Hey, moms! I’m a guy who loves cars, and I know you’re out there handling school runs, grocery hauls, and soccer practices like pros. You need an SUV that’s got your back—safe, spacious, easy to drive, and maybe even a bit sharp-looking so you can roll up in style.
I’ve been digging into the best SUVs for 2025, and I’ve picked out 10 that make your life easier, whether you’re hauling one kid or a whole team. I’m sharing these for you on Vehicle Seeks, where I geek out about cars and help folks find the right ride.
Let’s check out my top picks and find the one that fits your mom’s life!
Notes
My info comes from trusted sources like Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, iSeeCars, and manufacturer websites. Check with dealers for exact prices, as they can vary.
Why SUVs Are a Mom’s Wingman
I get why you moms love SUVs—they’re like the ultimate tool for your busy days. They’ve got room for car seats, strollers, and all the gear your kids bring along. Safety tech like automatic braking and rear-seat alerts keeps your family secure.
They’re a breeze to drive, with great visibility and all-wheel drive for rain or snow. Big screens and USB ports keep the kids quiet on long trips. Plus, they look good, so you can feel confident behind the wheel.
These 10 SUVs are my go-to picks for moms, from compact to three-row beasts, each with a different angle to keep things fresh.
1. 2025 Honda CR-V
- Price: $31,495–$37,895
- Engine: 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 190 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- Transmission: Continuously variable transmission (CVT)
- Drive Type: All-wheel drive available
I love a reliable ride, and the Honda CR-V is my top pick for moms who want an SUV that just works. It’s compact enough to weave through city traffic but has plenty of space—76.5 cubic feet of cargo with the seats down—for car seats and grocery bags.
The 1.5L turbo engine (or a 204-hp hybrid) gets solid gas mileage at 28/34 MPG, and all-wheel drive there for rainy days. You’ve got a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to stay connected, and the second row’s LATCH anchors make car seat setup easy.
Safety’s rock-solid with automatic braking, lane-keeping assist, and a rear-seat reminder for your little ones. It’s a budget-friendly choice that won’t let you down.
Pros
- Affordable
- good space for a small SUV
- strong safety ratings
- solid gas mileage
Cons
- Base engine’s not thrilling
- No third row
- Basic tech on lower trims
2. 2025 Kia Telluride
- Price: $37,805–$55,100
- Engine: 3.8L V6
- Horsepower: 291 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drive Type: All-wheel drive available
When you’re the carpool champ, I’d hand you the keys to the Kia Telluride. This three-row SUV seats up to eight and has 87 cubic feet of cargo space for strollers, sports gear, or whatever your kids are hauling.
The 3.8L V6 engine got enough grunt for easy highway merges, and all-wheel drive handles snow like a pro. I’m impressed by the 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, and a rear-seat mirror to keep tabs on the back-row chaos.
Safety’s top-notch with blind-spot alerts, a 360-degree camera, and a rear occupant alert. The 2025 model’s got sharper tech and a smoother ride, making it a steal for what you get.
Pros
- Tons of space
- Feels premium for the price
- Great safety tech
- Comfy ride
Cons
- Third row’s tight for adults
- Gas mileage (20/26 MPG) is average
- Base trim’s less fancy
3. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
- Price: $39,275–$51,125
- Engine: 1.6L Turbo 4-cylinder + electric motor
- Horsepower: 231 hp combined
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drive Type: All-wheel drive
If you’re looking to save gas and still look good, I’ve got the Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid for you. Its boxy design is a head-turner, and the hybrid engine pulls 36 MPG combined, so you’re not always at the pump.
It seats seven, with 79.6 cubic feet of cargo for your kids’ stuff. The engine’s smooth, and all-wheel drive tackles wet roads. You get two 12.3-inch screens, wireless charging, and a rear-seat reminder for peace of mind.
Safety’s solid with automatic braking, blind-spot alerts, and a surround-view camera. The 2025 model’s rugged XRT trim adds some adventure-ready flair. It’s eco-smart and practical.
Pros
- Awesome fuel economy
- Sharp boxy look, strong
- Safety features
- Roomy second row
Cons
- Third row small
- Less cargo than some
- Hybrid’s not the fastest
4. 2025 Ford Explorer
- Price: $41,380–$57,835
- Engine: 2.3L Turbo 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 300 hp @ 5,500 rpm
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive (AWD available)
I know you’ve got a packed schedule, and the Ford Explorer’s built to keep up. This three-row SUV seats seven, with 85.8 cubic feet of cargo for strollers or sports bags. The 2.3L turbo engine (or a 400-hp V6) delivers serious power, and all-wheel drive great for tough weather.
You’ll like the 13.2-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus safety tech like blind-spot monitoring and automatic braking.
I love the MyKey system for setting limits when your teen takes the wheel. The 2025 Explorer’s second row is car-seat-friendly, and it’s ready for anything—school runs or road trips.
Pros
- Spacious
- Powerful engines
- Good safety tech
- Teen driver controls
Cons
- Third row small
- Base interior’s plain
- Gas mileage (20/27 MPG) could be better
5. 2025 Toyota RAV4
- Price: $30,645–$40,350
- Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 203 hp @ 6,600 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drive Type: All-wheel drive available
I’m a sucker for reliability, so the Toyota RAV4’s high on my list for moms who want a no-drama SUV. This compact ride seats five, with 69.8 cubic feet of cargo space for strollers or camping gear.
The 2.5L engine (or a 219-hp hybrid) gets 27/35 MPG, and all-wheel drive solid for snow or light trails. You’ve got an 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus safety features like blind-spot monitoring and pre-collision detection.
The second row’s great for car seats, and the low cargo floor makes loading a snap. The 2025 RAV4 is all about value and toughness.
Pros
- Reliable
- good gas mileage
- Easy to drive
- Strong safety features
Cons
- No third row
- Engine’s a bit weak
- Interior’s less fancy
6. 2025 Ford Expedition
- Price: $63,995–$85,650
- Engine: 3.5L Twin-Turbo V6
- Horsepower: 380 hp @ 5,000 rpm
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive (AWD available)
If you’ve got a big family, I’d point you straight to the Ford Expedition. This full-size SUV seats up to eight, with a massive 104.6 cubic feet of cargo space for luggage, strollers, or bikes. The 3.5L twin-turbo V6 (up to 440 hp) is a beast, and all-wheel drive handles any road.
You get a huge 15.5-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and safety tech like adaptive cruise control and a rear-seat reminder.
The second row’s tip-and-slide seats make third-row access easy, and LATCH anchors are simple. The 2025 Expedition’s my pick for moms who need room for everyone and everything.
Pros
- Huge cargo and seating
- Powerful ride
- Great tech and safety
- Good for trips
Cons
- Pricey
- Poor gas mileage (16/22 MPG)
- Tough to park
7. 2025 Acura MDX
- Price: $52,550–$76,600
- Engine: 3.5L V6
- Horsepower: 290 hp @ 6,200 rpm
- Transmission: 10-speed automatic
- Drive Type: All-wheel drive available
When you want to treat yourself, I say check out the Acura MDX. This three-row SUV seats seven, with 95 cubic feet of cargo space for your gear. The 3.5L V6 (or a 355-hp Type S) is smooth and quick, and all-wheel drive adds grip.
You’ve got a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a premium sound system for your tunes.
Safety’s strong with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and easy LATCH anchors. The 2025 MDX’s sleek styling and extra tech make it a luxe choice that still gets the mom job done.
Pros
- Luxe interior
- Spacious
- Strong safety tech
- Fun to drive
Cons
- Pricey for the brand
- Third row tight
- Average gas mileage (19/26 MPG)
8. 2025 Chevy Traverse
- Price: $42,195–$55,595
- Engine: 2.5L Turbo 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 328 hp @ 5,500 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drive Type: All-wheel drive available
I think the Chevy Traverse is a solid choice for moms who need a big, organized SUV. It seats up to eight, with 98 cubic feet of cargo space for strollers or camping gear. The new 2.5L turbo engine got plenty of power, and all-wheel drive handles tough weather.
You’ll love the 17.7-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and safety tech like automatic braking and a rear-seat reminder.
The second row’s LATCH anchors are easy, and the third row’s decent for kids. The 2025 Traverse is my go-to for moms managing a busy family.
Pros
- Huge cargo space
- Strong engine
- Big touchscreen
- Great for families
Cons
- Third row not for adults
- Gas mileage (~20 MPG, TBD)
- Base trim’s plain
9. 2025 Ford Escape
- Price: $30,645–$39,005
- Engine: 1.5L Turbo 3-cylinder
- Horsepower: 180 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drive Type: All-wheel drive available
For new moms, I’d recommend the Ford Escape as a great starter SUV. It’s compact, affordable, and easy to handle, with 65.4 cubic feet of cargo space for diaper bags or strollers.
The 1.5L turbo engine (or a 250-hp 2.0L) is peppy, and the hybrid option gets 40 MPG, which is a win for your wallet. All-wheel drive’s good for city or rural roads.
You get a 13.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and safety tech like blind-spot monitoring and a rear-seat reminder.
The power liftgate handle, and the second row perfect for car seats. The 2025 Escape keeps it simple and budget-friendly.
Pros
- Affordable
- Good hybrid option
- Easy to drive
- Solid safety tech
Cons
- Base engine’s weak
- No third row
- Less cargo than rivals
10. 2025 Mazda CX-5
- Price: $30,190–$42,220
- Engine: 2.5L 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 187 hp @ 6,000 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic
- Drive Type: All-wheel drive standard
I’m a car guy who loves a fun drive, so the Mazda CX-5 is my pick for moms who enjoy the road. This compact SUV seats five, with 59.3 cubic feet of cargo space for your kids’ stuff. The 2.5L engine (or a 256-hp turbo) feels sporty, and standard all-wheel drive makes handling sharp.
You get a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus safety tech like blind-spot monitoring and automatic braking.
The second row is decent for car seats, and the interior’s surprisingly upscale. The 2025 CX-5 balances mom duties with a bit of driving thrill.
Pros
- Fun to drive
- Upscale interior
- Standard AWD
- Good safety tech
Cons
- Less cargo than rivals
- No third row
- Base engine’s average
Why These SUVs Are My Top Picks for You
I chose these SUVs because they’re built for your real mom life—busy, messy, and full of love. They’ve got space for your kids and their gear, from the Expedition’s massive cargo hold to the RAV4’s practical setup.
Safety a priority, with rear-seat reminders, automatic braking, and blind-spot alerts to keep your family secure. LATCH anchors and big screens make car seats and kid entertainment easy. All-wheel drive handles any weather.
Just a heads-up: third rows in midsize SUVs like the Telluride can be tight for older kids, bigger SUVs like the Expedition guzzle gas, and base models might skip some premium features.
Which SUV’s Your Pick?
I had a blast putting this list together for you, and I’m curious which SUV you’re into! Am I on point with the Kia Telluride’s family-friendly space, or is the Mazda CX-5’s sporty vibe more your thing?
Maybe the Ford Escape’s budget appeal is calling your name? Swing by vehiclegrip.com and drop a comment with your favorite, or let me know if there’s another SUV you’re eyeing for 2025.
Got any mom hacks for keeping your SUV kid-ready, like handling crumbs or organizing gear? I’d love to hear them—share your tips with me!
