Forget about the sports cars. Moms choose cars for safety, gas mileage, price…and, okay, for color and fun gadgets, too. We want to make sure that our kids are safe (and entertained) while we drive to school, soccer practice and ballet lessons. But, we also want to be comfortable and be able to use the latest gadgets, like hands-free music and GPS navigation. Which cars meet all of these criteria? Below are our picks for the best “mom” cars:
1. Ford Escape: Gayot includes the 2013 Ford Escape in its list of best mom cars. They cite its relatively low price tag (MRSP $22,470), its good gas mileage for a family car (22 mpg city/31 mpg highway) and its large cargo capacity (67.8 cubic feet). They were also impressed by the vehicle’s overall style, the MyFord Touch, the park assist (parallel parking) feature and windshield wipers with rain-sensing activation.
Photo of 2013 Ford Escape Titanium via Wikimedia Commons. All Rights Released.
2. Nissan Pathfinder: Kelly Blue Book puts the 2013 Nissan Pathfinder at the top of their best family car list. They liked the Pathfinder’s high-tech features, overall style and many creature comforts. This crossover vehicle was completely redesigned in 2013 and now features seating for up to seven people, decent gas mileage (20 mpg city/26 mpg highway) and auto mode traction that switches from 2WD to 4WD when it senses the roads are slippery.
Photo of 2013 Nissan Pathfinder via Wikimedia Commons. All Rights Released.
3. VW Passat: Not every mom car has to be an SUV. The 2009 Volkswagen Passat midsized sedan ranked well with the LA Times panel of Motherproof.com reviewers. They liked the built-in sunshades for backseat passengers, the easy-to-use navigation system and its many safety features. The ladies of LA aren’t this stylish car’s only fans. The 2012 model Passat was the 2012 Motor Trend Car of the Year.
Photo of 2009 VW Passat via Wikimedia Commons. All Rights Released.
4. Hyundai Santa Fe: Named one of Parenting magazine’s best family vehicles, the Santa Fe is a crossover vehicle that combines roominess and storage space with decent gas mileage, an affordable price tag and an overall size that will fit nicely in the garage. The Santa Fe accommodates seven passengers and gets 20 mpg in the city and 33 mpg. It also comes with a rearview camera so you can keep an eye on the toddlers and pets playing in the yard.
Photo of 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe at Scottsdale AZ Hyundai. Used with permission.
5. Kia Optima: Safety is always a prime consideration when shopping for a family car. That’s why the 2013 Kia Optima made our list of best mom cars. This sedan snagged the top spot on the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s list of safest cars on the road. In fact, the Optima received the top safety rating in all of their crash test categories. They also liked the Optima’s handling and many intuitive safety features, including a back-up camera and side curtain airbags.
Photo of 2013 Kia Optima hybrid by Norbert Aepli, Switzerland via Wikimedia Commons
Being a mom doesn’t have to mean driving around in a boring car. Choose a vehicle like one of the ones above and combine safety, good car mileage and convenience in a car that’s still fun to drive.
This is a guest post by Paula Green. Paula is a reporter who covers consumer issues, including online shopping, auctions and ecommerce.