Best Cars for Moms

• Rear legroom: 37.8 inches
• Cargo capacity: 69.8 cubic feet
• Average yearly repair costs: $429

Although the Toyota Tundra and Tacoma tied for Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Top 10 for 2023, the RAV4 ranks high on the list, especially when considering hybrids. Toyota also won the best brand for resale value, with Lexus also taking the top spot for luxury brands. The 2024 RAV4 offers electrification if you can afford a new car, but you can also find plenty of used RAV4s in used car lots. For reference, the RAV4 nameplate was first introduced in 1994. 

• Rear legroom: 41 inches
• Cargo capacity: 76.5 cubic feet
• Average yearly repair costs: $407

According to RepairPal, Honda ranks among the most reliable brands. First out of 32 brands total, Honda costs $428 on average to repair annually, with a 10% chance that repairs are severe. However, most Hondas only visit the shop 0.3 times per year, so parents who don’t want to spend much time or money typically choose a Honda as their primary vehicle. Other family-friendly models include the Honda Accord, Honda Odyssey, and Honda Pilot.

• Rear legroom: 34.9 inches
• Cargo capacity: 122.9 cubic feet
• Average yearly repair costs: $744

It’s no secret the Chevy Tahoe is a big behemoth, but it’s a boon for any parent with plenty of passengers and cargo to tote around. The Tahoe provides up to 122.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the front seats. That’s enough room in this three-row SUV to fit enough supplies for a family camping trip or an extended stay at Grandma’s house. 

• Rear legroom: 31.4 inches 
• Cargo capacity: 86.4 cubic feet
• Average yearly repair costs: Unknown  

The 2024 Hyundai Palisade seats up to eight passengers and offers up to 44.1 inches of legroom in the first row. Second-row legroom nears 42.4 inches, while third-row legroom is 31.4 inches. Passenger volume exceeds 155 cubic feet, which is respectable given the Palisade is a full-size SUV. Alternatively, the Kia Telluride offers similar legroom in second-row seats, making it a viable family vehicle as well.  

• Rear legroom: 36.5 inches
• Cargo capacity: 54.9 cubic feet
• Average yearly repair costs: $492

With a five-year cost of ownership of $42,613, the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek ranks first among subcompact SUVs and crossovers. Other competitors in the segment include the Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V, and the Volkswagen Taos. Average yearly repair costs are nearly $500 for this compact SUV, but that’s well below average across all cars. 

Choosing the best mom car looks different from one parent to the next. Moms and dads may prioritize several features, from safety and fuel efficiency ratings to resale value, cost of ownership, and versatility. The list of the best mom cars above is neither exhaustive nor restrictive but can help jumpstart your thinking to find the best car for your circumstances. The decision ultimately lies with you. 

If you’re not ready to commit to a specific car fully, FINN car subscriptions offer the flexibility of test-driving various models without the costs of ownership that come with it. Subscribe to a FINN car and your monthly subscription fee includes registration, depreciation, insurance, and maintenance. That leaves you with covering gas and the occasional car wash to keep your car budget intact. Check out a FINN car subscription to see how you can add some welcome variety to your stressful yet rewarding routine.