SUV road tax UK — sport utility vehicles have high CO2 emissions and pay significant road tax. Here is the complete guide to SUV VED rates and how to minimise costs in 2026.
SUV CO2 and VED Bands
SUVs are typically heavier and have larger engines than equivalent saloon cars, resulting in higher CO2 emissions. A typical family SUV at 170g/km pays £695 first-year VED; a large premium SUV at 220g/km pays £1,565 first year. The additional weight and aerodynamic profile of SUVs contributes to their higher emissions.
Popular SUV Road Tax Comparison
- Kia Sportage 1.6T (153g/km): £600 first year, £190/year standard
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (131g/km): £130 first year, £50/year standard
- Range Rover Sport 3.0L (218g/km): £1,565 first year, £190/year standard
- BMW X5 xDrive40i (205g/km): £1,100 first year, £190/year standard
- Hyundai Tucson PHEV (31g/km): £10 first year, £50/year standard
Tax-Efficient SUV Options
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid SUVs offer significantly lower road tax costs. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid at 131g/km pays just £130 first year and £50/year standard. The Hyundai Tucson PHEV at 31g/km pays £10 first year and £50/year standard. Electric SUVs — such as the Tesla Model Y and Kia EV6 — pay £0 first year and £10/year standard (or £365 if over £40,000).
SUV Standard Annual Rate
From year 2, all SUVs pay £190/year standard annual road tax — the same as any other petrol or diesel vehicle. The standard annual rate applies regardless of the vehicle's size, weight, or original CO2 figure. After the first year, a Range Rover pays the same £190/year as a Toyota Yaris.
Conclusion
SUV road tax UK: first-year VED £130-£2,605 depending on CO2. Standard rate from year 2: £190/year. Hybrid and electric SUVs offer the lowest tax costs. Use our car tax calculator for your SUV.