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Whether you want to hide stains or prevent them, car seat covers are investment that can save you money and hassle in the long run. Sure, they may not look as good as the luxurious black leather you splurged on last-minute at the dealer, but there are options to consider that come close—for a fraction of the cost.
You can get a complete set for the front and back seats for as little as $30, and they're available in several materials and plenty of colors. And, you can relax knowing there won't be an expensive repair job in your future or nasty surcharge at the end of your lease. Read on for our recommendations for the best car seat covers worth considering, plus advice on what to look for before you shop.
For more great automotive accessories, check out our picks for the best MagSafe car mounts, car covers, and car floor mats.
What to Consider
Compatibility
While most car seat covers have a universal fit that works with most sedans, SUVs and trucks, we recommend taking a few minutes to make sure car sear covers are compatible with the make and model of your vehicle.
Material
Considerations when it comes to buying a car seat cover boil down to material and aesthetics. Fabric options include polyester blends, synthetic leather, vinyl, and neoprene, and you can choose a cover that either blends in with your car’s interior or accents it. Some options are made of materials specifically designed to protect your seats from spills or damage and keep your car clean.
Attachment
There are styles that slip over the seat and others that strap around the back and attach to the headrest, plus some are specifically made to go under a child’s car seat and those that protect the backseat from your pet's sharp nails. Expect to find car seat covers sold singly or in sets of two, or, like our top pick covers from BDK, which come in a set of four.
How We Selected
Our selection includes the most popular car seat cover styles. Unless otherwise noted, most have a universal fit and work with the majority of cars on the road, plus they’re designed for safety, so they won’t interfere with seat belts or airbags. The car seat covers below span a range of price points, from value to high-end, and we also highlight color options and whether covers are available in sets.
Best Overall
BDK PolyPro Car Seat Covers
Pros
Rear design fit to cover three-seat back- Washable fabric
Cons
- Tedious to install
This full set of car seat covers helps provide protection from everyday wear and tear. The rear seat cover was designed with split seats in mind, so it’s compatible with vehicles that feature 40/60, 50/50 or 60/40 split bench seat configurations.
They’re made with polyester, so they’re easy to clean and 100 percent washable. The fabric is also very breathable, so there is good ventilation to keep you cool during a long commute or road trip.
Key Specs
| Vehicle Type | Car, truck, van, SUV |
|---|---|
| Number of Pieces | 8 |
| Colors Available | 12 |
Best Leather Seat Covers
Ns Yolo Full Coverage Faux-Leather Car Seat Covers
Best Leather Seat Covers
Ns Yolo Full Coverage Faux-Leather Car Seat Covers
Pros
- Bold color options
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Does not fit some larger models
Wanting top-to-bottom coverage for your car seats? These covers might be the right pick for you. The synthetic-leather material is wear-resistant but still comfortable and soft. Anti-slip silica dots line the bottom of the covers so they don’t shift when in use.
The covers come equipped with head support rests and lumbar support to provide ultimate comfort. Plus, the covers’ back pockets mean your essentials are easily accessible at all times.
Key Specs
| Vehicle Type | Car |
|---|---|
| Number of Pieces | 5 |
| Colors Available | 5 |
Our Premium Pick
Oasis Auto Premium Cushion Protector
Pros
- Stylish color combinations
- Comfortable leather exterior
Cons
- Higher cost that comparable options
If you’re in the market for higher-end car seat covers, these are a smart bet. They’re made from a soft, durable woven material and come in several two-tone color options with a sporty, retro ’70s look.
The covers are sold in sets of two and four, and the front seat covers have slip pockets on the back. The covers work with seats that have detachable headrests and are said to be airbag- and armrest-compatible. Several buyers say that they’re comfortable, fit well, and are easy to install.
Key Specs
| Vehicle Type | Car |
|---|---|
| Number of Pieces | 2 or 4 |
| Colors Available | 6 |
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The Synthetic-Leather Cover
Luckyman Club 2-Piece Front Car Seat Covers
The Synthetic-Leather Cover
Luckyman Club 2-Piece Front Car Seat Covers
Pros
- Cushioned, textured front
- Waterproof exterior
Cons
- Don't work on larger cars
The attractive diamond quilting and sleek style of these synthetic leather seat covers elevates the overall look of your car’s interior.
They work with most sedans, SUVs and trucks, with the exception of the Toyota Tundra and Nissan Titan, and are said to be airbag- and seat belt-compatible. The covers have two back pockets and separate pieces for the headrests, held in place with straps that tuck underneath, and there are also two straps on the back to keep the cover in place.
You can’t go wrong with colors, either: gray, black, or black with red or blue lines.
Key Specs
| Vehicle Type | Car, SUV, truck |
|---|---|
| Number of Pieces | 2 |
| Colors Available | 7 |
Pros
- Compatible with side airbags
- Easy installation
Cons
- Not a perfect fit on some seats
This set of high-back car seat covers look sharp and are a solid value, priced at $35 at the time of this writing. They’re made from a polyester and elastic fabric, with three separate panels for a tight fit, plus mesh side panels on the seat and back for breathability.
The covers are said to be compatible with all side airbags and are stitched in a way that won’t interfere with them deploying. Bonus for easy cleaning, too, as the covers are machine-washable. They come with elastic straps and hooks to install, and are available in three other color options.
Key Specs
| Vehicle Type | Car |
|---|---|
| Number of Pieces | 2 |
| Colors Available | 9 |
The Eco Cover
Suninbox Buckwheat Hull Car Seat Cover
Pros
- Buckwheat hulls
- Nonslip back cover
Cons
- Difficult installation for some users
This car seat cover is designed to provide support and keep you cool and comfortable, as it absorbs sweat and dissipates heat. It's filled with odorless, eco-friendly buckwheat hulls, with memory foam for cushioning and a breathable, linen-cotton blend fabric used for the cover.
Silica gel beads on the back keep it in place and there are separate pieces for the headrest, seat, and back. The cover is said to work with 96 percent of cars on the road and comes in gray, black and beige, plus it gets an average 4.6 stars from nearly 1,000 customers.
Key Specs
| Vehicle Type | Car |
|---|---|
| Number of Pieces | 1 |
| Colors Available | 3 |
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Best Bottom Seat Only
kingphenix Premium Synthetic Leather Seat Cover
Best Bottom Seat Only
kingphenix Premium Synthetic Leather Seat Cover
Pros
- Front pocket for storage
- Breathable design
Cons
- Not incredibly padded
If you’re only concerned about protecting the seat and not the back, this option is an excellent choice. It’s said to fit 95 percent of cars on the road, made of matte synthetic leather, with shiny black piping and a simple geometric design.
There’s an anti-slip material on the underside, plus a front pocket to stash your phone and a granola bar. It secures to the seat with elastic and hooks, and comes in your choice of four colors.
Key Specs
| Vehicle Type | Car, truck, SUV, van |
|---|---|
| Number of Pieces | 1 |
| Colors Available | 4 |
The Ergonomic Cover
Black Panther Lumbar Car Seat Covers
The Ergonomic Cover
Black Panther Lumbar Car Seat Covers
Pros
- Lower-back cushioning and support
- Fits all car types
Cons
- Cannot remove lumbar support
With built-in, non-removable lumbar support cushions, these ergonomic covers are designed to help relieve pressure on your back for long drives.
They're made of synthetic leather, with luxe quilting on the front, and their sideless design won’t interfere with seat belts or airbags. They also have a rubber backing to prevent them from moving around. The seat covers are sold in black and gray in addition to the beige that’s shown, and they’re available in sets of two and four.
Key Specs
| Vehicle Type | Car |
|---|---|
| Number of Pieces | 1 or 2 |
| Colors Available | 3 |
Best Sweatproof Cover
Gorla Premium Universal Fit Car Seat Cover
Best Sweatproof Cover
Gorla Premium Universal Fit Car Seat Cover
Pros
- Fabric wicks away moisture
- Easy cover design
Cons
- Not as stylish as other options
This cover is the answer for anyone who throws an old towel on their car seat to mop up sweat after a workout. It's made from neoprene, a fabric that wicks away perspiration and stays cool, and has an anti-slip backing and straps to prevent it from sliding down. A neoprene seat belt cover is thrown in as an extra and the cover works with bucket or bench seats.
It's a customer favorite, with an average 4.6 stars from just under 7,500 reviewers, and it's available in four other colors and patterns in addition to black.
Key Specs
| Vehicle Type | Car, van, truck |
|---|---|
| Number of Pieces | 1 |
| Colors Available | 5 |
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Best for Dogs
Active Pets Back Seat Cover Protector
Best for Dogs
Active Pets Back Seat Cover Protector
Pros
- Three installation styles
- Water and fur proof
Cons
- Exclusively for pets
This durable, well-designed seat cover for dogs converts into a hammock so your pup can ride safely. It features four layers of fabric, including 600-denier oxford cotton, a waterproof polyurethane coating, and a nonslip rubber backing. The cover attaches to the back and front headrests and has side flaps to prevent your dog’s nails from scratching your car’s upholstery or leather seats.
It’s easy to wipe clean—you can even hose it down—and it works in most cars, trucks, and SUVs. Customers give it high marks, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from more than 47,000 reviewers.
Key Specs
| Vehicle Type | Car, truck, SUV |
|---|---|
| Number of Pieces | 1 |
| Colors Available | 4 |
Rachel Klein
Senior Commerce Editor
Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.
Amber Joglar
Digital Content Producer
Amber is the Digital Content Producer for Popular Mechanics, Runner's World and Bicycling, where she covers a range of tasks for the commerce team. She also writes fashion and beauty content for Best Products. Her work has been featured across all of the Enthusiast Group sites. In her free time you can likely find her watching horror movies, reading a good thriller book, or listening to a comedy podcast.
