Cheapest SUVs to insure in 2025

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 allow you to budget the insurance price 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.

ZIP Code Please enter valid ZIP

Get Quotes

Contents

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

• Which are the cheapest SUVs to insure?
• Do insurance companies consider the size of an SUV when setting policy prices?
• Why are smaller SUVs cheaper to insure?
• Why are large SUVs costlier to insure than other vehicles?
• How do insurance rates differ for gas, hybrid and electric SUVs?
• Which companies offer the cheapest car insurance for SUVs?
• How has the cost of SUV insurance changed over time?
• How much is insurance for an SUV for an 18-year-old vs. a 40-year-old?
• New vs used SUVs: Which are cheaper to insure?
• Factors that affect the insurance rate for your SUV
• How can you save monthly on SUV car insurance?
• Trucks vs. SUVs vs. sedans: Which are cheaper to insure?
• Final thoughts on cheap insurance for SUVs
• Frequently asked questions on SUVs

Which are the cheapest SUVs to insure?

Nationwide and Progressive offer the cheapest car insurance for SUVs. Nationwide’s average annual premium for SUV insurance was $1,402 for the Honda CR-V.

No. 1: Honda CR-V

• Insurance company: Nationwide
• Cost: $1,402 per year, $117 per month

No. 2: Subaru Forester (tie)

• Insurance company: Nationwide
• Cost: $1,444 per year, $120 per month

No. 2: Honda Pilot (tie)

• Insurance company: Nationwide
• Cost: $1,444 per year, $120 per month

No. 3: Volkswagen Tiguan

• Insurance company: Nationwide
• Cost: $1,465 per year, $122 per month

No. 4: Toyota 4-Runner

• Insurance company: Nationwide
• Cost: $1,547 per year, $129 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 $1,402. By comparison, a full-size Chevrolet Tahoe costs an average of $1,680 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 Honda CR-V is the cheapest small SUV to insure, with an annual rate of $1,402 through Nationwide. The table below highlights how other vehicles compare.

What is the cheapest midsize SUV to insure?

The Honda Pilot is the cheapest midsize SUV to insure, with an average annual rate of $1,444 from Nationwide. The table below highlights how other vehicles compare to the Pilot.

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 $1,680 through Nationwide. The table below highlights how other vehicles compare to the Tahoe.

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 Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V, 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.”

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 an accident, which translates to pricier claims and higher insurance rates overall. 
• Costly repairs: The expensive finishes and high-tech features on luxury SUVs are expensive 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 a gas-powered one. For example, a gas-powered Hyundai Kona costs $2,048 annually to insure, while the electric version costs $2,276 per year for identical coverage. Similarly, a gas-powered Honda CR-V costs $1,932 to insure for a year, while the hybrid version costs $2,164.

Which companies offer the cheapest car insurance for SUVs?

Nationwide offers the cheapest SUV insurance rates, starting at an annual average premium of $1,402 for a Honda CR-V. Progressive follows at an average annual rate of $1,578 for a Volkswagen Taos.

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 $1,932 annually to insure a Honda CR-V. In contrast, an 18-year-old pays an average of $7,038 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 $2,667 per year to insure a truck. That’s higher than the average cost to insure an SUV at $2,316 per year or the average cost to insure a sedan at $2,403 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 on SUVs

Resources & Methodology

Sources

Insurance Information Institute. “What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?” Accessed May 2025. 

Methodology

CarInsurance.com editors collected rates from Quadrant Information Services for a 40-year-old male with a 12-mile commute and 10,000 annual mileage for a full coverage insurance policy with limits of 100/300/100 and $500 comprehensive and collision deductibles. We analyzed 67,566,780 records, 1,661 car models, 510 ZIP codes and 57 insurance companies nationwide.

Still have a question? Ask our experts

Get advice from an experienced insurance professional. Our experts will help you navigate your insurance questions with clarity and confidence.

Browse all FAQs

Your Question Please enter a valid input Min 50 to max 250 characters are allowed. Only (& ? , .) charcters are allowed.

Your Email Address

All information provided will remain confidential.

Please enter a valid input

Ask our experts

Browse all FAQ’s >>

Error: Security check failed

Thank You, Your message has been received. Our team of auto insurance experts typically answers questions within five working days. Note that due to the volume of questions we receive, not all may be answered. You are a bot!

↻ Ask another question

Meet our editorial team

Scott Nyerges Managing Editor

Scott Nyerges is an insurance expert who writes and edits for QuinStreet’s CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. He is a former senior editor and content strategist at U.S. News & World Report, where he led coverage of car insurance and other personal insurance lines. He also served as a managing editor for Consumer Reports and a news programmer for MSN.

Read full bio

Laura Longero Executive Editor

Laura Longero is an insurance expert with more than 15 years of experience educating people about personal finance topics and helping consumers navigate the complexities of auto insurance. She writes and edits for QuinStreet’s CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Prior to joining QuinStreet, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network.

Read full bio