Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (2024)

Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (1)

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

You can’t stop your kids’ muddy shoes or your dog’s wet paws from getting into your car, but protective floor mats, along with seat covers, can help keep your interior in good shape. Floor mats take the brunt of mud, dust, and snow so your carpet doesn’t have to, and they’re easy to clean. Automakers typically offer floor mats as a factory option, but going with third-party providers can often save you money.

Whether you’re looking for bargain mats for a quick makeover or want to spend a little more on an all-season set, here are our top recommendations for the best of what’s out there.

For other products to protect your vehicle, you may want to check out our suggestions for car covers, wiper blades, and UV sun shades.

The Best Car Floor Mats

    What to Consider

    Sizing

    Some car floor mats come in universal sizes that can often be trimmed to fit, and there are also custom mats designed for a specific make, model, and year. Custom mats typically have to be special-ordered, or bought directly from the vehicle manufacturer. To accommodate a wide variety of cars, we’ll be recommending the universal type.

    Materials

    Most car floor mats on the market are either made out of decorative cloth and leather, or more heavy-duty rubber. Rubber mats are popular because they’re waterproof and more durable than carpet, with deep grooves and wells to prevent water, mud, and stains from ruining your car's footwell. Rubber mats are also easy to clean. Simply removing the mats and spraying them off with soapy water can be enough to return them to like-new condition, while fabric requires deeper cleaning.

    Mat Features

    Both typically have an anti-slip surface on the underside, and some go the extra mile with snaps or clasps to keep them in place. You'll find mats sold in sets, ranging from two to five pieces.

    Two-set mats are great for coupes and convertibles, while larger sets are suited to four-door sedans and SUVs. The mats for some rear-seat areas are one large piece, allowing them to cover the entirety of the rear floor area, rather than just two small mats for the primary seating positions.

    How We Selected

    As an automotive writer, I have over five years of experience researching and reviewing various cars and auto products. Our selection includes universal-fit floor mats for cars, trucks, and SUVs, from practical, all-weather rubber mats to colorful options for jazzing up your footwell. This guide lists mats across price points, from inexpensive to higher end, and covers sets ranging from two to five pieces.

    1

    Best Value

    Armor All All-Season Car Floor Mats

    Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (2)

    Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (3)

    Now 14% Off

    Pros
    • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (4)Solid build quality
    • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (5)Optional cargo liner
    Cons
    • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (6)Limited color options
    • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (7)Short warranty period

    If you’re looking for a basic high-quality, all-season car floor mat with a universal fit, these are an excellent choice, made from thick molded rubber. A few color options are available, with black, gray, and tan to match interior upholstery. A matching rear cargo liner is also available.

    Made by Armor All, the mats feature deep treads, durable construction designed to prevent cracking and curling, and a trim-to-fit perimeter to customize fit. The mats are also available in two- and three-piece sets.

    Key Specs

    Front Dimensions27 x 19 in.
    Rear Dimensions12.5 x 15.7 in.
    Number of Mats4
    Pros
    • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (9)Tough, all-weather rubber
    • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (10)Cutting guidelines
    Cons
    • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (11)On the pricey side

    While WeatherTech offers plenty of custom fit options for floor mats, this universal version comes with integrated guide lines so that consumers can easily cut them to fit. There’s a lot to like about these tough, all-weather car floor mats, with a solid lineup of desirable features.

    For starters, there’s a half-inch lip around the edges to prevent water, slush, and salt from damaging the footwell’s carpeting, plus deep, nonslip treads. They’re also made of PVC-free flexible rubber that won’t crack, and the front mats have separate designs for a better fit.

    Key Specs

    Front Dimensions27 x 19 in.
    Rear Dimensions18.5 x 17 in.
    Number of Mats4

    3

    Best Overall

    Motor Trend FlexTough Car Floor Mats

    Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (12)

    Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (13)

    Pros
    • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (14)Lots of color options
    • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (15)Excellent grip
    Cons
    • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (16)New-rubber smell

    These floor mats from Motor Trend can handle mud, leaves, and other tough debris to keep stains and water off your car’s carpet. There are also plenty of color options, including blue, red, and dark brown.

    The deep center section is designed to trap dirt and debris, and despite these mats’ heavy-duty construction, they’re made from soft rubber, so they’re still trim-to-fit. Rubber teeth on the underside will hold them in place. The optional rear mat also includes center coverage to protect the entire floor of the vehicle, including the middle position.

    One thing: Although the manufacturer promises the mats to be odorless, some customers have noted a pungent rubber smell after purchasing. Giving mats a wash and dry before installation is a good practice to cut down on any unwanted odors.

    Key Specs

    Front Dimensions30 x 21.5 in.
    Rear Dimensions58 x 18 in.
    Number of Mats2-3

    Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

    4

    Best For Trucks and SUVs

    Armor All Truck/SUV Rubber Car Floor Mat

    Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (17)

    Pros
    • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (18)Weather protection
    • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (19)Anti-slip grip
    Cons
    • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (20)Limited colors

    If you have a truck or SUV, these rugged, all-weather floor mats from Armor All are specifically designed for larger vehicles and built to last. The heavy-duty rubber mats are trimmable and have deep treads, plus they’ll stay put in your footwells thanks to a large orange anti-slip claw on the underside.

    Several customers report that they’re durable and easy to trim. The set is available in two to four pieces, and they come with a 60-day guarantee.

    Key Specs

    Front Dimensions30 x 19 inches
    Rear DimensionsN/A
    Number of Mats3

    5

    Best Heavy Duty

    CAT Heavy-Duty All Season Mats

    Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (21)

    Pros
    • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (22)Deep dish waterproof design
    • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (23)High traction
    Cons

      Cat is known for professional grade tractor and construction equipment, and these all-weather floor mats are made to bring a similar standard to your car or truck. They feature a deep dish ridged design with thick rubber to trap water and snow, keeping it away from your carpets. Three and four-piece sets are available, with three color options to match your interior

      Key Specs

      Front Dimensions26 x 20 in.
      Rear Dimensions58 x 18 in. (one piece)
      Number of Mats3-4

      6

      Best Look

      Motor Trend Two-Tone Car Floor Mats

      Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (24)

      Pros
      • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (25)Unique look
      • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (26)Cutting guidelines
      Cons
      • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (27)New-rubber smell

      These Motor Trend mats feature a unique design with colored accents to add a little bit of flair to your interior. There are also plenty of guidelines to assist in cutting.

      In addition to their style, they do a great job at keeping your car’s footwell clean, with rubberized nibs on the back to prevent them from sliding around, plus ergonomic grooves on top that trap water and other debris. Like the other Motor Trend mats listed in this guide, some customers report a distinct rubber smell when new.

      Key Specs

      Front Dimensions29.6 x 19.5 in.
      Rear Dimensions15.5 x 17.9 in.
      Number of Mats4

      Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

      7

      Best Color Selection

      FH Group Monster Eye Car Floor Mats

      Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (28)

      Pros
      • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (29)Colored accents
      • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (30)Affordable
      Cons
      • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (31)Unusual size

      If you’re looking to customize your ride, these colorful rubber car floor mats will do the trick. The set includes two mats for the front and two for the back. The mats are mostly black, with two center panels offered in an accent color. Options with up to eight different accent colors are available.

      Deep grooves around the edges trap water, and rubber teeth underneath keep them from slipping around. The driver and passenger mats are narrower than some others, but you can trim them to fit if they’re too large.

      Key Specs

      Front Dimensions30 x 17.7 in.
      Rear Dimensions17.7 x 18 in.
      Number of Mats4

      8

      Best Odorless Mat

      Motor Trend BPA-Free Car Floor Mats

      Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (32)

      Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (33)

      Pros
      • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (34)BPA-free
      • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (35)Deep treads
      Cons
      • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (36)Limited grip
      • Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (37)Limited color options

      While not completely odorless, these BPA-free car floor mats from Motor Trend are less noxious than that of some other brands on the market and a smart bet for anyone sensitive to chemical smells. Some customers note a lack of grip along the bottom, so they may slip around in the footwell. For any car, it’s best to select a mat that covers the full area of the floor surface.

      The all-weather three-piece set is made from rubber with anti-slip nibbed backing and includes two front mats and a single mat that spans the backseat’s floor. It comes in beige and slate gray in addition to black, and works for cars, trucks, and SUVs.

      Key Specs

      Front Dimensions28 x 19 in.
      Rear Dimensions56 x 17.5 in.
      Number of Mats3

      Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (38)

      Talon Homer

      Talon Homer is a writer and photographer out of South Carolina who was born with a love of cars, gaming, and advanced technology. He’s been featured in Car and Driver Magazine, Popular Mechanics and The Drive, covering consumer reporting, custom engineering projects, and transportation tech. If he’s not at the keyboard, he’s probably snapping photos at a race track or playing too much Halo.

      Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (39)

      Rachel Klein

      Senior Commerce Editor

      Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.

      Protect Your Ride Inside and Out With These Expert-Approved Car Floor Mats (2024)

      FAQs

      What mats are better than WeatherTech? ›

      Husky Liners WeatherBeater opts for a more flexible, elastomeric material and rubberized thermoplastic that feels thinner than the WeatherTech mats but not in a negative way. They still feel plenty durable (more on that later) and have a similar grooved design to pull water away from shoes and pant cuffs.

      Which type of floor mat is best for a car? ›

      Rubber floor mats are highly durable and are excellent at repelling moisture, dirt, and grime. They are designed with ridges and grooves to trap water and prevent it from seeping into the car's carpeting. Rubber mats are easy to clean and offer superior protection against spills, stains, and wear.

      What are the best floor mats for cars Consumer Reports? ›

      According to recent consumer reports, the WeatherTech DigitalFit Floor Mats and the Husky Liners WeatherBeater Floor Mats are the top-rated options for 2024. These mats have received high marks for their durability, custom fit, and overall protection.

      Are smart liners cheaper than WeatherTech? ›

      Husky's are less expensive than the Smartliners, which are less expensive than the Weathertechs. The Smartliners offer similar coverage as the Husky, while the Weathertechs just seem overpriced and have less coverage. Smartliners are made about on-par with Weathertech for thickness and feel/quality.

      Are Husky floor mats as good as WeatherTech? ›

      Husky mats vs WeatherTech: which mat is best for your truck? While WeatherTech is perhaps the more well-known brand, Husky mats offer similar quality and floor board protection, often at a lower price than comparable WeatherTech offerings.

      Why is WeatherTech so expensive? ›

      They are pricier than some other alternatives. This is because they feature heavy duty, top-grade materials and expert craftsmanship. Plus, because they have mats for almost every vehicle on the road, they are often the only choice people have.

      Are thicker car mats better? ›

      It might not seem like a determining factor in your floor mat selection, but thickness plays a role in your floor covering's efficacy. The thicker the floor mat, the more liquid it can absorb, making it more challenging to clean. However, it also provides more cushioning for your feet.

      What are the disadvantages of car floor mats? ›

      But the downside to rubber car floor mats is that they can be quite slippery, which can lead to safety accidents. Carpet car floor mats, on the other hand, are less durable but provide more traction. They're also more likely to absorb moisture and can be difficult to clean.

      How much should I pay for car mats? ›

      A trim-to-fit floor mat set typically costs around $50, while a set of custom floor mats can cost anywhere from $100 to $300. The best floor mats offer a perfect custom fit, are exceptionally easy to clean, and can be expected to last a lifetime.

      How do I know what car mats to buy? ›

      Different Tips While Choosing Car Floor Mats
      1. Appropriate Shape & Size. You're looking to buy an appropriate mat for the area you require. ...
      2. Kind of Material. Based on the maker, car mats can be made composed of various materials. ...
      3. Affordability. ...
      4. The surface of Your Car. ...
      5. Interior Designing of your car.
      Mar 23, 2022

      Is WeatherTech plastic or rubber? ›

      WeatherTech actually uses a slightly different material for its All-Weather Floor Mat and Trim-To-Fit Floor Mats products. The material is an advanced rubber-like Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) and contains no latex, PVCs, cadmium or lead, and just like the FloorLiner material, it is still 100% recyclable.

      Who is WeatherTech's biggest competitor? ›

      The closest competitor to weathertech.com are covercraft.com, huskyliners.com and realtruck.com. To understand more about weathertech.com and its competitors, sign up for a free account to explore Semrush's Traffic Analytics and Market Explorer tools.

      What is the difference between WeatherTech and HP? ›

      The WeatherTech FloorLiners are a three-dimensional tray-type floor covering with standing walls that go up the front, back and side of the vehicle floor. The FloorLiner HP is a flexible rubber-type mat that drapes over the floor area and features standing walls that cover the front back and sides of the vehicle floor.

      Why do WeatherTech floor mats curl up? ›

      The Weathertech floor mats sometimes will be curled up when new and in cold environments and what our contacts at Weathertech advise is to roll them up the opposite direction they are wanting to curl up for a few minutes and then try installing them again and they should be the correct shape.

      References

      Top Articles
      Latest Posts
      Article information

      Author: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

      Last Updated:

      Views: 5470

      Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

      Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

      Author information

      Name: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

      Birthday: 1994-06-25

      Address: Suite 153 582 Lubowitz Walks, Port Alfredoborough, IN 72879-2838

      Phone: +128413562823324

      Job: IT Strategist

      Hobby: Video gaming, Basketball, Web surfing, Book restoration, Jogging, Shooting, Fishing

      Introduction: My name is Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner, I am a zany, graceful, talented, witty, determined, shiny, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.