Fun Stuff

Top 10 Cheapest SUVs and Crossovers in Canada: 2021

Crossovers have exploded in popularity in Canada in recent years and for good reason. Canadian consumers’ active lifestyles, along with our long, snowy winters and pothole-adorned roads, demand a vehicle that is both convenient and capable.

Unfortunately, many crossovers are more expensive than comparably sized sedans or hatchbacks with a similar footprint. But don't fret, Canadian car shoppers, because AutoTrader.ca has compiled a list of the top 10 most affordable crossovers and SUVs on sale today to help make finding an affordable crossover a little bit easier.

Scroll down to learn more about the most affordable crossovers and SUVs available in Canada today. Keep in mind that these prices don't often include the destination charge, so budget an additional $2,000 to be safe.

10. Chevrolet Trailblazer – $25,629

The Chevrolet Trailblazer is a recent addition to the subcompact crossover segment and revives an older nameplate that was previously used on a larger body-on-frame Chevy SUV. It is offered with a turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder engine producing 137 horsepower, but a more powerful 1.3-litre version of this same engine is also available that produces 155 horsepower. A nine-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard, although all-wheel drive is available for an extra cost. Prices start at $25,629, making this one of the more expensive cheap crossovers available in Canada today.

9. Honda HR-V – $25,200

The Honda HR-V is a subcompact crossover that comes standard with a naturally aspirated (i.e. not supercharged or turbocharged) 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is also available for extra for customers who want a little extra capability. Prices start at $25,200.

8. Ford EcoSport – $25,149

The Ford EcoSport is a subcompact crossover that slots in underneath the well-known and popular Escape in the Blue Oval’s lineup. It comes standard with a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine producing 123 horsepower, a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. A naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder good for 166 horsepower and all-wheel drive are also offered as options. Prices start at $25,149.

7. Toyota C-HR – $23,950

The Toyota C-HR is a subcompact crossover that is a bit smaller and low to the ground than many of its direct rivals. It comes standard with a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 144 horsepower, a CVT, and front-wheel drive. Unlike many other crossovers, the C-HR is not available with all-wheel drive. On the plus side, prices start at a reasonable $23,950.

6. Hyundai Kona – $23,299

The Hyundai Kona is a capable subcompact crossover that comes standard with a naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 horsepower, a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive. Customers can also order the crossover with a turbo 1.6-litre motor making 175 horsepower. All-wheel drive is available to order with both engines and on all trim levels. The Kona also comes well-equipped even in the base model, with features like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated front seats, and a six-way power driver’s seat. Prices start at $23,299.

5. Chevrolet Trax – $22,098

The Chevrolet Trax is a subcompact crossover that’s slightly smaller in size than the Chevrolet Trailblazer mentioned earlier in this list. As such, the Trax is a bit less expensive than the Trailblazer at $22,908. It comes standard with a turbocharged 1.4-litre engine producing 138 horsepower, a six-speed automatic transmission, and front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive available for extra.

4. Mazda CX-3 – $21,300

The Mazda CX-3 is subcompact crossover that comes standard with a naturally aspirated 2.0L four-cylinder engine producing 143 horsepower and front-wheel drive. What sets the CX-3 apart from many other subcompact crossovers is its base six-speed manual transmission – which makes it one of only two manual vehicles on this list. Customers can also equip the CX-3 with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The manual front-wheel drive model is the most affordable, however, with prices starting at $21,300.

3. Kia Soul – $21,195

The latest take on the popular Kia Soul subcompact crossover is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.0L engine good for a respectable 147 horsepower, which is paired with front-wheel drive and a CVT. All-wheel is not available on the Soul, which gives it less capability than some pricier offerings on this list, but also helps keeps the price low at an entry point of $21,195.

2. Nissan Kicks – $19,898

The Nissan Kicks is a no-nonsense subcompact crossover with a very reasonable starting price of $19,898. For that price, customers will get a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, a CVT, and front-wheel drive. This is the only powertrain on offer in the ultra-affordable Kicks and it cannot be equipped with AWD.

1. Hyundai Venue – $17,599

Completing our list is the Hyundai Venue – a tiny subcompact crossover powered by a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre engine producing 121 horsepower and a six-speed manual transmission. Front-wheel drive is standard and the Venue and it cannot be equipped with all-wheel drive, although customers can get a CVT for a price premium. Despite its low price, the Venue still comes with some decent equipment in the base trim level, like front heated seats and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, for example.

Also See: Top 10 Cheapest Cars in Canada for 2022