Whether you have a four-legged friend who sheds or a kid who loves throwing cereal, cloaking the seats with car seat covers can help protect your vehicle from avoidable casualties. Plus, this accessory can give your car, truck, or SUV a custom look while maintaining its resale value.

When purchasing a seat cover, there are a few things to consider. You can buy a multi-piece set that’s paired with every seat of your ride, like the BDK PolyPro, which has a universal fit and various seat configuration options. Alternatively, you may only need a set for the two front seats or one cover solely for the driver’s seat, or you might want a more customized fit, like what’s offered via Oasis Auto Car Seat Covers.

Usually, you’ll have a choice between a fabric blend, leather, leatherette (a.k.a. faux leather), or other synthetic waterproof materials. Before pulling on the covers, be sure to thoroughly clean your car seats. To learn more about car seat covers, read the Buyer’s Guide or jump to the Price & Value summary. Still weighing your options? Consult our Comparison Chart to see how ski pants stack up. Otherwise, take a look at our awarded selection.

Editor’s Note: On October 18, 2024, we added a Price & Value section to our Buyer’s Guide.

The Best Car Seat Covers of 2024

Best Overall Car Seat Covers: BDK PolyPro
Best Budget Car Seat Covers: FH Group Fabric Seat Covers
Best Luxury Car Seat Covers: Oasis Auto Seat Covers
Best Front Row Car Seat Covers: Black Panther Luxury Seat Covers
Most Durable Car Seat Covers for Outdoor Sports: Covercraft Carhartt Camo Seat Covers

Specs

Fit: Universal
Set: Full front and rear seats (40/60, 50/50, 60/40 split bench seat configurations or non-split bench seats)
Material: Polyester with minimal foam backing
Waterproof: No

Pros

Economic
Covers front and back seats
Easily removable and washable

Cons

A universal design does not perfectly fit all seats
Textile seat covers show wear and tear over time just like your favorite jeans

The BDK PolyPro ($31) offers a matching set of five covers, so you get protection for your entire car at a highly affordable price. This set comes equipped with two front seat covers, covers for detachable headrests, and a backseat bench cover.

Depending on your preferences, you can go for a more neutral look with solid gray, charcoal gray, solid beige, or solid black. Or you can venture to the wild side with colors such as red, purple, pink, or mint green.

This construction consists of a polyester blend, a highly breathable and durable material that does not hold odors. The covers have a light foam backing that adds durability and helps to keep them securely in place in addition to the top and bottom loops, which hide behind the seats. Best of all, these covers are machine washable. Advertised as having a universal fit, the BDK PolyPro should match most cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans.

It adds durability and helps to keep them securely in place in addition to the top and bottom loops, which hide behind the seats. Best of all, these covers are machine washable. Advertised as having a universal fit, the PolyPro should match most cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a full set in synthetic leather, check out the Luckyman Club Car Seat Covers.

Specs

Fit: Universal
Set: Full front and rear seats (40/60, 50/50, 60/40 split bench seat configurations, longer benches, or non-split bench seats)
Material: Waterproof neoprene, water-resistant Oxford blend
Waterproof: Yes

Pros

Budget choice
Array of colors

Cons

Slightly less pliable feel compared to polyester
Covers are side-specific due to airbag compatibility design, so you can’t flip-flop the sides for wear and tear

We appreciate that the FH Group Fabric Seat Covers ($27) come in many colors, from solid black to electric green, so you can pick the vibe you want. Also, these covers fit across most automobiles.

This fabric seat cover set comes with two front covers, one rear bench cover, and four covers for a removable headrest. The polyester material and foam padding is machine washable. FH Group recommends air drying the covers to maintain the proper fit and durability. The design is specifically meant for cars that have detachable headrests and a back bench seat.

In short, these FH Group covers are comfortable, easy to install, stylish, and affordable. To make sure that the kit fits your rig before purchasing, refer to the dimensions in the product description. There’s also an installation video on the product page for a seamless fitment. While this design is waterproof, the Covercraft Carhartt Camo Seat Covers is water resistant with a DWR treatment — but the textile is heavy-duty and costs a significant amount more than this set from FH Group, at more than $300.

Specs

Fit: Universal or customized
Set: Full front and rear seats (40/60, 50/50, 60/40 split bench seat configurations less than 56 inches wide)
Material: Artificial (PU or thermoplastic polymer) leather
Waterproof: Yes

Pros

Faux leather is durable and longer lasting than textiles
Custom fit options based on vehicle make and model

Cons

An investment
Width restriction for back seat sits at 56 inches

Seat covers by Oasis Auto take a vehicle to a new level of excellence and style. While Oasis Auto Car Seat Covers ($110) are dense, making for exceptional protection, you’ll still feel the warmth of your seat heater in the winter months. If you’re looking to save a bit more, check out the Black Panther Luxury Seat Covers, which is similarly made with PU leather but lacks the material that wraps around the edge of each car seat. The Panther’s protection is really material against the back rest.

The covers are made of a faux leather and come in tan, black, burgundy, and black with red accents. Stacked beneath the synthetic leather face is a complex backer: a sponge-like layer followed by a non-woven layer and a layer of cotton closed with a suede cloth that rests against the seats. The back seat cover comes with an expandable three-piece cushion, allowing it to fit most vehicles that have a bottom cushion measuring less than 56 inches.

Depending on your preference, you can purchase a pair of the Auto Car Seat Covers for the front seats or select a complete set. The company offers universal fit or customized car seat covers based on the make and model. The Oasis Auto installation video supports a straightforward, user-friendly installation. While the Black Panther Luxury Seat Covers are also made from a PU leather, they technically don’t fully cover each seat — they’re more of a seat protector — but they do have pockets for the passenger and driver to slide their phone or other small items, and they cost close to $50 less.

Specs

Fit: Universal
Set: Front only
Material: PU leather
Waterproof: Yes

Pros

Notch for seat belt
Buckled straps are quick and easy to use
Two small side-by-side front-facing pockets on lower seat covers

Cons

Bottom section of cover is tapered and doesn’t fully wrap around the seat
Front row specific

With the word luxury in the name, you can bet that these Black Panther Luxury Seat Covers ($66) are pretty well thought-out. This front-row set provides solid comfort and protection and is detailed with a honeycomb pattern made from synthetic leather. One of the coolest details: two side-by-side pockets are on the lowermost section of the cover, beneath the seat. They’re large enough to slide a handheld device, like a phone or wallet, behind the driver or front passenger’s knees.

While some car seat covers don’t have a slot for the seat belt lock, these covers do for all the seats. They’re airbag-compatible. Additionally, you don’t need to worry about these seat covers causing any damage to your car or slipping around since they come equipped with an anti-slip bottom and a rubber granule back.

As always, take care to measure your car seats before purchasing. This Black Panther set includes multiple buckled belts for easy installation and secure attachment. It is important to note that these seat covers do not fully cover the car seats — they’re tapered — but enclose the zones that are the most susceptible to use. You can always purchase a separate set for your rear seats.

Specs

Fit: Custom, vehicle-specific
Set: Full front and rear seats
Material: Duck-weave canvas fabric with DWR coating for rain repellency
Waterproof: Water resistant

Pros

High-end for rugged utility like hunting, camping, angling, and transporting dogs
Rain repellency from a DWR treatment
Extremely tenacious construction prevents rips or wear-and-tear over time

Cons

Hit to the bank account
Custom-only options could be a deal-breaker

Hunters and anglers, here’s your call: Construction of these premium Covercraft Carhartt Camo Seat Covers ($306) consists of a heavy-duty Carhartt duck-weave fabric and triple-stitched seams for any tag or overnighter you’ve got booked even with your four-legged best friends. Best of all, they bead away water, spills, or other liquids. The front seat covers have rear map pockets built-in, so you don’t have to sacrifice your storage pouches.

Each cover is custom-patterned for an exact fit. Whether you have a solid bench, cup holders, seats that split 50/50, or seats that split 40/20/40, you can easily adjust your back row with the seat covers on. With specified fits, the sets include covers for your vehicle’s armrests, too.

If a camouflage pattern doesn’t work for you, the design comes in solid colors, too. For certain, the Carhartt Camo Seat Covers offer top-shelf protection of your wagon’s seats from outdoor adventures and daily use.

Specs

Fit: Universal
Set: Full front and rear seats (40/60, 50/50, 60/40 split bench seat configurations or non-split bench seats)
Material: Synthetic leather
Waterproof: Yes

Pros

Waterproof
Stylish
Rear-facing storage pocket on front seat covers

Cons

Pricier choice

Dishing out a diamond-quilt pattern and sleek style, the high-end Luckyman Club Car Seat Covers ($168) are available for two seats or a full set. The front seats come equipped with a rear-facing divided dual-storage pocket that’s wide enough to fit a laptop.

Waterproof and rather built-out, the design is made of synthetic leather stacked atop a 9mm sponge, a non-woven fabric, polypropylene, and non-slip suede. Black is the primary color, with the choice of two colored accents, or you can choose gray.

This product claims to be resistant to scratches (like from your car keys) and easily cleaned by simply using a wet towel. In terms of safety features, they are airbag compatible and seamless with a car’s safety buckles.

Hands down, these are an excellent choice if you’re looking for synthetic leather seat covers that feel and look natural. While these have a universal fit, we recommend checking fitment with specific makes and models of sedans, trucks, and SUVs for this Luckyman design, because they’re not made of stretchy fabric.

Specs

Fit: Universal
Set: Full front and rear seats (40/60, 50/50, 60/40 split bench seat configurations, longer benches, or non-split bench seats)
Material: Polyester with 3mm foam padding
Waterproof: No

Pros

Bonus covers for steering wheel and seatbelt pads
Fun, bright color options

Cons

A universal design does not perfectly fit all seats
Textile seat covers show wear and tear over time just like your favorite jeans

Are you looking for a tasteful yet vibrant pop of color for your car’s interior? The FH Group Combo Car Seat Covers ($31) includes one rear bench cover, two front seat covers, a steering wheel cover, and four seatbelt pads. All of which will ensure protection against surface wear.

These outfits for your rig are made of stretchy, strong, and machine-washable fabric. A 3mm foam layer across the covers allows the warmth to pass through from the seat heater. For the back seats, the back seat cover and bottom bench cover are separate, which accommodates infant or child car seats. The back seat cover stretches from 52 to 56 inches wide.

Along with that, these covers have three zippers that allow you to fold down the cup holder or arm rest when you unzip one of the zippers. The front covers also have a stretchy storage pouch. They have a semi-universal fit accommodating a wide range of cars, trucks, and SUVs. The design is airbag-compatible so that you can rest easy knowing safety isn’t compromised while maintaining the value of your car’s interior.

If you’re not ready to take a walk on the wild side, they come in several modest colors, including beige/black, solid black, and gray/black. Otherwise, snag these Combo Car Seat Covers in purple, orange, green, or blue.

Specs

Fit: Universal
Set: Full front and rear seats (40/60, 50/50, 60/40 split bench seat configurations or non-split bench seats)
Material: Terry cloth, waterproof film, and anti-slip backer
Waterproof: Yes

Pros

Great for water sports
Waterproof

Cons

Not compatible with seatbelts that extend from the seat

Leader Accessories promotes itself as the preferred seat cover for athletes. Whether you surf, bike, do hot yoga, or otherwise tend to get muddy, wet, or sweaty, the Leader Accessories Waterproof Towel Seat Cover ($30) will protect your seats. But it’s cozy, too. The soft towel-like material is waterproof, odor-resistant, and machine washable.

If you prefer not to have seat covers on at all times, you can easily roll it up and store it in your glove box or trunk. When you want to use it again, you can put it back on your seat in under 10 seconds.

It is side-airbag compatible and has anti-slip backing. The towel material of the Waterproof Towel Seat Cover is fully waterproof because it has three layers with a waterproof film in the middle. It’s also compatible with cup holders and armrests.

stain on car front seat — A mess on a car seat; (photo/AutoWise)

Car Seat Covers Comparison Chart

Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Fit, Set, Material.

Seat Cover	Price	Fit	Set	Material
BDK PolyPro	$31	Universal	Full front and rear seats (40/60, 50/50, 60/40 split bench seat configurations or non-split bench seats)	Polyester with minimal foam backing
FH Group Fabric Seat Covers	$27	Universal	Full front and rear seats (40/60, 50/50, 60/40 split bench seat configurations, longer benches, or non-split bench seats)	Waterproof neoprene, water-resistant Oxford blend
Oasis Auto Car Seat Covers	$110	Universal or customized	Full front and rear seats (40/60, 50/50, 60/40 split bench seat configurations less than 56 inches wide)	Artificial (PU or thermoplastic polymer) leather
Black Panther Luxury Seat Covers	$66	Universal	Front only	PU leather
Covercraft Carhartt Camo Seat Covers	$306	Custom, vehicle-specific	Full front and rear seats	Duck-weave canvas fabric with DWR coating for rain repellency
Luckyman Club Car Seat Covers	$168	Universal	Full front and rear seats (40/60, 50/50, 60/40 split bench seat configurations or non-split bench seats)	Synthetic leather
FH Group Combo Car Seat Covers	$31	Universal	Full front and rear seats (40/60, 50/50, 60/40 split bench seat configurations, longer benches, or non-split bench seats)	Polyester with 3mm foam padding
Leader Accessories Waterproof Towel Seat Cover	$30	Universal	Full front and rear seats (40/60, 50/50, 60/40 split bench seat configurations or non-split bench seats)	Terry cloth, waterproof film, and anti-slip backer

How We Tested Car Seat Covers

We get that people want the best value on gear before spending their hard-earned money. Our expert team carefully selects the products we cover and vigorously researches and tests our top choices. The GearJunkie staff is dedicated to exhaustive analysis and helping our readers make informed choices.

Our Expert Testers

This guide was originally written by Joybeth Sullivan in 2022. Expert outdoor journalist Elizabeth Miller and her dog are currently side-by-side testing six sets of car seat covers to provide you with the most up-to-date product information.

Our Testing Grounds

Testing is currently underway in the mountainous desert state of New Mexico and surrounding Southwest region.

Our Testing Process

While considering car seat covers, we test the accuracy of the fit for both universal and custom. We test the durability and value against the price. We also test the waterproofness or water resistance, if seat covers claim to be. The overall hand feel, comfort, support, cushion, ease of installation, heated seat compatibility, reflectivity, stretch, ability to clean, accessories such as pockets, and rebound are important. We consider a wide variety of car seats to fit a spectrum of vehicles for various outdoor enthusiasts at different price points. We also consider the most popular, acclaimed, and long-lasting products on the market.

Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Car Seat Covers

To choose a car seat cover for your vehicle, first determine how many seat covers you need. You may want one cover for the driver’s seat, a pair for the two front seats, or enough covers for every seat in the car: the front and back.

Next, consider the material. No matter what material you go with, you will likely want one that is machine washable. Most car seat covers are machine washable but you can double-check on manufacturer’s website to be certain.

After that, decide on your style preferences. Car seat covers range from solid black, gray, or white to many bright colors, fun patterns, or textures.

Typically, car seat covers include a headrest cover, too.

white Labrador laying on car back seat with cover — Testing car seat covers with pups is key; (photo/AutoWise)

Materials

The common materials for seat covers are fabric or waterproof materials like neoprene, leather, leatherette (a.k.a. faux leather), as well as synthetic blends. Designs can also be a hybrid of any of those materials. Car seat covers can also be made of sheepskin, and typically that material is not mixed with other fabrics.

For instance, the Black Panther Luxury Seat Covers are made out of PU leather, while the Covercraft Carhartt Camo Seat Covers are designed with a tenacious duck-weave canvas that’s coated with a DWR treatment for water resistance. The two options have a different hand feel and aesthetic, but the Covercraft will be more durable for outdoor sporting equipment or dogs.

Fabric blends are comfortable and machine washable. Sheepskin is a natural insulator that keeps the temperature cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

Neoprene is commonly used in waterproof car seat covers. Waterproof covers are great if you tend to spill a lot of things, have dogs, live in a rainy climate, or take your car on messy adventures.

Leather and faux leatherette are excellent choices to make your car look fancier while protecting your seats. Leather is easy to wipe up, is stout against stains, and the most durable over time.

Sizing: Picking the Right Car Seat Covers

Many car seat covers are labeled as having a “universal fit,” including one of our top picks, the BDK PolyPro. While that does mean that the covers will fit the majority of car seats, they may not always be the best fit. Often you can find information in the product description about the vehicle category that the covers will fit best such as SUVs, trucks, or sedans.

Front seat covers will be different than the back seat covers, so make sure that you are getting the appropriate ones for your vehicle. Also, some car seat covers like the BDK PolyPro offer various stock configurations for the backseat: 40/60, 50/50, 60/40 split bench, or non-split bench.

If needed, you can always take measurements of your car seats or refer to your user manual to ensure the product that you order will fit your vehicle.

Heated Seats: Car Seat Covers

If you have heated seats, you can still feel the thermal activity through the material. However, the thicker the seat cover, the less direct heat you’ll be able to feel, so the functionality could be dampened.

Maintenance of Car Seat Covers

While textiles are machine washable, leather requires occasional care and conditioning to maintain pliability, prevent cracking, and ensure a longer lifespan.

You’ll want to invest in a leather conditioning oil for your kit, which can be applied with a utility towel. The frequency of application depends on how much sunlight the seat covers receive.

Price & Value

Budget

On the lower end, options like the FH Group Fabric Seat Covers ($27) offer a universal fit in a synthetic blend that is easy to pull on and off your seats and washable. The tradeoff is that these seat covers wear out with use and will experience holes faster than a more durable leather, PU leather, or robust textiles like canvas or Cordura.

Mid-Tier

A bump above $100 gives you access to stronger, longer-lasting, and more plush materials like the PU leather-based Oasis Auto Car Seat Covers. These covers offer a universal or custom fit, as well, so the product is more tailored.

Premium

Car seat covers can reach in multi-hundreds or even thousands of dollars. If you love taking care of your vehicle, plan to drive it for many years, and on road trips year-round, you might want to invest in a set that will withstand whatever your outdoor adventures throw your way. You’ll end up enjoying car seat covers that stay put — they don’t shift when you jump in and out or are loading in gear — and will not show wear and tear at the speed of a lightweight, lean economic set.

For instance, the Covercraft Carhartt Camo Seat Covers ($306) are made of a super durable duck-weave canvas coated with a DWR treatment to help protect your seats from rain, spills, and wet gear or mutts. These covers are vehicle-specific and customized, so you know they’ll work, and you get what you pay for.

XC60 Recharge T8 - seat covers — (Photo/Volvo Cars USA)

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have high-quality leather seats, you will want to get high-quality seat covers to protect them. High-quality seat covers can protect leather seats from wear and tear, sun damage, and other damage resulting from spills.

This layer can damage leather seats if they are low-quality. This damage often results from fabric dye bleeding onto the leather. Along with that, an ill-fitting seat cover may slip and cause the seams to rub on the leather. To avoid this, be sure to get a seat cover that fits securely

The best car seat covers for dogs are easy to wash and waterproof.

Look for designs that are made of waterproof material, such as neoprene. If you want to have added protection, consider getting a hammock-style car seat protector. These not only protect your car seats from dog scratches and dog hair, but they also keep your dog safe and secure.

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