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With the general rise in price levels, the cost of owning a new car is on the upward trend as well. Faced with spiking car prices and fuel costs, motorists are constantly on the lookout for ways to save a buck or two. Going for vehicles with low insurance costs is one way to save money. Luxury models, high-powered sports cars, cars with high repair costs, and cars with low safety ratings attract higher insurance premiums. On the other hand, relatively inexpensive models that are generally driven gently, and have high safety ratings are the cheapest to insure.
According to Insure.com's latest research, the best 2022 bargains are small crossover SUVs like the Subaru Forester 2.5I Wilderness and the Hyundai Venue SE. They base their average annual insurance costs on data gathered from about 3000 models and 7 major insurance carriers. That said, here are the 10 vehicles that attract the lowest insurance costs in 2022.
10 2022 Mazda CX-5 S Select
For 2022, the Mazda CX-5 now offers standard AWD across the 8 trim levels. A choice of either a 187 hp or a 256 hp 4-cylinder engine supplies enough power for most driving needs. Thanks to the responsive steering feel and revised suspension, it is one of the most fun to drive compact SUVs.
Being a Mazda, it has an elegant, quiet, and well-built cabin in addition to a great reliability score. The CX-5 S Select, with its balance of good features and price tag, attracts an annual average insurance cost of $1,407.
9 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan S
Despite being a good compact SUV, the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan has a few downsides like sluggish acceleration and a hard-to-use infotainment system. The sole powertrain is a 2-liter turbocharged I-4 engine that delivers 184 hp through a slick 8-speed automatic transmission.
At the bottom of the 2022 model lineup, the Tiguan S comes standard with FWD,7 seats, and a long list of standard and available safety/driver-assist features. Thanks to a high safety score and the $26,490 price tag, it makes this list with an average yearly insurance premium of $1,406.
8 2022 Ford Transit Connect XL
The 2022 Ford Transit Connect XL is the base model of this city van and is available either as a cargo van or a passenger van. It comes with 2 unrefined powertrain options, and as a people carrier it seats up to 7 passengers in 3 rows.
Although the interior is filled with low-quality materials, it offers a car-like low seat height. Boasting incredible versatility and agility, it is easy to maneuver in tight spaces. With insurance costs averaging $1,405 annually, the Transit Connect XL is the cheapest van to insure in 2022.
7 2022 Honda HR-V EX
Like all other models in the HR-V's 2022 lineup, the HR-V EX comes with an underpowered 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. Paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission, the 141 hp engine delivers outstanding fuel economy ratings and uninspiring acceleration.
Boasting a well-tuned suspension and responsive steering, it handles well and is comfortable on smooth roads. Count on safety features like adaptive cruise control, a Honda LaneWatch blind-spot camera, lane keep assist, and forward-collision warning. Insuring the Honda HR-V EX will only set you back about $1,398 every year.
6 2022 Kia Seltos LX
The Kia Seltos LX is the basic trim level of this subcompact crossover. With an MSRP of $22,590, it comes with a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine rated at 146 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.
It impresses with a well-built roomy cabin and class-leading cargo capacity. Adding to its appeal are the standard AWD and the user-friendly infotainment system. In addition, it is backed by one of the industry's best powertrain warranties. Expect to pay an annual $1,391 in insurance on the entry-level Seltos LX.
5 2022 Toyota CH-R XLE
Apart from its bold design and great predicted reliability rating, the 2022 Toyota CH-R doesn't shine on many fronts. However, it has one of the cheapest annual insurance costs ranging from $1,384 for the base XLE to $1,387 for the Nightshade Edition.
It also shines with a long list of standard safety features like adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. On the other side of the coin, it is plagued by a weak engine, uninspiring acceleration, small cargo hold, and restricted rear visibility.
4 2022 Mazda CX-30 S
Competing in the sub-compact SUV segment, the CX-30 comes with two 2.5-liter 4-cylinder powertrain options, hooked to Mazda's i-Activ AWD system. Beautifully built and tastefully furnished, the upscale cabin is one of the small SUV's strong points. Kitted with precise steering, strong brakes, and standard AWD, it is fun to push around.
For safety, its array of driving aids includes adaptive cruise control, driver attention monitor, and lane-keep assist. The yearly insurance payment on the base trim is just $1,379 and $1,388 if you opt for the more-expensive S Premium.
3 2022 Honda CR-V LX
Available in 5 different trim levels, the 2022 Honda CR-V is powered by a 190 hp turbo-4 engine mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission. It impresses with a stellar fuel economy rating and a J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 84 out of 100.
Within the compact SUV segment, the CR-V boasts one of the best interiors - it is attractive, upscale, and spacious with ample cargo space. The average annual insurance cost for the base LX trim is around $1,366 and $1,391 for the better-equipped EX trim.
2 2022 Hyundai Venue SE
A great choice for budget-conscious drivers, the 2022 Hyundai Venue lineup has a $19,000 entry point. The small SUV comes with a 121 hp 1.6-liter 4 banger that returns a stellar fuel efficiency. Its small size, quick steering, and string brakes make it a breeze to maneuver in dense city traffic.
Furthermore, it has a great reliability rating and is backed by Hyundai's legendary warranty coverage. One year of full insurance coverage on the Venue SE costs around $1,360 compared to $1,402 for the SEL trim.
1 2022 Subaru Forester 2.5I Wilderness
The all-new Subaru Forester Wilderness is not only the cheapest Forester to insure, but it is the cheapest car. It is a toughened-up model with a rugged exterior and a great reliability rating. Optimized for adventure, the 2022 Subaru Forester Wilderness is your best companion for intense off-roading. It has 9.2 inches of ground clearance, a forward-facing off-road camera, and matte black alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.
In addition, the Wilderness has double the towing capacity of the other models in the 2022 Forester lineup. Thanks to a high safety rating and the low price of parts, it costs around $1,353 in annual insurance fees.