Which cars are sold with a spare wheel as standard?

Are you looking for a new car with a spare wheel? Data analysed by the RAC has found that 3% of new cars are fitted with some form of spare wheel as standard.

We analysed over 300 new car models from 28 different brands to find out which vehicles are fitted with a spare and found just eight that are sold with a space-saver or full-size tyre as standard.

Read on to find out which cars in the UK are sold with a spare wheel as standard. The results may surprise you.

Fiat Tipo

The Fiat Tipo is an affordable and practical family hatchback. All versions of the Tipo get a full-size spare wheel as standard, which means you get complete peace of mind that can you change the wheel in the event of a puncture or tyre failure.

Fiat Tipo reviews.

Ford Focus

The Focus has been monumental success for Ford. First launched in 1998, the Focus has evolved into one of the UK’s favourite family cars. And buyers get lots of choice too, with the Focus offered in hatchback or estate body styles. Most versions of the Focus are fitted with a space-saver spare wheel as standard.

Ford Focus review.

• Tyre safety – all you need to know
• What is a space saver wheel and how to use it?
• How to change a tyre in 10 simple steps

Hyundai Santa Fe

Spacious, versatile, and easy to drive, the Hyundai Santa Fe is an excellent large SUV. The plug-in hybrid version is the only model in the range to get a spare wheel as standard, while all other versions of the Santa Fe get a tyre inflation kit.

Hyundai Santa Fe Plug-in Hybrid review.

Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 is a classy SUV, with a luxurious interior and high level of standard equipment. Most versions get a spare wheel as standard, which makes this Swedish family car a dependable for those who are concerned about breakdowns caused by tyre problems or a puncture.

Volvo XC90 review.

• How to fix a flat tyre – in simple steps with video
• Tyre buying guide – what to check
• A guide to run flat tyres – do you need them?

Land Rover Defender

Replacing the iconic Defender 4x4 was always going to be a tall order, but Land Rover pulled off the impossible with the 21st century model. Brilliant to drive on- and off-road, the ruggedly handsome Defender is better than ever before. What’s more, all models get a full-size spare wheel as standard, which mean you won’t get stuck if you experience a flat tyre on your journey.

Land Rover Defender review.

Toyota Land Cruiser

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a tough and no-nonsense 4x4 that gets a spare wheel as standard. This large and capable SUV is due to be replaced with an all-new model in 2024, but the outgoing Land Cruiser still has lots to offer with proven 4x4 capability and a reputation for durability in the harshest of environments.

Toyota Land Cruiser review.

• Cracked tyres – why does it happen?
• Tyre labels explained
• Tyre read depth and safety checks

SEAT Ateca

The Ateca FR Black Edition is the only model in SEAT’s SUV range that comes with some form of spare wheel. SEAT provides a space-saver as standard, which means you can change your wheel in the event of a picture or tyre failure and drive to a place of safety to call for recovery.

SEAT Ateca review.

Suzuki Across

The final car to make our top eight list of vehicles that come with a spare wheel as standard is the Suzuki Across. A compact SUV built in partnership with Toyota, the Across is the only model in the Suzuki car range to get a space saver spare wheel as standard.

Suzuki Across review.

Is this the end of the spare wheel in modern vehicles? Is it something you consider when buying a new vehicle? Leave your comments below.

Do any other vehicles come with a spare wheel in the UK?

Following the release of the RAC's data on spare wheels, INEOS contacted us about their Grenadier model.

The off-road 4x4 vehicle entered production in summer 2022 and was desinged to compete with the Land Rover Defender. 

It comes with a spare wheel as standard.

^{The 28 manufacturers that responded to a request from the RAC included Audi, Alfa Romeo, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Abarth, BMW, Dacia, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, SEAT, Mini, Peugeot, Citroen, SsangYong, Suzuki, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar, Toyota, Lexus, and Cupra.}