Less toxic cars have lower interior VOC levels, are free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) aka vinyl, brominated flame retardants, and use chrome-free leather.
Unfortunately, alternate flame retardants like “tris” are still used in the foam.
Metals and Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS) are other high-priority chemicals that may not yet be avoidable in car interiors.
I did seek out updated information and studies but there have been no new studies or press releases since the ones mentioned in the article.
However, two surveys of large groups of chemically sensitive folks did reveal some possibilities for us.
This article contains affiliate links, upon purchase I earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Choosing a Less-Toxic Car
Makes and Models
The most recent study that compares the toxicity of vehicles across brands is fairly old (2012). The study revealed the top picks to be the Honda Civic, Toyota Prius, and Honda CR-Z.
The worst of the bunch were Mitsubishi Outlander Sport, Chrysler 200, and Kia Soul.
Though things could have changed with these brands since 2012.
Cars Recommended by Chemically Sensitive Folks (2024)
Based on two surveys in 2024 on my Facebook page and in the group EI Safe Housing, Audi, Volvo, BMW, Ford, Suburu, and Tesla were some of the top picks.
Honda has mixed reviews but was the top pick in EI Safe Housing. To see all the responses see the links.
Note that faux leather seats (if they are polyurethane PU leather) are the best option for seats.
Toxins of Concern in Cars
The most worrisome toxins are metals, flame retardants, and PVC followed by VOCs.
A number of cars are now free of PVC and some have cut out brominated flame retardants (though replaced with flame retardants that are just as worrisome like “tris”).
Some models contain more metals than others.
Metals and flame retardants are not VOCs and they have no odor. They also do not dissipate the way VOCs do.
Flame retardants will continue to come out of the foam for the lifetime of the foam. Metals also rub off and are released over time.
Honda is still popular in 2024 amongst those sensitive to chemicals.
The company used to put out an environmental report every year (though this ended in 2019) which shows that most Honda and Acura models are PVC-free and they use low-VOC adhesives, tapes, foams, and coating materials inside the vehicles (source).
Ford has also made a big effort to reduce off-gassing (source).
Volvo eliminated chrome from their leather (which is the most important chemical to avoid in leather) (source).
Tesla uses HEPA filters which helps filter particulates from the outside air (source).
Certifications for Less Toxic Cars
There isn’t a universal or widespread certification for the indoor toxicity of vehicles.
TUV Toxproof certifies levels of interior vehicle toxins including heavy metals. They have not publicly released what levels they are allowing.
And without being able to compare that to vehicles that have not applied for this certification, it makes it hard to make much use of it.
Brands that were certified included Mercedes, Volvo, Renault, Land Rover, and Jaguar.
I think this is a good idea and I look forward to having a certification like this become more transparent and more widespread.
It doesn’t look like this certificate has continued to be used in cars, as I don’t see any new information in 2024.
Some fabrics in interior cars are certified by Oeko-Tex Standard 100. Volvo has used this certification – it’s not clear if they still use it.
Strategies for Finding Less Toxic Vehicles
See Them in Person
If you are sensitive to off-gassing, you will likely want to look at a few different makes and models in person to see how you feel in them.
A 2007 study showed that interior VOC emissions varied greatly between makes models and trims and even within the same make/model/trim. (Source)
Partially Off-gassed
You may also want to consider a car that has been on the lot for longer and may have partially off-gassed already.
However, be sure to ask for no detailing, no air fresheners, and no fabric protector spray, and if they wash the outside you can also request only water.
My article on how to off-gas a new car is here.
Used Cars
Based on the VOC data below, it could be optimal to get a car that is one year to a few years old.
I would not recommend going so old that we are getting into the timeframe of when brominated flame retardants, PVC (with phthalates) were used.
The reason this article focuses mainly on new cars is that many chemically sensitive folks are actually more sensitive to fragrance residue than they are to a new car that they can heat and air out a bit before using.
How Long Does a New Car Take to Off-gas?
VOCs
In terms of the chemicals that are volatile and produce that new car off-gassing odor, this study found a lot of variability between brands.
However, after one year the VOCs were down to 1/10th the original level.
The off-gassing of VOCs is not a linear process, it’s on an exponential curve. There is a sevenfold decrease in the first month of use, or about 20% per week (source).
To facilitate off-gassing there needs to be air movement (and heat helps a lot too).
My article on how to off-gas a new car is here.
Flame Retardants
A new study in 2024, found that the flame retardant “tris” was found in all cars they looked at (the models were from between 2013 and 2022).
While flame retardants are semi-VOCs, they do come out more as the car is heated (source).
They can also leach out into the dust.
There is no end point to flame retardants coming out as they come out more with time as the foam breaks down.
How to mitigate flame retardants in cars is here.
Corinne Segura is an InterNACHI-certified Healthy Homes Inspector with certifications in Building Biology, Healthier Materials and Sustainable Buildings, and more. She has 10 years of experience helping others create healthy homes. You can book a consult here.
Join the top Substack on healing from MCS and mold!
Debbie
Hi Corrine, Thank you very much for all the helpful information. Are real leather seats a problem from a chemical standpoint? Are they better or worse than cloth?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
it’s difficult to compare the toxicity of two different materials like that. Leather has the potential for higher off-gassing, and if could have chrome and PFAS, though it’s a better block of flame retardants below. Fabric can have a little off-gassing but not usually very much, topical treatments including PFAS are one of the main concerns.
Linda
Leather is stretched with formaldehyde. Found that out at a carpet store. Just drove a cloth seat 2026 Nissan Rogue and both me and my friend got sick from the benzene and Toulene in the cars plastic dash and side plastic. An hour into the drive my legs were very fuzzy feeling and she swelled up facial wise. Switched it out next day via enterprise rep. Enterprise was fantastic. Within 10 minutes he called me back and had another vehicle waiting for me at the local Enterprise. Within 24 hours both of us were better. She didn’t look near as swollen and wasn’t coughing as much. We also showered and showered with plain water then showerd the normal way. Im looking at a new one too and am researching vehicles. They said let them off gas with windows open. You can use baking soda, vineger and charcoal bags. Apparently Nissan has a problem with this. Buyer beware. Top vehicle is Mazda and also Volvo that are going more natural and green. I have had 2 rentals with Toyota and 1 Hyundai and had no problems.
Selena
Thank you for your article! I love my 2007 car and dread the day I will have to succumb to buying a new car. I don’t want to buy a new car until Pottery Barn comes out with a green guard certified car! If only they could! Are all Volvo models recommended as having less VOC’s?
Aster
I’m shopping for a new car. This article is so helpful! Thanks for the information. I am sensitive to the odour emitted by VOCs. New furniture odours trigger headaches in me. Considering I have a young child and am planning for another one, should I buy a used car just to be safe?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I just added a section on used cars.
Aster
Thank you, Corinne!
Steven Stackpole
my wife is chemically sensitive and we are trying to buy a different car. cannot do a new car. most used cars have in there seats whatever the original owners have in there clothes. do you know of anyway to seal in the seats? tried to clean up a car we bought but just got worse the more I cleaned. we use only non toxic cleaning natural products. is there any seat covers that would seal the seats?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
potentially the AFM Carpet Seal system, or reupholster with polyurethane faux leather
Shannan
Hi Corinne –
Thanks as always. Question: Is chrome in leather something that can diminish over time? I’ve noticed sensitivity to new leather in a Toyota, but am curious if an older car would have the same issue. Thanks!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
the chrome is going to be in the leather probably for the lifetime use of the product. That might not be what you are sensitive to in new leather. most MCS people are not acutely reactive to metals.
Chris
Hi I am looking to change seats and wrap in plastic then put seat covers on. Any views on if to wrap all of seat including base apart from cut out to attach and recommended seat covers? Thanks
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
if you want to block offgassing you have to go all the way around.
Chris
Thanks Corinne
Chris
Hi, I understand that the recent study in May showed that 99% of cars in the study have the harmful flame retardant chemical Tris in them. Can anyone tell me the 1% what make and model of car this was that didnt have?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
“Organophosphate ester flame retardants were detected in the cabin air of all 101 vehicles tested” https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.3c10440
That is probably not the part you are reacting to though otherwise the most sensitive folks would not be able to be in cars at all.
Chris
Hi, Feeling desperate hoping someone can help. Im Chemically sensitive and need car to see my children, I have tried newer cars older cars but all give me crippling headaches and concentration issues, great advice on here for choosing cars with PU seats but can you give a specific model that have these seats? I am in UK and have lost so much money on buying cars that I’ve had to get rid of. Are there in garages or companies that will strip cars and make voc free? Thank you
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I don’t have a list of which ones have PU leather but I have heard from lots of sensitive people lately that they have found lots of options with this faux leather.
Alexis Gallagher
I appreciate this article! I am sensitive, I spent hours researching for a new couch when I had my first child. Found Elka Home which is sadly out of business now, 100% biodegradable.
I know work for GM and being in thousands of different cars over the years, I can pick up on the difference. Gratefully I currently drive a Mercedes and before reading this article I thought to myself: this is the least toxic smelling car I have every owned. That’s true for both of my Mercedes, even the brand new Sprinter. I was amazed and overjoyed that there was really no off-gassing period. Vs getting into some new economy cars and instantly I start feeling sick.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
thanks for sharing!
Michael
I just bought 2 days ago a new 2024 Toyota Highlander with 34 miles on it. The smell of the car makes me very ill. I have been trying to off gas it by ventilation. I know it has VOC’s but are they too dangerous? Did I make a bad choice and should I return the car?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
there is an article on offgassing new cars. whether it’s too toxic for you is totally individual. You may want to try the strategies for a little longer or see if there is another brand/model that is better from the get go for you
Stephanie
What car brands have Polyurethane interiors? I can’t seem to find any
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
it might not be listed that way, look for PU leather or faux leather, vegan leather, or leatherette (then make sure it’s not PVC). It’s used in a number of current car brands
Mark Kavanaugh
Has anyone found verifiable data on chemicals used in new 2024 Hyundais? We are looking at a Tucson Hybrid Lmt and I have Lyme Disease Ive been treating for 4 yrs…..toxins avoidance is big for me. Maybe Ozone treatments can help get rid of some if in the new Tucson? Thanks for any help!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
there is no new data on cars, the ecology center was not able to re-do their testing
Matt
I just got a new car (Cadillac Lyriq) that has perforated leatherette seats. I happened upon your site and I am now very concerned about flame retardants from the foam in the seats. Would the perforated (holes) in the seats mean far more flame retardent is going to get released?
I can’t find any info online about how the seats are constructed, if the foam is just bare beneath the holes, etc. I also cannot find any info on chemicals Cadillac (General Motors) uses.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I think the foam is right underneath from what I have seen in other models though perhaps with the perforations there is another layer of cloth. It looks like tris is still the norm in foam https://www.eenews.net/articles/cancer-linked-flame-retardants-found-in-car-interiors/#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20study%20published,to%20hormonal%20and%20reproductive%20issues.
Matt
Are cloth seats better than perforated leatherette with holes in it? Does the cloth itself likely have heavy metals/FR?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
I’m not sure if the cloth is treated with FR but it would allow some FR to come through, though perhaps that depends on the fabric type. The best option is definitely PU (polyurethane) faux leather without perforations, that type has no plasticizers, no stain guard treatment and it can block flame retardants.
Matt
It’s almost impossible to find a car with solid PU seats, as it seems almost all are going perforated.
Last question: would it be more likely for flame retardants to be released in higher quantity in the first few years of a car’s life, or increase over time as the foam ages?
Wondering if a 2024 car with perforated seats is likely to be better or worse than a 2016 car with perforated seats.
Obviously extra VOCs in the new car to add to the FR, but the old car has multiple owners and unknown what products could have been used over the years.
From a FR perception, would you expect more output when new or aging? And do we think worse FR were used in 2016 vs what is used today?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
more output as it ages and as the foam breaks down. also a worse flame retardant PBDEs were used in the past.
Matt
I took a more comprehensive look at the seats in both cars we are deciding between (2016 mercedes, or 2024 cadillac lyriq). I found that both seats only have leatherette on the top surface of the seat. The sides, (which are mostly hidden, but not air tight), are a fabric type material. Given this, maybe I am putting too much weight on the fact that the cadillac has larger holes in it’s seat perforations, since the foam is not completely encapsulated in impermeable material, and only covered by leatherette on top?
If you were choosing a car to transport a newborn, and were concerned about flame retardants, would you choose a 2016, or a 2024?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
There are also other areas in cars which have improved, like potentially phthalates, use of PVC in general and metals.
however without having all the data on that, if the 2026 has solid PU faux leather i would go with that as there will be less transfer and it’s likely they both have tris.
Matt
Sorry last question, as I should have specified:
The 2024 and 2016 both have perforated PU, but the holes in the 2024 are larger than the size of the holes in the 2016.
Both have fabric on all unseen areas of the seats, which still would be exposed to some air.
I’d assume they both have Tris. 2024 car has larger perforations in the seat, so more air contact to the foam. The 2016 is 8 years old, but has much smaller perforations in the seat.
We are kind of paralyzed on the decision of which is likely to expose our newborn to less FR, so just looking for a 3rd opinion on which car they would go with if in this position. Thank you!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
i dont know exactly how much flame retardant comes through the perforations
Paul Mikkelson
Please email any new info on getting rid of toxins in vehicles and which vehicles are best/have the lowest toxins – I wanted to buy a new BMWX5, but my wife is super sensitive. THX!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
did you see the article on how to offgas a new car
V
I recently leased a Nissan Ariya with leatherette interior. Any information about this type of faux leather interior or make and model in regard to toxic chemicals present?
Your knowledge greatly appreciated!
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
If it’s Polyurethane PU then it’s great, practically no offgassing (just a little at first) no plasticiers. PVC would be a lot worse but I think PU is more common
V
Thank you so much for your response! How would I find out if the material is PU?
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
ask the company and also PVC will smell strong and PU will have almost no odor
Mari
Hi Corinne,
We have a Honda civic from 2017 and recently a not so good car detailed power washed my middle car seats outside made of leather. Anyways, after the fact with the concern of mold I had to poke around near the seatbelt and under the set where the foam was to make sure there was no moisture. My husband took one of the seats and brought inside so we could inspect. We just opened the bottom layer to see the foam but didn’t take anything apart. We washed hands after and vacuumed. But when I I risky poked around the foam by the seatbelt in the car could that alone have exposed me to any significant flame retardants? I usually wash my hands after doing things but to be honest I don’t recall and I have little kids. Also, could bringing the seat inside expose us to anything? We cleaned and it was only inside for 10 minutes. Thanks so much!
Mari
Sorry not a Honda Civic, a Honda odyssey.
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
yes there are flame retardants in the foam but you already cleaned so that is fine
Mary Rangel
I just bought a new Highlander 2024, the off gas is terrible for me gave me a migraine. I have washed the entire inside with very diluted Castile soap and water, put baking soda mixed with non odor kitty litter in large open flat containers with no lid, left the widows and doors open in the sunlight. It is now late March in California, near the Southern Coast so we do have moisture I close the car up at night.
I was thinking of running an air cleaner in the car at night with a black light on and or a dehumidifier all night?
Do you have any other suggestions? I wish I had searched your sight for a list of best cars I did try to get an older car on the lot but that didn’t work.
I would suggest you contact everydaycheepskate.com woman owned sight with great information like yours I think you’d be a great partnership. I love helping woman owned businesses. I have owned a few in my life, now manage my own rentals.
Thank you for the help, Mary
Corinne Segura, Building Biologist
there is an article called how to get rid of that new car smell on the site
Rebecca Davenport
This article is extremely helpful! I’m driving a ’99 Camry, which I’d delightfully offgassed, but will “pass away” eventually. I dread shopping for a “new to me” car. Appreciate this helpful information!
Corinne Segura
You’re welcome