6 Affordable SUVs To Buy for Mom This Mother’s Day
Written by
Josephine Nesbit
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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Looking for an affordable SUV for mom this Mother’s Day? Moms need a vehicle that can keep up with real life — school drop-offs, grocery hauls and weekend road trips — without giving up comfort and safety or blowing the budget.
These SUVs deliver everything mom needs this Mother’s Day at a price that makes sense, according to car experts.
Also see six SUVs that last the longest over five years.
Ford Expedition
- Starting MSRP: $62,000
The starting price for the 2025 Ford Expedition is more on the premium, heavy-duty end of the affordable SUVs, according to Melanie Musson, auto industry expert with AutoInsurance.org.
“It’s perfect for moms with several children who need room for passengers and gear,” Musson wrote in an email.
It’s also great for road trips and outdoor adventures. “The option of 4WD makes it ideal for winter and off-road driving,” she added. “Adventurer moms will appreciate the towing capacity so they can pull a camper or a trailer.”
Subaru Crosstrek
- Starting MSRP: $25,810
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek may not have the most room or power, but it makes up for it in safety, explained auto expert Chris Pyle with JustAnswer.
“Also, it looks more rugged, kind of like a statement for the mom who takes her kids off-road to do some weekend tent camping or river/lake fishing,” he said. It also maintains a good resale value.
Kia Sportage
- Starting MSRP: $28,790
The Kia Sportage has a nice interior with plenty of legroom for the front and back passengers.
“Kia has a very good long warranty, but you likely will not ever need to use it. They are well-built and reliable, so mom spends less time in the shop getting maintenance and repairs,” Pyle explained. “Very good price point for what you get.”
Chevrolet Trax
- Starting MSRP: $20,500
As one of the most affordable SUVs you can find on the market, the Chevrolet Trax is perfect for moms with small families who need something small, reliable and inexpensive.
“The interior is well-designed and comfortable, making it feel a lot more upscale than the MSRP would suggest,” Musson said.
Ford Explorer
- Starting MSRP: $39,785
“[The Ford Explorer] has been one of the best-selling SUVs back into the late ’90s, even through all of the body styling changes,” Pyle said. It’s also spacious, comfortable and quiet when driving.
“The sound system makes you feel like you are in a cinema,” he said. “Lots of power under the hood to zip you through town, getting the kids from school and to after-school activities.”
Honda CR-V
- Starting MSRP: $30,100
The Honda CR-V has everything a busy mom needs. Since this generation launched in 2023, it’s won Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buy Award for the compact SUV category every year.
“The passenger seating is roomy, making the CR-V a great option for moms of older kids who need a little extra legroom,” Musson explained. “It also has a good amount of cargo room, perfect for when you need to pack extra for activities or sports.”
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Sources
- Melanie Musson, AutoInsurance.org
- Chris Pyle, JustAnswer
- Kelley Blue Book, “Honda CR-V Is Our Compact SUV Best Buy of 2025.”
