Top 10 Cheapest 4x4 Cars to Insure in the UK (2026)

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4x4 cars are designed for extra traction, raised ride height and tougher driving conditions, but that does not always mean high insurance costs. Some 4x4 models are surprisingly affordable to insure when they use modest petrol engines, simpler four-wheel drive systems and sensible trim levels. If you plan to compare car insurance before buying, understanding how insurers assess 4x4 vehicles can help manage the overall cost of car insurance.

The figures below are indicative UK averages, based on market data and Free Price Compare analysis. Actual premiums vary depending on driving record, mileage, insurance provider and vehicle specification.

Check 4x4 insurance costs by model

Why 4x4 cars are insured differently from SUVs

Insurance companies assess 4x4 cars differently from standard SUVs because of how they are built and used. Key factors include:

  • Type of wheel drive (permanent 4x4 vs part-time AWD)
  • Ride height and traction capability
  • Use on tough terrain or off-road surfaces
  • Repair costs and drivetrain complexity
  • Insurance group rating for the exact model

Basic or part-time 4x4 systems are usually cheaper to insure than permanent four-wheel drive setups found on premium models.

Top 10 Cheapest 4x4 Cars to Insure – Cost Overview

4x4 model Typical used price Est. annual insurance cost* Insurance group
Dacia Duster 4x4 £9,000–£13,000 £440–£680 9–12
Suzuki Jimny £10,000–£15,000 £450–£700 12–15
Suzuki Vitara ALLGRIP £9,500–£14,000 £460–£720 12–18
Jeep Renegade 4x4 £10,000–£15,500 £470–£740 14–18
Nissan Qashqai AWD £11,000–£16,000 £480–£760 14–17
Kia Sportage AWD £11,500–£17,000 £490–£780 15–18
Honda CR-V AWD £12,000–£18,000 £500–£800 16–19
Subaru XV AWD £11,000–£16,500 £500–£810 16–19
Subaru Forester AWD £12,000–£18,500 £510–£830 17–20
Fiat Panda 4x4 £9,000–£13,500 £460–£720 12–15

*Indicative insurance costs based on UK averages.

When you compare car insurance prices for 4x4 vehicles, differences in drivetrain design, engine output and repair complexity often explain why premiums vary so widely.

See how 4x4 insurance groups compare

1. Dacia Duster 4x4

  • Typical used price: £9,000–£13,000
  • Estimated insurance cost: £440–£680
  • Insurance group: 9–12

The Dacia Duster 4x4 is one of the cheapest true 4x4s to insure in the UK, offering genuine traction without premium-brand costs.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Low insurance group rating
  • Simple four-wheel drive system
  • Low repair costs
Dacia Duster 4x4
Suzuki Jimny

2. Suzuki Jimny

  • Typical used price: £10,000–£15,000
  • Estimated insurance cost: £450–£700
  • Insurance group: 12–15

The Suzuki Jimny is a compact off-roader with strong traction but modest power, keeping insurance costs under control.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Lightweight design
  • Small petrol engine
  • Strong safety kit for its size

3. Suzuki Vitara ALLGRIP

  • Typical used price: £9,500–£14,000
  • Estimated insurance cost: £460–£720
  • Insurance group: 12–18

The Vitara ALLGRIP uses an on-demand system rather than permanent 4x4, helping reduce insurance costs.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Part-time wheel drive system
  • Good fuel economy
  • Strong reliability record
Suzuki Vitara ALLGRIP
Jeep Renegade 4x4

4. Jeep Renegade 4x4

  • Typical used price: £10,000–£15,500
  • Estimated insurance cost: £470–£740
  • Insurance group: 14–18

The Renegade offers proper 4x4 capability in a compact package, keeping insurance costs lower than larger Jeep models.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Smaller size than traditional off-roaders
  • Reasonable repair costs
  • Widely available parts

5. Nissan Qashqai AWD

  • Typical used price: £11,000–£16,000
  • Estimated insurance cost: £480–£760
  • Insurance group: 14–17

The Qashqai AWD is more family-focused than off-road-focused, which insurers often see as lower risk.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Strong safety technology
  • Family-oriented driving patterns
  • Moderate engine power
Nissan Qashqai AWD

Check insurance groups for similar 4x4s

Kia Sportage AWD

6. Kia Sportage AWD

  • Typical used price: £11,500–£17,000
  • Estimated insurance cost: £490–£780
  • Insurance group: 15–18

Older and entry-level Sportage AWD models are often cheaper to insure than expected for a mainstream 4x4.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Proven reliability
  • Long warranty history
  • Good parts availability

7. Honda CR-V AWD

  • Typical used price: £12,000–£18,000
  • Estimated insurance cost: £500–£800
  • Insurance group: 16–19

The CR-V AWD is larger but benefits from a strong reliability reputation and sensible engine choices.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Excellent safety record
  • Lower claim frequency
  • Family-focused use
Honda CR-V AWD
Subaru XV AWD

8. Subaru XV AWD

  • Typical used price: £11,000–£16,500
  • Estimated insurance cost: £500–£810
  • Insurance group: 16–19

Subaru’s permanent AWD system offers strong traction, but modest power outputs help contain insurance costs.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Strong safety kit
  • Controlled engine output
  • Reliable drivetrain

9. Subaru Forester AWD

  • Typical used price: £12,000–£18,500
  • Estimated insurance cost: £510–£830
  • Insurance group: 17–20

The Forester is a larger 4x4, but insurers often rate it lower than premium rivals due to safety and reliability.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • High safety ratings
  • Predictable repair costs
  • Practical family use
Subaru Forester AWD
Fiat Panda 4x4

10. Fiat Panda 4x4

  • Typical used price: £9,000–£13,500
  • Estimated insurance cost: £460–£720
  • Insurance group: 12–15

The Fiat Panda 4x4 is one of the smallest and lightest true 4x4s available.

Why it’s cheap to insure:

  • Small engine and lightweight body
  • Simple mechanics
  • Lower replacement cost

Ride height and traction: how insurers assess 4x4 risk

A raised ride height and four-wheel traction can change how insurers view risk, but they are not the main drivers of price. Insurers focus more on engine output, drivetrain complexity and repair exposure than on height alone.

Compact 4x4s with simpler systems and controlled power delivery are usually cheaper to insure than heavier off-road vehicles built for extreme terrain. Models designed mainly for road use, with occasional traction support, tend to sit in a more manageable insurance group.

See how traction and insurance groups compare

Fuel economy, road tax and the cost of insuring a 4x4

Fuel economy and emissions do not directly set insurance premiums, but they influence overall ownership risk. 4x4s with modest fuel use and lower emissions often fall into lower road tax bands, which insurers associate with more cost-conscious ownership.

Older petrol 4x4s with proven reliability are often cheaper to insure than newer hybrid or electric models, where battery systems and advanced tech can raise repair costs after a claim.

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Practical ways to reduce the cost of 4x4 insurance

Lower 4x4 insurance costs usually come from choosing the right vehicle and presenting lower risk to insurers.

  • Pick simpler four-wheel drive systems rather than permanent AWD
  • Avoid high-output engines and performance trims
  • Declare realistic annual miles based on actual use
  • Keep your driving record clean and up to date
  • Use factory security features such as immobilisers and alarms

Drivers who review their policy details and vehicle choice often achieve better value cover without reducing protection.

Find better-value 4x4 insurance

FAQs: Cheapest 4x4 Cars to Insure

Models such as the Dacia Duster 4x4, Suzuki Jimny and Fiat Panda 4x4 are often among the cheapest to insure. These vehicles usually sit in a lower insurance group because they have modest petrol engines, simpler four-wheel drive systems and lower repair costs.

In many cases, yes. True 4x4 systems add complexity and cost compared with standard SUVs, but compact 4x4 models with sensible engines can still offer great value and competitive insurance premiums.

Permanent all-wheel drive systems often increase the cost of insurance because they are more expensive to repair after an accident. Part-time or on-demand four-wheel drive systems usually sit in a lower insurance group than permanent setups.

Often, yes. Older 4x4s tend to have a lower purchase price and simpler technology, which can reduce the cost of insurance, provided safety features and condition remain acceptable.

Yes. Selecting a 4x4 with a lower insurance group rating, modest engine power and proven reliability can significantly reduce car insurance costs over time, especially when combined with a good driving record.

To find the best deal, it is important to compare insurance quotes using the exact model, engine and four-wheel drive system. Small differences, such as mileage, miles driven per year or trim level, can noticeably affect the cost of insurance.

Insurance offers change regularly and depend on personal circumstances rather than fixed vehicle deals. Entry-level or older 4x4 models, such as the Dacia Duster 4x4, are often seen as great value because they combine lower purchase prices with manageable insurance premiums.

Most car insurance comparison services cover 4x4 vehicles as part of standard car insurance searches. There are no insurers that only cover 4x4s, but using accurate vehicle details helps ensure quotes reflect the true cost of insurance.

Land Rover and Range Rover models often sit in a higher insurance group due to higher repair costs, advanced tech and increased theft risk. Even older versions can attract higher premiums compared with simpler 4x4s.

Some hybrid 4x4s can be competitively priced, but electric 4x4s are often more expensive to insure due to battery repair costs and specialist parts. Insurance premiums vary widely by model, including newer brands and manufacturers such as Hyundai or BYD.

Yes. Higher annual mileage increases exposure to risk and can raise car insurance premiums. Keeping declared miles realistic helps insurers price cover more accurately.

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Page last updated on: 30/12/2025

Page reviewed by: Shay Ramani

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