The Car Mom 2024 Car of the Year
It’s been another exciting year for the family car market, and 2024 has truly raised the bar. Now that we’re entering 2025, it’s time to announce The Car Mom 2024 Car of the Year!
This is the second year of the award, and I’m thrilled to highlight some of the most impressive family car redesigns we’ve seen over the past year. If you missed last year’s winner, be sure to check out our first-ever 2023 Car of the Year post to see how it all began.
If you’re new here—welcome! I’m Kelly Stumpe, better known as The Car Mom. I’m a CPST (Child Passenger Safety Technician), mom of four, and an unapologetic car enthusiast. My goal is simple: to help families make informed decisions when it comes to finding the right car. In 2025, I’ll continue focusing on helping you discover vehicles that fit your family’s lifestyle, comfort needs, and budget.
Here’s how this year worked: after narrowing down from ten incredible contenders to four finalists, thousands of votes from our amazing Carpoolers community helped determine which car families loved most. From there, Lizz and I scored each finalist based on comfort, safety, technology, car seat capabilities, and overall value to select the ultimate winner.
Without further ado, let’s announce this year’s champion—a family car that truly stands out for its thoughtful redesign, unbeatable practicality, and family-friendly features.
2024 Car of the Year… The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse!
The redesigned Chevrolet Traverse has claimed the title of 2024 Car Mom Car of the Year! With its spacious design, innovative car seat-friendly features, and best-in-class trunk space, it’s no surprise this midsize SUV won your hearts. Whether you’re juggling car seats, packing for a road trip, or simply running errands with your family, the Traverse delivers on every front.
Why The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse Won:
The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse stood out in all our key judging categories: comfort, safety, technology, car seat capabilities, and overall value. Here’s why it earned your votes:
Spacious Design: A larger midsize SUV that feels close to full-size, offering plenty of room for growing families.
Car Seat-Friendly Features: Chevy’s innovative Car Seat-Friendly Tilt is now on both sides for easy third-row access—even with car seats installed.
Best-in-Class Trunk Space: The Traverse boasts unmatched cargo space that accommodates strollers and gear even with all three rows up.
Tech Upgrades: A massive infotainment screen, manual climate controls, and Chevy’s Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving tech make every drive more enjoyable.
Family Comfort: Ceiling vents in all rows, heated second-row seats, and adjustable second-row seating ensure comfort for everyone on board.
This thoughtful redesign bridges the gap between midsize and full-size SUVs, making it a versatile and practical choice for families who need more space without compromising maneuverability.
Let’s Take A Closer Look At Our 2024 Car of the Year Finalists
Here are the finalists for The Car Mom 2024 Car of the Year!
2024 Chevrolet Traverse (received 58.3% of votes)
2025 Honda Odyssey (received 45.1% of votes)
2024 Lexus GX (received 36.8% of votes)
2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid (received 36.6% of votes)
2024 Car of the Year Category Breakdown
Before diving into the award details, I want to highlight that there are so many factors to consider when buying a car. If you’ve already bought a car this year and it’s not on this list, I’m so happy for you—and I’m sure it’s a great choice for your family!
But for those of you who ask, “Kelly, what car do you recommend for families?”—I’m here to share the top family-friendly redesigns of 2024 that stood out for their standout features.
Our categories for judging the vehicles remain consistent, and these core aspects help ensure that every vehicle on the list is a practical and reliable option for families. As you look at your choices, make sure your priorities are aligned with your family’s unique needs and not just the trendy features.
Our judging criteria are as follows:
Comfort
Safety
Technology
Car Seat Capabilities
Overall Value
We’re not judging the cars head-to-head, but rather evaluating each based on these critical categories. While these are the 2024 models, many of the qualities that make these cars exceptional have been refined over previous years.
2024 Chevrolet Traverse
2024 Chevrolet Traverse Highlights:
The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse has been tested by the IIHS, but did not receive any awards.
Spacious Design: Larger midsize SUV that feels close to a full-size, perfect for growing families.
Flexible Seating: Available with captain’s chairs or a bench (though benches are rare in higher trims).
Car Seat-Friendly Features: Car Seat-Friendly Tilt is now on both sides for easy third-row access.
Massive Trunk Space: Best-in-class cargo area, even with the third row up.
Tech Upgrades: Huge infotainment screen with manual climate controls and Chevy’s Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving tech.
Family Comforts: Ceiling vents in all rows, heated second-row seats, and adjustable second-row seating.
The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse has been transformed into one of the most family-friendly midsize SUVs, offering a spacious, versatile option that bridges the gap between midsize and full-size models. Starting at $55,000 for the RS trim, it’s priced slightly above the Honda Pilot but below premium options like the Toyota Grand Highlander.
Chevy has upgraded the interior with sporty details, ample storage, and a massive, user-friendly infotainment system. Families can choose between captain’s chairs or a bench (rare in higher trims), with excellent clearance for car seats and adjustable second-row seating for added flexibility. The third row features Chevy’s Car Seat Friendly Tilt on both sides for easy access and now includes middle head restraints for improved safety.
The Traverse shines with best-in-class trunk space, accommodating strollers even with all three rows up. With its thoughtful design, car seat-friendly features, and modern tech, the 2024 Traverse is an excellent choice for families needing more room without moving to a full-size SUV.
Kelly’s Take: Which Families Is The Chevrolet Traverse Best For?
The 2024 Chevrolet Traverse is an excellent choice for families with two to four kids who need lots of space and flexibility without stepping up to a full-size SUV. It offers a roomy second row with car seat-friendly tilt on both sides, making third-row access easy even with car seats installed. The third row is spacious enough for kids or smaller adults, and the best-in-class trunk space can handle strollers, sports gear, or road trip essentials—even with all three rows in use.
However, families needing a bench seat for maximum seating may be disappointed since it’s rare in higher trims, and there are no lower LATCH anchors in the third row. If you’re looking for a large midsize SUV that’s practical, tech-savvy, and family-focused, the Traverse is hard to beat.
2025 Honda Odyssey
2025 Honda Odyssey Highlights:
The 2025 Honda Odyssey is an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Versatile Family-Friendly Minivan: The Odyssey remains one of the top family minivans, with incredible flexibility, especially when it comes to car seat configurations.
Magic Slide Seats: The second row's Magic Slide seats easily slide forward, backward, and side-to-side, making third-row access a breeze, even with car seats installed.
Exceptional Car Seat Compatibility: Accommodates multiple car seats in various configurations, making it the best choice for families with young children.
Thoughtful Third-Row Comfort: The third row features removable headrests, USB ports, cup holders, and built-in sunshades—ideal for longer trips.
Impressive Trunk Space: Deep cargo area with a simple strap mechanism for folding the third-row seats flat, offering maximum trunk space.
Tailgate Mode: A fun and functional feature that allows you to comfortably sit at the back during outdoor events, with built-in cup holders and charging ports.
Updated Infotainment System: Larger 9-inch screen with family-friendly features like CabinWatch and CabinTalk to keep an eye on and communicate with passengers.
The 2025 Honda Odyssey continues to be a family-friendly powerhouse, even with its subtle redesign. While it doesn't introduce any major changes, this minivan remains a top pick for families who value practicality, comfort, and flexibility. The second-row Magic Slide seats are a standout feature, making it easy to access the third row without moving car seats. Its incredible car seat compatibility, spaciousness, and thoughtful touches like sunshades, USB ports, and cup holders make it a top choice for parents.
Although it lacks a hybrid option and AWD, features that some competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica offer, the Odyssey’s space and versatility still make it an outstanding family vehicle. The trunk space is perfect for strollers and groceries, and the simple, non-powered folding third-row seats create even more room when needed.
Kelly’s Take: Which Families Is The Honda Odyssey Best For?
The 2025 Honda Odyssey is the ultimate family minivan for those with three or more kids, offering unmatched flexibility and car seat compatibility. Its Magic Slide second-row seats are a game-changer, allowing side-to-side and forward-backward movement even with car seats installed, making third-row access a breeze. With LATCH anchors and tethers across nearly every seat, built-in sunshades, and a deep trunk for strollers or gear, it’s perfect for families juggling multiple car seats or needing versatile seating arrangements.
However, it lacks a hybrid option or all-wheel drive, which competitors like the Toyota Sienna and Chrysler Pacifica offer. If you prioritize space, practicality, and seamless car seat setups over hybrid efficiency or AWD, the Odyssey remains one of the best choices on the market.
2024 Lexus GX
2024 Lexus GX Highlights:
The 2024 Lexus GX has not yet been tested by the IIHS.
Third Row: Available as three-row SUV, but this minimizes the trunk space.
Powerful Performance: 3.4L twin-turbo V6 engine with 349 horsepower and over 9,000 lbs of towing capacity.
Distinctive Design: Boxy, sporty exterior with G-Wagon vibes at a more accessible price point.
Tech Upgrades: Modern infotainment system with digital climate controls, wireless charging, and USB-C ports.
Comfort Features: Heated/ventilated second-row seats, ceiling vents for better airflow, and plenty of head clearance throughout.
Family-Friendly LATCH System: Lower anchors on second-row outboard seats and three top tether anchors across the bench seat.
The 2024 Lexus GX blends luxury, ruggedness, and practicality in a way that makes it stand out in the SUV market. With its bold, boxy design it reminds me of high-end off-roaders like the G-Wagon. Inside, the GX impresses with its high-tech yet user-friendly infotainment system. The driver’s seat is spacious and comfortable, though the cabin feels slightly narrow overall. Second-row passengers benefit from heated/ventilated seats, ceiling vents, and USB-C ports, though fitting three car seats across may be challenging. The LATCH system is well-designed for flexibility, but built-in sunshades are notably absent.
For families looking for the third row, it offers decent legroom for older kids or adults but compromises trunk space significantly when all seats are in use. Folding down the third row reveals a flat cargo area that’s perfect for strollers or sports gear. However, the lack of LATCH anchors in the third row limits its suitability for younger children in car seats.
Kelly’s Take: Which Families Is The Lexus GX Best For?
The 2024 Lexus GX is a strong option for families with one or two kids who want a mix of luxury and rugged capability. The second row is comfortable, with heated/ventilated seats and a solid LATCH system, but it’s not wide enough for three car seats across. The third row works for older kids or adults on occasion, but it eats up most of the trunk space, making it less practical for larger families or those with lots of gear. If you’re after a stylish, off-road-capable SUV for smaller families, this one delivers—but it’s not ideal if you need consistent third-row use or ample cargo space.
2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid
2025 Kia Carnival Highlights:
The 2025 Kia Carnival has been tested by the IIHS, but did not receive any awards.
Hybrid Option: New for 2025, the hybrid version offers up to 33 mpg combined and 627 miles of range.
Sleek Exterior: SUV-inspired design with a larger grille and modern styling, offering a sporty look.
Updated Camera System: 360-degree cameras and a full-display rearview mirror enhance visibility and parking ease.
Advanced Rear Entertainment: Dual 14.6-inch screens for streaming, Bluetooth headsets, and HDMI ports for external devices.
Relaxation Mode: Second-row seats now feature recliners with footrests for maximum comfort.
Family-Friendly Features: Includes "Passenger View" to monitor kids, "Passenger Talk" to communicate, and ample storage space for gear.
Convenient Seating: Easy-to-remove second-row seats for better access to the third row, with lower and tether anchors for car seats in all rows.
Spacious Trunk: Deep trunk space easily accommodates strollers, groceries, and family gear.
The 2025 Kia Carnival is an exceptional family car that blends the best of both worlds: minivan practicality with an SUV-like design. Kia has added a hybrid option, offering up to 33 mpg combined, and a remarkable 627 miles of range, making it an even more appealing option for families who need efficiency without sacrificing space. The exterior continues to feature its sleek, SUV-inspired look with a larger grille and modern styling, while the interior is packed with thoughtful updates like a revised center console, improved cameras, and rear entertainment systems.
With second-row seats now offering a relaxation mode with recliners and footrests, and a new rear entertainment system with dual 14.6-inch screens for streaming, the Carnival provides both comfort and convenience for families on the go.
Inside, the Kia Carnival impresses with a TON of family-friendly features. The rear sliding doors and easy-to-remove second-row seats make loading kids in easy, while the ample trunk space ensures there's enough room for strollers and gear. The updated camera systems, including a 360-degree view and full-display mirror, offer a clearer and safer driving experience. For parents, the "Passenger View" and "Passenger Talk" features make it easy to monitor and communicate with kids in the back, while the rear seats provide ample legroom and comfort for even adult passengers.
However, it's important to note that the Carnival doesn’t offer AWD, and the glossy black trim can easily show fingerprints.
Kelly’s Take: Which Families Is The Kia Carnival Hybrid Best For?
The 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid is an excellent choice for families with three or more kids who need a spacious, efficient, and versatile vehicle. With its hybrid powertrain offering up to 33 mpg combined and 627 miles of range, it’s perfect for families looking to save on fuel without sacrificing space. The second-row seats are easy to remove, allowing for flexible setups, and the Carnival provides LATCH anchors and tethers in all rows, making it ideal for families juggling multiple car seats.
While it lacks AWD, the Carnival Hybrid’s sliding doors, ceiling vents in all rows, and family-focused tech make it a standout option for parents who want minivan practicality with a sleek SUV-inspired design. If you’re prioritizing efficiency, comfort, and car seat compatibility, this is a top-tier choice.
What Other Cars Were In The Running?
This year’s Car Mom 2024 Car of the Year competition featured an incredible lineup of family cars, and narrowing it down to just four finalists was no easy task (thank you all AGAIN for voting and making this competition so tough)!
While we’ve already highlighted the top four contenders, it’s worth celebrating the other amazing cars that made the list. From bold redesigns to innovative features, each of these vehicles brought something unique to the table.
Here are the other candidates in the running for this year’s award:
2024 GMC Acadia (received 36% of the votes)
2024 Hyundai Santa Fe (received 23.3% of the votes)
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser (received 23.1% of the votes)
2025 Infiniti QX80 (received 21.8% of the votes)
2024 Kia EV9 (received 9.6% of the votes)
2025 Volkswagen ID. Buzz (received 9.4% of the votes)
Every car on this list earned its spot for excelling in comfort, safety, technology, and family-friendly features. While they didn’t make it to the finals or win the Car of the Year title, these vehicles are still worth considering if you’re in the market for a new family car. It’s a testament to how exciting and competitive the family car market has become!
