The Best Car Cup Holder For The Backseat

Buying Guide

Whether you’re going on a long road trip or just a short trip to the store, you might enjoy having a cup of coffee, water bottle or can of soda with you in the car. While there are usually sufficient cup holders for the two front seats, this may not be true for passengers in the back, especially if you have children riding along (who are already prone to spills and stains).

Cup holders are undoubtedly important; in 2007, car buyers even called them the most important features they look for in a vehicle. While newer cars often build in many different places to place your all-important beverages (like the 2019 Subaru Ascent, with its 19 cup holders), older cars may not have as much room dedicated to cup storage. Purchasing separate car cup holders for the back seat can solve this problem easily.

One of the most important things to consider when you’re shopping for a backseat cup holder is the size. Think about what kind of cups you most commonly have in the car and whether they will even fit. This is especially important if you use insulated coffee cups or oversized water bottles, which can sometimes be wider than usual.

Also, the material your cup holder is made from can make all the difference. You’ll want something that lasts and is easy to care for. Hard-shell plastic is a good option because you can simply wipe it or wash it if you end up with spills. Soft or fabric materials can be more difficult to clean as they may absorb liquid and show stains.

Check to see how the car cup holders attach to the headrest of the front seat. Typically, they fit over the headrest using a strap with slots. While they should be compatible with most vehicles, it’s best to double-check if they’ll work with yours.

• When it comes to anything to do with your car, safety is of the utmost importance. Check to see that the car cup holder is properly attached to the headrest and cannot come off easily. This way, if you are involved in a collision or accident, you won’t have the cup holder falling off and hurting someone.
• Stability is key for cup holders, since you don’t want to end up with spills. Once you have installed the car cup holder, be sure to test it out by putting in a full cup of liquid (water is best) to see whether it stays immovable when driving.
• Cleaning the car cup holder periodically is important if you don’t want it to be sticky or wet. Every couple of weeks, be sure to take it out and wipe it down with a wet cloth. If any drink residue remains on on the cup holder, you can wash it with water and dish soap depending on the material. For cup holders made from fabric, you may be limited to wiping it down.
• If you have young kids, consider instituting rules about what kinds of drinks go in the car cup holder. For example, juice boxes may not fit well and may rattle around too much, resulting in spills. However, sippy cups may be too wide to fit properly and may fall to the floor.
• Some car cup holders for the back seat are multipurpose and can help with holding or organizing other materials as well. You may want to look for these as an added feature, to keep books, toys, tissue boxes or other accessories handy. Consider what you need to store in the car at all times and what you need to keep those items organized.