At this point, you may be curious about why a guy is selecting 10 cars specifically for single moms or perhaps you’re questioning why car shopping is even gender-specific in the first place.
But those are discussions for another time. For now, let’s focus on some of the best vehicles for anyone who could use a little assistance when it comes to managing kids and their automotive needs.
1. Honda Odyssey
If there were ever a quintessential No. 1 pick on a typical “Best Cars for Single Moms” list, it would undoubtedly be the 2016 Honda Odyssey. First and foremost, it’s not a car; it’s an award-winning minivan.
One standout feature is the built-in vacuum system designed to clean up after the messes children inevitably make. It’s a brilliant concept, and for the 2016 model year, the HondaVAC feature is even more accessible in the new Odyssey SE trim.
This family-friendly configuration is especially appealing as it also includes a rear-seat entertainment system and SiriusXM Radio to keep kids entertained during long drives.
For drivers transporting young children, safety becomes a top priority, and the Odyssey delivers on that front as well. It earned a 5-Star Overall Safety Score from the NHTSA.
Additionally, while the 2016 model hasn’t been tested yet, the 2015 Odyssey was named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS.
2. Dodge Grand Caravan
When choosing cars for single moms, single dads, or really any family today, budget is an important factor to consider. That’s why it’s reassuring to know that the 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan continues to be priced under $22,000.
To put that in perspective, the Dodge is about $4,400 more affordable than the next most budget-friendly minivan on the market. It offers an advantage of +$6,700 over its Toyota rival and +$7,000 over its Honda counterpart.
Despite its lower price, the entry-level Dodge Grand Caravan comes equipped with everything needed for everyday driving, including air conditioning, second-row seating with in-floor storage bins, a third-row seat with Dodge’s Stow ‘n Go feature, a four-speaker audio system with steering-wheel-mounted controls, and power windows, locks, and mirrors.
Dodge also provides strong value as you move up the model lineup, offering the only vehicle in its segment with dual power-sliding side doors for less than $28,000.
3. Volkswagen Golf SportWagen
Station wagons have long carried a certain charm for American families, reminiscent of the iconic Griswold family road trips. Unfortunately, even though the definition of “family” has expanded over time, the availability of station wagons has decreased.
In fact, if we want to include an affordable, true station wagon in our list of excellent vehicles for moms, dads, and all types of family units, the 2016 Volkswagen Golf SportWagen is one of the very few options.
Fortunately, the SportWagen provides a surprising amount of cabin space, with Volkswagen describing it as “as versatile as a compact SUV.”
Additionally, the car boasts remarkable fuel economy figures: When equipped with the available 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine, the manufacturer estimates an EPA highway rating of 44 mpg.
It’s also important to highlight that the 2016 SportWagen introduces several new safety features, including forward-collision warning with emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and a blind-spot monitor.
4. Subaru Outback
The 2016 Subaru Outback traces its origins back to the station-wagon version of the Subaru Legacy mid-size sedan, making it a natural progression of the model.
It combines the classic wagon proportions with the rugged features of a crossover-style SUV. This all-in-one versatility is especially valued in vehicles for single parents, particularly when the vehicle, like the Outback, has an outstanding safety record.
The current Outback includes Subaru’s standard symmetrical all-wheel drive, a generous 35.5 cubic feet of cargo space even with both rows of seats in use, and the well-regarded EyeSight suite of driver-assistance technologies.
Although the 2016 model has yet to be tested, the 2015 Outback earned a “superior” rating for front-crash prevention, contributing to its recognition as an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.
Additionally, the 2016 model introduces available Starlink technology, which brings features like automatic crash notification, SOS emergency assistance, and more.
5. Honda Fit
The 2016 Honda Fit is another outstanding choice that combines versatility, efficiency, and affordability in a stylish package. It stands out among its subcompact competitors, largely due to its surprisingly spacious interior.
Despite the Fit’s compact size, it offers enough combined passenger and cargo space to qualify as a midsize car, according to the EPA’s current classification system.
However, its fuel-economy ratings up to 33 mpg in the city, 41 mpg on the highway, and 36 mpg combined are far from what you’d expect from a typical midsize sedan.
When it comes to safety, the Fit excels as well, earning a 5-star overall safety score from the NHTSA and receiving Top Safety Pick recognition from the IIHS. It’s this combination of features, along with its starting price of $15,790, that makes the Fit one of the best cars for single parents in the country.
6. Mazda Mazda3
What happens when you take a fun-to-drive compact hatchback, add more standard features than were offered in 2015, and reduce its MSRP by $400?
In the case of the 2016 Mazda Mazda3, you get one of the best cars for single mothers, but only because the Mazda3 stands out as a top option for anyone who needs to manage kids.
This added content includes a standard rearview camera system across all models, providing a highly sought-after technology without raising the price.
In fact, the lower MSRP of the five-door Mazda3, now set at $18,545, also brings more useful standard features, including filtered air conditioning, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, and power locks, windows, and exterior mirrors.
The Mazda3 also excels in occupant protection, earning top safety ratings from both the NHTSA and the IIHS, while offering available advanced safety features such as Smart City Brake Support.
7. Ford Fusion
While trying to determine the perfect cars for single moms might seem like an unnecessarily gendered task, it does make sense to choose a vehicle that’s appropriate for kids, if you have them.
However, it’s important to remember that what works for a toddler may not be suitable for a teenager, which brings us to the 2016 Ford Fusion.
The mid-size sedan from Ford, like many of the brand’s vehicles, comes with the standard MyKey system, a feature designed to help younger drivers stay focused on the road.
Specifically, MyKey allows the owner to set limits on the vehicle’s top speed and the audio volume, even muting the sound completely until the seatbelt is fastened.
Additional MyKey functions include an audible seatbelt reminder, alerts that sound when the vehicle reaches certain speeds, and an enhanced low-fuel warning that notifies the driver when there are only 75 miles of range remaining.
8. Chevrolet Malibu
The all-new 2016 Chevrolet Malibu is the latest and most advanced version of the Bowtie brand’s modern family sedan, and it’s no surprise that it’s well-suited for today’s diverse family needs.
Whether serving as an enjoyable daily driver for single dads, a top choice for single moms, or a reliable option for traditional nuclear families, the Malibu fits a variety of lifestyles.
The next-generation Malibu also introduces a new feature for families with teen drivers. Called “Teen Driver,” this suite of technologies allows owners to set speed alerts, mute the audio system until the front-seat safety belts are fastened, and provides valuable data.
This data includes information on how far the Malibu has been driven, the speeds at which it was driven, and whether the vehicle’s stability control or anti-lock brakes were activated during the drive.
9. Chevrolet Traverse
Initially introduced to replace Chevrolet’s minivan, the original Chevrolet Traverse has played a key role in an important industry shift: the rise of large three-row crossovers as the preferred family vehicle for an increasing number of families.
For our discussion, the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse is once again at the forefront with the addition of OnStar’s 4G LTE connectivity and mobile Wi-Fi capability.The ability to access the internet while on the road is a major advantage for young passengers.
This feature makes the Traverse particularly appealing when shopping for crossovers for single parents, as they like anyone tasked with transporting kids likely recognize the value of Internet access as a helpful tool for keeping the peace.
Additionally, the Traverse offers a spacious, minivan-like cabin with seating for up to eight passengers or 116.3 cubic feet of cargo space, providing a variety of configurations to suit different needs.
10. Kia Soul
If you’re looking to embrace the role of the “cool parent,” the 2016 Kia Soul might be the perfect choice even for those who question the need for gender-specific car recommendations for single mothers or similar buying approaches.
It’s not that Kia is above using the occasional female hamster for a marketing gimmick, but rather that the Soul’s quirky design pairs well with what is actually a very practical vehicle.
For example, it offers over 60 cubic feet of available cargo space, while the new model year includes a standard rear-camera display and offers advanced safety technologies like forward-collision warning and lane-departure warning.
It also boasts a 5-star Overall Safety Rating from NHTSA as a standard feature.
While not standard, the Kia Soul also offers plenty of exciting upgrades, such as the premium Infinity audio system, string-style LED speaker lights, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and new two-tone Designer Collection exteriors.
