It's true that SUVs generally have higher ownership costs than an equivalent hatchback, but there are plenty of modern SUVs that are surprisingly affordable to insure – so that high-riding model you’ve got your eye on may not be out of reach after all.
For this guide we’ve put together a list of the cheapest SUVs to insure, based on the insurance group ratings of the most popular used SUVs on sale. We’ve listed them in ascending order according to their insurance group rating, which means the cars at the top of our list will offer the lowest premiums of all. It’s no surprise that these are some of the cheapest SUVs to buy, but although you won’t find any large, premium-badge models here there are some rugged and practical options.
Don’t forget that insurance groups are only a guide, and aren’t a guarantee of cheap insurance cover: other factors such as where you live, where the car is kept, your driving record, and how you intend to use the car will also be used by your insurance company to calculate your car insurance premium.
As such, it’s always a good idea to get a range of car insurance quotes to find the best deal with the right level of cover. And remember: you might get a better quote if you try a specialist insurance provider.
The Cheapest SUVs to Insure 2025
- Citroen C3 Aircross
- Fiat 500X
- Toyota Aygo X
- Renault Captur
- Ford EcoSport
- Jeep Renegade
- Kia Stonic
- Seat Arona
- Seat Ateca
- Volkswagen T-Cross
- Skoda Kamiq
- Dacia Duster
- Hyundai Kona
Citroen C3 Aircross
Insurance: From group 6
The Citroen C3 Aircross has many of the best traits of Citroen’s recent models, being well-equipped, comfortable, pleasantly quirky and comparatively cheap. It’s also very family-friendly for something so small, with lots of interior space and a larger boot than a Ford Focus. As you’d expect, you need to go for the more basic models to get the lowest insurance group ratings but even these come with a decent standard of equipment.
Citroen C3 Aircross Review
Fiat 500X
Insurance: From group 6
Tying with the C3 Aircross for the lowest insurance group in this list is the Fiat 500X – a compact crossover SUV that gives you some of the design cues and character of the hugely popular Fiat 500. It’s actually significantly larger than Fiat’s retro-styled city car, although it remains compact and easy to park. The 500X isn't especially comfortable or enjoyable to drive, but as a tough-looking runabout it works well enough and its biggest saving grace is its super-cheap insurance cost.
Fiat 500X Review
Toyota Aygo X
Insurance: From group 6
The tiny Toyota Aygo X stretches the definition of what an SUV is, since it’s essentially a city car with a slightly raised ride height and some extra exterior cladding. If you’re looking for a dash of SUV styling and exceptionally low running costs, however, it’s worth a look. It’s an especially affordable option for young drivers and it also comes with a new-car warranty that could last up to ten years. It’s also brimming with attitude and stuffed with standard equipment for such a small car: even the entry-level versions get a touchscreen infotainment system.
Toyota Aygo X Review
Renault Captur
Insurance: From group 7
The Renault Captur was one of the first compact SUVs on the market and it remains one of the best thanks to its blend of style, versatility and value. Based on the Clio supermini, the Captur continues to win fans thanks to its comfortable ride quality, smart interior, and its efficient hybrid powertrain options. But the real draw of the Captur is its versatile cabin, with a big boot and sliding rear seats that allow you to prioritise passenger space or boot capacity, making it a viable option as a family car.
Renault Captur Review
Ford EcoSport
Insurance: From group 8
While the newer, sleeker Ford Puma is a better car all-round, the Ford Ecosport has the edge for insurance costs, starting at a lowly group 8 rating. The Ecosport also has an exterior design and driving position more akin to traditional 4x4 vehicles, which may be more your thing. There’s a good-sized boot for such a short car, too, although the side-hinged tailgate can be a pain if you’re in a tight parking space.
Ford EcoSport Review
Jeep Renegade
Insurance: From group 8
The Jeep Renegade has the blocky, upright looks and tough stance of Jeep’s larger models but it gives you running costs more in line with a small hatchback. For the cheapest prices and lowest insurance group ratings you need to go for one of the earlier, entry-level models – later versions are better-equipped and have upgraded powertrains but will cost you more to buy and run.
Jeep Renegade Review
Kia Stonic
Insurance: From group 8
Its small car origins (the Stonic sits on the same platform as the Kia Rio and the Hyundai i20) have helped to keep the Kia Stonic’s insurance costs low, and that isn’t the only way it can save you money, because its mild hybrid powertrain returns excellent fuel economy. Granted, it’s a bit unremarkable in most other areas, but Kia’s longer-than-average warranty helps to make up for that.
Kia Stonic Review
Seat Arona
Insurance: From group 8
The Seat Arona competes in a very competitive sector yet it remains one of the most appealing compact SUVs thanks to its neat handling, gutsy petrol engines and smart styling. It’s also good value, and it certainly wouldn’t have made this list if it didn’t also bring affordable insurance premiums to the party.
Seat Arona Review
Seat Ateca
Insurance: From group 8
The Ateca is unique on this list because, while most other cars here are compact SUVs, the Ateca is about the same size as a Kia Sportage or Nissan Qashqai. That means it’s a great choice if you need a roomy SUV that’s also cheap to insure. Only the earliest, lowest-spec versions have a group 8 rating, but even the later, plusher models should bag you an affordable insurance policy. And if that weren’t reason enough to give the Ateca a second look, it’s also great to drive.
Seat Ateca Review
Volkswagen T-Cross
Insurance: From group 8
The Volkswagen T-Cross is the brand’s smallest SUV, yet it feels anything but the runt of the litter. It looks great, for a start, with styling that makes it look more rugged than most SUVs this size. You get also get a big boot, lots of space in the back seats, low running costs and punchy little TSI petrol turbo engines. The interior has the solid build quality you expect of a VW and, unlike some of Volkswagen's newer models, everything is very user-friendly.
Volkswagen T-Cross Review
Skoda Kamiq
Insurance: From group 9
Based around the same underpinnings as the T-Cross, the Skoda Kamiq is a little larger and more crossover-like. It's a very practical car for its size and, as with every Skoda, there are lots of useful storage areas in the cabin. Under the skin, the Kamiq shares many parts with the Seat Arona and VW T-Cross; that’s no bad thing because it means that it's available with a range of engines that strike a great balance between performance and fuel economy.
Skoda Kamiq Review
Dacia Duster
Insurance: From group 9
Since the first version arrived in 2012, no new SUV has managed to offer the same blend of space, value and genuine off-road ability as the Dacia Duster. It's the second-generation model (on sale new between 2018 and 2024) that makes the cut here since the latest version has higher insurance group ratings. Stick with the second-gen car and you get a lot for your money, with mid-size SUV practicality for the price of a compact hatchback. Better still, it means you can have an off-roader fit for green lanes without bumping up your insurance premiums – that’s because some four-wheel-drive models have the same group 9 classification as front-wheel-drive versions.
Dacia Duster Review
Hyundai Kona
Insurance: From group 9
The Hyundai Kona is one of the models that has helped the brand become a major force over the past few years and it’s not hard to see why. With its futuristic looks and the choice of petrol, hybrid or electric power it’s one of the most forward-looking compact SUVs around. You also get the benefit of lots of standard features and Hyundai’s five-year warranty from new. For the lowest insurance group rating you need to choose the first-generation Kona that was on sale new between 2017 and 2023; the latest model is more practical but sits a few insurance groups higher.
Hyundai Kona Review