In Canadian driveways, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickup trucks continue to dominate by an enormous margin. More than 85 percent of vehicle sales in our market are now comprised of SUVs and trucks, while sedans and other cars make up less than 15 percent. Most of Canada receives harsh winter weather, so factors like all-wheel drive, higher ground clearance, and better visibility tend to be motivating factors.
We’ve considered these factors and many more in compiling this list of the top 10 SUVs in Canada for 2025. Automakers now offer SUVs in five separate size classes: subcompact, compact, two-row mid-size, three-row mid-size, and large SUVs. Within these subsegments, buyers can find fuel-sipping econoboxes and hybrids, massive people-movers, and everything in between.
You’ll notice that there are no EVs or electric SUVs on this list. But there’s a good reason for that: we’ve covered the the best electric SUVs in Canada in a separate article.
But EVs aside, you’re sure to find a new car on this list that’s a great fit for your needs, from size and capability to your lifestyle and overall budget.
Top 10 SUVs in Canada for 2025
- BMW X3
- Genesis GV80
- GMC Yukon Denali and Ultimate Denali
- Hyundai Kona
- Hyundai Tucson
- Kia Sportage
- Lexus RX
- Mazda CX-50
- Toyota RAV4
- Toyota Grand Highlander
- Honourable mentions
BMW X3
A new generation of the BMW X3 compact SUV launches for the 2025 model year. For the most part, the changes bring the X3 in line with the rest of BMW’s recently updated line-up. This includes trendy recessed door handles, edgy lighting, a shift-by-wire transmission, and BMW’s latest touchscreen infotainment system that integrates just about all in-vehicle controls (climate included, so take note if this might annoy you). Two models will be offered at launch. There’s the base X3 30, which comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The X3 M50 offers a premium driving experience with its 3.0-litre turbo and mild hybrid inline-six-cylinder engine makes 393 hp and 428 lb-ft of torque. In either case, BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard in Canada. Note the ‘i’ in the model names has been dropped since BMW is now reserving that for its electric-only models. The 2025 BMW X3 30 carries a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) in Canada at $62,157, including destination charges and other fees. The 2025 BMW X3 M50 starts at $78,157, fees in. Among the high-end luxury compacts, this is our current favourite.
Genesis GV80
The Genesis GV80 was the first SUV to be launched by Hyundai’s luxury division back in 2021. It’s a mid-size SUV offered in two or three-row configurations. For 2025, the Genesis GV80 receives a refresh that updates the styling—including a gorgeous new grille—and adds some new technology and features. There’s also a new Genesis GV80 Coupe model, which drops the third-row option and adds a sloping rear roof line. The same two engines remain on offer. The standard engine equipped on the entry-level 2.5T Advanced grade is a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque. A larger 3.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 generating 375 hp and 391 lb-ft powers the 3.5T iterations. In Canada, all-wheel drive (AWD) is standard. The 2025 Genesis GV80 starts in Canada at $76,000. Genesis Canada’s no-haggle, all-in pricing includes destination charges plus at-home concierge service, five years of scheduled maintenance and map updates, and more.
Genesis GV80 Review
GMC Yukon Denali and Ultimate Denali
The General Motors catalogue of full-size SUVs was fully redesigned for 2021. The Chevrolet Tahoe and Suburban provide the entry point, and the Cadillac Escalade is luxe, futuristic, and impressive overall. But if we were to choose from among all of GM’s large SUVs, we’d go for the GMC Yukon, and the Denali trim in particular. A 420 hp, 460 lb-ft 6.2-litre V8 powers the top-of-the-line Denali models, and a diesel powerplant is optional. Three different damper setups are available: coil-overs, magnetic dampers, and the latter combined with an air suspension that give this enormous SUV a ride quality befitting a much smaller vehicle. This is on top of the usable third row, cargo space with plenty of functionality, and enormous towing capability that come with a large SUV. Plus, with leather upholstery and gradient-finished wood inserts, the interior is impressively upscale. Pricing for the refreshed 2025 GMC Yukon Denali starts in Canada at $107,000, including destination charges and other fees.
The high-end Denali Ultimate trim has been part of the Yukon line-up for a couple of years. This grade includes GM’s Super Cruise autonomous highway driving technology, 22-inch wheels, and unique chrome accents. Inside, highlights include 16-way massaging front seats with contrasting stitching, aluminum and open-pore wood trim, and an 18-speaker Bose Performance Series sound system with speakers in the front-row headrests. Pricing for the 2025 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate starts in Canada at $136,280.
GMC Yukon Review
Hyundai Kona
Not everyone needs a massive and uber-capable SUV. If you’re looking for something at the smallest end of the size range that’s meant more for urban and suburban driving, check out the Hyundai Kona. A new generation launched for 2024 with properly futuristic looks, great technology, and more interior and cargo space. AWD is not the default, but it is available on all trims. Two engines are available. The base 2.0-litre four-cylinder is good for 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque, while the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder available on higher trims produces 190 hp and 195 lb-ft. Desirable standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a solid set of safety technologies including blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. For a more comfortable ride, opt for the available multi-link rear suspension. Pricing for the 2025 Hyundai Kona starts at $28,934 in Canada for the FWD Essential trim, including delivery charges and dealer fees, and tops out with the N Line trim at $38,434.
Hyundai Tucson
In almost every aspect, the Hyundai Tucson knocks it out of the compact SUV park. It’s offered in gas-only, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid powertrain variations that range from 187 to 268 horsepower and 178 to 258 pound-feet of torque. In Canada, AWD is standard. Pricing for the 2025 Hyundai Tucson starts at $37,184 for the entry-level Preferred grade, including destination charges and dealer fees. The next step up the trim ladder is the new rugged-looking XRT trim, priced at $42,884. At the top of the line-up, the Tucson Ultimate Hybrid costs $49,844. Opting for the plug-in hybrid powertrain on the Ultimate trim costs $5,500 more. You’ll gain 51 kilometres of electric-only range and you’ll get most or all of that money back—and potentially even more—through federal and provincial rebates.
Hyundai Tucson Review
Kia Sportage
Hot on the heels of the Tucson’s updates, the related Kia Sportage was last redesigned for the 2023 model year. A new X-Line grade joined the fun with skid-plate shaped mouldings on the front and rear, a unique front fascia, ladder-style roof rails, and exclusive interior and exterior colours. Like the Tucson, a gas-powered engine forms the start of the Kia Sportage line-up. It makes 187 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque, and all-wheel drive is standard on every version but the base model. Five trims are available with this engine. The 2025 Kia Sportage has a starting price in Canada of $33,080, including fees and destination charges. In the hybrid powertrain, a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 44 kW electric motor, and a 1.49 kWh battery combine for 227 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. The PHEV version increases those power figures to a combined output of 261 hp, plus it can run purely on electric power for an estimated range of 55 kilometres while averaging 2.8 Le/100 km combined. With a starting price in Canada of $40,930 for the 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid and $49,776 for the 2025 Kia Sportage Plug-in Hybrid, these SUVs offer some of the lowest points of entry into electrification in their segments.
Kia Sportage Review
Lexus RX
Currently in its fifth generation, the Lexus RX luxury mid-size SUV is built in Cambridge, Ontario alongside the compact Lexus NX and Toyota RAV4. The line-up of powertrain options has never been so robust for this luxury crossover, which is the best-selling nameplate for Lexus in Canada. Gas-only and conventional hybrid versions continue, while the RX 500h performance hybrid joins the offerings with a combined 367 hp, a six-speed automatic transmission, and Lexus’s dynamic new Direct4 AWD system. Plus, the Lexus RX became available as a plug-in hybrid for the first time last year. The RX 450h+ has a combined 304 hp and can drive up to 60 kilometres on electric power alone. Pricing for the 2025 Lexus RX starts in Canada at $63,470 for the gas-only RX 350 including fees, $65,630 for the RX 350h, $85,279 for the RX 500h, and $90,290 for the RX 450h+.
Lexus RX Review
Mazda CX-50
Move over, Mazda CX-5: the new Mazda CX-50 launched in 2024 with a longer, wider, and lower profile that’s meant to appeal to the outdoor enthusiast. With better access to the roof, it’s easier to strap on gear like snowboards or a canoe. Its small crossover sizing sits just slightly larger than compact and slightly smaller than mid-size. This makes it roomy in both the front and rear seats compared to most small SUVs. 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 turbo 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.
New for 2025, a CX-50 Hybrid joins the line-up and borrows its powertrain straight out of the wildly popular Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, averaging fuel economy of 6.2 L/100 km combined. Pricing for the 2025 Mazda CX-50 starts in Canada at $42,776, including $2,075 in delivery charges plus dealer fees. The 2025 Mazda CX-50 Hybrid starts at $45,837.
Mazda CX-50 Review
Toyota RAV4
Most Toyota RAV4s sold in Canada are built at Toyota’s manufacturing facility in Cambridge, Ontario. Its diversity in product offering, from gas-only to hybrid and PHEV, is a big part of why the Toyota RAV4 compact SUV is such a great fit for Canadians. As of 2024. AWD is standard across the entire line-up. Four different gas-powered trim levels are available with the 2025 Toyota RAV4 LE starting Canadian pricing from $36,620, including fees. Five fuel-efficient hybrid models are also offered, each averaging 6.0 L/100 km combined according to NRCan ratings. Canadian pricing on the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid starts at $39,570, making it the only hybrid SUV in this class that starts below $40,000 with fees included.
The RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid—the Prime name has been dropped for 2025—qualifies for federal and provincial EV rebates ranging from $5,000 to $12,500 depending on where you live in Canada. It can travel 68 km on electric power alone with a combined fuel efficiency average of 2.5 litres-equivalent per 100 km. For the 2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid, pricing in Canada starts at $54,780. All Toyota RAV4 models include the Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 suite of safety features as standard, which equips dynamic radar cruise control, automatic high beams, collision mitigation, and more. Blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also standard. Note that this generation of RAV4 is on the old side and is currently winding down. A new model expected for 2026, and it’s widely rumoured that gas-only powertrains will be dropped with hybrid power becoming the standard.
Toyota RAV4 Review
Toyota Grand Highlander
The all-new Toyota Grand Highlander launched for the 2024 model year. It filled a long-standing gap in the brand’s line-up between the smaller Toyota Highlander and the larger Toyota Sequoia. This offers families of five or more a just-right three-row mid-size SUV with a good balance of practicality, interior space, cargo capacity, and overall size and fuel economy. This led to the Toyota Grand Highlander being named 2024 Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).
Three different powertrains are available, all with standard AWD. The base 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine makes 265 hp and burns 10.7 L/100 km combined, while the entry-level hybrid is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder with hybrid drive producing 243 hp with fuel efficiency of 7.0 L/100 km combined. On the Toyota Grand Highlander Platinum Max Hybrid, a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with hybrid drive generates a combined 362 hp and averages fuel economy of 8.8 L/100 km. Pricing in Canada for the 2025 Toyota Grand Highlander has not been announced as of this writing, but 2024 pricing starts at $53,555. If your budget can handle more and you want a premium three-row SUV, consider the all-new Lexus TX. That luxury SUV is essentially a fancied-up version of the Grand Highlander. The 2024 Lexus TX had a starting price in Canada of $72,090.
Toyota Grand Highlander Review
Honourable mentions
There are a few vehicles missing from this list that we place outside the top 10 best SUVs in Canada but still think warrant consideration. The Honda CR-V entered a new generation for the 2023 model year and misses this list only because its starting prices are higher than average. The next-generation Subaru Crosstrek received revamped styling and technology for 2024 and is a strong contender for those seeking a subcompact SUV. A new Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport launched in 2024, as did the impressive and blocky Hyundai Santa Fe. The Hyundai Palisade and Kia Telluride remain perennial favourites among family SUV buyers. The Jeep Grand Cherokee remains a desirable option for those who want to balance premium finishes with the brand’s rugged functionality. For people who need true off-road capability, Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and Land Rover Defender should all be on your shopping list, as should the Toyota Land Cruiser, which makes it triumphant return to Canada after a 35-year absence. We’re looking forward to test driving the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner as well.
Note: Images may show US models.
