For a variety of reasons, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickup trucks continue to dominate in Canadian driveways. Factors like higher ground clearance and seating positions, plus more frequent access to all-wheel drive, continue to drive purchasing decisions. North of the border, vehicles in these body styles make up more than 80 percent of sales, while sedans and other cars comprise less than 20 percent.
The new cars featured on this list of the top 10 SUVs in Canada check these boxes and then some. With automakers offering five different size classes in the subcompact, compact, two-row and three-row mid-size, and large SUVs segments, buyers can find fuel-sipping econoboxes, massive people-movers, and everything in between.
No matter which type of new SUV or crossover you’re looking for, you’ll find something on this list here that will fit your desired size, capabilities, budget, and lifestyle.
Top 10 SUVs in Canada for 2024
- Genesis GV80
- GMC Yukon Denali and Ultimate Denali
- Hyundai Tucson
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Kia Sportage
- Kia Telluride
- Lexus RX
- Mazda CX-50
- Toyota RAV4
- Toyota Grand Highlander
Genesis GV80
The Genesis GV80 was the first SUV to be launched by Hyundai’s luxury division back in 2021. It's a midsize model that's available in both two- and three-row configurations. Two engines are offered. 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 2024 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. Plus, a new Genesis GV80 Coupe has been announced that will give this mid-size SUV a sloped roofline for a fashion-forward look.
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 Denali. 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 2024 GMC Yukon Denali starts at $102,675 (all prices include delivery fees unless indicated). An all-new high-end Denali Ultimate trim was introduced last year. 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 2024 GMC Yukon Denali Ultimate starts in Canada at $129,075.
GMC Yukon Review
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 261 horsepower and 178 to 258 pound-feet of torque. The current Tucson is larger and more tech-savvy than the previous generation, and its pricing offers a wide variety of options for buyers across a range of budgets. The 2024 Hyundai Tucson starts at $36,856 for the Preferred grade, which is the only non-electrified grade for this model year. Hyundai has a reputation for being generous with standard features, which holds up here with the Tucson Preferred’s heated front seats and heated steering wheel. New for 2024, the Hyundai Tucson’s popular N Line trim shifts from being gas-only to joining the hybrid line-up. Its price is identical to that of the Luxury Hybrid trim, giving buyers multiple appearance options. The 2024 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid starts at $43,256 for either the N Line or the Luxury trim. On the top-of-the-line 2024 Hyundai Tucson Ultimate Hybrid, pricing starts at $46,656, and a plug-in hybrid powertrain with 53 kilometres of electric-only range can be added for $5,500 more. (In some provinces, buyers can recover more than this cost difference via federal and provincial electric vehicle rebates.)
Hyundai Tucson Review
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep nudged firmly into premium territory with the launch of a new Jeep Grand Cherokee for 2022. It added impressive style, quality, capability, and the latest Uconnect 5 touchscreen infotainment system to an already-popular midsize SUV. Three different four-wheel-drive systems are available for varying levels of off-road capability: Quadra-Trac I, which is active full-time and operates at close to a 50-50 front-rear torque split; Quadra-Trac II, which includes a two-speed low transfer case and can transfer 100 percent of torque to the axle with the most traction; and Quadra-Drive II, with an electronic limited-slip differential and 2.72:1 low gear range. The Uconnect 5 infotainment system is well-liked and includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s starting prices range from $58,515 for the entry-level Laredo grade to $85,515 for the Summit Reserve.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Review
Kia Sportage
Hot on the heels of the Tucson’s update, the related Kia Sportage was 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 2024 Kia Sportage has a starting price in Canada of $32,683. 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. 2024 pricing for the Kia Sportage Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid were not available at publication time, but the 2023 versions had a starting price of $39,733 and $48,833 respectively.
Kia Sportage Review
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride has been a Canadian favourite since it launched for the 2020 model year. While it lost those signature round daytime running lights in last year’s refresh, the Telluride gained new X-Line and X-Pro grades. The X-Line trim is more of an appearance trim that gives the Telluride a rough-and-tumble appearance, while the X-Pro gets meaningful performance upgrades such as 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tires and 5,500 pounds of towing capacity (versus 5,000 for other grades). Buyers also now benefit from an available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Pricing for the 2024 Kia Telluride starts in Canada at $53,083. The 2024 Kia Telluride X-Line costs $64,183 in Canada, and the 2024 Kia Telluride X-Pro comes to $65,783. If you like the Telluride’s features but would prefer a slightly different look, consider the related Hyundai Palisade instead. The 2024 Hyundai Palisade starts at $52,206.
Kia Telluride Review
Lexus RX
Now 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, for the first time and new for 2024, the Lexus RX is available as a plug-in hybrid. The RX 450h+ has a combined 304 hp and can drive up to 60 kilometres on electric power alone. Pricing for the 2024 Lexus RX starts in Canada at $62,736 for the gas-only RX 350, $64,736 for the RX 350h, $84,386 for the RX 500h, and $90,236 for the RX 450h+.
Lexus RX Review
Mazda CX-50
Move over, Mazda CX-5: the new Mazda CX-50 is here 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. Pricing for the 2024 Mazda CX-50 starts in Canada at $41,953.
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. New for 2024 is standard AWD across the entire line-up. Four different gas-powered trim levels are available with the 2024 Toyota RAV4 LE starting Canadian pricing from $36,235. Five fuel-efficient hybrid models are also offered, each averaging 6.0 L/100 km combined according to NRCan ratings. Canadian pricing on the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid Canadian starts at $39,035. The RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid SUV qualifies for federal and provincial EV rebates from $5,000 to $12,000 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 2024 Toyota RAV4 Prime, pricing in Canada starts at $54,235. 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.
Toyota RAV4 Review
Toyota Grand Highlander
The all-new Toyota Grand Highlander launches for the 2024 model year. It fills 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. 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 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander starts at $53,775. If your budget can handle more and you want a premium three-row SUV, consider the all-new 2024 Lexus TX. That luxury SUV is essentially a fancied-up version of the Grand Highlander. The 2024 Lexus TX has a starting price in Canada of $72,036.
Toyota Grand Highlander Review
https://www.cargurus.ca/Cars/l-Used-Toyota-Grand-Highlander-d3314
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 Hyundai Kona and Subaru Crosstrek both just launched with revamped styling and technology, and these are strong contenders for those seeking a subcompact SUV. A new Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport just launched, but we’ll need to test it for ourselves before we can determine if it warrants being listed in the top 10. For people who need true off-road capability, the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and Land Rover Defender should all be on your shopping list. And for families who need space over all else, we firmly maintain that minivans deserve more attention. Consider the Toyota Sienna for its excellent hybrid fuel economy.
Note: Images may show US models.