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Mar 01, 2025

Best Floor Mats for 2025, Tested

Our car experts choose every product we feature. We may earn money from the links on this page. We installed five of the most popular custom-fitted floor mats in long-term test cars to determine the

Our car experts choose every product we feature. We may earn money from the links on this page.

We installed five of the most popular custom-fitted floor mats in long-term test cars to determine the best of the best. Which one should you buy?

This article was updated with test results and new products in February 2025.

Try as you might, you can't stop the onslaught of dirt and water onto your vehicle's floorboard. That debris settles into your carpets, causing stains, mildew, and possibly permanent damage. Now more than ever, as new materials and sizing options offer precise, model-specific fits, floor mats can protect your car's carpet from a slow death and preserve your vehicle's resale value. But even the best armor has its pros and cons.

The Gear Team installed five floor mats into various vehicles in Car and Driver's long-term test fleet. We monitored all of them over weeks and months, comparing fit, wear and tear, cleanability, and more to determine the best of the best. Here's what we know.

Floor mats serve a simple yet crucial purpose: They shield your car's carpet, helping to maintain its condition and, by extension, your vehicle's overall value. (Anyone who's seen that iconic WeatherTech ad—the one where the smug salesman changes his tune at the sight of pristine floor mats—knows what we're talking about.) By keeping spills, dirt, and debris off your carpet, floor mats save you the hassle of deep cleaning and prevent long-term damage.

Moisture is one of the biggest threats to car carpets. Beyond causing unsightly stains, it can seep into the fibers, fostering mold and mildew. According to the EPA, this isn't just a cosmetic issue; mold produces allergens, irritants, and even toxic mycotoxins, which can negatively impact your health.

Another sneaky carpet destroyer is road salt and ice-melting chemicals used in winter. Often containing calcium and magnesium carbonate, these substances can leave unsightly white stains on your carpet. Worse, the alkaline residue breaks down carpet fibers over time, especially if the carpets aren't cleaned promptly, and it tends to attract even more dirt and grime.

Floor mats act as a protective layer, keeping moisture at bay and prolonging the life of your vehicle's carpet. Without the barrier floor mats provide, you risk not only premature carpet damage but also a less hygienic environment inside your vehicle.

All floor mats featured in our test are make- and model-specific. When you order yours, enter your vehicle's correct year, make, and model to ensure the correct fit. When shopping on Amazon, use Your Garage to find the right mat (or any part and accessory) for your vehicle.

You'll also want to consider if the mats have a feature that keeps them locked in place. For example, do they have cleats on the bottom? Or perhaps clips that connect the mat to the trim? Either way, you'll want to ensure they are as secure as possible.

With fitted mats, cleaning your car's footwells is easy. How easy mats are to clean will depend on their groove depth and pattern, the cleaning products used, and good ol' elbow grease.

While the cost of decent floor mats such as the ones we tested is an upfront investment, we don't recommend skimping on price. Rubberized mats protect your vehicle from carpet wear, tearing, and mold, which can be costly to clean and repair.

The visual condition of your vehicle is one of the most important factors when considering resale value. The better shape the floors are in, the higher the resale value.

The TuxMat is decidedly different in appearance, material, construction, and installation than others we tested. It uses a layered construction and a waterproof vinyl outer layer instead of a traditional rubberized one, covering the entire footwell, sidewalls, and more. Hands down, these floor mats offered the most comprehensive interior coverage of any floor mats we tested. The second row's coverage was so thorough that we had to lift the rear seat cushion to nestle the walls into place.

TuxMats are impressive in their appearance and coverage. TuxMat claims its vinyl is 100 percent waterproof, and that is true from our observations.

After months of testing and full winter exposure, our TuxMats still look and feel phenomenal. And the carpet underneath? Immaculate.

Cleaning requires more effort than standard rubber mats because the stitched sections tend to trap salt and grime. It's no more complicated than cleaning the raised edges of rubberized mats; it just demands a different approach. The main takeaway is that you must clean any floor mats thoroughly if you want to keep them spotless. TuxMats are no exception; they simply require precision over brute scrubbing.

Where these mats genuinely stand out is coverage. They provide the most comprehensive protection we've seen, extending beyond the floor pan to shield the sidewalls as well. The BMW's carpet is virtually untouched.

Yes, they come at a premium price, but they look, feel, and perform beautifully. If you appreciate high-end materials and top-tier protection, TuxMats are well worth it.

WeatherTech has several lines of floor covers, but for our purposes, we decided to test their bestselling line, the FloorLiner. According to WeatherTech, the FloorLiner uses a patented High-Density Tri-Extruded (HDTE) material. We're not exactly sure what that means, but "really heavy duty" is probably a good working translation. Not only does WeatherTech research, design, manufacture, and test its own products, but it's all done in the U.S. It is a remarkable achievement, considering it can be hard to trace the production and origin of a product nowadays.

During installation, getting the mats anchored with the OEM footings was rather tricky. But once they were on, *chef's kiss* perfect fit.

After testing WeatherTech's standard FloorLiner mats all winter long, we agree they've certainly earned their brand reputation as a flagship name in car-floor protection. These mats do exactly what they're designed to do: protect the carpet quietly and effectively. The fit was excellent, the mats' presence was unassuming, and our carpets were well-protected.

However, when it came to cleaning, the FloorLiners didn't perform as well as we'd hoped. While the mats are easy to scrub and rinse, scuffs and dirt marks remained embedded, and patches were still visible after drying. To be fair, this was a common issue among all the rubberized mats, but the FloorLiners didn't clean up as well as others.

We also tested WeatherTech's premium option, the FloorLiner HP ($226.90 at WeatherTech). The key difference is in materials: The standard FloorLiner is a rigid tray with standing walls, while the HP version is a softer, more flexible mat. We found the HP much easier to install and remove for cleaning than the standard FloorLiners, and they cleaned up noticeably better too.

It should be noted that Car and Driver’s long-term test vehicles endure heavy, varied use with multiple drivers, whereas our Santa Cruz gets more occasional use as a test mule and Gear Team hauler. The difference in cleaning performance may come down to the amount of usage each mat is subjected to. Still, for ease of maintenance and cleaning, the FloorLiner HP stands out as the cream of the crop.

Husky WeatherBeater floor mats hit all the marks of what you expect to see in a carpet-protection solution. The walls of the floor liner cover the front, sides, and rear of the footwell, and cleats on the underside of the mat keep it from slipping and sliding. Husky Liners are affordable and laser-measured; installation only took about five minutes, and the mat settled perfectly into the footwell contours.

With Husky Liners, you get an extensive make/model selection, but most notably, Husky Liners are guaranteed to last the life of the vehicle—and they're more affordable than comparable floor liners. This is a significant perk since it's a guaranteed one-time investment.

Initially, we were concerned about the fitment of the Husky mats, but they mostly settled into place. There is a gap toward the top of the floorboard near the pedals that seems to be a vulnerable spot, and we noticed some slight carpet staining in that area. But otherwise, we were impressed with their protection. However, what we were most impressed by was their resilience.

Unlike many rubber mats, which show scuff marks even after cleaning, the WeatherBeaters bounced back well, maintaining their deep black color after cleaning.

Our test Honda Accord didn't get used as heavily as the Rivian R1T or Toyota Tundra trucks, but we were still impressed with the carpet's cleanliness after months of testing. We think it's a strong performance at a mid-tier price point. And that bonus of a lifetime warranty? We believe that hits all the major points for a solid purchase.

We love SmartLiners floor mats and the company's extensive range of liner products. When we unboxed the mats, it was clear that the rubber-plastic and polyethylene blend used in them makes for a sturdier, more rigid feel compared to the other products. All the mats in this article form a sort of tub for water retention, and SmartLiners stood out as the most tub-like.

Installation in our long-term Rivian R1T truck was simple and a definite upgrade from the manufacturer's mats, especially regarding water protection. Given that the R1T was exposed to a lot of dirt and water, the SmartLiner had its work cut out for it.

The standout feature of SmartLiner mats is the lip extending over the door sill. This detail significantly improved edge protection and did a great job at preventing slush and water from seeping underneath in the winter-boot season of Michigan.

Fitment was on point, and cleaning was effortless. Given the budget-friendly price, SmartLiners felt like a significant upgrade over the manufacturer-supplied mats. If you're looking for affordable, well-fitting, and easy-to-clean protection, SmartLiner delivered for us, and we think it will for you too.

Rough Country is a brand that caters to pickup and Jeep owners, offering a variety of aftermarket parts for interior, exterior, towing, steering, and more. While we were eager to assess the mats' long-term performance, the installation perplexed us.

First, replacing the optional rubberized Toyota mats that came with our test Tundra ($179) with rubberized Rough Country mats felt a little redundant. Unfortunately, the Rough Country mats also felt like a downgrade. We spent more time than we'd like to admit trying to flatten the mats to the floorboard and curves, but even so, there were considerable gaps for debris to settle into the carpets.

We tested the Rough Country mats on a Toyota Tundra that was already outfitted with rubber mats from Toyota. The fitment on the front row was solid but tricky, and while there were some minor gaps, the Rough Country mats settled into place over time.

Like many of the second-row floor mats we tested, these also suffered from a crease in the center where it had been folded in half for shipping. Unfortunately, the crease never fully flattened, leaving the edges of the carpet somewhat exposed—not ideal for a long-term test vehicle that endured heavy use.

On the plus side, the mats cleaned up well and easily returned to their original color. However, they felt flimsier than expected and perhaps lacked the engineering refinement of competing products. They aren't bad, but given the quality of the competition we tested, we're hesitant to recommend them outright because there are better choices for the money.

At Car and Driver HQ in Ann Arbor, where snow, ice, slush, and salt are all abundant in winter, we tested the performance of these five popular floor mats in long-term test vehicles. We placed a survey with key questions in each vehicle to gather feedback, inviting our editors and car testers to share their thoughts.

After several months of winter use by many people in various ways, we removed the mats to evaluate their fit after extended use, we inspected the floor beneath, and we assessed how well they kept the car carpet clean. We then washed each mat to gauge its durability and cleanability, documenting the process with before and after photos.

During our testing, we noted several points worth mentioning about car floor mats, particularly regarding unboxing, installation, and fitment.

One common issue involved the second-row mats. They're designed as a single large piece of material intended to cover the entire rear floorboard, and most of the rear mats we received arrived folded in half to fit in their shipping boxes. While this method surely serves logistical purposes, folding rigid floor mats caused damage to or at least altered the shape of most of the rear floor mats we unboxed. Prominent creases and distorted contours down the center of each rear floor mat were extreme, obvious, and noticeable. Over time, most of the creases lessened but none disappeared entirely—a concern when paying top dollar.

We also encountered some challenges during installation, particularly with the various methods to secure mats to the vehicle floor. Different manufacturers rely on different systems, such as hooks, ball-and-socket latches, or turn locks. None of these approaches was entirely hassle-free.

For example, installing WeatherTech mats in a Hyundai Ioniq 5 proved particularly difficult. The car's hooks, designed for thinner carpet mats, are set at a steep angle. This made it challenging to attach WeatherTech's signature rigid rubber mats. While this isn't necessarily WeatherTech's fault, it's a complication that potential buyers should anticipate. When purchasing aftermarket floor mats, expect some mat wrestling during installation.

To clean your floor mats effectively, vacuum the channels to remove debris. Afterward, remove the mats, lay them on the ground, and use a hose or water-filled bucket and a gentle detergent for scrubbing. Rinse and let them air dry.

The real advantages of rubber mats are that they are waterproof, resist mold, and are easier to clean. The choice, however, ultimately depends on your needs, budget, and preferences.

Most companies offer make-and-model-specific floor mats. Input your year, make, and model to ensure the correct size for your car.

The value of custom floor mats depends on your definition of "worth it." While they offer complete coverage and protection, they come at a higher price point.

Your floor mats should last a long time, barring any accidents or exposure to extreme elements. Many companies provide a limited lifetime warranty, making it generally safe to consider floor mats a one-time purchase for your car.

Hearst Autos combines the talent, resources, and expertise of three of the largest, most influential automotive publications in the world. The Gear Team has tested a wide variety of automotive products, parts, accessories, and gear, such as backup cameras, portable jump starters, and OBD-II scanners. We get our hands on each and every product we test. Most are purchased; some are supplied by manufacturers.

Hearst Autos doesn't need to game algorithms for traffic or promote lousy products. We're more concerned with our legacy, our reputation, and the trust that our readers have in Car and Driver, Autoweek, and Road & Track to deliver honest opinions and expert evaluations. Our recommendations are based on knowledge and experience—not hype.

Visit our Tested & Trusted page to see the very best in automotive gear. Read more about our product testing and evaluation process here.

Katherine Keeler is Associate Testing Editor at Hearst Autos. By day she evaluates tools for your enjoyment; by night, she Frankensteins her ever-changing fleet of rustbucket oddities back to repair. Her dream is to open a roadside attraction where the public can view, drive, and learn repairs at her emporium of curious cars.

Collin Morgan is a Commerce Editor at Hearst Autos, where the former Rust Belt mechanic and gadget enthusiast presents the best gear for your automotive endeavors.

Gannon Burgett loves cameras, cars, and coffee: a perfect combination for his Hearst Autos work. His byline has appeared in USA Today, Gizmodo, TechCrunch, Digital Trends, the Detroit Free Press, and more.

Mason Cordell is the Assistant Testing Editor for Hearst Autos. With a degree in multimedia journalism and a passion for the automotive world, he enjoys driving, wrenching, writing and everything in between. At the age of 22, his garage consisted of a ‘95 Miata, an ‘08 M5, and a 1987 Porsche 944S. Clearly, he has a problem.

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