Cheapest SUVs to insure in 2026

If you’re in the market for an SUV, you should understand how much it costs to insure a sport utility vehicle and where to find the cheapest insurance. This information will help you budget insurance costs into your total cost of ownership and ensure you don’t pay more for insurance than you should.

This guide lists the least-expensive SUVs to insure, the insurance companies offering the cheapest policies and suggestions on how to save on your premiums.

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Contents

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

• Cheapest SUVs to insure
• Does SUV size affect insurance rates?
• Why small SUVs cost less
• Why large SUVs are costlier to insure
• Gas vs hybrid vs electric SUV insurance
• Cheapest car insurance companies
• Insurance cost for 18 year olds vs 40-year-olds
• Factors that affect SUV insurance costs
• How to save on SUV insurance
• Final thoughts
• FAQs

Which are the cheapest SUVs to insure?

Below is a list of the cheapest SUVs to insure in 2026:

No. 1: Subaru Crosstrek

• Cost: $2,299 per year, $192 per month

No. 2: Jeep Wrangler

• Cost: $2,307 per year, $192 per month

No. 3: Honda CR-V

• Cost: $2,316 per year, $193 per month

No. 4: Volkswagen Tiguan

• Cost: $2,329 per year, $194 per month

No. 5: Mazda CX-5

• Cost: $2,344 per year, $195 per month

Sub-compact SUVs have smaller engines and a whole suite of safety features, which makes them cheaper to insure than most other vehicles, including sedans, trucks and luxury SUVs. Insurance companies often charge lower rates for compact SUVs than regular SUVs because they are less likely to cause damage to other cars in an accident. 

“Compact SUVs tend to be smaller, lighter and have less horsepower than their full-size counterparts,” says Joyce Ann Guiterrez, an automotive expert with 4WheelOnline.com, an aftermarket truck parts retailer. “This means they’re less likely to cause damage in an accident and are easier to control.” 

Do insurance companies consider the size of an SUV when setting policy prices?

Insurance companies calculate premiums based on varying factors, such as the likelihood of theft, engine size, overall vehicle safety, repair costs and total value. When it comes to the size of an SUV, insurance companies tend to increase premiums from a smaller SUV to a midsize and full-size SUV. 

For example, the relatively small Honda CR-V’s average annual premium costs $2,316. By comparison, a full-size Chevrolet Tahoe costs an average of $2,722 annually to insure.

Learn more about average premium rate differences and the cheapest insurance companies in the following SUV rankings. 

What is the cheapest small SUV to insure?

According to our analysis, the Mazda CX-5 is the cheapest small SUV to insure, with an annual rate of $1,602 through Travelers. The table below highlights how other vehicles, such as the Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4, compare.

What is the cheapest midsize SUV to insure?

The Subaru Ascent is the cheapest midsize SUV to insure, with an average annual rate of $1,481 from Travelers. The table below highlights how other vehicles like the Subaru Ascent, Volkswagen Atla, Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-70 compare.

What is the cheapest full-size SUV to insure?

The Chevrolet Tahoe is the cheapest full-size SUV to insure, with an average annual rate of $1,810 through Travelers. The table below highlights how vehicles like the Toyota Sequoia, GMC Yukon and the Chevrolet Suburban compare.

Why are smaller SUVs cheaper to insure?

Small SUVs are cheaper to insure because they are smaller with smaller engines, have advanced safety features and are easier to maneuver in traffic.

“If you go with a midsize SUV, such as a Subaru Ascent or Volkswagen Atlas, your rates will be lower. However, if you choose an extended automobile like the Ford Excursion, you can anticipate spending more on insurance,” Guiterrez says. “These automobiles are harder to handle in traffic and are more prone to accident involvement. Shorter SUVs are easier to maneuver and less likely to roll over, so they typically have lower insurance rates than longer SUVs.”

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Why are large SUVs costlier to insure than other vehicles?

Large SUVs are typically more expensive to insure than smaller vehicles because they cause more extensive damage in an accident. 

Let’s take a look at why large SUVs can be pricey to insure: 

• Rollover risk: SUVs are more likely to be in a rollover accident because they’re bigger.
• Claim rate: Large SUVs can cause more damage in accidents, leading to pricier claims and higher insurance rates overall. 
• Costly repairs: The high-tech features and expensive finishes on luxury SUVs are costly to repair or replace. 

“Larger SUVs are more expensive to insure because they are more likely to cause damage in the event of a collision,” Guiterrez says. “SUV drivers also usually have less driving experience than smaller car drivers, leading to more accidents.”

How do insurance rates differ for gas, hybrid and electric SUVs?

“EV insurance tends to be more costly since repairs are pricier, fewer repair shops are available and there is a cybersecurity risk,” says Kristopher Barber, founder and principal attorney of the Texas-based Barber Law Firm. “EVs are also pricier and have additional complex technology, including autonomous driving features, which contribute to additional potential liability.”

Insuring an electric SUV or hybrid SUV is more expensive than insuring a gas-powered one. For example, a gas-powered Hyundai Kona costs $2,460 annually to insure, while the electric version costs $2,544 for the same coverage. Similarly, a gas-powered Honda CR-V costs $2,310 to insure for a year, while the hybrid version costs $2,506.

Which companies offer the cheapest car insurance for SUVs?

Travelers offers the cheapest SUV insurance rates, starting at an annual average premium of $1,472 for a Subaru Crosstrek. Progressive follows at an average annual rate of $1,888 for a Toyota 4Runner.

See the table below for the top insurance companies’ average annual SUV premiums.

How has the cost of SUV insurance changed over time?

The cost of insuring a vehicle has risen dramatically in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As drivers returned to the roads, accidents increased, and the cost of vehicles, parts, and repairs soared with inflation. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, the cost of car insurance rose 17.4% year over year from 2022 to 2023 and 17.8% year over year from 2023 to 2024. Rates continued to rise in 2025, up 11% year over year in March.

How much is insurance for an SUV for an 18-year-old vs. a 40-year-old?

Insurers consider your age when determining insurance premiums. Younger drivers pay more for car insurance than experienced drivers. For example, a 40-year-old pays an average of $2,299 annually to insure a Subaru Crosstrek. In contrast, an 18-year-old pays an average of $7,304 annually to insure the exact same vehicle. 

The table below highlights differences in rates for SUVS for male drivers at age 18 vs. 40.

New vs used SUVs: Which are cheaper to insure?

Generally, used cars are less expensive to insure due to their lower value and the fact that new cars depreciate as soon as you drive them off the lot. However, insurance costs vary based on your unique situation, which could lead to higher costs for insuring a used SUV. 

Factors that affect the insurance rate for your SUV

Insurance companies consider many factors when determining premiums for your SUV. Some of these include:

• Your driving record
• How often you use the car
• Where you live
• Your age
• Your gender
• Your credit history

How can you save monthly on SUV car insurance?

There are a handful of ways you can trim some dollars off your car insurance premiums. For instance, you can look for discounts by bundling your auto insurance with homeowners insurance through the same company or signing up for autopay or paperless statements.

Other ways you can save on car insurance for an SUV include staying accident-free and remaining a loyal customer with the same insurer. 

Before you buy insurance for an SUV, check these items off your list:

• Shop around: The beauty of car insurance shopping is that you can hop on another policy with another insurance company anytime. Get at least three quotes with the same coverage and amounts and ask about discounts.
• Do your research: You’ll want to see precisely what coverage you need. Look at your state’s minimum insurance requirements. And if you took out an auto loan or are leasing your car, you’ll be required to carry full coverage insurance.
• Consider your lifestyle and budget: If you put a lot of miles on your car, then a mileage-based policy won’t be for you. Do you intend to use your SUV as a commuter? Will you be taking it off-roading on weekend adventures?

Trucks vs. SUVs vs. sedans: Which are cheaper to insure?

On average, it costs $2,892 per year to insure a truck. That’s higher than the average cost to insure an SUV at $2,976 per year or the average cost to insure a sedan at $3,781 annually. 

Final thoughts on cheap insurance for SUVs

When shopping for insurance for your SUV, consider what you use your car for, how often you drive, and your personal budget. If you want cheaper car insurance rates, opt for a subcompact SUV with a smaller engine and the latest safety features. 

Frequently Asked Questions: SUVs

Does SUV insurance cost more for new models than older models?

Typically, SUV insurance costs more for new models due to a higher underlying value and replacement cost. Older SUVs may be more affordable to insure.

What are the most expensive SUVs to insure?

Some of the more expensive SUVs to insure include the Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Ineos Grenadier and Jeep Wagoneer.

Are crossover SUVs cheaper to insure than traditional SUVs?

Yes, smaller SUVs are cheaper to insure than larger SUVs.

Does the weight of an SUV affect its insurance premium?

Generally, full-sized SUVs are more expensive to insure than smaller SUVs.

Does modifying an SUV (e.g., lift kits, custom wheels) increase insurance costs?

Yes, modifying an SUV often increases car insurance costs. The size of the increase varies depending on the situation, but it is typically significant because it creates higher repair costs.

Resources & Methodology

Sources

Insurance Information Institute. “What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?” Accessed March 2026. 

Methodology

CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates. The rates are based on the sample profiles of 40-year-old male and female drivers carrying full coverage policies with limits of 100/300/100 and $500 collision and comprehensive deductibles. Read the detailed methodology for more information.

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