Best Floor Mats (Review & Buying Guide) in 2023

These mats effectively trap dirt and debris.

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One of the best ways to protect the interior of your vehicle is by installing a high-quality floor mat in the footwell and cargo areas. Some cars and trucks come with less-than-ideal carpet mats, or they may simply wear out over time. The best floor mats provide protection against all sorts of debris, including dirt, mud, sand, snow, and rain. Some brands are cut-to-fit, while others are designed to fit specific makes and models. If you're looking for a floor mat that does an excellent job of trapping dirt and is easy to install and clean, we've got you covered.

WeatherTech Floor Mat: Cut to Fit

Armor All 4-Piece Black Rubber All-Season Trim-to-Fit Floor Mats

WeatherTech Floor Mat: Direct-Fit

I took many factors into consideration when compiling this list of the best floor mats. First, I chose brands that are known for their high-quality performance, such as WeatherTech, which is a leader in the industry. I avoided off-brand names and mats made by companies that don't have much, if any, footprint in the automotive accessory industry. I focused on products that are well-made with high marks for performance and durability as reported by the consumers who have purchased them. I made sure to include both custom floor mats and those that can be cut to size, so there should be an option available for most car owners. I featured floor mats in a variety of prices to suit a range of budgets, and I checked user reviews to see how these mats perform in real-world conditions. For more information on our methodology, go here.

Best Overall

Best Value

Best Custom Fit

Best Eco-Friendly

Best for Trucks

Best for SUVs

Honorable Mention

My top pick is the cut-to-fit WeatherTech floor mats. While they are a little pricey, the brand has a reputation for producing high-quality mats that are designed to effectively trap debris. As long as you are capable of measuring properly, these mats will do a good job of protecting your vehicle's interior. Plus, since they’re universal in nature, they fit a large variety of makes and models. For a more customized fit, consider WeatherTech's Direct Fit option. These mats are designed for specific makes and models and don't require any trimming for installation.

When we start shopping for tools and products, we never overlook the secondhand market. In fact, it's usually the first place I look. Whether you’re scrolling through Amazon's Renewed section, eBay for car parts or tools, or flipping through the pages of Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist, you have hundreds of thousands of used tools, parts, and gear ready to be shipped to your doorstep. Refurbished to like-new status, they’ll be willing to give you many more years of faithful service all while saving you money.

If those options don't have what you need, your local salvage yard is great for car parts, while swap meets are a great resource you should tap. Just Google either and head on down.

To make your secondhand search easier, here are two tips for finding the best deals and making sure your new-to-you stuff wasn't destroyed by the previous owner.

There are two types of floor mats. Some are universal in nature to fit "most" vehicles, while others are customized to specific makes and models. The great thing about universal or cut-to-fit mats is that you can essentially pick them off the shelf or put them in your online shopping cart without a lot of research. However, it's vital that you cut them properly for optimal protection. Also, they may be too small for certain applications. Customized mats are an excellent alternative, but they can be a little pricey. However, you're pretty much guaranteed to get a good fit, and they'll provide more protection than mats that require modification during installation.

If you're going to invest in a set of floor mats, it's a good idea to search for products that provide all-weather protection. Avoid carpet floor mats because while they may look attractive, they won't contain mud, snow, or rain as well as rubber or thermoplastic alternatives. All-weather mats are designed with channels or grooves that trap debris that you can later shake or vacuum out. They are also more heavy duty, so they tend to last longer than carpet mats.

Floor mats come in a range of prices and can be less than $15 if you're looking for an inexpensive option. However, these mats are more likely to slide around the floor and don't provide as much protection as more expensive alternatives. Mid-range options can cost around $30 and do an adequate job of containing dirt and other contaminants. But if you want the best protection possible, expect to spend close to $80 or more for mats that are either custom-fit or designed with heavy use in mind. If you want to keep your carpet from getting stained, which may help with a future resale, it's a good idea to pay a little more for a high-quality set of mats.

You’ve got questions. The Drive has answers.

A: Car floor mats can last for several years, depending on what type of material is used in their construction.

A: Look for signs of fading and curled edges. If they start to move around on the floor and no longer stay securely in place, it may be time to replace them. Also, if they become hard to clean, it's probably a good idea to buy a new set.

A: The good news is that many local recycling centers will accept rubber floor mats for recycling purposes. Contact one near you to see if they do or ask them if there is a nearby facility that will do the job.

Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, "wisdom of the crowd" assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.