What Does Your Favourite Car Seat Say About You?
Bank holidays and summer road trips are just around the corner – and the nation is getting ready to clock an average of more than 10 hours on the road in the next few months. But if given the choice, where do you sit when the engine starts?
Whether you’re behind the wheel, commandeering the road trip playlist, or taking one for the team in the middle seat, where you choose to sit in the car could say more about your personality than you think. This spring, we’ve teamed up with behavioural psychologist Dr. Martha Newson, and commissioned research* to decode the possible hidden meanings behind our preferred car seat spots.
Take a look at Dr. Martha’s analysis below, and find out what your seat selection may say about you…
🚙 The Cruise Commander
Cruise Commanders take the driving seat because they tend to like being in control – they’re practical, reliable in a pinch, and often prefer structure over spontaneity.
Our research tells us that they see themselves as more diplomatic and decisive than other seat types, and are the least likely to ever be caught in the passenger’s seat of any ride, preferring lone trips. In fact, nearly one in three Cruise Commanders reported they would rather travel by train than sit in the passenger seat of someone else’s car.
Dr Martha suggests that their focus on logistics may accidentally overlook the emotional needs of others. They often enjoy solitude and may find it hard to relax if they’re not in charge. Letting go a little could help them rediscover the fun side of road trips.
Dr. Martha’s tip for Cruise Commanders: Stay in control, by letting go.
“While Cruise Commanders are more likely to see themselves as the decisive and practical ones taking control in the car, they might be surprised by how much they can benefit from handing over the reins once in a while. This road trip season, I’d encourage Cruise Commanders to try letting someone else sit in the driver’s seat if they can – they may be surprised by how freeing it feels to let someone else take the wheel – and might even end up enjoying the journey more than they would expect.”
💁♀️ The Passenger Princess
Yes, we’ve all heard the phrase to describe those who choose the front passenger seat, and yes, it does appear from the research that Passenger Princesses do like leaving their travel worries to someone else. Despite this, they make for a perfect co-pilot for any Cruise Commander as they are the first to offer navigation support and make sure everyone has a snack.
Dr Martha suggests that this is in line with their people pleasing and overthinking tendencies. They may prioritise comfort, beauty, and little luxuries over practical choices, and know exactly what they need to bring joy to their journey. While they are accommodating at a surface level, they’re likely to be quietly assertive about looking after their own needs.
Dr. Martha’s tip for Passenger Princesses: Trade a little comfort for a lot more adventure.
“Passenger Princesses may prioritise comfort, connection, and small luxuries on the road – but this summer, don’t be afraid of swapping comfort, and leaning into curiosity too. They might be surprised by how much more rewarding the journey feels when they step – or should that be sit – outside of their usual role – and bring their ideas, energy, and spirit of adventure to the car trip.”
😎 The Backseat Boss
Choosing the seat behind the front passenger, Backseat Bosses are a wildcard – one moment they’re the life of the party, and the next they’re deep in their own world.
Our research tells us that they see themselves as adventurous, and tend to adopt the role of the entertainer – likely being the first to snap an enroute selfie, initiate a road trip game or even start the car sing-a-long. While Backseat Bosses love a long catch-up with friends and family, they’ll still opt for the backseat to take a moment and enjoy the scenic views while on the long road. They likely see themselves as spontaneous and the social butterfly, but also know when they need a moment of meditation.
Dr. Martha suggests that those who chose the seat behind the driver thrive on spontaneity and are romantics at heart, seeing daily life as part of the adventure, not just a means to an end. With them, anything could happen!
Dr. Martha’s tip for Backseat Bosses: Check in with the group before switching gears.
“Spontaneity is fun – even more so when we listen to others and understand the group’s needs. While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the moment, taking a step back to check-in with everyone can make the road trip experience even more enjoyable for all. The best adventures tend to happen when everyone is on the same page.”
🧘♀️ The Tranquil Traveller
Tucked behind the driver sits the Tranquil Traveller. They are the master of creating their calm on a road trip, with their organisation on-point to protect their peace with pre-packed noise-cancelling headphones, ear plugs and a calming podcast or two.
Though they might seem passive, Dr. Martha suggests they may have a quiet competitiveness inside them and they aren’t shy to express discomfort when needs be – valuing peace, comfort and the right to retreat on their own terms.
Make no mistake – the Tranquil Traveller shouldn’t be seen as lazy, as they may be selective with their energy or may struggle with overstimulation at times.
Dr. Martha’s tip for Tranquil Travellers: Tune out of the music, and into the conversation.
“To make the most of your road trip, Tranquil Travellers may experiment with shifting their focus from solitude to social interaction. While it’s natural to seek calm and quiet at times, they might find unexpected joy and magic in connecting with others along the way – with road trips being a great opportunity to share stories, bond with fellow travelers, and discover new perspectives. Embracing these sociable moments could make the journey more fulfilling than expected – and might mean the long ride can offer more than a good nap!”
❓The Middle Seat Mystery
The most surprising of sightings in any seating selection and chosen by only 1% of Brits as their preferred spot, these rare choices plant themselves in the most precarious, awkward and uncomfortable of seats – and do so proudly. Despite two in five Brits admitting to never having sat in the middle seat in their life, it’s agreed that the middle seat is nevertheless the social hub of the car – being the prime position to strike up conversations, offer opinions, and make sure no one feels left out of the group dynamic.
They thrive on being a part of everything – whether it’s cracking jokes with the driver, chatting with the backseat crew, or simply ensuring that no one is excluded from the fun. For them, the middle seat offers a sense of purpose and involvement that no other position can provide. Comfort clearly isn’t a concern when you’re at the centre of the action!
Dr. Martha’s tip for Middle Seat Mysteries: Taking a backseat is its own kind of leadership.
“These enigmas don’t always have to be stuck in the middle – sometimes, stepping back and letting others take charge can be a powerful form of leadership. On a long road trip, allowing passengers to share the role of being the ‘social glue’ can create a more relaxed atmosphere, reducing any pressure to constantly be in the spotlight. By occasionally taking a figurative backseat, Middle Seat Mysteries can still guide the group in their own way, fostering co-operation and a stress-free, enjoyable journey for all. The key is balance – knowing when to take charge and when to embrace the role of support, all while ensuring the journey remains fun and carefree.”
Dr. Martha Newson explains:
“Where we choose to position ourselves on a road trip speaks to both our practical instincts and our social style. Some crave control, like the Cruise Commanders behind the wheel, while others, like the adaptable Backseat Boss, lead from the sidelines. These patterns aren’t random – we tend to choose the same seat again and again because it gives us a sense of identity, comfort, or control. Whether it’s about literally being in the driver’s seat, emotional space, or a desire to stay in the background, our seat reflects how we navigate shared experiences. So the next time you share a car journey with others, it’s worth thinking about what your preferred seat might say about you and your fellow passengers, to help make for a memorable road trip this season.”
*Research conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Motorway between 17th to 23rd April among 2,000 nationally representative UK adults.