In 2025, more people than ever before are entering the compact to mid-sized SUV market. That means that, yes, more and more people are buying what have traditionally been dubbed as “mom cars,” and I am no exception.
I swapped from a2018 Ford F-150to a2022 Volkswagen Taostwo years ago, and haven’t looked back since. However, I wasn’t quite satisfied with how my car looked straight from the factory. It was too low to the ground, had small, skinny tires, and didn’t quite fit the rugged SUV look that I was going for. Therefore, I had to make some changes, and I’m here to tell you about the five best ones that I’ve done.
5 car gadgets that make my road trips a breeze
I put 30,000 miles a year on my car, and these five gadgets make each one a little bit better.
1B2B Fab lift kit
The most expensive mod is the one I’m the most proud of
B2B Fabis a small suspension manufacturer based in Delaware, and is to this day one of the best companies I’ve ever worked with when it comes to modifying a vehicle. In fact, when the technician I hired to install the lift kit couldn’t figure it out the first go around, the guys at B2B Fab stayed on the phone with them to assist. If you have a Volkswagen and want to lift it, they’re the company to talk to.
If you’re looking to go lower instead of higher, that’s alright, too. Essentially, changing the stance of your car can be the first step towards enhancing your car’s appearance. Whether you want to lift it or slam it, that needs to be the first and most expensive step in getting your ride looking right.
5 gadgets I use to make my old car feel like a 2025 model
Stuck in that old beater, or just waiting for the payoff? These five gadgets can bring any old car up to speed for 2025.
2All-terrain tires
Not a lot of companies make them the size you’ll need, so be careful
The biggest struggle with my modification list came when I was attempting to find out what companies made the right sized tire for me. The list was short, and between the two I chose theFalken Wildpeak AT3w. I had always owned pickup trucks up to this point, and most of those were diesels up to my F-150. Those trucks chewed through anything that wasn’t a 10-ply tire, which doesn’t come cheap.
However, I’ve put around 40,000 miles on these tires, and still have around half of the tread left. And I don’t mean that the tires will be bald after that half - they’ll just be to the recommended changing point. The weight you save by switching to a compact SUV really makes a difference in the longevity of your tires, and it’s a difference that has really impressed me thus far.
10 plug-in hybrid SUVs with the longest electric range in 2025
You’ll be surprised at how far you can travel on electricity alone in these plug-in hybrid SUVs.
3A removable roof rack
This is the best upgrade I’ve made in terms of usability
The first thing I believed I would miss from owning a pickup was the utilitarian benefit of the thing that actually makes it a pickup - the bed. And don’t get me wrong, I still do miss it, especially when I’m in the midst of a cross-country move, as I am now. However, the addition of a roof rack to my daily driver has made my hobbies much easier to accommodate. As I’ve written before, I have purchased a plethora ofgadgets for my roof rack, and they’ve made things like fishing trips or long vacations in which we need extra baggage a real breeze.
The best part of the roof rack, though, is that it’s removable. When it’s attached, it does knock my fuel mileage down a peg simply due to the added drag. Removing it is as easy as inserting an Alan head bit into a drill, pressing a button and unlocking the clamps with a key I keep on my ring.
This mirror dash cam is a great copilot, but takes up a lot of screen real estate
This premium mirror dash cam features high-resolution recording and probably fits on your car.
4Weather-Tech floor mats
Having the peace of mind to not worry about my carpets was a breath of fresh air
These were actually a gift from my fiancée, and, as a motorsport photographer that spends a lot of his Saturday nights at a dirt track, they were a more than welcome addition to my interior. That red clay does nothing but get into a carpet and stay there, and now, I never have to worry about it.
I get comments about the floor mats all the time, too. My racing friends are always happy to know they can just knock their feet off on the floorboard without having to worry about muddying up my interior, and I’m always happy to put a good gift to use.
Why I think you should buy a pure EV and not a hybrid car
It’s not just about range and upfront affordability.
5Aftermarket headlights
This is a perfect buy for older models with halogens
My car came with LED headlights, but each previous vehicle I owned came with halogens, and one of the earliest modifications I ever made was purchasing headlights with daytime running lights or brighter LEDs. Not only is this a great modification to the appearance of any car, but it also helps in terms of nighttime visibility.
However, don’t be the rude driver that points them too high and blinds everyone that passes them on the highway. Those people don’t deserve cool mom cars, but you sure do.
The Nissan Leaf is dead, long live the new Leaf
I’m going to miss the Leaf’s earlier spirit, but it’s probably for the best.
