Being a mom is one of the most rewarding yet demanding roles in the world. From school runs and soccer practice to grocery shopping and family road trips, moms are constantly on the go. Having the right vehicle can make all the difference, turning daily commutes into comfortable and convenient experiences. When it comes to finding the perfect “mom car,” it’s about more than just transportation; it’s about finding a reliable, safe, and versatile partner for your busy lifestyle. Let’s explore some top contenders that excel in meeting the diverse needs of modern families.
2018 Chevrolet Traverse
2018 Chevrolet Traverse front quarter ・ Photo by General Motors
The Chevrolet Traverse is a standout choice in the realm of Mom Cars, particularly for those who appreciate spaciousness and versatility. This large crossover is designed to handle carpools and family adventures with equal ease. Offering seating for up to eight passengers, the Traverse rivals the capacity of full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Suburban, yet it maintains a manageable footprint for everyday driving. One of its most significant advantages is its generous cargo space, even when all three rows are occupied. Unlike many three-row SUVs that sacrifice luggage room for passenger volume, the Traverse provides ample space for sports equipment, groceries, and everything else a busy family needs to haul.
The 2018 redesign of the Chevrolet Traverse brought significant improvements in refinement and technology. The ride is smooth and comfortable, making long journeys less tiring for both driver and passengers. The interior boasts a touch of luxury and is packed with family-friendly features. Multiple power ports throughout the cabin ensure everyone’s devices stay charged, and the available WiFi hotspot keeps kids entertained and connected on the go. For moms who need a reliable, spacious, and tech-savvy vehicle, the Traverse ticks all the boxes, making it a top pick for embracing the “mom car” lifestyle.
Spacious interior of the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse, perfect for families
2018 Chrysler Pacifica
Before the term “mom cars” became synonymous with SUVs, minivans were the quintessential family vehicles. The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica demonstrates why minivans remain an exceptional choice for moms seeking unparalleled space and practicality. The Pacifica isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a mobile family room, offering more comfortable seating and cargo capacity than almost any SUV on the market. Its sliding doors and low floor make entry and exit easy for children of all ages, a feature particularly appreciated during school drop-offs and pick-ups.
The Chrysler Pacifica has shed the outdated image of minivans, emerging as a stylish and feature-rich option. Available with a state-of-the-art rear-seat entertainment system, it transforms long drives into enjoyable experiences for kids. For environmentally conscious families, the Pacifica Hybrid is a game-changer. This plug-in hybrid model can travel up to 33 miles on electric power alone, potentially covering daily errands without using any gasoline. The Pacifica seamlessly blends practicality, luxury, and eco-friendliness, making it a compelling “mom car” for modern families.
The stylish and spacious interior of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica minivan
2018 Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango stands out as a robust and capable SUV, making it an excellent “mom car” for families with active lifestyles that extend beyond the soccer field. While its muscular styling might lean towards a “dad car” aesthetic, the Durango’s spacious interior and towing prowess make it incredibly versatile for family needs. It’s perfect for moms who need a vehicle that can handle both daily family duties and more demanding tasks.
The Durango offers impressive towing capabilities, with V6 models able to tow up to 6,200 lbs and V8 versions reaching 8,600 lbs. This capacity is sufficient for towing boats, campers, or even horse trailers, making it ideal for families who enjoy outdoor adventures. Unlike some smaller SUVs that struggle with trailers, the Durango handles towing with confidence and stability. For families who need a “mom car” that can do it all – from school runs to weekend getaways with a trailer – the Dodge Durango is a powerful and practical choice.
The powerful and family-friendly 2018 Dodge Durango SUV
2018 Fiat 500L
For moms seeking a “mom car” that’s a little different from the SUV crowd, the Fiat 500L offers a unique and stylish alternative. Inspired by European preferences for tall hatchbacks, the 500L is compact yet surprisingly spacious inside. Its tall roofline provides ample headroom, and the large windows, especially with the optional panoramic sunroof, create a bright and airy cabin with excellent visibility for all passengers. Its smaller size makes it easy to maneuver in city traffic and park in tight spaces, while also being fuel-efficient.
The Fiat 500L is available in a range of vibrant colors and boasts a distinctive design that stands out in parking lots filled with similar-looking SUVs. While Fiat’s reliability reputation may not match some Japanese brands, many 500L owners appreciate its unique charm and practicality. If you’re a mom looking for a “mom car” that’s fun, functional, and refreshingly different, the Fiat 500L is worth considering.
The unique and compact 2018 Fiat 500L hatchback, a stylish mom car option
2018 Honda HR-V
Not every mom needs a large SUV, and the subcompact crossover segment offers excellent options for smaller families. The Honda HR-V is a standout in this category, renowned for its exceptional space efficiency and practicality. Based on the Honda Fit hatchback, the HR-V maximizes interior space, offering more rear-seat legroom and cargo volume than many of its rivals. This makes it surprisingly accommodating for baby seats, strollers, and, of course, sports gear. For moms who prioritize maneuverability and fuel economy, the HR-V is a smart choice.
The Honda HR-V’s compact dimensions translate to excellent fuel efficiency and easy parking in urban environments. It’s also one of the few SUVs in its class available with a manual transmission, appealing to driving enthusiasts. If you need a “mom car” that’s fuel-efficient, easy to park, and surprisingly spacious, the Honda HR-V is a top contender. For families needing a bit more space, the larger Honda CR-V is also an excellent option in the compact SUV segment.
The fuel-efficient and spacious 2018 Honda HR-V subcompact SUV, perfect for smaller families
2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC
For moms who believe that family life shouldn’t mean sacrificing luxury, the Mercedes-Benz GLC offers a perfect blend of practicality and refinement. This five-seat SUV provides a comfortable and upscale driving experience, while still being highly functional for family needs. The GLC embodies the luxury and sophistication that Mercedes-Benz is known for, offering a wide array of premium features and amenities.
While all Mercedes-Benz SUVs are well-regarded, the GLC strikes an ideal balance in size. It’s spacious enough for a family of four, yet compact enough for easy maneuvering and parking in city settings. The interior is beautifully crafted with high-quality materials, creating a luxurious and comfortable environment for both driver and passengers. And for those inevitable kid-related spills, the GLC’s available leather upholstery is surprisingly easy to clean. If you’re a mom looking for a “mom car” that delivers both luxury and practicality, the Mercedes-Benz GLC is an exceptional choice.
The luxurious and practical 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV, a premium mom car option
2018 Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback has long been a favorite “mom car” for adventurous families and those living in areas with challenging weather conditions. With its standard all-wheel drive and increased ground clearance, the Outback was designed to handle snowy roads and off-pavement adventures long before SUVs became ubiquitous. It’s a vehicle that instills confidence in all types of driving conditions, ensuring family safety and reliability.
Today’s Outback blurs the lines between a station wagon and a crossover, offering a higher ride height and better visibility than a traditional wagon, while maintaining a sleeker profile than many boxy SUVs. Subarus are renowned for their longevity and loyal customer base, with many owners racking up high mileage and returning to the brand for their next vehicle. The Outback’s blend of practicality, reliability, and all-weather capability makes it a highly appealing “mom car” for families who value adventure and dependability.
The adventurous and reliable 2018 Subaru Outback wagon, a great mom car for active families
2018 Toyota Avalon
Challenging the stereotype that “mom cars” must be SUVs, minivans, or wagons, the Toyota Avalon demonstrates that a large sedan can be an excellent family vehicle. This spacious four-door sedan offers ample rear-seat room for growing children and a generously sized trunk that can accommodate a surprising amount of cargo. While it may not have the sheer cargo volume of an SUV, the Avalon provides enough space for sports equipment, school projects, and luggage for family trips.
Sedans like the Avalon often offer superior handling and ride comfort compared to many SUVs. Toyota also offers a hybrid version of the Avalon, delivering exceptional fuel economy for a large car. For moms who prefer the driving dynamics of a sedan and don’t require maximum cargo height, the Avalon is a refined and practical “mom car” alternative.
The spacious and comfortable 2018 Toyota Avalon sedan, a stylish mom car alternative
2018 Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas is a newer entrant in the large SUV market, quickly gaining popularity among families for its spaciousness and user-friendly design. The Atlas prioritizes passenger comfort, offering generous space in all three rows of seats. Even with all rows in use, it maintains a usable cargo area, making it ideal for carpooling and transporting larger groups. It’s a “mom car” designed for the demands of busy family life.
Beyond its spaciousness, the Atlas is also enjoyable to drive, with a comfortable ride and responsive handling for its size. While its interior may not be overtly luxurious, the controls are straightforward and easy to use, minimizing distractions for busy parents. The Volkswagen Atlas is a practical and well-rounded “mom car” that excels in providing space and comfort for the whole family.
The spacious and family-oriented 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SUV, a practical mom car choice
2018 Volvo V90
The Volvo V90 represents a resurgence of the stylish and practical wagon, reminiscent of the iconic Volvo wagons of the 1980s and 90s that were popular choices for families. However, the V90 is far from boxy; it’s a sleek and elegant station wagon that’s arguably one of the most attractive wagons ever created. It proves that practicality and style can coexist beautifully in a “mom car”.
Despite its stunning design, the V90 doesn’t compromise on practicality. It offers ample cargo and rear-seat space, along with a refined and comfortable interior. Volvo is renowned for its commitment to safety, and the V90 is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features. For moms who appreciate sophisticated design, luxurious comfort, and the versatility of a wagon, the Volvo V90 is a truly exceptional “mom car” choice.
