SUV Shipping Services
Everything you need to know about shipping small, mid-size, and large SUVs, including how size and weight affect pricing.
SUV Shipping Services: Overview
An SUV or crossover ships on the same open car carriers as a sedan; size and weight adjust the price. In our published formula a small or midsize SUV or crossover costs about 12% more than a sedan on the same route, and a full-size, body-on-frame SUV (Tahoe, Suburban, Expedition) is priced like a pickup, about 25% more. Lift kits, oversized tires, roof racks and other accessories that change the height or width can limit which deck position it can take, so mention them when you ask for an estimate.
If you're looking for SUV shipping services, you're definitely reading the right article. Unlike a car, an SUV is...well...an SUV. A sport utility vehicle, and it's designed with multiple capabilities in mind. It needs to have the functionality of a sedan, with the storage capabilities of a covered pickup, the seating of a minivan, and the fuel economy of a Toyota.
As far as automobiles go, the sport utility vehicle is pretty cool. It emerged during the 1970's and boomed in the 80's, and today there are dozens of different makes and hundreds of different model SUV's on the market. All of them are different sizes, feature different packages, options and, of course, height and weight.
As such, SUV transport services - and their prices - depend heavily on which specific SUV you need SUV shipping services for. In this helpful article we'll explain how small and large SUV's are shipped and the differences thereof.
SUV Shipping Services: Small/Mid-Size SUV's
Small and mid-size SUV shipping services don't cost as much as large SUV shipping services, and we'll tell you that up front. And the reason why is because the larger and heavier something is, the more it'll cost an auto shipper to transport it.
Small and mid-size SUV shipping services typically come in at a cheaper rate, but it also depends heavily on where you're shipping from and to as well as which specific SUV you need shipped. Crossover SUV's are grouped into the small/mid-size SUV class for the purposes of this article, as crossover SUV's are typically smaller than even a small, proper SUV.
Make sure you know which class your specific SUV is in as well, as it can help you narrow down your search for well-priced SUV shipping services.
SUV Shipping Services: Large/Oversize SUV's
If you need SUV shipping services for large or oversize SUV's, chances are you'll be paying more. The reason why is because, like we stated above, the larger and heavier something is, the more it'll cost an auto shipper to transport it.
Heavier vehicles cause the auto transport truck to consume more fuel than it would if that heavy vehicle wasn't on there, which means that SUV shippers hauling a massive 4x4 around have to stop at the pump more than the shipper that's tooling around with an '89 Jaguar on the back of his rig.
Which means that your SUV shippers' overhead just went up. Which in turn means that in order to compensate for the overhead hike, they need you to pay more money. And they won't move it if you aren't paying enough. Most full-size SUV's are well-known by carriers, and they'll price it accordingly based on the make and model (and sometimes the year, so it's best to have all three prior to receiving quotes for SUV shipping).
If you've modified your SUV (put massive tires on it, lifted it up a bit, added a cool three-hundred pound stereo or something else that affects the dimensions and/or the weight of the vehicle), you should probably mention it to your auto transporter, as modifications to the dimensions and/or weight of your SUV can affect the price for your SUV shipping services. So plan accordingly. To get a quick estimate on what your SUV shipment might cost, try our shipping cost estimator.
What it costs to ship an SUV
| Distance | Small or midsize SUV, open | Small or midsize SUV, enclosed | Full-size SUV, open | Lifted or modified SUV, open |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 500 mi | $800 – $1,080 | $1,190 – $1,620 | $890 – $1,200 | $1,070 – $1,440 |
| 1,000 mi | $1,090 – $1,470 | $1,630 – $2,210 | $1,210 – $1,640 | $1,460 – $1,970 |
| 1,500 mi | $1,270 – $1,720 | $1,910 – $2,590 | $1,420 – $1,920 | $1,710 – $2,310 |
| 2,500 mi | $1,620 – $2,190 | $2,430 – $3,290 | $1,810 – $2,440 | $2,170 – $2,930 |
Metro pickup and delivery, a running vehicle, no strong north-south direction. For your own route, see the shipping cost estimator.
Formula v2026.09.2 · EIA U.S. diesel $6.35/gal, week of Oct 26, 2026, 52-week average $4.88 · November pricing · road distance as stated.
Estimate, not a quote. Produced automatically by our published formula from public data; your price comes from the licensed auto transport partner you choose. How we estimate · Get your free estimate
Fuel: U.S. Energy Information Administration. Routing: © OpenStreetMap contributors (OSRM). ZIP locations: U.S. Census Bureau.
Questions about this estimate? Call (800) 930-7417
SUVs and crossovers by brand
Every SUV and crossover we cover, with what matters when it ships. Small and midsize crossovers use the SUV class in our formula; full-size, body-on-frame SUVs are priced like pickups. Each model opens to show its notes.
Models people request quotes for most
The suvs and crossovers people asked us for estimates on most often in the last two years, from our own estimate requests. It shows what people asked about, not what was shipped.
BMW
BMW X3
Current
A compact luxury SUV. Ships in the SUV class.
BMW X5
Current
A midsize luxury SUV. If it has air suspension, ship it at normal ride height; many owners choose enclosed for a new one.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet Equinox
Current
A compact crossover, redesigned for 2025. The Equinox EV is a separate electric model (see electric vehicle shipping).
Chevrolet Trax
Current
Chevrolet's small crossover, much larger since its 2024 redesign. Ships in the SUV class.
Ford
Ford Bronco and Bronco Sport
2021–present
The body-on-frame Bronco has removable doors and roof panels: put them back on or stow them securely, and mention larger tires or a lift. The smaller Bronco Sport is a compact crossover.
Ford Escape
Sold since 2001
A compact crossover, also sold as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid. Ships in the SUV class.
Ford Explorer
Current
A three-row midsize SUV, rear-drive-based since 2020. Ships in the SUV class.
Honda
Honda CR-V
Current
A compact crossover, also sold as a hybrid, and one of the SUVs people request estimates for most. Ships in the SUV class.
Honda HR-V
Current
A subcompact crossover, smaller than the CR-V. Ships in the SUV class.
Hyundai
Hyundai Santa Fe
Current
A midsize crossover, redesigned with a boxier body for 2024. Ships in the SUV class.
Hyundai Tucson
Current
A compact crossover, also sold as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid. Ships in the SUV class.
Jeep
Jeep Cherokee
Through 2023
A compact SUV, out of production after 2023. Trailhawk versions sit slightly higher; ships in the SUV class.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Current
A midsize SUV, also in three-row (L) and plug-in hybrid (4xe) form. If it has air suspension, ship it at normal ride height.
Jeep Wrangler (2-door and Unlimited)
Current
Removable doors and roof: put them back on or stow them securely, and latch a soft top. Many Wranglers are lifted with larger tires, which can rule out the upper deck, so give the height. The 4xe is a plug-in hybrid; leave some charge.
Kia
Kia Sportage
Current
A compact crossover, also sold as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid. Ships in the SUV class.
Land Rover
Range Rover Sport
Current
A luxury SUV on air suspension: ship it at normal ride height and tell the company about any suspension warning. Many owners choose enclosed.
Lexus
Lexus NX
Current
A compact luxury crossover, also sold as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid. Ships in the SUV class.
Mazda
Mazda CX-5
Current
Mazda's best-selling model, a compact crossover. Ships in the SUV class.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLE
Current
Compact (GLC) and midsize (GLE) luxury SUVs. If the car has air suspension, ship it at normal ride height; enclosed is a common choice for a new one.
Nissan
Nissan Rogue
Current
Nissan's best-selling model, a compact crossover. Ships in the SUV class.
Subaru
Subaru Crosstrek
Current
A raised, all-wheel-drive version of the Impreza hatchback. Small and light for an SUV.
Subaru Forester
Current
A compact all-wheel-drive SUV. Ships in the SUV class.
Subaru Outback
Current
A raised all-wheel-drive wagon, priced in the SUV class. Take bikes and cargo boxes off the roof rails.
Toyota
Toyota 4Runner
Current
A body-on-frame midsize SUV, redesigned for 2025. TRD Pro and lifted 4Runners sit taller; give the height with racks.
Toyota Highlander
Current
A three-row midsize crossover; the larger Grand Highlander was added for 2024. Both ship in the SUV class.
Toyota RAV4
Current
The SUV people request estimates for most in our data, including the hybrid; the plug-in RAV4 Prime is on the electric and hybrid page. Ships in the SUV class.
Volkswagen
Volkswagen Tiguan
Current
A compact crossover. Ships in the SUV class.
No models in this list match.
More suvs and crossovers by brand
Chevrolet
Chevrolet Suburban (half-ton and 3/4-ton)
Since 1935
The longest-running vehicle nameplate in production. At more than 18 feet long it is placed like a long pickup and priced like one. The heavier 3/4-ton Suburban 2500 was dropped after 2019, so say which one you have.
Chevrolet Tahoe
Current
A full-size, body-on-frame SUV on the Silverado platform. Priced like a pickup in our formula.
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
2008–2013
The two-mode hybrid Tahoe. It ships like a gas Tahoe; keep the 12-volt battery charged.
Chevrolet Traverse
Current
A three-row midsize crossover, redesigned for 2024. Long for a crossover, but it fits any open-carrier position.
Dodge
Dodge Durango
Current
A three-row midsize SUV. SRT and Hellcat versions sit lower at the front; say so.
Dodge Journey
2009–2020
A midsize crossover, discontinued after 2020. Ships in the SUV class.
Ford
Ford Edge
2007–2024
A two-row midsize crossover, ended in North America after 2024. A routine open-carrier SUV.
Ford Expedition
Current
A full-size SUV; the extended-length Expedition MAX is close to Suburban length. Priced like a pickup.
Ford Flex
2009–2019
A boxy three-row crossover. Long and flat-roofed, but well within any deck position.
Hyundai
Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
2013–2018
The shorter two-row Santa Fe of its generation, renamed when the next Santa Fe arrived. Ships in the SUV class.
Mazda
Mazda CX-9
2007–2023
A three-row crossover replaced by the CX-90. Ships in the SUV class.
Nissan
Nissan Armada
Current
Nissan's full-size, body-on-frame SUV, redesigned for 2025. Priced like a pickup.
Nissan Juke
2011–2017 (U.S.)
A small, oddly styled crossover, replaced in the U.S. by the Kicks. Barely larger than a compact car.
Nissan Murano
Current
A two-row midsize crossover, redesigned for 2025. Ships in the SUV class.
Nissan Pathfinder
Current
A three-row midsize SUV; body-on-frame through 2012 and a crossover since. Ships in the SUV class.
Nissan Pathfinder Hybrid
Mid-2010s
A short-lived hybrid version of the crossover Pathfinder. It ships exactly like the gas model.
Nissan Xterra
2000–2015 (U.S.)
A body-on-frame compact SUV popular with off-roaders. Many have lifts, roof racks and larger tires; mention them.
Toyota
Toyota FJ Cruiser
2007–2014 (U.S.)
A short, tall off-road SUV that holds its value; many are lifted with roof racks. Give the height with accessories.
Toyota Venza
2009–2015, 2021–2024
A two-row crossover sold in two separate runs, hybrid-only in the second. Ships in the SUV class.
No models in this list match.
SUV Shipping FAQ
Distance sets most of the price; size adjusts it. In our published estimate formula, a small or mid-size SUV or crossover (RAV4, CR-V, Highlander) runs about 12% above a sedan on the same route, and a full-size SUV or pickup (Tahoe, Suburban, Expedition) about 25% above. Lifted or heavily modified SUVs are priced as oversize, about 50% above a sedan. See the ranges for your route on the shipping cost estimator.
Yes. Lift kits, oversized tires, roof racks, brush guards, and aftermarket accessories that change the height, width, or weight of your SUV will affect the price. Taller vehicles may not fit on the top rack of a standard open carrier, limiting where they can be placed and potentially increasing cost. Always mention modifications when requesting a quote.
Most full-size SUVs (Tahoe, Suburban, Expedition, Yukon XL) fit on standard 10-car open carriers but must be positioned on specific spots to accommodate their height and weight. Extremely large or heavily modified SUVs may require flatbed transport. Include your exact vehicle when you get your free estimate so the offers come with the right carrier type.
Standard-roof vans such as the Ford E-Series or Chevy Express usually fit on an open carrier, priced like a large SUV or pickup. High-roof vans such as the Mercedes Sprinter, high-roof Ford Transit or Ram ProMaster are often too tall for a standard open carrier, so they may need a different trailer or a lower position on the truck, which narrows the carriers that can take them. Give the exact model, roof height and any racks or shelving when you request your estimate, so the offers come from companies that can actually load it.
Open transport is the standard and most affordable option for everyday SUVs. Enclosed transport is recommended for luxury SUVs (Range Rover, Escalade, BMW X7) or any SUV with a custom paint job or high monetary value. Enclosed typically costs 40–60% more but keeps the vehicle out of weather and road debris.