What Are The Best Car Floor Mats? – 2021 Reviews
The floor of your car or truck takes a lot of abuse. No matter how careful you are, dirt always seems to find a way to get inside.
Floors mats are the easiest way to keep your entire car clean. They catch and contain dirt, liquids, and other gunk. Not only do floor mats protect your upholstery, but they also increase your ability to work the pedals safely.
Page Contents
- Floor Mat Reviews
- Our #1 Pick – AmazonBasics 3-Piece Floor Mat
- Our #2 Pick – Motor Trend MT-923-BK FlexTough Floor Liners
- Our #3 Pick – Armor All 4-Piece All-Season Floor Mats
- Our #4 Pick – WeatherTech Trim-to-Fit Front and Rear AVM
- Our #5 Pick – FH Group 4-Piece Set of All-Weather Floor Mats
- Our #6 Pick – BDK Car Floor Mats with Metallic Design
- Our #7 Pick – Max Liner Floor Mat Set for Five Passenger Models
- Our #8 Pick – FlexTough Advanced Performance Floor Liners
- Our #9 Pick – FH Group Carpet Floor Mat Set
- Our #10 Pick – SmartLiner Three-Piece Set
- Our #11 Pick – Husky Floor Liners 2015-2019 Ford F-150 Front and 2nd Seat Floor Mats
- Frequently Asked Questions about Floor Mats
- What are the Different Types of Floor Mats?
- What Features Do Floor Mats Have?
- Do Floor Mats Stink?
- How Do I Find the Best Floor Mats?
- How Many Mats Do You Need?
- What Type of Fit is Best?
- How Do I Clean Floor Mats?
- Final Thoughts
Floor Mat Reviews
Unfortunately, the factory floor mats which came with your car are probably not doing a great job. Here are some of our favorite alternatives, plus a complete guide to help you find the very best floor mat of 2021:
Our #1 Pick – AmazonBasics 3-Piece Floor Mat
Durable, flexible floor mats with a slip-free design which can be trimmed to fit just about any type of vehicle.
Pros
- Durable, rubber construction
- Trimmable edges for a precise fit
- Fits a wide range of vehicles
- Strong enough for severe weather
Cons
- The strong chemical smell may linger for a few days
Combining easy installation with all-weather durability, this three-piece floor mat set from AmazonBasics is a great all-around choice. It fits most types of vehicles and protects upholstery against fluid, dirt, debris, and more.
The set includes two front mats and a runner-style rear mat. The front mats measure 28 inches long by 17.5 inches wide. The rear mat is 16.5 inches long by 54 inches wide. But the sizes aren’t set in stone. They’re easily trimmed to fit practically any car or truck.
These are all-weather floor mats suitable for heavy-duty use in snowy, muddy and rainy conditions. They’re made from flexible rubber with three unique groove patterns. Liquids are guided away from the edges of the mat to help prevent upholstery staining.
Additionally, they have reliable non-skid backing. They’ll stay firmly in place on practically any type of standard carpeted flooring.
Our #2 Pick – Motor Trend MT-923-BK FlexTough Floor Liners
Heavy-duty floors mats designed for extreme conditions from trusted automotive experts Motor Trend.
Pros
- Heavy-duty rubber polymer construction
- Ergonomic grooves keep your feet secure
- Deep dish design safely contains fluids
- No-slip rubberized backing keeps the mat in place
Cons
- Floor mats contain small amounts of lead
With Advanced Performance Rubber Polymers, these floor mats are the ones to choose if you need maximum protection. They’re specifically designed for extreme conditions and won’t crack, split or deform.
The floor mats have a deep dish in the lower center, which allows liquids to flow away from your feet and pedals. Additionally, ergonomic grooves keep your feet from slipping and sliding.
Don’t let the heavy-duty rubber material fool you. The mat is still easy to trim to size. A pair of household scissors can cut away excess around the edges so the mat can be tailored to your vehicle’s specific contours.
Our #3 Pick – Armor All 4-Piece All-Season Floor Mats
Tough, adjustable and backed by Carpet Claw anti-slip technology, these floor mats are everything you’d expect from the Armor All name.
Pros
- Full set of front and rear floor mats
- All-season rubber construction with deep grooves
- Universal cut lines for easy size adjustments
- Carpet Claw system keeps floor mats securely in place
Cons
- Strong rubber smell which can last for weeks or more
- Floor mats might not be big enough for larger SUVs and trucks
Armor All’s four-piece set features two front and two rear floor mats designed to protect your vehicle’s interior from snow, dirt and even sub-zero temps. Each mat is made from all-season rubber with a deep tread pattern.
Universal cut lines allow for precise, easy trimming for a custom fit. They’re suitable for most cars, trucks, and SUVs. Plus, they’re available in brown, gray and black so they’ll likely blend in well with just about any color interior.
The most compelling feature is Armor All’s Carpet Claw system. This patent-pending technology grips the upholstery to hold the mat in place. They’re an excellent choice if you’re looking to replace floor mats which slide around easily.
Our #4 Pick – WeatherTech Trim-to-Fit Front and Rear AVM
A versatile, adjustable choice from one of the most trusted names in floor mats and car accessories.
Pros
- High ridges and deep grooves channel liquids
- Different designs for passenger and driver sides
- Non-toxic, crack-resistant and odor-free
Cons
- Floor mats can be too small for large trucks
The first thing you’ll likely notice about the floor mats in this set is they don’t all look alike. The front driver’s side mat is designed to catch liquid falling from the pedal area, while the passenger side is designed to catch debris in the area where the passenger puts their foot to enter or exit the car.
The mats have high outer ridges and an enhanced network of grooves and textures. Fluids, melted snow, and other liquids flow down the mat, away from feet and pedals, into a lower reservoir.
Each mat is made from an Advanced Thermoplastic Elastomer. It’s a non-toxic, slightly flexible material which resists cracks and other damage. Plus, it’s odorless so that you can avoid that all-too-common chemical small found in many other mats.
Our #5 Pick – FH Group 4-Piece Set of All-Weather Floor Mats
Get in the groove with this set of heavy-duty, waterproof mats from FH Group.
Pros
- Four-piece set
- Tall outer ridges
- Stays in place securely
Cons
- The chemical smell can linger
- Pre-cut lines aren’t always very accurate
Although the name FH Group isn’t as well-known as Armor All or WeatherTech, there’s a lot to like about this four-piece set. It’s well-made from top to bottom with tall outer ridges and a heavy-nibbed backing.
The two groove patterns – one for the front and another for the back – guide liquids to the side and away from your feet, allowing for safe driving even after walking through snow and rain.
Additionally, the back of the mat has heavy nibs which sink (harmlessly) into the upholstery. The front mats are 29 by 18 inches while the rear mats are 17.1 inches by 14 inches.
Our #6 Pick – BDK Car Floor Mats with Metallic Design
A unique chrome finish and diamond-plate design combines strength, durability, traction, and comfort.
Pros
- Unique metallic-diamond design
- Scratch resistant, durable and resistant to extreme cold
- Provides ergonomic foot support
Cons
- Design is bold and colorful
- Can be slippery in heavy water
These mats shine with a metallic diamond design which funnels filth away from the edges of your vehicle’s upholstery. Plus, the unique design act as ergonomic support for your feet.
The advanced performance rubber polymers won’t deform, split or erode even after consistent exposure to extreme temperatures. The vinyl is scratch-resistant and retains its color over time.
The two front mats are 27 by 19.5 inches, and the rear ones are 16 by 19.5 inches. Rubberized nibs on the bottom keep them in place while the grooves on top provide comfortable, ergonomic support.
With a bold, vibrant design and color scheme, these mats aren’t for every vehicle. But the diamond grooves and vinyl covering make them a great choice if you frequently track in large amounts of dirt, slush, and snow.
Our #7 Pick – Max Liner Floor Mat Set for Five Passenger Models
Tough, textured mats designed for large, five-passenger vehicles such as SUVs and vans.
Pros
- Heavy-duty mats for passenger vehicles
- Deep grooves help contain big messes
- The no-streak surface is easy to clean
Cons
- Difficult to fit precisely
Big passenger cars can equal big messes. Max Liner’s set of mats includes a front mat, passenger mat, double-row for the back seat, and cargo liner.
Each mat has tall barriers and deep grooves for channeling water into the lower reservoirs. They’re designed to handle heavy-duty use from multiple passengers in harsh, wet weather. If you take a passenger car skiing, these are mats to check out. They’ll protect your upholstery on the drive home.
Plus, they’re easy to clean because the textures resist skids. You can toss the mats on the ground and spray them with a hose. Most grime will slide right off.
Our #8 Pick – FlexTough Advanced Performance Floor Liners
A sturdy five-piece set of heavy-duty Floor liners designed for multi-passenger use in the great outdoors.
Pros
- Tough and durable
- The deep reservoir holds lots of liquid
- Flexible rubber conforms to the floor
- Covers large SUVs from front to back
Cons
- Sizing can run large
Although FlexTough isn’t a household name compared to others on our list, their mat shouldn’t be overlooked. The set includes two front mats, two individual rear mats and a cargo liner with a deep dish. While the rear mats are identical, the front ones are individual to the driver and passenger seats.
Despite their large size, they’re surprisingly flexible. The rubber polymer conforms to the contours of your floor.
You’ll likely have to trim them somewhat, as the sizing runs a bit large. However, household scissors are the only tool you need.
Our #9 Pick – FH Group Carpet Floor Mat Set
Although carpet floor mats have their disadvantages, if you do want them this set is an all-around good choice.
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Classic, single color style
- Available in a variety of blacks, grays, and tans
Cons
- Check below for much more on carpet floor mats
Carpet floor mats are mainly for decoration. They don’t effectively contain liquids or protect against stains. However, they do look good, and many people prefer them.
This set from FH Group is durable with a classic style. It includes two front mats and two rear ones. The front mat is 26 by 17 inches while the rear is 12.5 by 17 inches. Because they’re carpet mats, they can’t be trimmed.
They’re thick and dark enough to cover up loose dirt and debris, but they won’t do much against melting snow or large amounts of dirt. However, that’s not what these mats are intended for, anyway.
Our #10 Pick – SmartLiner Three-Piece Set
While these specific floor liners fit Honda Accords, SmartLiner offers all-weather floor mats for most major cars, trucks, and SUVs.
Pros
- All-around high-quality mats
- No strong odors
- The no-stick surface is easy to clean
Cons
- Sizing can be imprecise
- Customer support can be difficult to reach
SmartLiner is a solid value which often flies under the radar because not especially well-known. Their all-weather floor mats use low-density material to protect upholstery and floorboards.
Plus, they have 100% odor protection. The lack of a harsh chemical odor is a huge selling point, especially for mats this large.
They’re easy to clean, too. The textured surface wipes clean without leaving behind streaks.
Our #11 Pick – Husky Floor Liners 2015-2019 Ford F-150 Front and 2nd Seat Floor Mats
Do you drive a Ford F-150 with a year sometime between 2015 and 2019? If so, you won’t want to look anywhere else for all-weather floor mats. Husky Floor Liners has a contoured floor mat for almost any vehicle.
Pros
- FormFit design ensures they fit perfectly
- Lifetime guarantee
- Made in the USA
- Rugged and more durable than almost any other mats
- Comes with front and back mats
Cons
- Challenging to install
You can save up to 20% by purchasing this combo package from Husky Floor Liners. It comes with the front and back floor mats, and these are truly the best on the market. They come designed to fit your truck or car perfectly to prevent crumbs, dirt, rocks, and anything from getting on the sides or underneath your mats.
The bottom of the mats comes with a highly functional gripping material that sticks to the fabric on the base of your car and ensures it never slides around or gets bent.
Based on reviews from customers who purchased these, you’ll want to make sure you understand a few things. First, these are challenging to install because they’re so form-fitting. It’s one of those things where you need to get through the storm to reach the reward.
That said, once you get them put in place, you’ll be thankful you weathered the storm. These floor mats are amazing, and it’s hard to say that any other option on the market can rival them.
Frequently Asked Questions about Floor Mats
What are the Different Types of Floor Mats?
There are two types:
- Carpet
- All-weather floor matts
Carpeted floor mats look nice, but they’re not effective at keeping your vehicle clean. At best, carpeted mats can help hide dry dirt. But liquids will typically soak deep in the fibers and can even spread beyond the mat to stain the upholstery on the floor.
However, if you’re willing to take the extra steps to keep the mats clean, carpet mats can add personalization and style. You can find a wide variety of designs and color available. Keep in mind carpet mats can’t be cut to size, so you have to order ones made for your vehicle’s specific make and model.
All-Weather mats protect against heavy-duty exposure to dirt, mud, slush, snow, car fluids, and whatever else might be tracked into your vehicle. Most all-weather mats are made from rubber, although some have plastics or other slight variations.
What Features Do Floor Mats Have?
Although floor mats look simple, they’re surprisingly complex. Each small feature makes a big difference in how well they protect your car from damage.
Ridges
Your floor mat should be more like a deep-dish pan than a dinner plate. High ridges around the perimeter of the mat create a barrier which helps prevent gunk and grime from spilling onto the carpet. They’re especially effective at preventing water, slush, oil, and other fluids from soaking into your car’s upholstery.
Grooves
Great grooves are for more than your stereo. Floor mat grooves guide fluids towards the basin at the bottom of the mat (by the seat). Like ridges, the grooves help contain fluids
Deep grooves are ideal at pulling large amounts of liquid away from the mat’s top surface. They help keep the mat dry even in snowy and rainy conditions.
Backing
The features on the top of the mat get the most attention but don’t forget about the underside. The backing must provide enough security to keep the mat from sliding around. A floor mat which won’t stay in place can be a real safety hazard.
The backing should have either teeth or nibs. They’ll hook into your car’s upholstery. A tooth or nib backing fits securely in just about any type of vehicle with carpeted flooring.
Other mats mount directly to the floor. Typically, these are OEM hooks for factory mats. You’re just buying better, aftermarket mats which fit on the same hooks.
Direct mounting is more secure than backing. But the selection of mats is a bit more limited because they have to be for the specific make and model of your vehicle. However, for most popular cars this shouldn’t be a major problem.
Thickness
Thick mats have several advantages over thinner mats. Thicker mats are heavy, which helps them stay in place on the floor. Plus, they’re less likely to curl or crack over time.
Avoid mats thick enough to interfere with your ability to use the pedals. Also, give yourself a little time to adjust after putting in a new floor mat of any thickness. The feel of your feet can seem just a bit off for a while as you adjust to the slight difference in height.
Do Floor Mats Stink?
Not always, but it is a common problem. Many floor mats have a chemical smell. In some cases, it can be overpowering and make you want to not sit in the car.
The smell often dissipates after a few days. You’ll want to leave your mats in the garage or outside to air out. Even top-of-the-line mats typically smell for at least a day or two.
However, some mats never lose their strong smell. Usually, this is a problem found in low-quality mats. Buying a mat from a company you trust is often a good way to avoid mats with a major odor problem. Also, mats made from a treated rubber blend are less likely to smell.
If toxic fumes were emitted during the production of the mat, it’ll likely have a strong stink. This is mainly a problem found in low-quality mats from companies not particularly well-known in the world of car care.
How Do I Find the Best Floor Mats?
Keep in mind there’s no one specific type of floor mat which is absolutely the best for any situation. Instead, you’ll want to consider the features and how they relate to your specific vehicle and needs.
How Many Mats Do You Need?
The most common set includes four mats with two for the front and two for the back seats. The best sets will have a different mat design for the driver’s side and the passenger’s side. Debris collects differently on each side (mainly due to the pedals). Each mat should have grooves specifically designed for one side or the other.
Note this is only a feature found in front mats. Rear mats can be identical.
A three-pack is another common set type. It’ll have a front driver’s side mat, a passenger’s side mat and a single, long mat which covers both sides of the backseat.
Finally, you can also find sets which include a large cargo mat for placement in the back of an SUV or trunk.
What Type of Fit is Best?
Floor mats are either custom or universal.
Custom mats fit your vehicle’s make and model. Precision is the main advantage here. The mats will fit perfectly around your console, wheel wheels, and other specific features without issue. Plus, many custom mats attach to built-in mounting points for an extra-secure fit.
On the downside, your selection is limited. Plus, custom mats are often more expensive than universal mats.
Universal mats fit a wide range of vehicles. However, they don’t fit perfectly. You have to trim the mats to fit your make and model.
You want a universal mat which is easy to trim. Most universal mats can be cut down with a regular pair of household scissors. However, that’s not always the case. Some heavier mats need shears or heavy-duty scissors.
You’re not cutting the mat freehand. It’ll have guidelines to follow based on the type of car. However, you’ll still want to measure carefully before cutting. Go slow. You can always trim more, but you can never undo it if you trim too much.
How Do I Clean Floor Mats?
If your floor mat is difficult to clean, you probably aren’t using the right mat. The best floor mats have a no-streak surface which allows gunk to practically fall off on its own. You should be able to clean your mat by spraying it with a hose.
The most difficult aspect of cleaning floor mats is usually removing them from the car without spilling the collected liquid. Slide the map out horizontally. Push and pull the mat instead of only pulling it from one side. A shop vac can also remove liquid while keeping the mat in place.
Don’t use silicon-based cleaners. They can leave the mat slippery. Water is usually the best cleaning option, although you can also add a small amount of dish soap.
Final Thoughts
eThe mats at your feet are easy to overlook. But quality mats protect your car from stains and damage. When shopping for a floor mat, consider the materials used, groove patterns, backing, and trimming ease. The best floor mats are a solid foundation for a clean and comfortable car.
