Written by: VehiclesInformation Editorial Team · Fact-checked against: state insurance department rules and 2026 rate data (our methodology) · Last reviewed: October 2026
The cheapest SUVs to insure in 2026 are small, family-focused models such as the Honda CR-V, Honda HR-V, Subaru Forester and Mazda CX-30, at roughly $150 to $170 a month for full coverage, below the $175 U.S. average for all cars. Among three-row SUVs, the Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot are usually cheapest. Luxury and performance SUVs cost the most, often $215 a month or more.
Estimate your own SUV insurance with our car insurance calculator by choosing “SUV / crossover.”
Cheapest SUVs to insure by size
| Size | Model | Est. full coverage (monthly) | Why it is cheap to insure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subcompact | Honda HR-V | $150–$175 | Low repair costs, strong safety scores |
| Subcompact | Mazda CX-30 | $162–$170 | Top crash ratings, standard safety tech |
| Subcompact | Hyundai Kona | $165–$172 | Affordable parts |
| Compact | Honda CR-V | $155–$165 | Very common, cheap parts, careful buyers |
| Compact | Subaru Forester | $160–$168 | Standard AWD and EyeSight safety |
| Compact | Toyota RAV4 | $170–$181 | Popular; hybrid and TRD trims cost more |
| 3-row | Kia Telluride | $168–$180 | Family buyers, good safety |
| 3-row | Toyota Highlander | $168–$180 | Low claim rates |
| 3-row | Honda Pilot | $168–$180 | Common parts |
| Full-size | Chevrolet Tahoe | $185–$200 | Higher value and repair costs |
Ranges are for a 30- to 40-year-old driver with a clean record and a $500 deductible, based on 2025–2026 published rate studies and our vehicle-class model. For example, full coverage on a Toyota RAV4 averages about $174 a month, from about $170 for the LE trim to about $181 for the TRD Off-Road. Your state, age and record change these numbers far more than the model does.
Why some SUVs cost less to insure
- Safety ratings: top crash scores and standard automatic emergency braking reduce injury claims.
- Repair costs: common models have cheap, easy-to-find parts.
- Engine power: base engines mean fewer high-speed crashes.
- Theft rates: models that thieves target cost more to insure.
- Who drives them: family SUVs are, on average, driven carefully.
Trim and model year matter
Within the same SUV, newer model years and top trims cost more to insure because they are worth more and have costlier sensors, lights and wheels. Hybrid versions often cost a little more than gas versions for the same reason. An older SUV costs less mainly because collision and comprehensive cost less as its value falls.
How to pay less to insure an SUV
- Choose a base or mid trim instead of a sport or luxury trim.
- Pick a model with standard driver-assist safety features.
- Get quotes from at least three insurers before you buy the SUV.
- Raise your deductible to $1,000 if you have savings.
- Bundle with home or renters insurance.
- Ask about safety, anti-theft and low-mileage discounts.
Upcoming SUVs to watch
See expected prices and trims for the 2027 Toyota RAV4, 2027 Honda HR-V and 2027 Toyota 4Runner. For every vehicle type, see our list of the cheapest cars to insure.
SUV insurance by driver type
| Driver | Good low-cost SUV picks | Est. full coverage (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Teen (on parent policy) | Honda HR-V, Subaru Forester | extra $190–$250 |
| Young adult (20–24) | Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-30 | $250–$280 |
| Family (30–55) | Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander | $168–$180 |
| Retiree (65+) | Subaru Forester, Honda CR-V | $175–$190 |
Safety features that lower SUV insurance
- Automatic emergency braking
- Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Lane-keeping assist
- Anti-theft immobilizer and tracking
- Top crash-test ratings
Ask your insurer which features earn discounts; not all do.
SUVs that cost more to insure
Performance SUVs, large luxury SUVs and some high-theft models cost the most. Turbocharged top trims, 21-inch wheels and advanced headlight and sensor packages raise repair bills. Large full-size SUVs also cost more because they cause more damage in a crash.
Frequently asked questions
Are SUVs cheaper to insure than cars?
Small SUVs are often a little cheaper than sedans because they are safer and driven carefully. Large and luxury SUVs cost more.
What is the cheapest 3-row SUV to insure?
Usually the Kia Telluride, Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot.
Do hybrid SUVs cost more to insure?
Often slightly more than the gas version because they are worth more and cost more to repair.
Is a used SUV cheaper to insure?
Yes. A 2016 Honda HR-V averages about $1,490 a year to insure, compared with about $2,090 for a 2025 model.
About our numbers
Prices on this page are estimates for U.S. drivers, built from 2025–2026 published rate studies (including Insurify, CarInsurance.com, The Zebra and state insurance department rules) and our own pricing model. Percentages for age, tickets, accidents, DUI, credit and vehicle type are our model estimates, not quotes. Your insurer, ZIP code and history will change your price. Read how we estimate car insurance costs.
This is general information, not insurance or legal advice.
VehiclesInformation Editorial Team
The VehiclesInformation Editorial Team researches and writes our car and car insurance guides for U.S. drivers. Insurance figures are checked against state insurance department rules and published 2026 rate studies, and pages are updated when laws or rates change. Read how we estimate car insurance costs.
