Cargo Area Liners

Why a molded liner beats a mat

The cargo floor sees the worst of what a 4x4 carries: muddy recovery gear, wet dogs, coolers that sweat, fuel cans and firewood. A flat rubber mat keeps the carpet clean under it and nothing else. A molded liner is shaped to the floor of one vehicle, climbs the sides and the seat back by an inch or two, and holds liquid in a tray instead of letting it run under the mat and into the carpet. The best designs also have a textured or ribbed surface so cargo does not slide, and nibs or a form-fit edge on the bottom so the liner itself stays put.

Materials

Thermoplastic elastomer, used in the Rugged Ridge All Terrain liners, is a flexible rubber-like material that resists cracking in cold weather and lies flat when installed. Husky's patented rubberized material in the WeatherBeater and Classic Style lines is similar in feel and resists most chemicals. Low density polyethylene, as in the Rough Country heavy duty liner, is stiffer and tougher against sharp loads but less forgiving if the fit is imperfect. The BedRug VanTred mat is a different approach for vans: a carpet-like surface with a foam backing that cushions the load and can be hosed off. All of them clean with water; the plastic ones can take a pressure washer.

Getting the fit right

• Body style: a JK Unlimited four-door liner does not fit a two-door JK, and the JL has its own. Listings name the body.
• Seat configuration: full size SUVs have liners for behind the second row and behind the third row, and they are different parts. Pick the one for how you keep the seats.
• Subwoofer: Wrangler liners are listed as working with or without the factory subwoofer, or only without it. Check before buying.
• Model year splits: a Cherokee liner for 2014 to 2017 may also fit 2018 to 2021, but Grand Cherokee WK liners are year specific, and the 2022 WK versus WL matters.
• Color: black is universal; Husky also offers gray and tan on many applications.

Installation

Vacuum the cargo floor and let a new liner relax in the sun for an hour if it arrived rolled or folded, so it lies flat. Set it in place, tuck the edges against the side panels and seat back, and check that it does not bunch at the tailgate or interfere with the tie-down hooks you use. Most liners drop in with no fasteners; some Rugged Ridge liners include retention features for the factory hooks. A liner that rides up the sides unevenly usually just needs another warm day to settle.

Living with it

Pull the liner out and hose it periodically rather than wiping around it; grit trapped under the edge can abrade carpet. The raised lip holds about a quarter of an inch of liquid, which is plenty for a spilled drink but not for a leaking cooler, so stand coolers on a towel. If you fold the rear seats flat, the liner will not cover the seat backs; a separate seat back protector handles that. Liners in direct sun on a hot day can soften slightly, and heavy sharp loads left in one spot can mark them, so slide a piece of plywood under firewood or steel.