L
Lane departure warning system
A system of electronic components designed to warn a driver when a vehicle strays out of its lane.
Lease incentive
An incentive offered by the manufacturer to reduce the cost of a vehicle lease, either by reducing the interest rate or increasing the residual value of the vehicle.
Lease factor
See "Money factor."
Lease fee
See "Money factor."
Lease term
The number of months that constitute the term of a vehicle lease.
Leg room
The distance from the floor of a vehicle (a person's ankle point) to the centerline of the seat (a person's hip joint).
Length
The distance from the most forward-facing point of a vehicle to the most rearward point.
Lemon
A vehicle that is found to have numerous or severe defects not readily apparent before its purchase. Used both informally to mean a vehicle that proves to be defective, imperfect or unsatisfactory, and with more precise meaning in various states' "lemon laws" that provide vehicle purchasers certain rights.
Lessee
The person or entity that leases a vehicle.
Lessor
The entity that owns the vehicle being leased. Although most leases are arranged by a dealership, in almost all cases the lessor is either a financial institution or a division of the vehicle manufacturer.
LEV
Low emission vehicle. A vehicle that meets the average emissions standard within the LEV program.
LEV Program
See "Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) Program."
 
 
Li-ion
Li-ion (Lithium-ion) battery is a type of rechargeable battery that offers better performance versus conventional rechargeable batteries such as NiCad (Nickel-Cadmium) and NiMH (nickel-metal hydride). Lithium-ion offers more power and less weight, which offers an extended driving range. However, Li-ion batteries are more fragile and can be damaged by extreme temperatures.
Liftgate window
The window integrated into the hinged lid of a hatchback, wagon, SUV or crossover that swings upward to provide access to the cargo area.
Light bar
Additional lighting mounted on a metal or plastic frame that is attached to a vehicle's roof, and that is typically available on trucks and SUVs.
Limited production vehicle
A vehicle for which the manufacturer has established a limit on the number units to be produced, without regard to the maximum number the manufacturer may be able to sell. These vehicles typically have special interior and/or exterior trim and/or costly performance enhancements that distinguish them from their mainstream counterparts.
Limited warranty
A vehicle warranty that is in effect for a specified number of years and/or miles driven.
Lip spoiler
A spoiler that is flush-mounted to a vehicle's trunk lid or liftgate that allows air to flow over it but not under it (and that is usually installed for aesthetic purposes).
LNG
LNG (Liquefied natural gas) is natural gas (CH4) that has been refined and liquefied. The Process of liquefying natural gas requires the removal of contaminants like helium, water, and heavy hydrocarbons then condensed into a liquid state close to atmospheric pressure 3.6 psi (25 kPa) by cooling it to approximately −260 °F (−163 °C).
Load height
The minimum height to which an item must be lifted in order to be loaded into a vehicle's cargo area.
Load rating
See "Tire load index."
Lock cylinders
The part of a hatch or door's latching mechanism into which the key is inserted.
Locks
A device or system of devices that prevents a vehicle from being entered without a key or an electronic keyless entry remote control.
Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) Program
The National Low Emissions Vehicle Program. An EPA-sponsored initiative to reduce the amount of emissions per vehicle.
 
 
Low fuel warning indicator
An alert, usually in the form of a halogen lamp or LED, warning the driver of a low fuel supply.
Low-interest financing
A loan offered by the manufacturer's captive finance company at a below-market interest rate.
LPG
Liquefied petroleum gas. Also referred to as "GPL," "LP Gas" or "autogas." A blend primarily of two hydrocarbon gases, propane and butane. Propylene and butylenes can also be present in small concentration. Ethanethiol, a powerful odorant, is also added so that leaks can be detected.
Luggage capacity
A measurement of a vehicle's trunk/cargo volume with all standard seats in place.
Lumbar support
A mechanical or pneumatic device that matches a vehicle's seat back to the contours of the driver or passenger.