Last Updated on September 19, 2023 by Victor A
Being a single mom is no easy feat, since balancing work, kids, and household chores can feel like there’s never enough time in the day. And when it comes to buying a car, the pressure is on to choose the best single mom car.
Here, we’ll explore the top 10 best single mom car options on the market, considering factors like safety, comfort, affordability, and reliability.
1) Honda CR-V
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV that has been a popular choice among car buyers for decades.
This is the best single mom car, its versatility, and reliability make it a great option for women who are looking for a car that can handle their busy lifestyle.
Engine and Fuel Efficiency
In terms of engine options, Honda offers a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 190 hp and front-wheel drive as standard, however, all-wheel drive is available in this crossover SUV.
For those who want better fuel efficiencies, they might want to check out the hybrid powertrain, which mates a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with two electric motors which delivers a combined 204 hp.
If you go for the hybrid engine option, you’ll get an EPA-estimated 40 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway, which makes it one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs on the market.
However, the petrol version also comes with great fuel efficiency, with 40 MPG in the city and 34.
This means that single moms can save money on gas and spend more on the things that matter to them and their families.
Cargo and Comfort
In addition to its fuel efficiency, safety features, and fun driving experience, the Honda CR-V also offers plenty of cargo space with 39.3 cubic feet behind the second row and 76.5 cubic feet when the second row is folded.
The CR-V can easily accommodate all of your family’s gear, while the interior is also comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom for both the driver and passengers.
Safety and Reliability
The CR-V has received high marks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for its crash test ratings and safety features.
This is largely due to its standard safety features, including a multi-angle rearview camera, side curtain airbags with a rollover sensor, and front three-point seat belts with an automatic tensioning system.
Additionally, it boasts a high resale value, making it a great investment in the long run.
2) Honda Odyssey
For those looking for the best single mom car, the Honda Odyssey minivan might be an interesting option.
Its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and advanced safety features make it a practical and appealing option for those who need a car that can transport their children and their gear.
Engine and Fuel Efficiency
The Odyssey is available with a 3.5 V6 engine with 280 hp that achieves an EPA-estimated 19 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway.
This minivan’s ground clearance is rated at 4.5 inches which is not a lot, therefore if you go for this one, avoid rough terrains.
Cargo and Comfort
Many praise the Honda Odyssey for its spacious interior, as it can comfortably seat up to eight passengers, with plenty of legroom and headroom for both the driver and passengers.
The Honda Odyssey also offers a comfortable ride thanks to its comfortable and supportive seats, with available features like heated and ventilated front seats and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
The second and third-row seats can be easily folded down to create a large cargo space, making it easy to transport large items like strollers, bicycles, and groceries.
Safety and Reliability
In terms of safety, the Odyssey comes standard with useful safety features like automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Finally, the Honda Odyssey comes with great reliability, Honda built this minivan to last and if you take good care of it, you will likely see it last over 200,000 miles.
3) Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is a midsize sedan that many considered to be among the best single mom cars.
Its combination of comfort, reliability, and fuel efficiency make it a practical and appealing option for those looking for a car that can handle their daily commute and weekend adventures.
Engine and Fuel Efficiency
When it comes to powertrain, there are three different engine options.
The first one is the standard 2.5-liter inline-4 with 176 hp, then there is a more powerful 3.5-liter V6 engine with 301 hp.
And lastly, there is a hybrid option that combines a 2.5-liter inline-4 with an electric motor to produce 208 hp.
One of the biggest selling points of the Toyota Camry is its fuel efficiency, with the hybrid version the Camry achieves an impressive EPA-estimated 51 MPG in the city and 53 MPG on the highway.
The inline-4 version achieves a respected EPA-estimated 28 MPG in the city and 38 MPG on the highway, however, if you go for the V6 engine option you’ll see a reduced fuel efficiency of EPA-estimated 22 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.
This makes the Camry one of the most fuel-efficient sedans on the market, saving single moms money on gas and reducing their carbon footprint.
Cargo and Comfort
But the Toyota Camry isn’t just practical, it’s also comfortable and stylish, as this sedan features a sleek and modern exterior design, with a spacious and well-appointed interior.
The seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of legroom and headroom for both the driver and passengers.
Safety and Reliability
In addition to its fuel efficiency, the Toyota Camry is also known for its reliability, Toyota has a long-standing reputation for producing cars that are built to last, and the Camry is no exception.
With proper maintenance, the Camry can easily last for over 200,000 miles, making it a smart investment for single moms who want a car that will last for years to come.
Safety is also a top priority for the Toyota Camry, thanks to its available safety features like emergency Braking assist, 4-wheel ABS, traction control, and stability control.
4) Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a versatile midsize SUV that can appeal to families and single moms who like to go for off-roading adventures regularly.
With its high ground clearance, symmetrical all-wheel drive system, and X-Mode off-road technology, the Outback can handle tough terrain and challenging driving conditions with ease, making it an ideal vehicle for adventurous single moms who love to explore the great outdoors.
Engine and Fuel Efficiency
The Outback comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 182 hp, however, you can opt for the more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four that produces 260 hp.
With the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, the Outback achieves an EPA-estimated 32 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient midsize SUVs in its class.
If you go for the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, you will find a reduced fuel efficiency of an EPA-estimated 29 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway.
The Subaru Outback is famous for its all-wheel drive capability, which is a huge advantage for families living in areas with harsh weather conditions or those who frequently venture off-road.
The standard all-wheel-drive system provides extra traction and stability on slippery roads and rough terrains, making the Outback a reliable car for any adventure.
Cargo and Comfort
This SUV also offers plenty of cargo space, with 32.6 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.6 cubic feet with the second row folded, allowing you to easily accommodate everything from sports equipment to camping gear.
The interior of the Outback is spacious and comfortable, with plenty of legroom and headroom for both the driver and passengers.
Safety and Reliability
Another reason why the Subaru Outback may appeal to single moms is its safety, this is a very safe SUV that comes packed with safety features.
The Outback comes standard with Subaru Eyesight Driver Assist which includes, adaptive cruise control, lane sway and departure warning, lead vehicle start alert, pre-collision braking system, and pre-collision throttle management.
Finally, the Subaru Outback is known for its longevity and reliability, as you may know, Subaru is consistently ranked as one of the most reliable car brands on the market, and the Outback is no exception.
With proper maintenance, the Outback can easily last for over 200,000 miles, making it a smart investment for single moms who want a car that will last for years to come.
5) Toyota Sienna
The Toyota Sienna is another popular choice for single moms looking for a spacious and reliable vehicle to transport their family.
This minivan offers impressive fuel efficiency and a range of features designed to make driving and traveling with kids easier and more comfortable.
Engine and Fuel Efficiency
The Toyota Sienna is only available as a hybrid which pairs a 2.5-liter inline-four with an electric motor that together produce 245 hp.
This minivan achieves an impressive EPA-estimated 36 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway, making it one of the most fuel-efficient minivans on the market.
This means that single moms can save money on gas while still having a car that can handle their family’s transportation needs.
Cargo and Comfort
The Sienna comes with a spacious and comfortable interior that can comfortably seat up to eight passengers, with plenty of legroom and headroom for both the driver and passengers.
While the second and third-row seats can be easily folded down to create a large cargo space, which is essential for single moms who need to transport large items like strollers, bicycles, and groceries.
Safety and Reliability
Safety is another top priority for the Toyota Sienna, as it received high marks from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for its safety features and crash test ratings.
Available safety features on the Sienna include automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.
When it comes to reliability, Toyota is known for producing cars that are built to last, and the Sienna is no exception.
If you maintain it properly, it can easily last for over 200,000 miles, making it a very attractive vehicle to buy if you are planning on keeping it for a long time.
The Toyota Sienna Woodland Edition for the adventure seekers
For those single moms who want the off-road capabilities of an SUV but don’t want to give up the spaciousness of a minivan, the Toyota Sienna Woodland Edition might be for you.
The Sienna Woodland Edition offers unique features and capabilities that you cannot find in other minivans, for example, this is the minivan with the highest ground clearance.
This minivan offers a ground clearance of 6.9 inches which allows it to handle rough terrain and uneven surfaces with ease, making it a great choice for families who love to go on outdoor adventures.
The Woodland Edition also offers features like standard all-wheel drive and a sport-tuned suspension, further enhancing its capabilities and making it a versatile vehicle that can handle a range of driving conditions
