Best Car Seat Covers in 2020
Studies show that Americans spend an average of seven 40-hour weeks (almost 300 hours) in our cars each year.* It’s no wonder why more and more drivers are looking for car seat covers to help make the experience more enjoyable. While some rely on seat covers to hide stains, weathering, and tears in the car’s interior, others turn to more durable seat protectors for cushioning and to preserve the car’s appearance before said eyesores ever develop. The key to picking the perfect seat cover is understanding why you need it and how you hope to use it. Our list of the Best Car Seat Covers In 2020 will help you choose the best car seat cover for your particular needs.*AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, 2016
How Do I Choose a Car Seat Cover?
Choosing the perfect car seat cover can seem overwhelming considering the hundreds of options available. We recommend asking some basic questions to help narrow your search.
- WHY do you want a car seat cover? Consider whether you want the covers for cosmetic reasons (to make an interior more attractive) or to protect and preserve the appearance/integrity of your current seats.
- WHAT materials best address your needs?You can improve the appearance of your interior using basic, thin fabric. However, you may prefer materials with comfortable cushioning, seat-gripping texture, and waterproof protection.
- WHO will be using these car seat covers? Parents and pet owners may prefer a different seat cover than a new, teen driver.
- WHEN will you be using the car seat covers?Car seat covers that require complex installation are typically intended for long, continuous use whereas car seat covers with simpler installation are intended for on and off use as needed (dirty jobs, sweaty workout, after swimming, etc.)
- HOW much are you willing to pay? The prices for car seat covers range from suspiciously cheap to “not worth it” expensive. While the saying “you get what you pay for” is usually true, some car seat covers deliver years of exceeding expectations.
Who, what, when, why, and how - the only question remaining is WHERE do we begin?
BEST FOR PROTECTION:
ULTRASPORT SEATSHIELD
The name SeatShield suggests more than hiding or dressing up your already damaged car seats. The Ultrasport SeatShield is designed for quick and convenient use that actually protects your seats from sweat, spills, dirt, and odor. The buttery soft microfleece top melds well to SeatShield’s proprietary protective cling non-neoprene underlayer resulting in a cool and comfortable safeguard that shields your seats without stain or slipping during otherwise messy travel. Machine washable and easy-on/easy-off for years of regular or sporadic use.
Pros:
-Superior protection against sweat and spills
-Easy to install when you need it and remove when you don’t
Cons:
-Available in limited colors (black,gray, beige)
-No current bench option
Runner Up: Gorla Premium Universal Fit Waterproof Car Seat Cover
BEST Fit:
Durafit Seat Covers
If your seats are already in need of a serious facelift, Durafit Seat Covers may be the next best thing to reupholstering. Durafit comes in many patterns, and each cover is designed to fit a specific make/model like a tight glove. That means it may take a little elbow grease to muscle the covers on during installation. However, the end result is attractive and protects relatively well. Ideal for longer, semi-permanent installation.
Pros:
-Various colors and patterns
-Tight, attractive fit
Cons:
-Relatively expensive
-Make/Model specific (not easily interchangeable between vehicles)
Runner Up: Coverking Spacer Mesh Seat Covers
most luxurious:
Coverking Genuine Leather Seat Covers
That’s right - genuine leather. Coverking Genuine Leather Seat Covers sport premium grade automotive leather on all seating surfaces fused with matching leatherette on sides and back with bold top-stitch seams. Like Durafit, Coverking customizes their seat covers to be model-specific to simulate original upholstery without hindering the seat’s functionality. The cover comes with an installation kit and video for guidance, and Coverking employs a combination of non-slip texture, zippers, and velcro to ensure that their covers won’t slip.
Pros:
-Can upgrade most interiors
-Coordinating accessories available (including console cover)
Cons:
-Luxury pricing
-Heated leather may cause sweat and stains
Runner Up: Fia Leatherlite
WHY IS SWEAT BAD FOR CAR SEATS?
Cloth seats and covers soak up sweat like a sponge. Leather seats and covers also absorb sweat into their upper layers and especially around the stitching. The salts in sweat are absorbed by the leather which causes cracking and splitting. And the fats in sweat oxidize causing discoloration and fading. And to make matters worse, the sweat and dirt that soaks into your car seats end up on your clean clothes the next time you get in your car. A Waterproof SeatShield is the easy way to protect your car seats when you’re wet, dirty or sweaty.
most economical:
FH Group Universal Fit Flat Cloth Seat Covers
Looking for the most affordable way to cover up stained or tattered car seats? FH Group Universal Fit Flat Cloth Seat Covers won’t only hide unwanted seat surfaces. They come in nearly a dozen color options to help energize your interior. Though the thin cloth covers absorb sweat and offer little protection from dirt and spills, the exceptionally low price means you can cover all seats for less than one luxury seat cover. Installation is fairly easy but will require removing headrest (detachable headrest required).
Pros:
-Comparatively inexpensive
-Variety of color options
Cons:
-Thin stretch material offers very little cushion or protection
-Back seat covers too tight while front seats covers are often too loose
Runner Up: SeatShield AllSport
BEST FOR Pet owners:
YESYEES Waterproof
Pet Seat Covers
When it comes to messy passengers, the most guilty culprits are sometimes our four-legged friends. YESYEES Waterproof Pet Seat Covers offer strategic protection against pets’ shedding, scratching, drooling, and occasional accidents. The backseat design allows lowering an armrest and keeping the cover installed even for human passengers. YESYEES offers a lifetime guarantee to assure that it can withstand even the most destructive pets.
Pros:
-Durable against pet scratches
-Lifetime guarantee
Cons:
-Exposed armrest area is too wide
-Limited colors/styles
Runner Up: BarksBar Luxury Waterproof Car Seat Cover
Choose the Best Car Seat Cover for You!
When it comes to car seat covers, it’s clear there is something for every need, preference, and price range. We didn’t even mention heated car seat covers or car seat covers designed specifically for babies - which is unnecessary since most car seat covers work perfectly fine with baby car seats and boosters. At the end of the day, only you know the kind of car seat cover that fits your particular needs and interests. If you’re just looking for an easy and affordable way to protect your car from life’s messier moments, we have what you’re looking for in our AllSport, UltraSport, and EliteSport SeatShields.