Editorial Note: This content was researched and produced by Motor1.com‘s expert review team. Links in this article may result in us earning a commission but do not impact our advice or recommendations. Learn More
Aidan is a Motor1.com product tester who has written reviews spanning from car insurance to rooftop cargo boxes. Pvc Door Sheet
The mat that provides the most exhaustive covering of car carpet that we tested.
A hefty, waterproof floor mat that offers exceptional back seat spill protection.
A very well-designed car floor mat that’s great for adverse weather conditions.
Simple yet effective design, a good fit, and impressive water retention.
A custom-fit car floor mat made from high-quality materials with an eye-catching design.
While vehicles come pre-equipped with car floor mats, they may not be the best option for keeping your vehicle’s floor clean. The original equipment manufacturer includes floor mats for your new car that may be more for decoration than weather protection.
In this article, we recommend the best car floor mats for cars based on our testing. We also tested universal floor mats, or universal-fit mats, in our search to find high-quality floor mats that are the perfect fit for your vehicle.
For this review, our team thoroughly tested and evaluated each car floor mat based on each item’s sizing, durability, movement, water retention, and odor. The scores in each category are compiled into a single overall rating that ranges from 1.0 to 5.0 stars.
Each car floor mat’s ratings, including their scores in each review category, are highlighted below:
Based on these criteria, the best car floor mats are the Smartliner Custom Fit Floor Mats, VIWIK TPE Floor Mats, Caterpillar CAT CAMT-9013, WeatherTech Universal Trim To Fit, CustoArmor Tisse Collection, OxGord Car Floor Mats, and the Armor All 78840ZN All Season Floor Mat.
The car floor mats in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching retailers like Amazon, RealTruck, and various other floor mat retailers for top products, looking at factors such as material, fit, customer ratings, and prices.
Our product testing team then ordered the car floor mats that best met these standards. A team member tested each product on a 2017 Ford Fusion Hybrid SE, taking note of how well the car floor mats fit our testing vehicle, durability, movement while driving, water retention, and odor (or lack thereof). Each car floor mat was given a rating out of 5.0 stars based on these criteria.
To determine the best car floor mat, we unboxed, trimmed down the mats (if necessary), fitted each mat in our test vehicle, and finally tested the water retention of each mat. Throughout our testing process, we paid close consideration to what most people would be looking for out of a car floor mat.
Prior to testing and review, we researched the leading brands of car floor mats. The mats we selected had prices ranging from around $20 to $140. Some drivers choose a car floor mat based on visual appeal, but most are looking for a mat that can handle inclement weather.
Below are our various testing criteria, and details on how we judged each floor mat for cars:
We carefully reviewed each floor mat’s sizing chart and ordered the size we thought would best fit our testing vehicle. We then fit the floor mat in our testing vehicle and judged it for how well it fit our car and the amount of carpet it covered.
We bent, folded, and manipulated each mat to test its durability. We then spent some time driving our test vehicle with each floor mat installed and noted any questions or observations on its durability.
An often overlooked characteristic of a car floor mat is whether or not it moves around once it’s installed. Some floor mats come with hooks, velcro, and other fastening mechanisms to ensure it doesn’t move while driving. We noted whether or not each floor mat moved at all while driving.
We also tested each mat for its water retention abilities by seeing how much water each mat could hold without the water spilling off the mat. Our water retention test is meant to mimic dirt, grime, and slush that’s dragged into the vehicle cabin to test how well each mat handles adverse conditions.
Another often overlooked characteristic of car floor mats is the potential odor that comes with them. Many car floor mats come with warnings of strong fumes and odors that may emanate from the mat itself or even from simply opening the box they come in. We smelled each floor mat directly after coming out of the box, as well as at the end of our testing process.
Each year, we test over 250 auto products on vehicles and in our testing lab. Our team of product testers thoroughly researches top products, unboxes and puts our hands on each component, and tests the items on real vehicles before making recommendations to readers.
We publish hundreds of product and service reviews to bring car enthusiasts detailed guides on automotive tools, detailing kits, car seats, pet products, and much more. For more information on our testing methodology and how we evaluate every product, check out our methodology page here .
After we tested several options ranging in price, we determined that Smartliner offers the best floor mats for your car with the Smartliner Custom Fit Floor Mats because they’re built to fit your specific make and model and offer unmatched water retention.
*Because cost data fluctuates, the prices in the table above are approximate values that our team regularly updates.
For those interested in learning more, we’ve provided a detailed review of each of the best floor mats for cars in the sections below:
The Smartliner Custom Fit Floor Mat is our top choice due to its fit inside our test vehicle, water retention, and lack of movement. This car floor mat fit easily into place and covered the entirety of the vehicle’s floor.
Despite being one of the two car floor mats we tested that didn’t feature anti-slip nibs, the Smartliner Custom Fit Floor Mats had absolutely no movement whatsoever when in use. Regardless of our tester’s foot positioning or whether they dragged their feet, this car floor mat wouldn’t move an inch.
You can see how the Smartliner Custom Fit Floor Mat performed in each category below:
The Smartliner Custom Fit Floor Mats were easy to install and had a great fit in our test vehicle. The high-edge rims retain any water dragged into the car, and the molded custom-fit design collects any dust or debris from the bottom of your shoes. The only drawback to this product is that it’s notably more expensive than the other car floor mats that we tested.
Many find these car mats fit perfectly and are pleased with their durability.
“I have a sandy [driveway and] it is tracked into the floors of my cars. I got the full set, even the trunk. They fit like a glove and the price was a lot less than Weathertech. I will buy them again for future cars.”
There are a few customers who note there are no spikes on the reverse side of this car mat. That means it can slide around some.
The VIWIK TPE Floor Mats come in a close second for our favorite floor mats. These thick, durable floor mats offer excellent coverage and water retention. They are sized to fit and were a near-perfect match for our test vehicle (a 2018 Ford Fusion).
These floor mats offer a significant upgrade from the factory floor mats and stand out because of the full back seat coverage they offer. VIWIK floor mats are a good pick if you anticipate lots of backseat spills.
You can see how the VIWIK TPE Floor Mats performed in each category below:
The VIWIK floor mats proved easy to install and fit almost perfectly. The driver-side mat seems a bit large and does impact (very slightly) the feel of the pedals. Thankfully, these mats did not hinder our ability to use the pedals. However, the large size of these mats positions your feet a little further from the pedals than the factory mats, which can take some acclimation to get used to.
While the VIWIK floor mats have a high price tag, most reviewers feel the cost is worth it. Many claim these mats fit like a glove and are impressed by the durability and large coverage area. The VIWIK mats are also praised for being easy to install.
As we did, some reviewers commented that the driver’s side floor mat is not completely flush with the floor.
*SuncentAuto promotional code valid through 4/28/24
The design of the Caterpillar CAT CAMT-9013 car floor mat separates it from the competition. Although not custom fit to our test vehicle, the floor mats covered nearly all of the vehicle’s carpet. The CAT CAMT-9013 floor mats are perfect for a pickup truck or off-road vehicle, such as a Toyota Tacoma or an ATV, that sees tons of dirt, debris, and slush dragged into the vehicle’s interior.
You can see how the Caterpillar CAT CAMT-9013 performed in each category below:
Our team was impressed with the design of this three-piece set. Both the front mats and the backseat mats provided coverage over the test vehicle’s carpet floor mats. Additionally, the backseat car floor mats were the best-fitting and offered the most water retention compared to the other backseat car floor mats that we tested.
The majority of reviewers like this car mat because it works and is inexpensive. This car floor mat protects upholstery and is easy to clean.
“It’s nearly a perfect fit for a 2004 F-150 for the fronts with no trimming needed, full coverage with nice deep wells to hold the snow melt. Haven’t put the back strip in yet but don’t anticipate any issues. Looks great & they have no ‘funky odor’ [like] some new floor mats can have.”
Some do feel that these mats are thin and won’t hold up indefinitely.
The WeatherTech Universal Trim To Fit Floor Mat was one of our review team’s favorite mats to use and test. These car floor mats prove that you don’t need a complicated design for a car floor mat.
The water retention of the car floor mats is impressive, especially taking into account the fact that there aren’t high retention walls on the mats. Although there are driver-side and passenger-side-specific mats, we weren’t blown away by the fit in the test vehicle.
You can see how the WeatherTech Universal Trim To Fit Floor Mat performed in each category below:
Our testing team was pleasantly surprised at the versatility of these car floor mats. Without being too bulky or needing high retention walls, these best-selling car floor mats do a great job of keeping dirt, debris, and messes within the confines of the floor mat itself.
Most point out how easy it is to clean Weathertech floor mats. The rubber is very thick and effectively keeps water off your carpet.
“I am very happy with these mats. After reading so many reviews (most good, some bad) I decided to take a chance and just order them. I’m glad I did. They do not look cheap, they fit the area, they’re heavy and rugged, and I didn’t pay $130 …”
The CustoArmor Tisse Collection is an incredibly high-quality car floor mat. It features the classic diamond design that CustoArmor is known for but dons an updated facelift. With several color combinations to choose from, it’s clear to see why the Tisse Collection is our pick for the Most Stylish car floor mats in 2023.
CustoAmor offers free worldwide shipping on their Tisse Collection of car floor mats, with an ETA of only 15 to 20 days. You can pick any combination of front seat, back seat, trunk, and even seat back mats for full protection of your car’s interior.
You can see how the CustoArmor Tisse Collection performed in each category below:
The CustoArmor Tisse Collection was easily the Most Stylish car floor mat that we’ve tested. Its eye-catching design and odorless material make it a great option to give your car’s interior a facelift.
With a few hundred reviews on the manufacturer’s website, customers seemingly have nothing but positive things to say about the CustoArmor Tisse Collection. Reviewers speak to how well these mats fit their car and the quality of material used in construction. A large number of reviewers also mention the quality of CustoArmor’s customer service team.
Those with negative feedback complain the mats arrived creased, but several note that a steamer solves this problem.
The OxGord Car Floor Mat is a great option if you’re looking for a car floor mat that won’t break the bank. These were the cheapest car floor mats that we tested, though the price doesn’t reflect the quality of the mats. The product is simple, yet effective.
The OxGord mats come in several color options, including ridge-black, beige, and gray.
You can see how the OxGord Car Floor Mat performed in each category below:
Our product testing team was surprised at the durability of the OxGord car floor mats, though we were hoping for a better fit inside our test vehicle. Though the mats don’t feature high retention walls or anti-slip technology, they work well at keeping your car’s carpet clean and will stay in place.
Large grooves make this mat easy to clean. Several reviewers mention that these floor mats seem especially durable for the price.
“I bought these mats for my 2011 Ford Edge. They fit great right outta the box. I love them. I took the advice of other reviews and aired them out for a couple days. That eliminates the chemical smell. Definitely worth the price!”
Like us, a few people say the OxGord floor mats don’t perfectly fit their vehicle.
The Armor All 78840ZN All Season Floor Mat is the only sub-zero weather-specific floor mat that we tested. These car floor mats are designed to withstand temperatures below zero degrees Fahrenheit without the mats curling, cracking, or hardening.
The car floor mats feature patent-pending anti-slip technology in the form of the Carpet Claw, which secures the mats in place and prevents them from moving. Additionally, the floor mats are manufactured by an industry leader in car care for the past 50 years.
You can see how the Armor All 78840ZN All Season Floor Mats performed in each category below:
Through rigorous testing, we found the Armor All 78840ZN All Season Floor Mat to be a great option for car floor protection.
Reviewers appreciate the value of the Amor All floor mats. They are durable and thick, refusing to curl or crack in even the most extreme temperatures.
“I traded from fabric [floor mats] to these ones and will never go back. These mats are made for mud, dirt, spills, and so much more! They say you have to cut them to fit but I drive a 2015 Nissan Altima and all four fit perfectly! I did like that since they are very heavy-duty …”
Some think the backseat mats are a little small, especially in larger vehicles like SUVs.
Unless your vehicle comes with high-quality rubber or plastic floor mats, upgrading is generally a good idea. Not only does a premium floor mat protect your carpet, but can make cleaning spills much easier. As Robert Harper, the Director of Product Development and Tech Support at Ziebart International, told us,
“I recommend [plastic floor mats] to everybody. Some trucks are now coming with things like the Weather Guard floor mats, but if yours didn’t I would strongly recommend it. Because you can spill that gallon of milk in there and then just pick up the floor mat and dump it out. And they’re easy to clean as well – easy for us [professional detailers] to clean. And they keep the floors looking much better in the long run.”
The best car floor mat depends on your needs. Are you looking for a floor mat to decorate the interior of your vehicle? Do you want a mat that’s going to protect your car’s carpet and is easy to clean? Consider the following before making your purchase.
Not every driver is worried about the coverage of the driver’s side floor mat, but rather the backseat. With kids and sporting equipment commonly thrown in the backseat, we tested not only the front mats but also the backseat mats in determining our rating for our sizing criteria.
Pictured below are each company’s backseat mats so you can decide for yourself whether they will offer as much coverage as you need.
Smartliner Custom Fit Car Floor Mats
WeatherTech Universal Trim To Fit Floor Mats
Armor All 78840ZN All Season Floor Mat
The best car floor mat for your vehicle is one that fits it well, lasts long, and doesn’t move while you’re driving. We stand by all of our recommendations as we’ve either physically tested the floor mat in question or we’ve conducted lengthy research. We recommend floor mats from a variety of price points for a range of needs and wants.
Below are our picks for the best floor mats for cars in 2023:
You may have noticed that a car floor liner occupies the top spot in our review of the best car floor mats. That’s because even the best car floor mats can’t offer the same level of protection as a high-quality car floor liner. Although we didn’t physically test the floor liners listed below, they all boast exceptionally high customer ratings. If you’re willing to spend a little extra to get a floor liner rather than a floor mat for your car, then check out our recommendations below.
The Husky Liners WeatherBeater Series is perfectly formed to your car’s specific make and model. Made from thermoplastic olefin (TPO), this floor liner offers consistent protection against the elements. It should be noted that this floor liner is “guaranteed for life,” which means if you ever have any problem, Husky Liners will replace your floor mats.
Laser-measured for a precise fit, WeatherTech Custom Fit Floor Liner is every bit as custom as it claims to be. A high outer lip keeps spills contained within the floor liner for quick and easy cleanup. Retention devices ensure this floor liner doesn’t slip or slide while you’re operating your vehicle, making it a safe option to consider.
The Kust Floor Liner implements 3D precision digital laser scanning to protect your car’s floor space. A high-edging design ensures these floor liners catch all dirt, debris, and moisture to keep your car’s carpet clean. It should be noted that these floor liners are both odorless and non-toxic.
Made from TPE, the 3W Floor Mats are incredibly resilient and durable. These anti-slip floor mats are both waterproof and stain-resistant. It should also be noted that these floor mats are odorless, and won’t produce a foul smell even in high temperatures.
The Kiwi Master Floor Mats and Cargo Liner utilizes digitized computer modeling of your vehicle for the perfect fit inside your car. TPE construction means these floor mats are built to last and can withstand anything you throw at them. Anti-shift nibs on the back of this floor mat keep these mats secured in place. Additionally, these floor mats come with a lifetime warranty.
Below are some common frequently asked questions about floor mats for cars:
After thoroughly researching and testing the best floor mats for cars , we found that the Smartliner Custom Fit floor mats were the best. The Smartliner mats dominated our various tests and were a noticeably better option than other floor mats we tested.
The WeatherTech Universal Trim To Fit that we tested is certainly worth the price for many buyers. While other car floor mats may be better equipped to handle adverse weather conditions , the WeatherTech Universal Trim To Fit strikes a nice balance between standard and heavy-duty floor mats.
Floor liners, by definition, must be custom-fitted to your vehicle. This means that floor liners offer more comprehensive coverage over your car’s carpet and better water retention than standard car floor mats .
Mats or liners with a non-slip backing are preferred to help minimize any movement within the vehicle’s footwell. Rubber mats are simpler to clean, although carpeted mats allow drivers to match their vehicle’s upholstery.
*Data accurate at time of publication.
Aidan is a Motor1.com product tester who has written reviews spanning from car insurance to rooftop cargo boxes.
Refrigerator Curtain Copyright ©️ 2023 Motor1.com. All rights reserved.