars are typically tied to trim level or optional packages, so the feature should be confirmed in the official spec sheet or window sticker.
How to verify puddle lights on a specific model
If you’re shopping or researching a particular car, use these steps to confirm puddle lights presence.
- Check the official spec sheet or brochure for a feature named "Puddle lights," "Ground illumination," or equivalent wording.
- Look at the vehicle’s trim level or option packages; puddle lights are commonly included in mid-to-high trims or with lighting packages.
- Inspect the vehicle in person: with doors open or while approaching with the key fob, you should see light projected from the bottom of the doors or beneath the mirrors.
- Review the window sticker (Monroney) or the dealer’s online listing for the feature description.
If you’re unsure after checking the documentation, ask a dealer to confirm or consult the model’s owner’s portal for lighting features.
Summary
Puddle lights have become a widespread feature, appearing across luxury and mainstream brands alike. They’re most commonly found in mid-to-high trims or as part of optional lighting packages, but many newer models offer them as standard. When researching a car, verify the presence of puddle lights in the trim or package details to ensure you get the feature you want.
