Top 10 cheapest crossovers to maintain

Crossovers, just like their larger counterpart, the SUV, continue to be one of the most popular car types in the UK.

And, while crossovers are styled very much like SUVs, more often than not they are based on the same platform as a hatchback. As a result, this tends to make them more compact, easier to drive thanks to the taller driving position of larger 4 x 4s and generally cheaper to buy, only adding to their overall appeal.

But does this logic also apply when it comes to their ongoing maintenance costs? To help answer that question, the team at WhoCanFixMyCar have analysed the most popular crossovers on the road today to identify the used models that will cost you the least to maintain each year in terms of average MOT, Full Service, Interim Service and Aircon Regas prices.

Cheapest crossovers to maintain

Ford EcoSport

While the Ford EcoSport (pictured above) has divided critics' opinions since its arrival on these shores in 2014, at least there is one thing working its favour - namely its low maintenance costs which leave rivals such as the Nissan Juke, Renault Captur and Vauxhall Mokka way behind.

Cost: £382.42 per year*

Renault Captur

Although, saying that, there was less than a couple of quid between the Ford EcoSport and its nearest rival, the equally compact but more attractive looking Renault Captur. The only real difference in terms of maintenance was the average cost of an aircon regas which let Europe’s market leading crossover down.

Cost: £383.78 per year*

Dacia Duster

It won’t come as a surprise to many to see the Dacia Duster featuring in our Top 10. Affordable to buy, as witnessed by it scooping the Best Value New Car Award in 2020 from Auto Trader for the second year running, Dacia’s best-selling model (featured below) is equally affordable to maintain.

Cost: £385.68 per year*

Nissan Juke

The Nissan Juke recently celebrated its 10th birthday, and it’s easy to see why this unconventional looking compact crossover continues to appeal to UK motorists. It’s easy to drive, has a good view of the road ahead and is packed full of the latest technology as standard. Its only downside is the visibility to the rear, which can make parking tricky sometimes if you don’t have a model with sensors. 

Cost: £387.63 per year*

Suzuki Vitara

Rounding off our Top 5 is the Suzuki Vitara. Best known for its range of much loved 4 x 4s such as the Jimny, Suzuki came relatively late to the crossover party with the Vitara. But this slightly boxy model didn’t disappoint with critics extoling its virtues and organisations such as Honest John crowning it Car of the Year. It’s also highly competitive when it comes to maintenance costs with only the average cost of an interim service letting it down.

Cost: £393.34 per year*

Vauxhall Mokka

If there is one car that screams crossover then it’s the Vauxhall Mokka. Its elevated driving position and highly competitive price opened up, in the words of What Car, the world of “high-riding SUVs to drivers on a more modest budget.” That cost-conscious appeal extends to its regular maintenance with the average cost of a full-service the only bad mark against its name when compiling our stats.

Cost: £395.13 per year*

Audi Q2

One model we didn’t expect to see in our Top 10 is the Audi Q2 given the high maintenance costs traditionally associated with this premium brand. So, the inclusion of this city sized crossover is a welcome news to anyone considering thinking of buying a Q2 but concerned about the potential costs of a full service and interim service among others.

Cost: £398.39 per year*

Peugeot 2008

If you are looking for something a little different when it comes to a compact crossover then you don’t need to look much further than the Peugeot 2008 with its bold, striking design both on the inside and outside. If there is one negative, according to critics, it’s the price, which is far higher than rivals such as the Renault Captur. Based on our review of its maintenance costs though, price won’t be an issue, with drivers expecting to budget for somewhere in the region of £33 a month to keep the Peugeot 2008 fully serviced each year.

Cost: £399.10 per year*

BMW X1

If any model helped to popularise so-called “compact posh SUVs” then it was the BMW X1. Practical and fun to drive, the X1 remains as popular as ever in spite of fierce competition from its upmarket rivals. It’s also a lot more affordable than many would imagine when it comes to its maintenance costs – which is welcome news to anyone thinking of buying a new or used model.

Cost: £409.51 per year*

Toyota RAV4

Practical and spacious with lots of equipment as standard, the Toyota RAV4 has been a popular choice with drivers for many years now, and its engine is one of the cleanest in class. Sadly, the RAV4 does let itself down when it comes to its relatively high maintenance costs, according to our figures, particularly when it comes to average full and interim service prices.

Cost: £426.19 per year*

*Prices based on the average annual cost for that model of an annual MOT, Full Service, Interim Service and Aircon Regas sourced through WhoCanFixMyCar.