Just because you are busy with children’s duties all day doesn’t mean you have to downgrade to a lazy sedan or a typical soccer mom SUV. The automotive market now swarms with top-notch mom cars that are stylish, safe, reliable, and robust, with plenty of space to carry all the family members along with their luggage. The mommy cars of today are a lot better than the ones from our parent’s era. Here are the choices made easy with a wide selection of some of the best mom cars for you to choose one for your family!
18 Best Mom Cars of Modern Times
Today, we present the 18 most exciting mom cars ranging from SUVs, minivans to hatchbacks and sedans. Our auto experts at Spoliamag have handpicked the best mom cars after careful evaluation of features related to safety, interior spaciousness, seating & cargo capacity, tech, and advanced driver assist systems. The prices we mentioned are of brand-new models, effective March 10, 2023.
1. Best PHEV Minivan – Pacifica Plugin-Hybrid – Starting at $50,495 (SpoliaMag’s Top Pick for Mom Cars)
Yes, a minivan first, but it is not your mom’s car of yesteryear. It is a plug-in hybrid, so it is cheaper to run and lowers emissions. Undoubtedly, its exterior design and comfortable interior exceed our expectations and break its minivan dishonor. Minivans are a choice of large families that have to commute regularly with lots of stuff at the back. If you feel a five-seat SUV isn’t enough for your family, give the Pacifica a try. You do not have to stop at a gas station daily due to its plug-in nature, and you can indeed feel comfortable while waiting for your kid’s soccer game to end. Not to mention, it features a mobile hotspot for you to work while waiting. In fact this is one of the best cars to endure your driving skills if not fully enhanced.
Our esteemed head of auto test team, Fatima has a lot of errands to run and kids to shuttle around. She finds the Pacifica very eco-friendly with its ability to travel up to 32 miles on electric power alone and its impressive rating of 84 MPGe combined.
| Fuel economy (city/highway/combined) | 19/28/22 with FWD, 17/25/20 mpg with AWD, and 30 mpg combined with electric motor and V6 |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Cargo Volume | 140.5 cubic feet behind first row and 87.5 behind second row |
| Current Price of 2023 Pacifica PHEV | Touring L: $50,495, Limited: $54,990, Pinnacle: $60,190 |
2. Best Small SUV – Subaru Crosstrek – Starting at $23,645
The Subaru Crosstrek should be an ultimate pick for energetic moms looking for a compact mother car. What makes mothers so exciting to have it is its simple design and shades, particularly the Sunshine Orange color. Another excellent thing about the Subaru Crosstrek is its practicality; you can take it to any place you want. Accommodating five people effortlessly, it has received the Top Safety Pick award from IIHS, so you feel safe on your journeys. Besides, facilities such as Apple CarPlay, Subaru’s Starlink, and EyeSight make it one of the best mom cars of this era.
Fatima has expressed her satisfaction with the advanced technologies like SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia system. This intelligent system enabled her to remain connected while on the go, offering unparalleled convenience and accessibility. Additionally, the spacious interior of the SUV, which boasts an impressive volume of up to 121.7 cubic feet, provided her a practical and reliable driving experience that surpasses many of its competitors.
| Fuel economy (city/highway/combined) | 30 / 28 / 33 mpg |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Cargo Volume | 20.8 cubic feet behind second row and 55.3 cubic feet with rear seats folded |
| Price of 2023 Subaru Crosstrek | $23,645 for the base model with a manual transmission, $24,795 for the Premium, $27,995 for the Sport and $29,495 for the top-tier Limited model. |
3. Best Full-Size Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV) – Ford Flex – Used Models Available from $22,754 to $30,486
Slotted between the Explorer and the Expedition, the Ford Flex is a full-size crossover utility vehicle that retired in 2019. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find one in the used car market. What makes it different from other vehicles in its segment is its part wagon, part SUV styling. It can accommodate seven passengers and is ideal for large families or better for a Mom’s Night Out. It has everything you would expect from a modern vehicle, including smartphone integration, blind-spot monitoring, the SYNC 3 infotainment system, and so on. However, perhaps the best thing about the Flex is its Parking Assist facility.
Fatima admires the Compact Utility Vehicle (CUV) for its ability to find a perfect spot for parking. Once it discovers the ideal location, the magical Ultrasonic sensors calculate the space to the curb and other parked vehicles. The Flex then notifies you to apply brakes and let the Park Assist do its magic. Isn’t it a really cool feature for a mommy’s car? Now who says learning how to drive a car is difficult?
| EPA Fuel economy (city/highway/combined) | 17 / 15 / 21 mpg |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Cargo Volume | 43.2 cubic feet behind second row and 20 cubic feet with rear seats folded |
| Price of 2019 Ford Flex | Starting Price was: $48,085. The average list price now ranges from $22,754 to $30,486 and varies depending on the vehicle’s condition. |
4. Best Compact Car – Volkswagen Jetta – Starting at $20,415
Looking at the VW Jetta might remind you of college time. However, the sedan has some exceptional features that enable you to relive your youth while carrying your family with you. This car absolutely smothers your stress away. It is a budget-friendly, fuel-efficient compact car with above-average storage in the boot. You can hitch rear-facing car seats at the back and even carry a double stroller in the trunk. But, what makes this offering so exciting and cool is its lower price tag, which starts at $20,415 for the 2023 model year and $31,345 for fully loaded trim.
A 10-inch digital cockpit and 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Besides, mobile hotspot, wireless charging, and BeatsAudi system allow you to crank your college time’s tunes. Thanks to the host of safety facilities, the new Jetta has received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Fatima liked the new 2023 Volkswagen Jetta for its comfortable ride, user-friendly infotainment, and adult-friendly seating in both rows.
| EPA Fuel economy (city/highway) | 31/41 mpg with auto, 29/42 mpg with manual |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Cargo Volume | 14.1 cubic feet of trunk is good in its class but 60/40-split-folding rear seats do not fold completely flat. |
| Price of 2023 Volkswagen Jetta | $20,415 for Jetta S manual, $21,315 for Jetta Sport, and $31,345 for top-of-the-line Jetta GLI Autobahn. |
5. Luxury Small Cars – Kia Stinger – Starting at $36,590
Speaking of a mom’s car, how can we not consider the Kia Stinger? Fatima loved its sporty yet practical demeanor thanks to the sleek hatchback, allowing her to load anything in the vehicle quickly. From groceries, school bags to sports equipment, the Stinger didn’t let her down when it comes to cargo capacity.
| EPA Fuel economy (city/highway) | 22/32 mpg with FWD, 21/29 mpg with AWD |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Cargo Volume | 23.3 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and just over 40 cubic feet with these seats folded. |
| Price of 2023 Kia Stinger | $36,590 for GT-Line, and $51,790 for GT-2 |
6. Best Mid-size Sport Utility Vehicle – Toyota 4Runner – Starting at $38,805
Not all moms demand luxury; some are born adventurous. For such souls, we recommend the Toyota 4Runner, allowing them to have fun while performing their daily duties. Its rugged styling and built let it conquer any road conditions. You drive it on the highways or take it off the road, you and your kids will not feel uncomfortable inside. So you are not bound to target the best driving roads when you have this vehicle in hand. In addition, the optional third-row seating is ideal for carpool duty. One attractive facility that inspires Fatima is the Toyota Entune app. It permits her to explore a destination on a smartphone and forward it to your 4Runner for navigation when she drives.
| EPA Fuel economy (city/highway) | 16/17 mpg |
| Seating Capacity | 5 or 7 |
| Cargo Volume | 47.2 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 89.7 cubic feet with the second row folded down. Models with a third row have 9 cubic feet of space behind the rearmost seats, 46.3 cubic feet with the third row folded and 88.8 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. |
| Price of 2023 Toyota 4Runner | With eight trims starting at $38,805, the most expensive is the range-topping TRD Pro trim that costs $53,270. |
7. Best Mid-Size Wagon – Buick Regal TourX – Started at $29,370 (Our Featured Pick for Mom Cars)
If you believe wagons can’t be fashionable, the Buick Regal TourX will change your perception. Yes, it is a Buick wagon, but it is not the Buick of old times. The American automaker is developing technologically advanced mom cars these days, and the Regal TourX is one of them. Besides admiring plenty of cargo space, Fatima loved the GM’s in-car app, Marketplace. It allowed her to order her favorite coffee from the car while dropping kids to school. When children land safely at school, she could pick up her coffee glass and enjoy every sip of it. The wagon also features a Wi-Fi hotspot for kids to finish their assignments on the go.
| EPA Fuel economy (city/highway) | 21/29 mpg |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Cargo Volume | 32.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 73.5 cubic feet with the second row folded down. |
| Price of 2020 Buick Regal TourX | The 2020 Buick Regal TourX had a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starting at $29,370 when it was new. You have to check local dealerships or used car websites for current pricing. |
8. Best Full-Size Luxury SUV – Lincoln Navigator – Starting at $77,635
If you want a super-spacious SUV with plenty of power and a high-end appearance, look no further than the new Lincoln Navigator. What really excites our car test team about the Navigator are its three rows of seating, a standard or long-wheelbase option, genuine leather, wood trim, and metal accents. Thanks to all these facilities, your whole family can ride in coziness. Other highly desirable features include heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, a power-adjustable steering wheel, and a range of driver-assistance systems. We also recommend an all-wheel-drive and Heavy-Duty Trailer Tow package for moms who want to utilize Navigator’s 8700-pound towing capacity.
Furthermore, during the Covid-19 pandemic, we love the Lincoln Pickup and Delivery Service. The company will collect your Navigator and transfer it to a maintenance and service facility. You do not have to visit the dealership for this task, which frees you for things that matter most. It is definitely a handy feature that every mama can always use.
| EPA Fuel economy (city/highway) | 17/23 mpg with RWD and 16/22 with 4WD |
| Seating Capacity | 7 |
| Cargo Volume | Standard-wheelbase: between 19.3 and 20.9 cubic feet of room behind the rear row and 57.5 to 63.6 cubic feet behind the second row. With both rows folded down, it is 103.3 cubic feet. Extended-wheelbase: between 34.3 and 36 cubic feet of space behind the rear row and 73.3 to 79.6 cubic feet behind the second row, with a maximum capacity of 120.2. |
| Price of 2023 Lincoln Navigator | A starting MSRP of $77,635 for entry-level and $109,120 for the Black Label L extended-wheelbase. |
9. Best Luxury Midsize Sedan – Tesla Model 3 – Starting at $46,990
Picking up your teen in the new Tesla Model 3 will surely earn you the “Cool Mom” rank. It could be one of the best mom cars for various reasons; it is all-electric, fast, has a unique interior design, and is a technological wonder mainly controlled via a big high-tech 15-inch display screen. The best part is Model 3’s above-average drive range in its class. Being a busy mom, you don’t have to pull over to refill fuel often. One single charge can last from 272 miles to 358 miles depending on the battery.
Besides its remarkable features and drive range, Fatima loved the fact it is one of the safest mom cars on the market. The Tesla Model 3 earned five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Top Safety Pick+ from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Accordingly, it means you can feel perfectly safe with your family inside the Model 3.
| EPA Fuel economy (city/highway) | 138/126 MPG-equivalent city/highway for base and 134/126 MPGe for Long Range. |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Cargo Volume | 19.8 cubic feet of rear cargo room and 3.1 cubic feet of space in the front trunk. |
| Price of 2023 Tesla Model 3 | Starting at $46,990 and topping out at $62,990 for the flagship Performance variant. |
10. Best Subcompact Crossover SUV – Kia Soul – Starting at $19,790
The Kia Soul is on the top of our mom car’s list for many reasons. It has adequate room inside, though it doesn’t look huge from the outside. Ingress and egress for kids are super easy, and come on; it is gorgeous. But what the moms in our test team liked the most is its affordable price tag.
It starts at just $19,790 and tops out at $23,390, so even if you go for the top of the line variant, you don’t have to feel bad.
| EPA Fuel economy (city/highway) | 28/35 mpg |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Cargo Volume | 24.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats and 62.1 cubic feet with these seats folded, which is among the biggest in the subcompact SUV class. |
| Price of 2023 Kia Soul | LX ($19,790), S ($22,290), EX ($24,090) and GT-Line ($23,390) |
Best Soccer Mom Cars
11. Best Minivan MPV – Fiat 500L – Price varies between $5,590 and $24,998 (Our Top Pick for Soccer Mom Cars)
Soccer moms in different parts of the world have their own likings when it comes to picking a vehicle to drive. In the old continent, they prefer hatchbacks like Fiat 500L over the soccer mom SUVs and soccer mom vans. The reason is its practicality; it has tall backseats, and an extensive glass section, particularly with a panoramic sunroof, giving an excellent view of the outer environment. However, the feature, which Fatima liked the most, is the effortless maneuvering in narrow and crammed parking spots Moreover, don’t forget it is cheap on the gas.
| EPA Fuel economy (city/highway) | 22/30 mpg |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Cargo Volume | 22.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 68 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. |
| Price of 2023 Fiat 500L | Currently at True Car, the price varies between $5,590 and $24,998, with vehicle mileage ranging from 3,291 to 156,420. |
12. Best B-Segment Subcompact Crossover – Honda HR-V – Starting at $23,650
We are sure you would agree that not every soccer family needs a big SUV or a minivan. We find these families more inclined toward subcompact crossovers these days. If you are one of those, we suggest you pick the Honda HR-V. One of the best mom cars on our list, we choose it for its spaciousness. In fact, it has more rear legroom and cargo capacity than most of its competitors. Fatima was totally psyched about being able to slam a massive baby seat in the back and still have enough room in the trunk for all her soccer gear. Besides, it also scored off the charts in all six freaking crash test categories and even snatched up a Top Safety Pick+ award.
| EPA Fuel economy (city/highway) | 26/32 mpg with FWD 25/30 mpg with AWD |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Cargo Volume | 24.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats and 55.1 cubic feet with these seats folded down. |
| Price of 2023 Honda HR-V | LX ($23,650), Sport ($25,650) and EX-L ($27,450) |
13. Best Full-Size Crossover SUV With Three-Row Seating – Chevrolet Traverse – Starting at $34,520
We are fortunate to have Chevrolet at the top of the alphabet for the reason that no vehicle better holds the soccer mom label than the Traverse. The carpool-friendly full-size family car can accommodate up to eight passengers and still possesses plenty of space at the boot for – well, for your soccer gear. The cargo capacity is ideal for three-row utility vehicles, which mostly lose almost their practicality with all the seats intact.
Chevrolet has continuously been improving the Traverse to stay in the game. You will find the newer versions more wealthy and comfortable with lots of kid-friendly features. In her notes, Fatima exclaimed that her offspring were absolutely thrilled by the array of power ports and a top-notch Wi-Fi hotspot, enabling them to seamlessly access their beloved apps while on the move.
If you are ready to accept your inner soccer mom, the Traverse is one of the best SUVs for moms.
| EPA Fuel economy (city/highway) | 18/27 mpg with FWD 17/25 mpg with AWD |
| Seating Capacity | 7-8 |
| Cargo Volume | 23 cubic feet of room behind the third row, 57.8 cubic feet behind the second row and a maximum capacity of 98.2 cubic feet. |
| Price of 2023 Chevrolet Traverse | LS ($34,520), LT Cloth ( $37,045), LT Leather ($40,740), RS ($45,045), Premier ($47,200 ) and High Country($52,000) |
14. Best Mid-Size SUV for Soccer Moms – Dodge Durango – Starting at $38,890
Our test team found the Durango is better at pulling a loaded two-horse trailer than even some small pickup trucks. However, you should be vigilant about the vehicle’s weight ratings because a loaded trailer would limit the stuff you can hold in the cabin.
| EPA Fuel economy (city/highway) | 19/26 or 18/25 mpg with V6, 14/22 mpg with V8, and 12/17 mpg with Hellcat |
| Seating Capacity | 6-7 |
| Cargo Volume | 17.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind its third-row seats, 43.3 cubic feet with these seats folded and a sizable 85.1 cubic feet with all rear seats folded. |
| Price of 2023 Dodge Durango | SXT ($38,890), GT ($40,995), R/T ($51,595), Citadel ($52,890), SRT 392 ($70,690) and SRT Hellcat ($91,185) |
15. Best Multipurpose Vehicle With SUV-Inspired Design – Kia Carnival – Starting at $32,600
Our test team felt the interior more upscale than ever, thanks to the large center console, an optional dual-screen infotainment system with a digital gauge display, leather upholstery, reclining second-row seats with pop-up footrests, optional panoramic sunroof, and stretched wheelbase, which makes it more spacious than before. However, the Pacifica and Odyssey still offer slightly more cargo space, perfect for soccer moms who need gears for all the children.
| EPA Fuel economy (city/highway/combined) | 19/26/22 mpg |
| Seating Capacity | 7-8 |
| Cargo Volume | 40.2 cubic feet behind the third-row seats, 86.9 cubic feet with the third row folded down and 145.1 cubic feet with both the second and third rows folded down. |
| Price of 2023 Kia Carnival | LX ($32,600), EX ($38,100), SX ($41,300) and SX Prestige ($45,700) |
16. Best Full-Size Luxury SUV – Mercedes-Benz GLS – Starting at $81,800
Fatima’s all like, “I ain’t sweatin’ takin’ my kids to the soccer field or on a fancy shopping spree in this sweet Benz ’cause cleaning up spilled jelly’s a piece of cake on these dope leather seats compared to cloth upholstery.”
| EPA Fuel economy (city/highway) | 18/23 mpg is the best you get in the base model |
| Seating Capacity | 5-7 |
| Cargo Volume | 17.4 cubic feet behind the third row, 42.7 to 48.7 cubic feet behind second-row seats and maximum capacity of 84.7 cubic feet with both rear rows folded down flat. The two-row Maybach offers 18.4 cubic feet. |
| Price of 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLS | GLS 450 ($81,800), GLS 580 ($105,000), AMG GLS 63 ($139,000) and Maybach GLS 600 ($170,000). |
17. Best Minivan for Soccer Moms – Toyota Sienna – Starting at $35,385
Soccer moms aspiring to get their hands on a feature-packed minivan shouldn’t look further than the new Toyota Sienna. It is available only in hybrid powertrain in the U.S., allowing you to minimize your carbon footprint. The sole powerplant option is a 2.5-liter inline-four-cylinder that is assisted by a pair of electric motors, creating 245-hp and 199 lb-ft of torque.
For the 2022 model year, Toyota beefed up up the minivan’s appeal by introducing the Woodland Edition for active families and adventure seekers. Our auto gurus were totally digging this bad boy off-road variant! It’s got all-wheel drive on lock, a sweet 0.6-inch lift kit to boost ground clearance, a roof rack for all your gear, a tow hitch for hauling whatever you want, AND a 1500-watt power outlet to keep your gadgets juiced up!
It is handsome, technologically advanced, comfortable, entertainment-rich, and a safe minivan in all aspects. We say it can’t get better than this for a soccer mom with an adventurous soul.
| EPA Fuel economy (city/highway) | 36/36 mpg with FWD and 35/36 with AWD |
| Seating Capacity | 7-8 |
| Cargo Volume | 33.5 cubic feet behind third-row seats, 75.2 cubic feet with these seats folded flat and 101 cubic feet with the second row tipped forward. |
| Price of 2023 Toyota Sienna | LE ($35,385), XLE ($40,695), XSE ($42,945), Woodland Edition ($46,195), 25th Anniversary Edition ($46,670), Limited ($47,645) and Platinum ($50,845) |
18. Most Affordable And Best Mid-Size Crossover SUV for 2023 – Kia Sorento – Starting at $29,990
The 2023 Kia Sorento is an absolute revelation for mothers seeking a vehicle that is an exquisite blend of aesthetics, functionality, and safety features, all of which are paramount for families. With its captivating and high-class interior and an excellent range of standard equipment, it is a pleasurable and convenient ride.
The impressive and commanding engines and its top-notch dynamic handling further add to its prowess, making the driving experience incredibly responsive. What moms in our auto expert team relished the most is Sorento’s versatility (particularly as a five-seater) and comprehensive set of standard safety facilities that render it a trustworthy and reliable family transporter.
However, despite its exceptional features, the base engine could feel underwhelming when loaded, and the third row may not be suitable for grown-ups. Nonetheless, the Sorento continues to reign supreme as one of the finest mid-size SUVs in the present-day marketplace, offering an array of features that make it an irresistible option for moms.
| EPA Fuel economy (city/highway) | 24/29 mpg with FWD and 23/35 with AWD 22/29 with Turbo FWD and 22/27 with Turbo AWD |
| Seating Capacity | 6-7 |
| Cargo Volume | 12.6 cubic feet behind third-row seats, 38.5 cubic feet with these seats folded flat and 75.5 cubic feet with all the rear seats folded. |
| Price of 2023 Kia Sorento | LX ($29,990), S ($32,490), EX ($35,890), SX ($38,790) and SX Prestige ($43,390) |
Frequently Asked Questions – Best Mom Cars
When picking out a ride for moms, you must remember safety, reliability, and practicality. That means look for vehicles with high safety ratings and features like Lane Departure Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking. And don’t forget about the practicality factor! Moms need cars with enough space for all their gear and easy-to-use child seat anchors.
SUVs like the Honda HR-V or Lincoln Navigator, minivans like the Chrysler Pacifica or Honda Odyssey, and crossovers like the Subaru Crosstrek or Kia Sorento are all great options. These rides have everything moms need, including safety, reliability, and practicality.
Safety is vital when considering a car for moms. That’s why you need to peep those safety ratings from organizations like the NHTSA and IIHS. And if you want to take it to the next level, look for vehicles with advanced safety amenities like automatic braking, surround-view cameras, adaptive cruise control, lane-centering technology, extensive side-impact airbags, built-in booster seats, rear-door child safety locks, anti-pinch windows and tailgates.
When it comes to size and type, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for moms with young children. But a lot of moms swear by SUVs or minivans because they offer plenty of space for all the kiddos’ gear while still being easy to drive and park in the city.
Ready to score a sweet deal on a mom car? Start by researching online to compare prices from different dealerships in your area. And don’t be afraid to haggle with those dealers to get the best price possible. You could also look into financing options like loans or leases to see which works best for you.
If you’re a mom on the hunt for a 2023 SUV that won’t break the bank, the Kia Sorento is definitely worth considering. With an MSRP of approximately $30k, it’s a wallet-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on style or substance. This bad boy boasts a roomy cabin, top-notch features right out of the gate, a serene and smooth ride, and an air of luxury that belies its modest price tag. No wonder it snagged a spot in our top SUVs for moms!
Also Read: Best Car Brands for New Drivers
