Cars that mothers will love

We’ll let you in on a not-so-secret fact: moms love cars, too. She may not be so much into torque and alloy wheels, but she knows a good car when she sees and rides one.

And more so when she drives one.

More than flashy designs, moms love cars that feel safe and secure, are easy to manuever, and powerful.

Here are some of the new cars that any mom would be happy to find in her garage:

Chevrolet Trax

Chevrolet Trax

Chevrolet’s compact SUV has a stylish new face. The new nose now gets projector headlaps with LED daytime running lights.

Its performance credentials include a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline engine providing the power, matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Trax looks compact on the outside, but has expansive cargo space perfect for hauling groceries and equipment.

Ford EcoSport

The Ford EcoSport may be one of the older cars on this list, but it continues to be relevant.

Despite being the smallest in Ford’s SUV lineup, the EcoSport is surprisingly roomy inside.

Its boxy rear cargo area is free of obstructions, and can swallow large appliances like a washing machine with ease.

Its handling manners are superb, as it shares a platform with the nimble Fiesta subcompact.

Honda Pilot

Honda’s BR-V baby SUV has been rolling out of showrooms quickly, but when it comes to no-compromise family transport, we recommend the Pilot.

It’s nondescript, almost bland from the outside, with styling cues that you’ve probably seen before on half a dozen other cars.

When you get to the inside, though, it’s an eight-seat premium environment. Multiple convenience features are geared towards families.

Try not to grin when you see the push-button switch allowing entry for the third row. A five-year-old can activate it—which is exactly the point of the Honda Pilot.

Volkswagen Golf GTS

Volkswagen stretches the capabilities of the Golf with the new GTS wagon.

Known as the SportWagen in other markets, the new Golf GTS reportedly combines the versatility of a compact SUV with the fun driving characteristics of a hot hatchback.

The GTS has loads of cargo space, thanks to its wagon body, both with all the seats up (852 liters), and when the rear seat is folded (1,883 liters).

It’s diesel powered, so it should be frugal at the pump.

Subaru Outback

Speaking of sporty wagons, Subaru has one of the best around in the Outback.

Officially billed as an SUV, due to its high ground clearance, the Outback retains the quick reflexes of its Legacy sibling.

A boxer engine lowers the car’s center of gravity, and the all-wheel drive system gives it a greater margin of safety when roads turn treacherous.

Mazda CX-9

When minivans just won’t cut it, there’s the seven-seat CX-9 from Mazda. As stylish as its European rivals, with a premium interior to match, the CX-9 reportedly offers better driving manners than your average SUV.

There’s ample power from a turbocharged four-cylinder SkyActiv gasoline engine.

Hyundai Creta

Hyundai barges into the subcompact class with its Creta SUV. which shares many of the styling cues of its hot-selling Tucson sibling.

Creta’s trump card is its available 1.6-liter diesel, paired with a six-speed manual. An automatic transmission is available with a 1.6-liter engine.

Mercedes-Benz V-Class

This one is for when mom gets to ride in the back seat. There’s perhaps no better one for the money than the Mercedes-Benz’s compact van.

The supportive seats are good for long distance (or long traffic time) travel, and reconfigurable so that occupants can face each other for conversations, or a good card game.

Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 continues its predecessor’s positioning of being the ultimate car for families. There’s seating for seven and a huge touchscreen interface.
The XC90 goes beyond passive safety. It includes autonomous-lite driving features such as interactive cruise control that allows the car to drive itself under certain conditions.