Cheapest New SUVs to Insure 2026

It’s no secret that SUVs are major attraction when it comes to buying a new car but while they may be big business, they come in all shapes and sizes too.

With many offering raised ride heights and beefier bodywork, while SUVs don’t have to be large in dimensions to be considered one, buyers are drawn to the way they command more authority on the road.

Better still, a small SUV is often a cost-effective way into car ownership, more so when you consider there are many quality options out there which are also affordable to insure as well.

But don’t worry about trawling through endless search queries to find the cheapest SUVs to insure, because Vertu has done the hard work for you…

NOTE: A single insurance group applies to a particular make and model – different trim levels and engines can affect the group it features.

* Insurance groups correct as of January 2026

Kia Stonic

Model: Kia Stonic 1.0 T-GDi (98) 2 & GT-Line

Insurance Group: 8

As of writing, the Kia Stonic holds the title as the most cost-effective small SUV when it comes to insurance with the 1.0 T-GDi (98) in either 2 or GT-Line trim being classified in group 8.

One of the funkier models in Kia’s acclaimed and multi award-winning range, the Stonic is a higher-riding compact hatchback with a dash of rugged sportiness thrown in for good measure.

This youth-oriented appearance stacks up well against both other SUVs and standard compact hatchbacks, with the Stonic looking like a great value alternative to models like the VW Polo and Skoda Fabia with its generously specified interior and premium materials.

Better yet, being a Kia, it comes with one of the industry’s very best aftersales packages with a full seven-year/100,000-mile warranty coming as standard.

NOTE: This insurance group refers to the pre-facelift model [pictured]. The updated Stonic is set to go on sale later this Spring

Volkswagen T-Cross

Model: Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI (95) Life

Insurance Group: 9

Volkswagen has become something of an expert when it comes to SUVs with models – all beginning with the letter ‘T’ - straddling myriad segments to appeal to a wide range of customers.

It all starts with the appropriately titled Volkswagen T-Cross, which serves the purpose as the SUV equivalent of a Polo.

And, like the Polo upon which it is based, the T-Cross is a cost-effective model to run with one of the lowest insurance groups for any SUV out there (9).

Though related to the Polo, the T-Cross feels like a more substantial vehicle inside and out, whether it’s the upright body style, chunkier bumpers or airy, well-laid out quality interior.

SEAT Arona

Model: SEAT Arona 1.0TSI (95) S & SE

Insurance Group: 10

By sharing its underpinnings with the Volkswagen T-Cross – as well as several other Volkswagen Group models – it stands to reason that the SEAT Arona too would also come in as one of the cheapest SUVs on the market to insure.

Despite the related architecture, SEAT has gone to the effort of differentiating the Arona from its cousin, so while the T-Cross adopts a rugged appearance, its Spanish counterpart has a smoother, more upmarket finish.

Style is subjective, of course, but the Arona appeals with its timeless design, which is peppered with some interesting design flourishes, from the high-set circular headlights up front, subtle use of silver trim and tapered c-pillar.

Things get more familiar inside but the Arona appeals with its logically laid-out dashboard that feels higher quality than its attractive price point might suggest.

It also feels like one of the more refined small SUVs to drive with a strong and frugal engine range, not least the base 95bhp 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder, that also just happens to count towards its low insurance group classification.

Toyota Yaris Cross

Model: Toyota Yaris Cross 1.5VVT-i Hybrid (116) auto Icon

Insurance Group: 11

Given the enduring popularity of the Toyota Yaris, it’s little surprise that the Japanese firm had a major hit on its hands with the hatchback’s SUV sibling, the Toyota Yaris Cross.

Temptingly low running costs are a clear focus on the Yaris Cross package with Toyota complementing its affordable insurance grouping (11) with the addition of a self-charging hybrid powertrain that ekes fuel economy to class-leading levels.

As such, despite having a punchy 116bhp 1.5-litre engine ready to respond to your right foot, the Yaris Cross achieves almost 65mpg – and all with no need to lose time charging the electric motor.

If that wasn’t appealing enough, the Yaris Cross gets the other basics right for a small SUV – it rides appealingly high, the styling cuts a dash in the city and it is perky to drive too.

Oh, and being a Toyota, you can be almost certain that build quality and reliability will be en pointe too.

Discover New Toyota Yaris Cross Deals at Vertu

Ford Puma

Model: Ford Puma 1.0T EcoBoost (125) Titanium & ST-Line

Insurance Group: 12

The nation’s most popular car, it is reassuring to know that the accomplished Ford Puma is also affordable to buy, run and insure.

The spiritual successor to the now discontinued Ford Fiesta, the Puma picks up the reins from its iconic sibling as a practical, well-built and – best of all – fantastic handling compact hatchback.

Indeed, the SUV dimensions do nothing to harm the Puma’s driving enjoyment, making it as refined on the open road as it is nippy through the urban jungle.

Better yet, the Puma consolidates its fun to drive status with a responsive 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine range, while the Titanium and ST-Line trims are generous too.

Nissan Juke

Model: Nissan Juke 1.0 DIG-T (114) Acenta Premium

Insurance Group: 12

Just as it did with the Qashqai years before, Nissan all-but-revolutionised the small SUV sector with the introduction of the Nissan Juke.

Remarkably, while countless rivals have come to steal the Juke’s thunder, Nissan’s original concept is still one of the most daring out there even if the second-generation model has sharpened up some of the OG’s more divisive points.

Regardless, the Juke’s youthful exuberance remains in evidence, making it an attractive first-time buyer’s car, a fact complemented by it being affordable to insurance based on its group 13 classification.

For that, the Juke stands out from the crowd, is one of the best-handling SUVs out there and gets a well-kitted out, solidly built interior.

Nissan Qashqai

Model: Nissan Qashqai 1.3 DiG-T (140) Acenta Premium

Insurance Group: 12

While every other SUV in this ranking would be regarded as ‘small’ in categorisation, the Nissan Qashqai proves you can get a spacious, family-oriented SUV on a great value insurance policy.

Indeed, while the Qashqai might have once been described as a ‘small SUV’, the latest generation model is placed in a much larger category and is established as one of the UK’s foremost family car choices.

It’s not hard to see why, the Qashqai blending mature, striking looks with smooth ride and refinement, while packing a huge 504-litre boot and plenty of space for five people inside.

The UK-built machine also feels reassuringly well put together, while the 1.3-litre mild-hybrid engine affixed to the lowest insurance group produces upwards of 45mpg and lowly CO2 emissions figures.

Skoda Kamiq

Model: Skoda Kamiq 1.0 TSI (95) SE Edition

Insurance Group: 12

Joining its sister models (VW T-Cross and SEAT Arona) in this ranking, the Skoda Kamiq offers the Czechia firm’s ‘Simply Clever’ approach to motoring in a great value small SUV package.

Much like other models in the Skoda range, the firm provides its own take on the standard Volkswagen platform, namely plying the platform to maximise interior and boot space.

As such, the Kamiq feels like a bigger small SUV on the road than the VW or SEAT, which in turn gives it a mature driving experience even with the same 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine.

With its understated but sophisticated Skoda design signatures and a well-laid out, quality interior, the Kamiq feels like one of the more grown-up models in the small SUV class, despite its low insurance group classification.