Top 5 Luxury Mom Cars I’d Buy if Budget Wasn’t A Concern

Trying to find a mom car that combines luxury and family-friendly capabilities? I’m here to help.

Today, I’m daydreaming. If I won the lottery, I wouldn't say anything, but there would be signs. The number one sign? I'd be driving one of the cars on this list.

I’m not asking this a ton, but I had a ton of fun putting this together! Without any further introduction, let’s dive into my top 5 luxury mom cars I’d consider purchasing if I had ZERO budget and could get every bell and whistle that comes with it.

The budget? Who is she? I don’t know her.

What Is A “Mom Car”?

The term “mom car” has taken over the Internet and I’m absolutely here for it. In fact, I’d say it’s become an official term in The Car Mom dictionary. 

Before we discuss the cream of the crop when it comes to mom cars, let’s discuss what a “mom car” actually is. To put it simply, the term “mom car” is a fun name for a family car that has all the safety, reliability, and essential features to drive all your kids wherever they need to go.

What Does A Good Mom Car Include?

A “good mom car” is an attractive-looking car that you can depend on to haul your family everywhere they need to go. While it may not be perfect for absolutely every scenario, a reliable family car needs to be just that - reliable. But how do you narrow down the list of endless features out there to what you need as a family? Here is a starter list of must-haves I tell all the families I work with to consider.

Top Family Car Features I Recommend:

• Upgraded, intuitive technology and safety features

• Ample car seat hardware (as many tether and LATCH anchors as possible)

• A spacious 2nd-row bench (or Captain’s Chairs if you prefer)

• Two large seats in the third row

• Easy 3rd-row access

• Middle head restraints

• Amazing trunk space

• Stanley-friendly cupholders

• And sun shades, of course!

If you’re not sure what your mom car (family car) needs to include, check out my post - The Best Cars for Families. I’ll walk you through all the features, space, and size concerns you need to consider, plus my favorite cars in each size category.

Affording The Right Family Car

Most people have a budget in mind when buying a car, and for good reason. Cars depreciate, and while they are an investment for your family, I wouldn't suggest prioritizing a car on this list if you have other financial goals. This is just for fun—and maybe a bit of research if you truly are shopping without a budget.

If you’re curious about what the monthly payment would be for a $100k+ car, you should try out our Car Payment Calculator. You can enter a down payment amount, APR, and total purchase price to see exactly how much your “dream car” really costs each month. 

Alternatively, if you’re shopping within a strict budget, you can start with your desired payment to see the total purchase price you’ll want to aim for.

5 Mom Cars I’d Buy if Budget Wasn’t A Concern:

• Cadillac Escalade V

• Land Rover Defender 130

• Lexus TX 550H+

• Lincoln Navigator

• Mercedes GLS

Cadillac Escalade V

The Cadillac Escalade V is the gold standard of luxury mom cars. Priced at $153,000, this full-size family SUV offers every feature you could ever want or need. 

All Escalades are impressive, but the V version takes it to another level with its top-notch technology, smooth driving experience, and stylish exterior. It feels much more luxurious than its full-size SUV counterparts like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.

What really sets the Escalade V apart from the already expensive standard Escalade is its powerful engine. With a 682-hp Corvette engine, this SUV can move fast, which is almost impossible for a vehicle of its size. Full-size SUVs are built to haul, and the Escalade V does that with remarkable size and power. 

If you're looking for a car that combines luxury, style, and performance, the Cadillac Escalade V is the ultimate choice for a mom car and what I would most likely choose.

Land Rover Defender 130

The Land Rover Defender 130 is by far one of the coolest vehicles on the market. Coming in with a MAX MSRP of $125,000, this car is truly eye-catching and reminds me of a Storm Trooper. It has a rugged off-road look that stands out from everything else in the parking lot.  

Although the third row and trunk space are average compared to others, the excellent second-row bench seat makes up for it. Combined with excellent trunk space and a lot of family-friendly features (including ceiling vents) it’s a great car for families. Plus, it can off-road like a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, but with the added touch of luxury.

Lexus TX 550H+

If you’ve seen any of my family car recommendations, you know I absolutely love the Lexus TX. While it didn’t win 2023 Car Mom Family Car of the Year, it was one of my finalists. I’m talking about ceiling vents, sun shades, third-row leg room, trunk space, AND car seat capabilities. Yes, it’s that great. 

The Lexus TX with any trim level is going to be an incredible family vehicle, but I recommend the 550H+ because it’s a plug-in hybrid. Coming in at an MSRP of $76,700 you get a rare combination of a family car with these many capabilities, plus it’s got the electric capabilities you want these days.

Lincoln Navigator Black Label

This car is everything you love about the Ford Expedition, but prettier. Coming in at an MSRP of $115,000 you’re getting a hauler that can keep up with anything your family throws at it.

When I’m thinking about my dream Lincoln Navigator, it would have to include the Black Label trim level. It’s seriously incredible. There are black accents, special colors, and the Lincoln Luxury Package, which means it’s got top-tier features included.

As for the Navigator itself, it has some awesome driver’s comfort features, but best of all is the second-row bench and car seat-friendly tilt. If you want the most space possible, you can get an extended wheelbase (the Lincoln Navigator L) to get 12 more inches of third-row and trunk space. There is truly nothing else you could need from a family vehicle than what the Lincoln Navigator brings to the table.

Mercedes GLS 

When I think of a family car that includes everything but the kitchen sink, it’s the Mercedes GLS 580. Priced around  $123,000, this SUV offers a powerful 580 engine and a stunning interior and exterior. 

One of my favorite features is the second-row bench, which can fit three car seats across, making it perfect for families. The GLS is a three across machine with easy car seat tilt and impressive technology. 

The tech features are truly fun and luxurious: soft-close doors, cooled cup holders, and even massaging seats. This SUV is a top-tier luxury car that has absolutely everything you would need for a family vehicle.

Kelly, Are These Luxury Cars Actually Worth The Price?

I’ll be the first to say the price tag for these cars is astronomical. That being said, there is no more affordable brand out there (even with the highest trim level) that offers the same luxury feel as these cars do. I’m talking every bell and whistle you could imagine, plus all the capabilities you need to haul your family anywhere.

If you have the budget and want a family hauler that feels like an experience every time you drive it, these five luxury cars are what I would recommend. That being said, you can still get a great family car if budget is one of your top priorities.

Do you have a dream mom car? Let me know in the comments. And to keep up with the latest car-buying tips for families, check out my recent posts: