Top 10 Most Affordable SUVs and Crossovers in 2025
Cars big and small now account for less than 15 percent of all new light-duty vehicle sales in Canada as consumers continue to migrate toward SUVs and crossovers. Automakers sure aren’t complaining. After all, these are more expensive and therefore more profitable vehicles.
But what if you’re on a budget? Following our list of the top 10 most affordable cars in Canada, here are the top 10 most affordable SUVs and crossovers in the country right now. There aren’t that many left under $30,000, you know. Time for you to decide whether your hard-earned money is best invested in a bigger-bodied and typically less fuel-efficient vehicle.
Note: The prices listed below are all accurate at the time of writing. However, they are subject to change at any time. They include freight and PDI plus other charges such as dealer fees and A/C tax. They do not include discounts and sales tax.
10. Chevrolet Trailblazer – $30,825 (MSRP of $27,899)
In 2024, Chevrolet doubled its small SUV offering by bringing back the Trax. The latter quickly cast a shadow over the more expensive Trailblazer, however, boasting similar interior space and the same standard engine (a turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder) for a lower price. It’s actually hard to make a case for the Trailblazer now, unless you need all-wheel drive or want a punchier mill (a turbocharged 1.3-litre unit), both of which are not available with the Trax. But make no mistake: the competition offers better value than this Chevy.
9. Toyota Corolla Cross – $30,672 (MSRP of $27,720)
Much like the Corolla sedan and hatchback it’s based on, the Corolla Cross doesn't impress with driving dynamics, styling or refinement. Instead, the RAV4’s little brother appeals to pragmatic drivers with its convenient size, functional and ergonomic interior, compliant suspension, competitive prices and below-average depreciation. Naturally, all-wheel drive will cost you extra. Ditto for hybrid technology. All Corolla Cross models come with high predicted reliability.
8. Nissan Kicks – $30,056 (MSRP of $27,199)
Nissan has taken the unusual approach of selling two separate generations of the same vehicle at the same time. This is the brand new Kicks, not to be confused with the old Kicks that now goes by the name of Kicks Play for 2025. The former is about 20 percent more expensive than before, but you get a much more refined, larger and technologically advanced crossover.
7. Hyundai Kona – $29,171 (MSRP of $26,449)
With 30,020 units sold last year, the Hyundai Kona is one of the 10 best-selling vehicles in Canada. Its large selection of models (12, including EV models) certainly helps, as do its generous warranty and pleasant road manners. While the suspension and optional AWD system don't match those of the Subaru Crosstrek, especially during winter, the Kona is still good enough to rank among the top three picks in the sub-compact SUV segment. You gotta love the design, of course.
6. Kia Seltos – $28,417 (MSRP of $25,695)
Closely related to the Kona, the Kia Seltos features similar components, dimensions and attributes in a less fancy package. If you're hesitating between the two South Korean crossovers, styling will probably be the deciding factor. Unlike the Kona, however, the Seltos has yet to offer an electrified variant. It comes standard with naturally aspirated 2.0-litre engine (146 hp), while a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine (195 hp) is optional.
5. Chevrolet Trax – $27,625 (MSRP of $24,699)
As we said earlier, the Chevrolet Trax is hurting the Trailblazer’s sales, especially the entry-level models. It boasts a very roomy interior for the segment, while the ride and handling aren’t too shabby. Just so you know, the Trax shares much of its DNA with the more expensive Buick Envista. The latter is a coupe-like crossover offering a quieter and more upscale cabin complete with exclusive features, not to mention a different rear suspension benefiting stability.
4. Mitsubishi RVR – $27,572 (MSRP of $24 798) – 2024
At the time of writing, Mitsubishi had not yet begun selling the 2025 RVR. However, prices are expected to remain steady. Virtually unchanged since 2011, the RVR is now technologically obsolete and its overall level of refinement pales in comparison with modern competitors. That ultra-conservative approach is somehow not hurting sales too much. In fact, the affordable RVR still enjoys a fair amount of success in Canada. It also proves easy to drive, dependable and backed by a class-leading warranty.
3. Kia Soul – $25,917 (MSRP of $23,195)
After three generations and some fifteen years on the market, the Kia Soul is about to bow out, and is unlikely to be replaced by another. For the time it has left, however, this boxy little crossover continues to outshine its closest rivals (Chevrolet Trax, Nissan Kicks Play, Hyundai Venue) in terms of handling and interior space. The mid-grade Soul EX and EX+ models offer the most bang for your buck.
2. Nissan Kicks Play – $25,460 (MSRP of $22,598)
As mentioned earlier, Nissan is selling two separate generations of the same crossover at the same time. This is the old Kicks, which now goes by the name of Kicks Play for 2025 and should not to be confused with the brand new Kicks. That’s a smart move as many people turned to the original in order to save money, and these folks are still out there.
1. Hyundai Venue – $24,021 (MSRP of $21,299)
Here you have the last remaining SUV or crossover under $25,000 in Canada. The Hyundai Venue is also the second least expensive new vehicle in Canada, the cheapest being the Nissan Versa sedan. Don’t expect miracles from this low-price, glorified hatchback, which requires compromises when it comes to space, noise levels and power—even when compared to the Chevrolet Trax or Kia Soul. On the bright side, fuel economy is excellent and the engine-transmission combo holds up pretty well. As they say, every dollar counts.
