If you live in Canada and you don’t own a truck, by now you probably own a compact SUV. At least, this is what the data suggests: more than 80% of vehicles sold in this country today are pick-ups and SUVs, and the compact SUV makes up the largest portion of the latter. These smaller SUVs win over Canadians with their higher ground clearance, consistently available all-wheel drive, and a small and maneuverable footprint. These factors are important in many parts of this weather-ravaged country.
City dwellers might be looking for a new car with the smallest possible profile. If you’re in the suburbs or live rurally, you may space for something with more room to stretch out but not have any need for a third row. Either way, if you’ve decided you’d prefer a new vehicle with a warranty instead of buying a used car, we’ve got you covered. Here’s a look at 12 of the best compact SUVs, and the best subcompact SUVs, available new in Canada in 2024.
Best Small SUVs in Canada
- Chevrolet Trax
- Ford Bronco Sport
- Kia Sportage
- Honda CR-V
- Hyundai Kona
- Hyundai Tucson
- Lexus NX
- Mazda CX-30
- Mazda CX-50
- Nissan Rogue
- Subaru Crosstrek
- Toyota RAV4
Chevrolet Trax
Budget cars are becoming a thing of the past. Fortunately, a handful of automakers are stepping up to create affordable models in the crossover body style more people enjoy. The 2024 Chevrolet Trax is completely redesigned and has a sharp new look and more space to go with Chevy’s excellent technology features. This dedicated front-wheel drive platform is equipped with a 1.2-litre turbo three-cylinder engine that makes 137 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. It’s surprisingly peppy for its size and averages 7.9 L/100 km combined. Pricing for the 2024 Chevrolet Trax in Canada starts at $24,530 (all prices include destination charges and fees), making it the only vehicle on this list you can buy for less than $25,000.
Chevrolet Trax Review
Ford Bronco Sport
This is not a Ford Bronco: that’s a larger vehicle purpose-built for off-roading and a rival to the Jeep Wrangler. The Ford Bronco Sport, dubbed the “Baby Bronco” by enthusiasts, is a smaller SUV and still has some off-road capability. However, it’s more approachable and family-oriented than the larger vehicle that shares its name. Although the badging on the back could better distinguish the two, the number of Bronco Sports on Canadian roads suggests owners don’t mind. The 2024 Ford Bronco Sport starts from $41,190 in Canada for the Big Bend trim. The Bronco Sport is sold in five trim levels, including retro-styled Heritage and Free Wheeling grades, all of which comes with standard four-wheel drive. The lower four grades come with a 1.5-litre EcoBoost engine producing 181 horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque. On the top-of-the-line off-roading Badlands grade, a 2.0-litre EcoBoost makes 250 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque and a twin-clutch rear-drive unit is equipped. According to Natural Resources Canada, the smaller engine consumes 8.9 L/100 km combined, and the larger one averages 10.2 L/100 km.
Ford Bronco Sport Review
Kia Sportage
Kia’s small SUV received a big-time redesign for the 2023 model year. The new X-Line grades get a rugged look thanks to ladder-style roof rails, skid plate style mouldings, and other exterior features, all helping to make it look ready for the trail. The 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine on the gas-only trims produces 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, using 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres of fuel combined with front-wheel drive (FWD) and 9.5 combined with all-wheel drive (AWD). Fuel-conscious families will want to opt for the hybrid or plug-in hybrid variants, though those don’t come in the X-Line treatment. Pricing for the 2024 Kia Sportage in Canada starts at $32,683 for the gas-only powertrain. 2024 pricing for the hybrid and PHEV powertrains was not yet released at time of publication.
Kia Sportage Review
Honda CR-V
When the sixth-generation Honda CR-V landed in Canada with the 2023 model year, the hybrid powertrain became available north of the border for the first time. It uses Honda’s revamped hybrid setup in combination with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine to create a combined 204 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy is a very reasonable 6.4 L/100 km combined. On the 2024 Honda CR-V, the hybrid powertrain is available on two trims, the EX-L and Touring. The base powertrain is a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder making 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard on all trims but the LX base model, and fuel economy is an estimated 7.8 L/100 km combined with front-wheel drive and 8.4 with AWD. Pricing for the gas-powered 2024 Honda CR-V starts at $37,259 in Canada, while the 2024 Honda CR-V Hybrid starts from $48,409. Both versions of the Honda CR-V are built by Honda Canada Mfg. in Alliston, Ontario.
Honda CR-V Review
Hyundai Kona
A new generation of Hyundai Kona launches for the 2024. Like the previous generation, it will be offered in gas-powered and fully battery electric variants. What’s interesting here, though, is the new Kona was designed as an EV first and then the gas powertrain was fitted in afterward. The result is a futuristic look with a nearly grille-less front end, deeply stamped door panels, and a spunky roof-mounted spoiler that’s offered on some grades. Hyundai’s smallest SUV comes with a pair of engine options. The base 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine produces 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque and has a combined fuel economy rating of between 7.5 and 8.6 L/100 km depending on trim and features. The upgrade engine is a 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder making 190 hp and 195 lb-ft and averaging 9.1 L/100 km combined. Pricing in Canada for the 2024 Hyundai Kona starts at $28,656. More information on the new 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric will be announced when it launches early in 2024.
Hyundai Kona Review
Hyundai Tucson
There are plenty of average-looking SUVs on the market, but if you’re looking for something that will stand out, look no further than the Hyundai Tucson. It’s available in gas, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid electric SUV variants (like the Kia Sportage to which it’s related, which is an equally good compact SUV). The Tucson was redesigned for 2022 with segmented headlamps and deeply creased door panels. A level of interior design, quality and standard features that reaches well beyond its price point, including the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. For 2024, only the lowest trim is gas-only, powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine (187 hp, 178 lb-ft, 8.2 L/100 km combined FWD or 9.0 AWD). The 2024 Hyundai Tucson starts from $36,856. New for 2024, the N Line is the entry-level trim for the hybrid powertrain (227 hp, 258 lb-ft, 6.4 L/100 km combined) at a starting price of $43,256. A plug-in hybrid powertrain (261 hp, 258 lb-ft, 2.9 Le/100 km combined) is reserved for the Ultimate trim and starts at $52,156.
Hyundai Tucson Review
Lexus NX
Now built in Cambridge, Ontario, the Lexus NX compact luxury SUV entered its second generation for the 2022 model year. On top of the long-standing hybrid offering, Lexus has added a plug-in hybrid powertrain to the line-up. Two gas-only powertrains form the entry point. The 2024 Lexus NX 250 has a 203-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and is priced from $52,886. Upgrade to the 2024 Lexus NX 350 and its 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder good for 275 hp, and you can expect an all-in price of $56,536. The conventional hybrid crossover, the 2024 Lexus NX 350h, starts at $55,686. It has a combined system output of 240 hp and a combined fuel consumption rating of 6.0 L/100 km. The PHEV, the 2024 Lexus NX 450h+, has 304 net horsepower, a combined fuel rating of 2.8 Le/100 km, and up to 61 km of electric-only range. The starting price of the 2024 Lexus NX 450h+ is $63,186. All NX models offer a premium driving experience and come with an extensive suite of safety features that includes a blind spot monitor, adaptive cruise control, oncoming vehicle detection, and Safe Exit Assist technology with digital-latch door releases.
Lexus NX Review
Mazda CX-30
Mazda has two products in the subcompact SUV segment, but the newer CX-30 is the superior of the two. Based on the same platform as the Mazda3 sedan and hatchback, the CX-30 gets similarly striking styling and premium interior finishes. The Turbo grade with a sporty 250 hp, 320 lb-ft 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine is an unusual offering in this segment. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder that was formerly the base engine has been dropped, leaving the 2.5-litre four-cylinder making 186 hp and 186 lb-ft as the default in non-Turbo trims. An excellent available Bose premium sound system and optional head-up display are some of the highlights. Fuel consumption ratings range from 8.2 L/100 km combined for the smaller engine to 9.3 L/100 km with the turbocharged engine. Pricing for the 2024 Mazda CX-30 in Canada starts at an MSRP of $31,003 for a GX model and tops out at $43,053 for the Suna Edition with the turbo engine.
Mazda CX-30 Review
Mazda CX-50
Move over, Mazda CX-5. The new Mazda CX-50 launched in 2023 with a longer, wider, and lower profile. It’s high on practicality and meant to appeal to the compact crossover buyer who also happens to be an outdoor enthusiast. With better access to the roof, it’s easier to strap on gear like skis or a kayak. The small crossover sizing sits just slightly larger than compact and slightly smaller than mid-size, making it roomy in both the front and rear seats compared to most vehicles on this list. The Meridian Edition adds on 18-inch wheels with Falken all-terrain tires and access to a catalogue of accessories. Powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, or an available 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with up to 256 hp and 320 lb-ft, the CX-50 averages 8.9 and 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres respectively. In Canada, pricing for the 2024 Mazda CX-50 starts at $41,953 for the entry-level GS-L, while the Meridian Edition starts at $50,903.
Mazda CX-50 Review
Nissan Rogue
Nissan’s best-selling vehicle in Canada, the Rogue compact SUV, was redesigned for the 2021 model year to remain relevant against rivals including the Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain, Volkswagen Tiguan and Subaru Forester. The 2.5-litre four-cylinder equipped in the base model is direct-injected and produces 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque. Most trims come with an upgraded engine, a 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine that employs Nissan’s variable compression technology. This engine provides 201 hp and 225 lb-ft of torque. It also offers fuel economy as low as 7.6 L/100 km combined, which is the lowest in its class for a gas-only AWD powertrain. With smart feature packaging and flexible cargo space, the Rogue is a strong choice for budget-minded families. Pricing before fees started at $36,033 in Canada for the 2023 model’s base grade and $39,733 for the SV grade, the entry point for the three-cylinder engine. As of this writing, 2024 pricing for Canada has yet to be announced.
Nissan Rogue Review
Subaru Crosstrek
With the 2024 model year, the third-generation Subaru Crosstrek arrives in North America. This updates brings revamped styling and new features such as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The same two engines continue into the new version. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque comes equipped on the Convenience and Touring grades. A 2.5-litre engine with 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque is standard on Onyx, Limited, and the all-new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness trim. Both engines are configured with four horizontally opposed cylinders in the Boxer style typically employed by Subaru. What’s new for 2024 is the manual transmission is no longer available. Instead, Subaru has made its continuously variable transmission (CTV) standard across the line-up. This is necessary to make Subaru’s EyeSight suite of safety features and driver assistance technologies standard, but it will no doubt disappoint some enthusiasts. All-wheel drive is standard, as it is with most Subaru vehicles. Fuel consumption figures measure up at 8.0 L/100 km combined for the smaller engine, 8.1 L/100 km for most trims with the larger engine, and 8.8 L/100 km combined for the Wilderness grade. Pricing starts at $31,572 for the entry-level Convenience grade and tops out at $40,572 for the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness.
Subaru Crosstrek Review
Toyota RAV4
The best part about the Toyota RAV4 – apart from its build quality and reputation for reliability – is that it offers buyers such a wide variety of options. There are grades and powertrains that range from gas-powered and off-road oriented to fuel-efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. Four different gas-powered grades are offered starting from $36,235 for the 2024 Toyota RAV4 LE with standard all-wheel drive. On the hybrid side, five grades are available, each averaging 6.0 L/100 km combined according to NRCan ratings. The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is priced in Canada starting at $39,035 for the LE. The 2024 RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid SUV starts at $54,325 in Canada and qualifies for federal and provincial EV rebates. Its 68 km on the electric motor alone impresses with a combined fuel consumption average of 2.5 Le/100 km.
Toyota RAV4 Review
Note: Images may show US models.