I Asked for the Best Mom Car… and the Moms DELIVERED 🚙
Because my lease is up, and the DIY (and parenting) doesn’t pause.
Alright friends—real talk time. My lease is officially up and, as much as I’ve loved my current ride, it just isn’t cutting it anymore. Between my five giant kids (like, how did they get so tall?), our two furry family members (who act like toddlers with paws), and my never-ending DIY projects, I need a new set of wheels that can truly keep up with my life.
So naturally, I did what any sensible mom/influencer/project-obsessed person would do… I turned to Instagram.
📱 Cue the IG Mom Army
I popped a little story up asking, “What’s the best mom car out there?” and WOW. You all came RUNNING with the most helpful advice, voice memos, and comments. Seriously, I felt like I had a whole pit crew of fellow moms ready to help me make the right choice. From minivan ride-or-dies to luxury SUV stans, the suggestions came in hot and I took notes like my life depended on it (because, honestly… it kinda does).
🚗 The Finalist List: Cars That Came Up Over and Over Again
After sorting through dozens of DMs, here are the top contenders recommended by real moms doing ALL the things:
🏆 The Front-Runners:
- Honda Pilot
Spacious, super reliable, and a favorite among moms for its smooth ride and ample trunk space. You guys were VERY vocal about this one—and I get why. - Chevy Tahoe
This thing is a tank. If you’ve got a lot of kids, dogs, or just a habit of hoarding Home Depot materials, this is your vehicle. Bonus points for the towing capacity. - Subaru Ascent
Built like a dream for safety-obsessed mamas. Tons of room, and the symmetrical all-wheel drive means it can handle whatever weather Pennsylvania throws at me. - Toyota Grand Highlander
This one is newer on the scene but the hype is real. Sleek, packed with tech, and BIG. Like, actually big enough for all my people and my plywood. - Honda Odyssey
A tried-and-true classic. Slide those doors open with a button, pile everyone in (and still have trunk space left for tools). I’m not even embarrassed to admit I kind of love a minivan now.
👏 Honorable Mentions: AKA “Still Amazing, Might Test Drive”
Because this was not a popularity contest—it was a deep dive into what REAL moms use and love:
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Kia Carnival (modern minivan with major swagger)
- Honda Element (hello, nostalgia!)
- Toyota Sienna
- Chrysler Pacifica (especially the hybrid!)
- Hyundai Santa Fe
- Volvo + Volvo XC90 (safety and style? Yes please.)
- VW Atlas
- Kia Telluride
- Lincoln Navigator (for when your errands require a throne)
- Hyundai Palisade
- Chevy Suburban (aka: the mom limo)
- Kia Sorento
- Lexus LX 570
- Dodge Caravan
- Toyota Sequoia
- Buick Enclave
- Ford Expedition
- Acura MDX
- Chevy Traverse
🛠 Why the Right Car Matters When You’re a DIY Mama
This isn’t just about looking cute in the carpool lane (although, let’s be real—that’s nice too). I need a vehicle that works with my lifestyle. That means:
- Fitting full-size plywood sheets, bathroom vanities, AND soccer gear
- Being able to do spontaneous Facebook Marketplace pick-ups
- Tossing two muddy dogs in the back without losing my mind
- Enough outlets or charging ports so no one fights over cords
- And storage. SO MUCH STORAGE.
Let’s not forget carpooling teens, emergency Target runs, and using the back as a portable command center for snack breaks and spilled juice box crises.
💬 Still Undecided… Help a Girl Out?
I’m this close to scheduling test drives, but I’d LOVE to hear from more of you. What do you drive? What do you LOVE? What would you never recommend again?
Drop a comment, shoot me a DM, or tag me in your mom-mobile moments—I am all ears (and also slightly panicking because I need to decide soon 😅).
—
thank you to my amazing IG mom community for coming through. You all are seriously the best.
-Abby
