Small SUVs are a massively popular segment for Canadian car shoppers. With roomy interiors for passengers and their gear and the availability of all-wheel drive for extra confidence in all four Canadian seasons, these do-it-all vehicles can play the role of daily commuter, weekend warrior, and vacation transportation – all at an affordable price. The compact SUV segment’s popularity means there’s a wide variety to choose from, from practical to rugged to luxurious, and plenty of different powertrain options for people who want gas power, hybrid efficiency, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or a full electric vehicle (EV).
After considering every single vehicle available for Canadians to buy in this segment, AutoTrader’s jury of more than 20 automotive experts has voted for these offerings as the best vehicles in their class, representing well-rounded crossovers that raise the bar that they feel confident recommending to their own family and friends.
Looking for 2025 models instead? Click here for the top picks of 2025
2024 Honda CR-V / Hybrid
One of Canada’s most popular new vehicles, the CR-V was completely redesigned last year, including the debut of a first-ever hybrid. Bigger than ever, the Honda’s added size sees our AutoTrader experts rave about the compact five-passenger Honda SUV’s comfortable and spacious interior. From behind the steering wheel, the CR-V is a quiet, refined SUV that excels in daily driving. The standard model is equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine delivers 190 horsepower. It is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The CVT provides smooth acceleration by adjusting the gear ratio automatically.
In the base $35,125 LX-B trim, the CVT sends power only to the front wheels. All-wheel drive (AWD) is available as a $2,800 option and comes standard on the higher trim levels. The $46,795 CR-V EX-L Hybrid has a more powerful 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, supported by two electric motors that provide traction to all four wheels. Despite its 204 horsepower, the Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient CR-V, with a combined city and highway fuel consumption estimate of 6.4 L/100 km. For comparison, the AWD non-hybrid version has a consumption of 8.4 L/100 km, and the FWD version has 7.8 L/100 km.
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5
For Canadian buyers looking for a small SUV that uses electric power only, the Ioniq 5 electric vehicle chcks off a lot of boxes with our experts. Shaped more like a hatchback than an SUV, the stylish Hyundai EV’s roomy five-passenger cabin displays the same modern design language as the exterior.
The 2024 Ioniq 5 is equipped with a 77.4-kWh battery. The base model, priced at $54,999, features rear-wheel drive (RWD) and delivers 225 horsepower, along with an impressive 488-kilometre driving range. For an extra $2,000, you can opt for the all-wheel drive (AWD) version, which offers a driving range of up to 410 kilometres.
The Ioniq 5 is one of the most affordable new EVs with over 400 km of range, and it can use 800-volt charging stations. Hyundai says the battery can go from a 10 per cent charge up to 80 per cent in only 18 minutes using these chargers. It’s also compatible with 400-volt chargers, where the 10 to 80 per cent charge time is a still-quick 25 minutes.
2024 Mazda CX-50
The CX-50, introduced in 2023, is a new addition to Mazda's lineup. It serves as a companion to the existing CX-5 compact SUV, targeting buyers who want enhanced off-road capability and a more rugged exterior design. Mazda does interiors well, and the new CX-50 is no exception. The overall five-passenger layout is driver-focused, with controls arranged symmetrically.
All CX-50 models come with a six-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The starting price is $41,695 for the GS-L trim, which includes a 187-horsepower 2.5L four-cylinder engine. For more power, there's an optional turbocharged version of the same engine, producing 256 horsepower with 93 octane fuel (227 horsepower with 87 octane). This turbo option is available on the GT trim, priced at $49,145.
Our experts found that whether on long road trips or urban errand running, the CX-50 offers smooth, consistent performance. Confident and engaging driving dynamics help set this Mazda apart from its competition.
2024 Subaru Outback
As you can tell from our list, our AutoTrader experts like variety. And for buyers looking for a wagon/SUV, the Outback offers a unique and proven alternative. In the Subaru lineup, the Outback sits between the smaller Forester and larger, three-row Ascent in size and price. The Outback comes with a choice of two four-cylinder engines, is equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and features standard all-wheel drive (AWD). The wagon-ish body of the Outback creates a roomy five-passenger interior. The rear seats are spacious enough for adults, and there’s loads of cargo space.
The base $33,995 Outback Convenience comes with a 2.5L engine that produces 182 horsepower and includes Subaru’s generous suite of safety and driver assistance features. The newly introduced $44,795 Wilderness trim offers a more powerful 2.4L turbocharged engine with 260 horsepower. It also provides 20 millimetres more ground clearance compared to the regular 221 mm, a specialized Enhanced X-Mode all-wheel drive system, and a revised suspension setup. It also features all-terrain tires and under-body protection for more adventurous driving.
2024 Toyota RAV4 / Hybrid / Prime
The locally manufactured RAV4 is a popular pick with Canadian drivers, and our experts concur that the segment’s top-selling RAV4 is one of the best compact SUVs to consider in 2024. Spacious, safe, and fuel-efficient, the 2024 RAV4 lineup enjoys a reputation for reliability and strong resale values. The Hybrid and Prime plug-in hybrid models are particularly relevant with rising gas prices.
It starts with the base $33,150 RAV4 LE AWD trim, which comes with a 203-hp 2.5L four-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive (AWD). However, the $35,950 RAV4 Hybrid version could be the most Toyota-ish Toyota ever. It offers 219 horsepower from the 2.5L engine and two electric motors for surprisingly quick acceleration while scoring an excellent 6.0 L/100 km combined fuel economy.
If you don’t mind plugging in, the $51,150 RAV4 Prime plug-in hybrid offers 64 km of electric driving. That’s just the beginning. With over 300 horsepower, the RAV4 Prime is one of Toyota’s faster and more powerful vehicles, but with a full battery and gas tank, its range is 911 km, and it has the same fuel economy as the Hybrid.
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