The compact SUV class is truly big business in Canada. Between them, the pick-up truck and SUVs sectors account for more than 85% of new vehicles sold in this country today – and the compact SUV models account for a significant portion of that. Canadians consistently choose these smaller crossovers for their ability to blend compact dimensions and functionality, consistently available all-wheel drive, and higher ground clearance. Given that most of this country spends six months out of the year enduring winter conditions, these priorities make a lot of sense, and the versatility of these small SUVs inevitably impresses a wide range of potential buyers.
The term small SUV means a lot of things to a lot of people. There’s the compact SUV segment, which includes long-time favourites like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. But an even smaller group of crossovers has emerged in recent years such as the Subaru Crosstrek and Hyundai Kona. These are classified as subcompact SUVs. We’ve covered both here in this ranking of the contenders among the best small SUVs you can buy as a new car in Canada for 2025.
One thing you won’t find in a compact SUV, however, are 3-row SUVs. So if it’s third-row seats that you’re after, why not check out our roundup of the best seven-seat SUVs in Canada.
All prices shown include destination charges and dealership fees. While they were current at time of publication, prices are subject to change.
Best Subcompact SUVs and Best Compact SUVs in Canada for 2025
- 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
- Honourable mentions
2025 Chevrolet Trax
In recent years, budget cars are going the way of the dodo. Fortunately, a handful of automakers have stepped up to create affordable models in the crossover body style more people are seeking out these days. The Chevrolet Trax was completely redesigned for the 2024 model year with 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 2025 Chevrolet Trax in Canada starts at $27,133.
Chevrolet Trax Review
2025 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 2025 Ford Bronco Sport starts from $40,690 in Canada for the Big Bend trim, and Ford had some big money plunked on the hood when we were researching this round-up. 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
2025 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 2025 Kia Sportage in Canada starts at $33,080 for the gas-only powertrain, $40,930 for the hybrid, and $49,776 for the plug-in hybrid, which is low enough to qualify for federal and provincial/territorial EV rebates where they exist.
Kia Sportage Review
2025 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 2025 Honda CR-V, the hybrid powertrain is available on the two highest 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 2025 Honda CR-V starts at $37,861 in Canada, while the 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid starts from $49,457. Both versions of the Honda CR-V are built by Honda Canada Mfg. in Alliston, Ontario.
Honda CR-V Review
2025 Hyundai Kona
A new generation of the Hyundai Kona subcompact SUV launched for the 2024 model year. 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 2025 Hyundai Kona starts at $28,934, while the 2025 Hyundai Kona Electric starts from $49,178, a price that qualifies it for federal, territorial, and provincial EV rebates.
Hyundai Kona Review
2025 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 related Kia Sportage mentioned above, which is an equally good compact SUV). The Tucson was redesigned for 2022 with segmented headlamps and deeply creased door panels. It sports a level of interior design, quality and standard features that reaches well beyond its price point, including the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. A new rugged-looking XRT trim joins the line-up for 2025, and it plus the base Preferred trim are 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 2025 Hyundai Tucson starts from $37,184. The N Line continues as entry-level trim for the hybrid powertrain (227 hp, 258 lb-ft, 6.4 L/100 km combined) at a starting price of $45,884. 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 $55,384, which qualifies for federal and provincial/territorial EV rebates.
Hyundai Tucson Review
2025 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 2025 Lexus NX 250 has a 203-horsepower 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine and is priced from $54,155. Upgrade to the 2025 Lexus NX 350 and its 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder good for 275 hp, and you can expect an all-in price of $57,810. The conventional hybrid crossover, the 2025 Lexus NX 350h, starts at $59,755. It has a combined system output of 240 hp and a combined fuel consumption rating of 6.0 L/100 km. The PHEV, the 2025 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 2025 Lexus NX 450h+ is $63,330. 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
2025 Mazda CX-30
Now that the CX-3 has been retired, the Mazda CX-30 is the smallest crossover in the brand’s line-up. 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 2025 Mazda CX-30 in Canada starts at an MSRP of $32,337 for a GX model and tops out at $43,887 for the Suna Edition with the turbo engine.
Mazda CX-30 Review
2025 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 2025 Mazda CX-50 starts at $43,137 for the entry-level GS-L, while the Meridian Edition starts at $53,237. New for 2025, a Mazda CX-50 Hybrid is available. This capitalizes on the automaker’s partnership with Toyota to borrow the powertrain straight out of the popular Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. Pricing on this potent combination of Toyota efficiency and Mazda driving dynamics starts at $45,837.
Mazda CX-50 Review
2025 Nissan Rogue
Nissan’s best-selling vehicle in Canada, the Rogue compact SUV, was last 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 engine has been dropped, leaving the 1.5-litre, three-cylinder turbocharged engine that employs Nissan’s variable compression technology as the default. 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 on the 2025 Nissan Rogue starts in Canada at $36,785.
Nissan Rogue Review
2025 Subaru Crosstrek
With the 2024 model year, the third-generation Subaru Crosstrek arrived in North America. This update 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 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness trim. Both engines are configured with four horizontally opposed cylinders in the Boxer style typically employed by Subaru. As of 2024, a manual transmission is no longer available on the Subaru Crosstrek. Instead, a continuously variable transmission (CTV) is 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 on the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek started at $31,790 for the entry-level Convenience grade and topped out at $40,790 for the Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness.
Subaru Crosstrek Review
2025 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 $36,620 for the 2025 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 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is priced in Canada starting at $39,570 for the LE. The 2024 RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid SUV starts at $54,780 in Canada and qualifies for federal and provincial/territorial EV rebates. Its 68 km on the electric motor alone is plenty for commuting and delivers a combined fuel consumption average of 2.5 Le/100 km. Toyota offers an 8-year, 160,000-kilometre warranty on hybrid powertrain components. This is likely to be the last model year for the RAV4’s fifth generation as a redesign is rumoured to be on the way for 2026.
Toyota RAV4 Review
Honourable mentions
Other small SUVs that are worthy of note but don’t quite make this list as full entries include the BMW X1, which impresses with its sporty car-like handling and the coupe-like Audi Q3 Sportback, which majors on its upmarket feel and rakish styling.
Note: Images may show US models.
