Joy Stephanie
For years, the automotive industry has primarily catered to male drivers, but recent trends show a refreshing shift. Women not only make up a large share of car buyers but are also reshaping the design and functionality of cars to meet their unique needs. Here’s a deep dive into cars that prioritize women’s comfort, safety, and convenience, led by insights from female designers and consumer choices.
Women in the Driver’s Seat of Design
One of the best examples of a female-focused design comes from Volvo’s Your Concept Car (YCC), an experimental project led by an all-women team. The YCC introduced features that prioritize convenience and accessibility. For example, its central console provides smart storage, perfect for keeping essentials like a handbag, phone, or keys within reach. The gear lever was shifted to make room for this design, and additional storage, such as a compartment for a laptop, was integrated into the back seats. Another thoughtful design is the adjustable “ride height,” which raises the car for easy entry, then lowers it once the door closes, helping drivers and passengers avoid the struggle of climbing in or out.
Another standout feature of the YCC is its automated seating adjustments. With this “Ergovision” system, drivers’ measurements are saved in their key, allowing seat and mirror positions to automatically adjust to individual preferences—a step toward personalizing the driving experience.
Award-Winning Picks for Women Drivers
To help women make informed choices, the Women’s World Car of the Year (WWCOTY) was established. Judged by female motoring journalists, the award highlights cars that excel in safety, comfort, and practicality. This year’s winners reflect the best of these categories:
Volvo EX30: Named the top family car, this compact SUV is not only fully electric but also focuses on reducing its carbon footprint. It includes advanced safety features, a spacious cabin, and a 450 km range, offering families both efficiency and security.
BMW 5 Series: A great pick for those seeking a larger car, the BMW 5 Series boasts both traditional and electric versions. Known for its spaciousness and advanced tech features, it’s also the brand’s first model to incorporate a vegan interior—a meaningful choice for sustainability-conscious drivers.
Kia EV9: This seven-seater SUV is designed with innovation in mind, featuring quick charging capabilities and an option for bidirectional charging. It is competitively priced and includes plenty of interior space, making it a top choice for large families.
What Women Prioritize in a Car
Studies, like those conducted by the Women’s Choice Awards, show that women prioritize safety, convenience, and reliability in their vehicles. Many of these awards take into account not only advanced safety features, like collision prevention and blind spot detection, but also convenience aspects such as hands-free entry and climate control. This attention to detail means women can find vehicles that align with their everyday needs, balancing comfort with peace of mind.
The Changing Landscape of Car Design
Women influence around 85% of car purchases, and brands are responding to this market shift. Today, the automotive world recognizes that women desire cars that combine functionality with style and a practical layout. In fact, the YCC project introduced a new perspective on how cars could meet drivers’ daily challenges without sacrificing aesthetics or performance.
As the automotive landscape evolves, women can feel more empowered in their choices, with cars designed to accommodate their specific needs and lifestyle demands. Whether it’s more storage, enhanced safety, or advanced customization, today’s cars are increasingly built with women in mind. So, for female buyers ready to hit the road, the future of car design looks bright, convenient, and stylishly personalized.
