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Moms are superheroes on the move, and they need a car that’s reliable, safe, and built to handle their busy lives. We’ve carefully selected the top vehicles known for their safety and dependability, ideal for any mom looking to balance work, family, and everything in between.
Choosing family-friendly cars can significantly ease the mothers’ daily load. However, the choice should be more than just looks and functionality; the cars need to be reliable, safe, and comfortable. Without these qualities, mothers and their families will be at risk of traffic accidents.
Remember, car accidents are not always the other driver’s fault. Crashes can also happen because of subpar vehicles and auto defects. So, don’t settle for anything less than the best when choosing a safe car for moms. Prioritize safety features and quality components rather than design and novelty characteristics.
What Should Moms Look For In A Car?
Families have unique preferences when it comes to cars. We want to ensure our vehicles meet the highest quality and safety standards to keep us out of life-threatening situations like road accidents. We don’t want to set the bar low, so we must consider the following important factors when selecting the best car moms must have.
Vehicle Size
Family cars like SUVs, minivans, and estate cars are extremely popular because of their versatility and space. They can hold multiple suitcases and bulky items, such as the kids’ strollers and toys.
When choosing a size, make sure the car you buy fits your needs now and your future plans. As your family grows, you will definitely appreciate more space.
Moreover, you may want to consider that size can matter in a car crash. Big cars are generally considered safer than small vehicles. Their large build and heavier weight allow them to protect the passengers better inside. On the other hand, they pose a higher risk of SUV rollovers.
Car Seats And Legroom
Before buying a vehicle, consider how many bucket and car booster seats you’ll need to fit at once. Also, consider the legroom, even if your kids are still little when you buy the car. If you want to keep it for a long time, it must be able to accommodate their growing height.
If you can, take your kids with you on a test drive to see how they fit. Make sure to check the space behind your seats to ensure older kids have enough room to be comfortable.
Budget
Decide on a budget before you even go shopping. Cars can be expensive, and the different financing choices can make it hard to tell what is and isn’t affordable.
According to experts, you shouldn’t spend more than 10% of your income on car payments. Make that 20% when you take into account expenses like insurance and maintenance. Although these figures are just a general rule, they’re a good baseline for determining how much you can afford.
System Technology
The number of entertainment choices might also be overwhelming, especially if you haven’t bought a car in a while. Vehicle manufacturers offer extra features as upgrades. Some examples are built-in monitors for the back seats, wireless charging ports, backup cameras, and Bluetooth connectivity options.
Some cars today even have autonomous and assisted driving features, such as automatic parking, emergency braking, hands-free steering, and adaptive cruise control. These fancy techs might seem tempting, but consider these two important questions first:
- Do the models that come with these features fit within your budget?
- Do you trust these technologies in a car that’s carrying your kids?
These modern features aren’t necessarily bad. In fact, they’ve helped improve the overall safety of cars. Still, they might have some unknown risks since they are relatively new. Self-driving car technology could encounter bugs while you’re on the road, putting you and your family in possible danger. Remember, prioritizing the safety of your kids is more important.
Interiors
You can do your best to keep your car clean. However, drinks will spill, dirty hands can leave marks on your seat covers, and trash can accumulate even in tight places. So, you need to be wise in assessing the interior when buying a car.
Cloth-covered seats are less expensive and standard in most cars, but they aren’t always the easiest to clean. It would be better to choose a material that is easy to maintain, like leather. After a mess, you can simply wipe off liquid and dirt, saving you time and making your car last longer.
Features For Different Driving Conditions
Consider what types of driving you plan to do. If you’re going to drive primarily in the city, a car with good fuel efficiency and maneuverability will be ideal. On the other hand, if you want to go off-roading, you will need a vehicle with high ground clearance and four-wheel drive. For driving long distances, like when visiting the kids’ grandparents out-of-state, a car with good fuel efficiency, comfortable seating, and a smooth ride will be important.
The weather conditions in your area are also crucial considerations. A vehicle suited for winter driving must be able to navigate icy roads safely. Check out models with all-wheel or four-wheel drive and features like heated seats and defrosting mirrors.
You must also consider the needs of elderly drivers in your household who may use the car. For a safe senior driving experience, they may prefer cars with easy-to-use controls, good visibility, and comfortable seating.
Car Safety Features For Moms
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motor vehicle accidents accounted for 21% of all injury-related fatalities in the United States in 2021. With the alarming number of car collisions, moms need to be more aware of safety driving features and other measures so they can keep their families safe on the road.
Fortunately, there are crash prevention features designed to minimize the risk of accidents, and here are some of them.
- Automatic emergency braking – This feature acts as an extra set of eyes on the road, helping you prevent accidents better. Sensors and cameras detect potential collisions and automatically apply brakes to avoid or lessen their impact.
- Forward collision warning – Modern vehicles can monitor the road ahead and signal if they detect a potential impact. They give audible and visual alerts when they’re more likely to crash into a vehicle or an object.
- Lane departure warning – Drifting out of your lane can be risky, especially on highways. Lane departure warning systems can identify if your car is already crossing the lane markings and alert you accordingly. This feature is particularly beneficial on long summer road trips when fatigue can set in.
- Blind spot monitoring – This monitoring system uses sensors to recognize vehicles in your blind spots. It then warns you with a visual signal in your side mirrors.
Safety features for cars have improved over several years. Back-up cameras, parking sensors, and blind-spot warning devices are just a few examples of these technologies.
Best Cars For Moms In 2024
Looking for a family-friendly vehicle? We’ve compiled the best 2024 cars for moms for you based on ratings from esteemed vehicle and road safety organizations.
The iSeeCars 2024 analysis evaluated three factors to determine the cars’ scores. These include reliability, resale value, and safety. Only cars with an NHTSA safety rating of 5 or an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick+ rating, along with family-friendly features, are included in the rankings.
Here are our top picks for mom vehicles in 2024, in no particular order.
Toyota RAV4
MSRP: Starts at $28,675
Whether you are driving on trails or taming the pavement with multi-link rear suspension, the Toyota RAV 4 is ready to perform. This is a highly recommended SUV for moms needing a rugged vehicle for exploring the outdoors. RAV4’s premium materials allow you to drive safely, on- or off-road. It has roomy interiors for five passengers and a large cargo capacity, which can be further increased by setting the rear seats down.
The Toyota RAV 4 has a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. When it detects an approaching vehicle, pedestrian, or cyclist, it gives a visual or auditory forward collision alert. It will automatically provide emergency braking if you don’t respond or react. You can check its ratings below.
- iSeeCars Score – 9.0/10
- Reliability- 8.4/10
- Value Retention – 8.7/10
- Safety – 10 / 10
- NHTSA Overall Rating (2023): 5 out of 5 stars
- IIHS Safety Rating (2024): TOP SAFETY PICK
2024 Toyota Corolla
MSRP: Starts at $22,050
The 2024 Toyota Corolla is a five-seater sedan that offers a simple, seamless driving experience for the family. This classic car offers reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability in one package. The Corolla’s sports seats have intuitive controls to keep your family secure and comfortable during the ride. With its improved Smart Key System, you can unlock doors and start the engine without taking your keys out.
Additionally, the 2024 Toyota Corolla has a pre-collision system similar to the RAV4. It provides an audible and visual forward-collision warning to alert you to any approaching vehicle or pedestrian. If you fail to react, the system will apply the emergency brake.
Take a look at these ratings:
- iSeeCars Score – 9.2 / 10
- Reliability – 8.7 / 10
- Value Retention – 8.9 / 10
- Safety – 10 / 10
- NHTSA Overall Rating (2024) – 5 out of 5 stars
2024 Subaru Impreza
MSRP: Starts at $19,795
One of the best cars for mothers is the 2024 Subaru Impreza, with an annual lifespan cost of $1,691. On average, it can last around 14.7 years, or 197.6K miles, which is much longer than the average car lifespan of 12 years. This all-wheel drive hatchback is engineered to deliver optimal performance with its upgraded brakes that provide improved precision control.
This five-seater car has an impressive combined MPG (miles per gallon) rating of 30. Its fuel efficiency makes the Impreza one of the best cars for working moms.
Here are the following ratings for the Impreza:
- iSeeCars Score – 9.1 / 10
- Reliability – 8.6 / 10
- Value Retention – 8.7 / 10
- Safety – 10 / 10
- NHTSA Overall Rating (2023): 5 out of 5 stars
Subaru Forester
MSRP: Starts at $27,095
Another cool SUV for moms is the 2024 Subaru Forester, which can seat five passengers. It features the all-weather, all-road confidence of Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Each unit has advanced active safety features, including the standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology 2 with Automatic Emergency Steering 3 and the DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System 4, which helps reduce distracted driving-related accidents by alerting the driver and passengers if the driver’s head seems to nod off like they are falling asleep or if they are distracted and not facing front while stopped.
With Forester’s safety features, you can be confident that you and your passengers are protected on every drive. Check out these ratings:
- iSeeCars Score – 9.0/10
- Reliability- 8.6/10
- Value Retention – 8.3/10
- Safety – 10 / 10
- NHTSA Overall Rating (2023): 5 out of 5 stars
- IIHS Safety Rating (2024): TOP SAFETY PICK
Honda Civic
Another of the top mom cars on the list is the 2024 Honda Civic. This model has a sport-tuned suspension and up to a 180-horsepower turbocharged engine that provides an instantaneous response.
The line-up has a suite of Honda SensingR features, including an improved Collision Mitigation Braking SystemTM (CMBS™). This safety technology will help you detect possible accidents on the road. It can automatically apply brake pressure when it determines a possible crash.
The equipped Road Departure Mitigation System (RDM) alerts drivers if they drift from their lane without turning on any signals. It then applies mild steering torque to guide the car back to the proper lane, aiming to prevent fewer sideswipe accidents due to the driver’s negligence.
Other Honda Sensing features included in all trims are Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR).
The 2024 Honda Civic comes in two variations: sedan and hatchback. Both comfortably fit five passengers and are ideal for moms, but let’s assess their differences to see which better suits your needs.
Honda Civic Sedan
MSRP: Starts at $23,950
The 2024 Honda Civic Sedan has a sleeker design and offers a more agile and stable driving experience. Its larger trunk can also store more cargo than its hatchback counterpart.
The sedan version has a moonroof and Blind Spot Information System in its EX and Touring variants. You’ll have to get the Touring model if you want leather seats.
You can check below the overall rating of this vehicle:
- iSeeCars Score – 9.3 / 10
- Reliability – 8.8 / 10
- Value Retention – 9.1 / 10
- Safety – 10 / 10
- IIHS Safety Rating (2024) – TOP SAFETY PICK
Honda Civic Hatchback
MSRP: $24,950
The 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback blends style and substance with a sporty design. This model is easier to maneuver on city streets because of its shorter and wider frame as compared to the sedan. On the inside, it has expansive interior views and ample cargo space. You can fold down the rear seats if you need to make more room for your kids’ stuff. Because of these features, some may argue that this model is the best vehicle for a new mom.
Any variant can offer all the aforementioned safety features. Meanwhile, the EX-L and Sport Touring varieties have an additional Blind Spot Information System. These models also have a moonroof, heated front seats, a leather-trimmed interior, and Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control.
Here are the ratings for the 2024 Honda Civic Hatchback:
- iSeeCars Score – 9.1 / 10
- Reliability – 8.3 / 10
- Value Retention – 9.1 / 10
- Safety – 10 / 10
- IIHS Safety Rating (2024) – TOP SAFETY PICK
Honda CR-V
If you like the Honda Sensing® features on the 2024 Honda Civic but need more space, consider its bigger cousin, the Honda CR-V. It’s perfect for families with up to five members who like going on all kinds of adventures.
The 2024 Honda CR-V is one of the good SUVs for moms because it has a spacious cargo area and body-stabilizing front seats for a comfortable ride. It also has improved features like roof rails and a hands-free access power tailgate, allowing you to take your kids on cross-town and cross-country trips.
Take a look at these ratings:
- iSeeCars Score – 9.2/10
- Reliability- 9.0/10
- Value Retention – 8.6/10
- Safety – 10 / 10
- IIHS Safety Rating (2024): TOP SAFETY PICK
Mazda 3 Sedan
MSRP: $24,170
The 2024 Mazda 3 Sedan is one of the great mom cars to buy this year. Its engine technology offers impressive fuel efficiency and optimal performance. Mazda studied the human body for decades to ensure its vehicles could respond to your direction, giving you a more comfortable driving experience.
The 2024 Mazda 3 Sedan has i-Activsense Safety Technology that can alert you to hazards and help you lessen or avoid collisions. This technology also helps drivers improve their visibility and awareness of the road. Check out these ratings:
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- iSeeCars Score – 9.1 / 10
- Reliability- 8.9 / 10
- Value Retention – 8.4 / 10
- Safety – 10 / 10
- NHTSA Overall Rating (2023): 5 out of 5 stars
- IIHS Safety Rating (2024): TOP SAFETY PICK
SUV Vs. Minivan: Which Is Better?
SUVs and minivans have more spacious interiors and cargo spaces than typical sedans. While these good mom vehicles both provide comfort to the drivers and passengers, there are key differences between the two.
Here are some points to consider when choosing between an SUV and a minivan:
- Lifestyle – One of the most important things to consider is how you want to use your car. An SUV is a better choice if you want to go off-roading or need the ability to tow heavy loads. A minivan is better if you want to fit your stuff inside easily.
- Budget – Starting prices for minivans are usually lower than for SUVs. The final price you pay for a car depends on the trim level, supply and demand, and price negotiations.
- Gas Mileage – Minivans do not have the best gas mileage compared to SUVs. However, when it comes to fuel efficiency, both types of vehicles come down to their size and powertrain. A hybrid model may be the best option if you want a minivan or SUV that gets better gas mileage.
- Towing Capacity – Minivans can manage low to moderate loads. Meanwhile, SUVs can be better if you need a larger towing capability.
What To Do Before Buying A New Mom Car
Assess Your Financial Situation
Look closely at your finances, including income, expenses, savings, debts, and other financial obligations. Determine how much you can comfortably afford to spend on a car without straining your budget. Consider factors like the down payment, monthly loan, insurance cost, and maintenance.
Make A List Of Your Must-Haves
Create a list of features and specifications that are non-negotiable for moms. Here are some questions to help you decide on your priorities:
- How many seats do you need?
- Is fuel efficiency a priority for you?
- Do you prefer electric cars instead?
- How much trunk space do you need for your kids’ stuff, groceries, stroller/wagon, etc.?
- Is cloth-covered seating okay, or are leather seats non-negotiable?
- What kinds of features are must-haves?
Then, list some nice-to-haves that aren’t really important but would still be preferable. Some examples are the car’s color, a moonroof or sunroof, captain seating, and more.
Research The Market Value Of Cars
Use online resources, such as automotive websites, dealer websites, and pricing guides, to learn the average price of the cars you’re interested in. Check for new and secondhand prices, depending on which option fits your budget better. For used cars, compare prices from different sources. You must also consider factors like condition and mileage.
Explore Your Financing Options
Bank loans are a common choice and are typically offered at lower interest rates. However, the approval process can be more stringent, and there may be additional fees involved. Credit union loans may have slightly higher rates but typically have more lenient lending criteria.
Dealership financing is often not preferable due to its significantly higher interest rates and fees, but it could be the only choice for some. Car dealerships can shop around with multiple lenders to find the best option for you.
Get Preapproved For A Car Loan
Secure preapproval for financing from one or more lenders as much as possible. Not only does it provide you with a clear picture of how much you can borrow and what kind of cars you can afford, but It also lets you fix any credit issues you may have before visiting a dealership.
By obtaining preapproval, you can find out what rates you qualify for. In turn, you can feel more confident in negotiating, helping you avoid the risk of being stuck with a higher interest rate than you can afford.
Visit Dealerships And Check Out The Cars
Visit several dealerships and speak with sales representatives. Take your time to ask questions and gather information about pricing, incentives, or trade-in options.
However, you have to prepare yourself before visiting one. Salespeople can be quite persuasive, and you might easily get swayed into making a hasty decision. Be firm with what you want, and don’t let them overwhelm you with information. Trust your research, keep your budget in mind, and take your time to evaluate their offers.
At the dealership, thoroughly inspect the car’s exterior and interior. For brand-new cars, the inspection is basically just getting a feel for their size, cargo space, and appearance. However, this step involves examining every part to find potential flaws in secondhand units.
Go For A Test Drive
This is the fun part, as you can take your kids and your family with you to consider their opinions, too. Plus, having another person with you can help you spot some things you might miss.
Some things to look for in a test drive are:
- Visibility
- Noise
- Brake pedal feel
- Steering response
- Powertrain
- Ride quality
- Space
- Comfort
Test the car on different roads, such as freeways, city streets, curves, and imperfect pavement, to better understand its responsiveness and performance.
When buying secondhand, be attentive and listen to the car’s sounds. Remember, auto defects can lead to fatal car accidents, putting you and your family at risk of sustaining injuries.
Negotiate The Price
Once you find the perfect car for you, don’t show your enthusiasm just yet. Some salespeople might take advantage of your eagerness by pressuring you to make a decision right there and then.
Instead, take the time to discuss it with your family. They may have different perspectives that you haven’t considered. For example, your kids might not be comfortable in the back seat, and your partner might be concerned about how the brakes feel when you stop.
When you’re ready to buy, use the information you’ve gathered through your research to negotiate a fair price that aligns with your budget. Carefully consider any add-ons they may offer, as they are usually overpriced and unnecessary.
Finally, be prepared to walk away if the seller is unwilling to meet your terms. Remember, there are always other options, and it’s better to take the time to find the right car at the right price than to rush into a decision and regret it later.
What Should You Do If You Get In A Car Accident?
No matter how good the car is, you cannot always guarantee your safety on the road. While car accidents are not predictable, you can prepare for one. If you or your loved one gets injured in a crash or collision, follow these steps to protect your rights:
- Stay calm and ensure your safety. Check yourself for injuries first, then your kids and other passengers. If you can, move out of traffic. Use hazard signs or emergency flashers to prevent further collisions.
- Dial 911. Ask for police officers to come to your location so they can manage the traffic and preserve the accident scene.
- Seek medical attention. Get checked by the paramedics first. If you’re a pregnant woman, inform them so they can also ensure the safety of your baby. Then, go to the ER and talk to your doctor immediately.
- Exchange information with the other drivers involved in the accident. Swap names, phone numbers, insurance information, and other relevant details. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact numbers, as well.
- Do not admit fault. Stick to the facts when talking to anyone, including the police, your insurance company, and others. Avoid saying anything suggesting you are taking the blame for the accident.
- Report the accident to your insurance company immediately. Most insurance providers have time limits on how soon you must file a report.
- Keep a detailed record. Create an organized and well-documented file about the accident. Include the accident report, medical bills, injury treatment plans, and other accident-related documents.
- Call a lawyer. Arash Law has a team of top-notch car accident lawyers who can address your concerns. They also offer a free initial consultation so that you can discuss your case without financial risk or obligation. They can help you secure maximum compensation for your damages and losses.
Injured In A Car Accident? Let Our California Car Accident Lawyers Help You!
Moms have many factors to consider when choosing cars. In most cases, their preferences are only second to the features that benefit the whole family, especially their kids. However, even after meticulously considering even the tiniest details, accidents can still happen due to other people’s negligent behaviors, such as reckless driving, drunk driving, and speeding.
After a traumatic crash, you and your loved ones may be dealing with catastrophic injuries, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and financial crises. You might think you will never bring back the life you had before. However, you can rely on Arash Law. Our car accident attorneys are committed to helping you get your life back on track.
Our personal injury lawyers have decades of experience in car accident cases and have secured over $750 Million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We work hard to help you achieve the highest possible recovery from your injuries. Don’t wait; time is critical; give us a call to find out what your legal choices are. Call us at (888) 488-1391 for a free case evaluation.
Arash Law is available 24/7 to serve Californians from different cities, such as Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim, Stockton, and Modesto.
