10 Budget-Friendly Honda SUVs for First-Time Buyers

Car Buying Guides

10 Budget-Friendly Honda SUVs for First-Time Buyers

Published on September 12, 2025

It’s usually exciting to buy your first car, but it can also be stressful when you want something fashionable, trustworthy, and cheap. Honda SUVs have a good reputation for performance, fuel economy, and long-term value. Honda has a number of SUVs for first-time purchasers that have a good mix of current technology, safety, and low cost. In this post, we’ll look at 10 affordable Honda SUVs that are great for new drivers who want their first car.

  1. Honda HR-V

The Honda HR-V is a very popular entry-level SUV for people who want to save money. The HR-V is small but useful, and it has Honda’s Magic Seat® technology, which lets you change the size of the cargo compartment to fit shopping, luggage, or sports gear. It’s a great initial pick for students, young professionals, or small families because it gets good gas mileage and doesn’t cost much to keep up.

Why pick it?

  • Great gas mileage (up to 32 MPG on the highway)
  • The small size makes it perfect for driving in the city.
  • Prices that are competitive in the budget SUV market
  1. The Honda CR-V

There’s a solid reason why the Honda CR-V is the best-selling car in the world. It’s bigger than the HR-V yet still affordable for first-time purchasers who need more room. The CR-V is known for being reliable, easy to drive, and having modern safety systems. It is also a good value for money that most people can afford.

Why pick it?

  • Lots much space inside and for cargo
  • Great value when you sell it
  • High safety ratings
  1. Honda Pilot (Used Cars)

A used Honda Pilot can be a good choice for your family if you need a bigger SUV but want to save money. First-time buyers can experience the Pilot’s three-row comfort and high-end equipment without spending too much money by buying a certified pre-owned car. Even older Honda cars are still reliable and stylish because of the company’s good name.

  1. Honda Passport

The Honda Passport is a little smaller than the Pilot, but it looks sportier. This SUV is great for first-time purchasers who want something that can handle both regular driving and off-road adventures. New models might be too expensive for young adventurers, but used Passports from the last few years are a good choice.

  1. Honda Element (no longer made, but a good deal on a used one)

Even though the Honda Element is no longer made, it is still very popular. Its boxy form, roomy interior, and low prices for old ones make it a good choice for anyone who are buying an SUV for the first time. Because the Element is so strong, you may still locate units in decent shape on the market, frequently for a lot less than modern SUVs.

  1. Honda Crosstour (Used Crossover Option)

The Honda Crosstour is easy to drive like a sedan and useful like an SUV. Even though the Crosstour is no longer made, you may still find a used one that has a lot of room, powerful engines, and a low price. This is a wonderful choice for people on a budget who want a Honda that stands out from the others.

  1. Honda Ridgeline (For People Who Want to Use It)

The Honda Ridgeline is technically a truck, but it drives more like an SUV. It is popular with first-time purchasers who want something that can do a lot of things. New Ridgeline vehicles can be pricey, but you can find used ones for less money that still have a good balance of cargo space and comfort.

  1. Honda CR-V Hybrid (Option for Saving Fuel)

The Honda CR-V Hybrid is worth looking at if you want to save money on gas in the long run. First-time buyers may have to pay a little more up front, but they will save money on gas over time. Honda’s hybrid technology is good for the environment and your cash in the long term.

  1. Honda HR-V Sport Trim

The HR-V Sport trim is a great choice for first-time customers who want to add some style without paying too much. It has sport pedals, bigger wheels, and sleek design elements. It still has the HR-V’s low starting price, but it feels more current to younger consumers.

  1. Honda SUVs that have been certified as pre-owned

If you want to save money on a Honda SUV, one of the best things you can do is buy a Certified Pre-Owned model. The CPO program from Honda makes sure that you get a car that has been checked for quality, comes with a warranty, and costs less than a brand-new one. People who are buying for the first time generally find the best deals on CR-Vs, HR-Vs, and Pilots here.

Why First-Time Buyers Should Buy a Honda SUV

  • Honda has a great reputation for making cars that are safe, reliable, and get good gas mileage, which are all important things for first-time purchasers. Also:
  • Honda SUVs are usually cheaper to fix and maintain than other SUVs.
  • High resale value: Even older models are still worth a lot on the market.
  • Honda Sensing® technology has lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and collision mitigation braking, among other safety features.

Things to Think About Before Buying Your First Honda SUV

  • Set a budget: Know how much you can spend on things like insurance and maintenance.
  • Look at used and certified pre-owned options. They usually give you more for your money.
  • Take a test drive: Always check how comfortable, visible, and easy to handle the car is before you buy it.
  • Compare trims: Higher trims may have superior features, but keep an eye on the price.

Last Thoughts

Honda SUVs are the best choice for first-time buyers since they are affordable, perform well, and are reliable over time. Honda has an affordable SUV for every lifestyle, whether you want a little HR-V, a flexible CR-V, or a smart Certified Pre-Owned Pilot. You can buy a reliable SUV without breaking the bank if you do your research and prepare beforehand.