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?

Here are the cheapest SUVs to insure in 2026, listed with their nationwide annual average premiums. Premiums may vary based on state, driving record and insurance company.

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 Gutierrez, 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 SUV size, insurance companies tend to increase premiums from a smaller SUV to a midsize and then a 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.

Cheapest small SUVs to insure, by company

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 Atlas, Mazda CX-70 and Mazda CX-90 compare.

Cheapest midsize SUVs to insure, by company

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.

Cheapest full-size SUVs to insure, by company

Why are smaller SUVs cheaper to insure?

Small SUVs are cheaper to insure because they typically have lower market values, smaller engines, and better safety ratings, all of which lower insurance costs. Compare the compact  Honda CR-V, which costs $2,316 per year to insure, and the full-size Chevrolet Tahoe, which costs $2,722 per year — that’s $406 more per year for the same driver and coverage limits. The gap is even more pronounced for teen drivers.

“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, 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?

It’s generally less expensive to insure a gas-powered SUV than a hybrid or electric model.

“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.

It’s worth noting that all of the cheapest EVs and hybrids to insure are SUVs.

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?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, car insurance prices rose 17.4% year-over-year from 2022 to 2023 and 17.8% from 2023 to 2024. But in 2025, the full-year increase was 2.8%, the smallest annual gain in five years. As of February 2026, the year-over-year rate had risen again to 5.9% — still well below the 2023 peak, but a sign that rate pressure hasn’t fully eased.

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 SUV rates for male drivers at ages 18 and 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 your SUV’s premium. 

Your driving record has a significant impact on rates. Drivers with speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or DUIs on their motor vehicle record pay steep surcharges compared to drivers with a clean driving history. According to CarInsurance.com high-risk driver data, you’ll pay an average of 52% more for a speeding ticket, 57% more for an accident, and 103% more with a DUI.

How often you use the car matters. Insurers consider your annual mileage when setting rates. High-mileage drivers tend to pay more, as they’re on the road more often. If you drive less than the average person, ask whether you qualify for a low-mileage or usage-based discount.

Where you live affects your rate. Your ZIP code can determine how much you pay for car insurance. Drivers in areas with high traffic volume or a higher theft rate tend to pay more for coverage. Your state also plays a role, because insurance (including coverage requirements and tort laws) is regulated at the state level. 

Rates are typically very expensive for the very young. Teen and young adult drivers have less experience behind the wheel, so they’re more likely to be involved in an accident. Consider the average rate for a Subaru Crosstrek: It’s $2,299 per year for a 40-year-old, but it more than triples to $7,304 for an 18–year-old.

Your gender can also affect your costs, with men typically paying more than women. In the 43 states where insurance companies can price insurance by gender, men tend to pay higher rates, though the difference narrows as drivers approach age 40.

In some states, a poor credit history can mean higher rates. Most states allow insurers to use a credit-based insurance score to set rates, with lower scores often receiving higher rates. Credit history cannot be used as a pricing factor in California, Hawaii, or Massachusetts.

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. You could get a discount for bundling your auto insurance with homeowners insurance through the same company, or for signing up for autopay or paperless statements. 

You can also save on car insurance for an SUV by staying accident-free and avoiding speeding tickets and DUIs. 

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

• Shop around: The most reliable way to save hundreds of dollars on car insurance is to compare quotes from several insurers. Get at least three quotes with the same coverage and amounts, and always ask about discounts. You don’t have to wait for renewal time, either.
• Do your research: You’ll want to see precisely what coverage you need. Look at your state’s minimum insurance requirements to see what’s mandatory and what’s optional. If you own your car outright, dropping collision and comprehensive coverage on an older, lower-value SUV could help lower your rates. Increasing your deductible to $500 or $1,000 could also lower your premiums, but run the numbers first.
• Consider your lifestyle and budget: Homeowners who bundle home and auto could save between 10% and 25%, while signing up for auto-pay or paying in full up front could cut $50 to $100 off your bill each year.

How do SUV insurance costs compare to trucks and sedans?

SUVs typically cost more to insure than trucks, but less than sedans.

On average, it costs $2,892 per year to insure a truck. That’s cheaper than the average cost to insure a sedan at $3,781 per year

Final thoughts on cheap insurance for SUVs

When it comes to cheap insurance for SUVs, three factors play a major part: Size, company and age. 

The cheapest small SUV costs an average of $208 less per year than the cheapest large SUV. When considering an insurance company, Travelers leads the pack with the lowest average rate across all size classes. And age may matter most of all: a teen driver pays an average of more than $5,000 more to insure the cheapest SUV than a 40-year-old. 

While car insurance rates aren’t increasing quite as fast as they did in the recent past, rate shopping regularly will help you maintain affordable coverage and avoid paying more than you need to.

Frequently Asked Questions: SUVs

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

Yes. SUV insurance usually costs more for new models because they have a higher replacement value, so insurers must pay out more if the car is totaled or stolen. Newer SUVs also have driver assistance and safety features that can be more expensive to repair. As a vehicle ages, its value and insurance costs tend to drop.

What are the most expensive SUVs to insure?

The most expensive SUVs to insure in 2026 are the Jeep Grand Wagoneer ($4,188/year), the Ineos Grenadier ($3,875/year), and the Jeep Wagoneer ($3,323/year), based on CarInsurance.com’s rate data for a 40-year-old driver with full coverage. These vehicles have high replacement values, complex electronics, and expensive finishes, all of which increase insurance rates.

Are crossover SUVs cheaper to insure than traditional SUVs?

Generally, yes, crossover SUVs are cheaper to insure than traditional or body-on-frame SUVs, which are larger. Crossover SUVs are often lighter, with smaller engines, and are less expensive to repair. The average rate for a compact Honda CR-V is $2,316 per year, compared to $2,722 for a Chevrolet Tahoe.

Does the weight of an SUV affect its insurance premium?

Yes, heavier SUVs tend to be more expensive to insure than lighter SUVs because their mass can cause more severe damage in an accident, both to the vehicle itself and to the other cars involved. However, insurers don’t assign rates to vehicles based on weight; rather, they base them on vehicle class, safety ratings, replacement value, and the average cost of repairs..

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

Yes, modifying an SUV can increase car insurance costs because it increases the vehicle’s replacement value. Some policies don’t cover aftermarket parts at all, which means you’d have to pay out of pocket to fix or replace your modifications. Let your insurer know about all modifications to avoid insurance disputes later.

Resources & Methodology

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Motor vehicle insurance in U.S. city average, all urban consumers, not seasonally adjusted.” Accessed May 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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