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Tuxedo Black is Ford's signature name for its deepest, most premium black formulation — a rich, formal black used across multiple model lines as a top-tier color option. The name itself signals the intent: this is black dressed up, meant to read as more premium than a standard base-trim black.
It's the kind of color choice buyers make specifically because they want the best version of black their manufacturer offers, not just any black.
Where Tuxedo Black Came From
Tuxedo Black as a named Ford color reflects a broader industry trend of manufacturers giving their premium black formulations distinct, evocative names rather than simply labeling them "black" — a practice that helps differentiate a manufacturer's top-tier color offering from its standard trim-level black.
This kind of premium black naming has become increasingly common across the industry as manufacturers compete to offer the deepest, most refined black finish available.
What Makes Tuxedo Black a Popular Choice
Tuxedo Black shows up across Ford's truck, SUV, and performance lineups as a premium color option, often carrying a small price premium over standard black to reflect its higher-quality formulation and deeper gloss.
Is Tuxedo Black Right for You?
Choosing Tuxedo Black over a standard black option is really a bet that the extra depth and gloss will be visible and worthwhile to you day to day — and for most owners who've seen the two side by side, it is. The difference isn't dramatic in casual glances, but it's noticeable in direct sun and especially after a fresh wash and polish.
It's worth confirming which specific Ford models offer it as a factory option versus which would need a custom-matched repaint, since availability has varied across model years and trims.
If you're specifically chasing that showroom-fresh deep gloss look, pairing Tuxedo Black with a quality ceramic coating will help preserve the extra depth this formulation is designed to deliver, rather than letting it fade back toward a more ordinary black finish over time.
It's also worth thinking beyond the moment of choosing and picturing the vehicle a few years in — colors that photograph beautifully fresh out of a detail sometimes ask more of an owner over time than expected, while a color that seemed plain at first can turn out to be the one you never have to think about. Talking to current owners of the same color, through online owner communities or local car meets, is one of the most reliable ways to get an honest, lived-in read on a shade before committing to it yourself.
How Tuxedo Black Looks in Different Light
Like any true black, Tuxedo Black doesn't shift hue with light — its character comes entirely from gloss and reflectivity, which tends to be a step above standard black formulations, giving it a noticeably deeper, wetter-looking shine in direct light.
It's also worth checking how a color reads under artificial lighting specifically, since showroom halogen or LED lighting, streetlights at night, and your own garage's bulbs can each cast a slightly different color temperature that shifts how the paint appears compared to natural daylight. If you're choosing between two close shades, viewing physical samples under your own garage or driveway lighting — not just in a showroom — will give you the most accurate sense of how the color will actually look where you'll see it most.
Caring for a Tuxedo Black Paint Job
Tuxedo Black carries all of standard black's maintenance demands, and arguably a bit more incentive to keep up with detailing given its premium positioning — owners who choose it tend to want that deep gloss maintained, which means regular washing and periodic polishing.
A simple, consistent routine matters more than any single specialized product: rinse loose dirt before touching the surface to avoid grinding grit into the clear coat, wash with a dedicated car-wash soap rather than household detergent, and dry with a clean microfiber towel instead of letting water air-dry and spot. Applying a wax or synthetic sealant every few months adds a sacrificial layer that takes the brunt of minor environmental damage instead of the clear coat itself.
Tuxedo Black in Hot and Cold Climates
Tuxedo Black inherits all of standard black's climate considerations — significant heat absorption in sunny climates and highly visible road salt and grime in winter regions — with the added incentive to maintain it well given its premium positioning.
Owners in consistently sunny or snowy climates should plan on a more attentive care routine to preserve the extra depth and gloss this formulation is specifically known for.
Wheel, Trim & Interior Pairings
Tuxedo Black pairs with the same flexibility as standard black — virtually any wheel finish and interior color works, though black or chrome wheels are especially popular for emphasizing the paint's premium depth.
Given its premium positioning, many owners pair Tuxedo Black with higher trim interior packages to match the overall upscale presentation.
Tuxedo Black Finish Options
Tuxedo Black is a gloss finish by design — the name and positioning are built around a deep, premium shine rather than a matte or satin alternative.
If you're unsure which specific finish variant you want, it's worth looking at a few physical samples side by side rather than deciding from photos alone — finish texture in particular is notoriously hard to judge accurately on a screen, and small differences in gloss level can change the overall impression of a color more than you'd expect.
Factory Colors Named Tuxedo Black
10 factory colors from different manufacturers have a name that includes “tuxedo black”. Here are the closest matches. The paint code is what you need to order matching paint; the on-screen swatch is only an approximation.
| Make and model | Factory color | Paint code | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford C-Max | Tuxedo Black | UH | 2010–2015 |
| Lincoln | Tuxedo Black | UH | 2012–2015 |
| Mazda Tribute | Tuxedo Black | 40K | 2011 |
| Suzuki | Tuxedo Black | 83L | 2005–2006 |
| Chevrolet Camaro | Tuxedo Black | 19 | 1959–1976 |
| GM | Tuxedo Black | 19 | 1974–1976 |
| GMC | Tuxedo Black | 19 | 1973–1974 |
| Chevrolet Corvair | Tuxedo Black | 10 | 1960–1969 |
| Chevrolet Corvette | Tuxedo Black | 900 | 1959–1969 |
| Mercury | Tuxedo Black | 01 | 1955–1958 |
Matching Your Factory Tuxedo Black
Since Tuxedo Black is a specific Ford factory designation, matching it correctly means using the exact Ford code rather than a generic black — our paint code tool will help confirm the precise designation for your vehicle.
Finding the code usually starts with the driver's-side door jamb, where most manufacturers place a sticker listing the paint code alongside the VIN and other build information; some brands instead list it inside the glovebox, trunk lid, or under the hood near the strut tower. If that sticker is faded, missing, or was replaced during a prior repair, the VIN itself can usually be decoded to recover the original factory paint code, which is the approach our lookup tool is built around.
Cost to Paint Your Car Tuxedo Black
Tuxedo Black typically carries a modest premium over standard black on both new vehicle pricing and repair work, reflecting its positioning as an upgraded formulation — see our cost guide for repair-specific figures.
Beyond the color and finish itself, the biggest factors in any repaint or repair quote are the amount of surface prep needed (rust, dents, or old damage add time), how many panels are involved, and whether the job requires full disassembly of trim and lights to get clean, sprayed-in edges. A single-panel touch-up naturally costs a small fraction of a full respray, so it's worth being specific with any shop about exactly what you need done before comparing quotes.
Common Misconceptions About Tuxedo Black
A common misconception is that Tuxedo Black is available on every Ford model; availability has varied by model year and trim, so it's worth confirming directly rather than assuming it's a universal option.
Another misconception is that any black touch-up paint will work for a Tuxedo Black repair; using the correct factory code matters more here than with a generic standard black.
A related misconception worth addressing directly: online photos are a genuinely unreliable way to judge any color precisely, since phone cameras and displays each process color slightly differently, and listing photos are frequently color-corrected or shot under mixed lighting. Whenever a specific shade matters to a purchase or repair decision, a physical sample viewed in person — ideally outdoors in natural light — remains the only fully reliable reference.
Before You Commit: A Quick Checklist
- Confirm Tuxedo Black is actually available on your specific Ford model and trim before assuming it's an option.
- Ask to see it side by side with standard black to judge whether the extra depth justifies the premium for you.
- Plan for the same rigorous care routine as any other true black.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tuxedo Black different from regular black on Ford vehicles?
Yes — it's a distinct, premium formulation, and using standard black paint for a repair could result in a visible mismatch.
Which Ford models offer Tuxedo Black?
It's available across a range of Ford trucks, SUVs, and performance models as a premium color option — check your specific model's option list or your factory paint code to confirm.
Does Tuxedo Black cost more to repair than standard black?
It can carry a modest premium given its specific formulation, though the difference is usually modest compared to the overall repair cost.
How do I know if my Ford has Tuxedo Black or standard black?
Check your factory paint code, typically found on a door jamb sticker, or use our paint code lookup tool to confirm.
Does tuxedo black work well on both cars and trucks?
Yes — Tuxedo Black translates well across body styles; the main visual difference is how much surface area is available to show off the color's depth and finish.
What should I ask my shop for when requesting tuxedo black?
Always lead with your factory paint code if your vehicle has one, and ask to see a physical spray-out sample rather than relying on a screen or printed swatch alone.
Does tuxedo black affect insurance rates?
No — paint color has no bearing on insurance premiums for any vehicle; rates are based on the vehicle's make, model, and risk profile.
Can tuxedo black be custom-mixed if it's not my vehicle's factory color?
Yes, most professional shops can custom-mix a close or exact match to this shade even if it wasn't originally offered on your specific vehicle.
Look Up the Exact Code
Want to match tuxedo black exactly, whether it's a factory color or a custom mix? Use the color code tool to find the manufacturer code for your specific make and model, or browse custom color options.