car model; vehicle model
Refers to a specific model of car, such as Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic.
この車種は燃費がとても良い。
This car model has very good fuel economy.
vehicle type; vehicle classification
Broader than sense 1; can refer to categories like sedan, SUV, truck, or even non-car wheeled vehicles. Often used in official or statistical contexts.
Fuel efficiency varies a lot depending on the vehicle model.
高速道路の料金は車種によって異なる。
Expressway tolls vary by vehicle type.
I chose a car model that fit my budget.
This sedan is a car model popular among young people.
Our shop accepts repairs regardless of the vehicle type.
型 is a general word for 'model' or 'type' used for many kinds of products, while 車種 is specific to vehicles.
モデル is a casual, often marketing-style word for a car model, while 車種 is the standard, more formal term used in official or technical contexts.
Compound of 車 (しゃ, 'vehicle') and 種 (しゅ, 'kind' or 'type').