Beyond aesthetics: what women actually want in a car

This International Women’s Day (8 March), Carwow shines a spotlight on the smart choices women make when buying or leasing a car. Contrary to the stereotype that women only care about colour and looks, our data shows they prioritise safety, reliability, and value – proving car decisions are practical, savvy, and far from superficial. Here are eight factors women consider when choosing a car.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

1. Ample boot space

No matter the gender, our research found that having a spacious car boot is the highest priority when choosing a new car. Women seem to have a keener eye for this feature though, with 58% of female survey respondents choosing it as a priority compared to 52% of men.

Boot space even beats passenger comfort, interior finishes, and how fun the car is to drive. It’s easy to see why – there’s nothing more practical than having room for pushchairs, luggage, or the weekly shop. For many women, who more often juggle family errands and daily logistics, having that extra space makes life on the go that much easier.

There are plenty of cars that have large, practical boots regardless of whether they’re small cars or people carriers. For example, though the Renault Clio is a small car, it maximises boot space giving you 391 litres of boot space, while the Volkswagen ID Buzz gives you a whopping 1,121 litres of boot space with the seats up.

2. Prices and discounts

For more than half (57%) of women surveyed, considerations regarding prices and discounts weigh heavily in their decision-making process. Women spend an average of 75 days researching cars compared to 63 days from men, according to automotive research company Kelley Blue Book, and come in with a specific price in mind. Women also try to focus on long-term practicality, valuing the “total cost of ownership” rather than the sometimes more expensive bells and whistles that appeal to men, according to auto finance company Credit Acceptance.

3. Driver aids

Our survey also found that 55% of women prioritise a car with driver-assistance features such as parking sensors, cameras, and in some cases, automated parking systems. This reflects women’s focus on safety, convenience, and minimising risk in urban environments. Research indicates that women often value features that help prevent minor collisions in tight spaces, enhancing confidence and reducing stress during manoeuvres.

4. High driving position

A car with a high driving position is also important to women drivers, with 54% picking this as a top priority. The average height of a woman in the UK is 5ft 3in, according to the NHS, so it’s no surprise that this is something a lot of women consider.

With a high driving position, you get a clear view of the way ahead and you don’t feel threatened when large lorries or buses are in the lane next to you. This sense of safety and security is a big deal for women, especially since they are more likely to report driving anxiety and tend to be more cautious, according to a University of Cambridge study.

For cars with a high driving position, we’d recommend our Car of the Year, a Cherry Tiggo 8, or a Range Rover if you’ve got a big budget.

5. Top safety rating

Our data shows that safety is the area with the largest gap between women and men in terms of importance. Cars with top safety ratings matter to 52% of women surveyed, compared with just 38% of men.

Women prioritise safe cars due to greater risk awareness, different driving habits, and – ironically – a higher need for protection, since traditional vehicle safety testing has often been biased, according to educational institution Drivers Domain UK.

Behavioural studies also suggest that women are particularly concerned with passenger safety, especially for children, making top-rated safety features a key factor in their car choices.

6. High miles per gallon

Around 49% of women we surveyed said they prioritise high miles per gallon (MPG) because it reduces running costs. Higher MPG also means fewer stops to refuel, saving time, money, and hassle.

7. Stylish design

It’s often assumed that women prioritise style over substance in a car, but our survey shows otherwise. A stylish car is a bigger priority for men: 41% of male respondents considered it a significant factor in their buying decision, compared with just over a third (34%) of women.

The data shows that men tend to prioritise a stylish car because they favour power and design, while women focus more on practicality, safety, and efficiency. Men also often form an emotional bond with cars, viewing them as extensions of their personality, freedom, and creativity, according to a US-based delivery company AmeriFreight Auto Transport.

That’s not to say women don’t think about style at all – the 34% of women surveyed proves we do. However, factors such as safety, space, and efficiency typically take precedence over style and performance.

8. Space for child seats

Our survey found that the importance of having space for child seats is a divisive topic. While 20% of women see this as a priority, only 14% of men do. This difference likely reflects the fact that women are more often responsible for running multiple errands and handling the daily task of placing children into car seats. Spacious rear seats make this task easier – especially for those who are pregnant or when car doors cannot open fully.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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