If you’re in the market for the best small SUV in Canada for 2025, the options have never been better. The compact and subcompact SUV market is booming, offering everything from affordable SUVs under $30K to fuel-efficient hybrids and even luxury compact SUVs.
At The Car Boys, we know Canadians need vehicles that handle snowy winters, provide excellent fuel economy and stay affordable. That’s why we’ve selected the top small SUVs in Canada 2025, including compact and subcompact models, hybrids and luxury picks.
What is a Small SUV in Canada?
The best small SUVs in Canada strike the perfect balance between SUV capability and everyday practicality. They offer higher ground clearance for snowy roads, flexible cargo space for families and the option of all-wheel drive (AWD) for safe winter driving. Whether you’re navigating city streets in Toronto or heading out for a weekend getaway in Banff, a small SUV is one of the most versatile choices on the road.
Subcompact SUVs – Extra Small, City-Friendly Rides
Subcompact SUVs are the smallest SUVs in Canada, designed for easy parking, fuel efficiency and affordability. Think of them as the mini SUV cars of today perfect for city dwellers, solo drivers or couples who want SUV practicality without the size or cost of a midsize model. Popular picks include the Hyundai Kona, Subaru Crosstrek and Chevrolet Trax, which are among the best subcompact SUVs Canadians can buy in 2025.
Compact SUVs – Small, but Spacious and Family-Ready
Compact SUVs are a step up in size from subcompacts, offering more passenger room and cargo space while still being easy to drive and park. They’re often considered the best rated small SUVs for families in Canada. Popular choices like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Rogue blend reliability, safety and efficiency, making them top contenders for the best compact SUV 2025.
Why Small SUVs Are Popular in Canada
Canadians love small SUVs because they combine the best of both worlds:
- Winter-ready – Most offer all-wheel drive small SUVs (AWD) to handle snow and ice.
- Fuel-efficient – Hybrid and gas options now compete with sedans in fuel mileage.
- Affordable – Many best rated affordable SUVs start under $30K in Canada.
- Versatile – Compact SUVs are great family haulers, while subcompacts are perfect for city living.
Read More – Does Luxury Tax Apply to Used Cars in Canada?
Top Rated Small SUVs in Canada 2025
Here are our picks for the best small SUV Canada 2025, ranked with Canadian pricing and highlights.
1. Toyota RAV4 – Canada’s Most Recommended Small SUV
- Starting Price: From $36,600 CAD
- Fuel Economy: As low as 6.0L/100km (Hybrid)
- Key Features: Hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, standard AWD on most trims, excellent safety ratings.
Why Buy?
The Toyota RAV4 remains the best small SUV Canada drivers can count on. It’s not just reliable, it’s one of the most fuel efficient small SUVs with hybrid models, offers compact SUV AWD for Canadian winters and holds its value better than most competitors. Perfect if you want a top rated small SUV with proven durability.
2. Honda CR-V – Reliable & Family-Friendly Compact SUV
- Starting Price: From $37,800 CAD
- Fuel Economy: Around 6.4L/100km (Hybrid)
- Key Features: Spacious cabin, advanced Honda Sensing safety suite, available hybrid model, strong resale value.
Why Buy?
The Honda CR-V is widely seen as the most reliable compact SUV in Canada. With best rated affordable SUV trims, family-friendly cargo space and excellent safety scores, it’s a top pick for Canadians who want a practical, everyday SUV that handles winter driving with ease.
3. Mazda CX-5 – Sporty & Stylish Compact SUV
- Starting Price: From $29,900 CAD
- Fuel Economy: Approx. 8.2L/100km
- Key Features: Turbocharged engine option, premium interior feel, sharp handling.
Why Buy?
If you’re after a sporty small SUV that feels more premium than its price, the Mazda CX-5 is your pick. With sleek styling, dynamic handling and available AWD, it’s one of the most recommended compact SUVs for Canadians who want practicality with a fun-to-drive edge.
4. Hyundai Tucson – Best Rated Affordable SUV in Canada
- Starting Price: From $37,100 CAD
- Fuel Economy: As low as 6.4L/100km (Hybrid)
- Key Features: Available gas, hybrid and plug-in hybrid; advanced tech; roomy interior.
Why Buy?
The Hyundai Tucson is one of the best rated affordable SUVs in Canada, offering high-end features at a fair price. With compact SUV AWD options, stylish design and excellent hybrid fuel efficiency, it’s a smart pick for Canadian families who want value without compromise.
5. Kia Sportage – Spacious & Versatile Family SUV
- Starting Price: From $33,000 CAD
- Fuel Economy: Around 6.2L/100km (Hybrid)
- Key Features: Family-sized cabin, modern design, hybrid & plug-in options, industry-leading warranty.
Why Buy?
The Kia Sportage is a great small SUV for Canadian families, thanks to its roomy cabin, advanced safety features and outstanding warranty coverage. With hybrid and AWD versions available, it ranks among the top rated small SUVs for practicality and long-term peace of mind.
6. Nissan Rogue – Best Fuel Economy Small SUV
- Starting Price: From $36,800 CAD
- Fuel Economy: As low as 7.6L/100km (AWD, Gas)
- Key Features: Turbocharged engine, flexible cargo space, modern driver-assist tech.
Why Buy?
The Nissan Rogue leads the way for the best fuel economy small SUV in Canada (non-hybrid category). With compact SUV AWD capability, innovative tech and excellent cargo flexibility, it’s one of the most recommended small SUVs for Canadians who want efficiency and practicality in one package.
7. Subaru Crosstrek – Best Subcompact SUV AWD for Canadian Winters
- Starting Price: From $31,800 CAD
- Fuel Economy: Approx. 8.0L/100km
- Key Features: Standard all-wheel drive, rugged design, versatile cargo space, new Wilderness edition.
Why Buy?
The Subaru Crosstrek is one of the best subcompact SUVs in Canada, thanks to its legendary AWD system and rugged build. It’s compact enough for city streets yet tough enough for Canadian winters, making it one of the most reliable small SUVs for drivers who want adventure-ready practicality.
8. Hyundai Kona – Canada’s Smallest SUV with Big Value
- Starting Price: From $28,900 CAD
- Fuel Economy: Around 7.5L/100km
- Key Features: Compact size, bold styling, available turbo engine and full EV version.
Why Buy?
The Hyundai Kona is the smallest SUV Canada drivers can buy, but don’t let its size fool you. This mini SUV car is fun, affordable and comes in both gas and electric models. Perfect for city dwellers, first-time SUV buyers or anyone looking for a cool small SUV that’s easy to park and economical to run.
Best Small Hybrid SUVs in Canada 2025
For Canadians looking to save on fuel without sacrificing space or capability, hybrid SUVs are a smart choice. These models deliver excellent fuel efficiency, come with compact SUV AWD options and rank among the best rated small SUVs on the market.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid – Reliable & Fuel-Efficient
- Starting Price: From $39,600 CAD (approx.)
- Fuel Economy: Around 6.0L/100km
- Key Features: Standard AWD, hybrid efficiency, excellent resale value, advanced safety systems.
Why Buy?
The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is Canada’s top-selling hybrid SUV and for good reason. It delivers excellent fuel efficiency, standard AWD capability and Toyota’s reputation for reliability. If you’re looking for the most recommended small SUV with strong long-term value, the RAV4 Hybrid tops the list.
Honda CR-V Hybrid – Family-Friendly Choice
- Starting Price: From $49,400 CAD (Hybrid trims)
- Fuel Economy: Around 6.4L/100km
- Key Features: Spacious interior, advanced Honda Sensing safety suite, hybrid efficiency, AWD available.
Why Buy?
The Honda CR-V Hybrid is a reliable compact SUV built for Canadian families. With excellent fuel economy, roomy cargo space and strong safety ratings, it’s one of the best rated small SUVs for drivers who want efficiency without compromising comfort.
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid – Affordable Tech-Loaded SUV
- Starting Price: From $45,800 CAD (Hybrid trims)
- Fuel Economy: Around 6.4L/100km
- Key Features: Bold styling, advanced tech features, AWD capability, plug-in hybrid option.
Why Buy?
The Hyundai Tucson Hybrid is one of the best rated affordable SUVs in Canada. It delivers excellent fuel efficiency, a tech-rich interior and AWD for winter driving. A perfect pick for Canadians who want a practical yet stylish hybrid compact SUV.
Kia Sportage Hybrid – Value-Packed & Efficient
- Starting Price: From $40,900 CAD (Hybrid trims)
- Fuel Economy: Around 6.2L/100km
- Key Features: Spacious cabin, hybrid and plug-in hybrid options, strong warranty coverage, AWD availability.
Why Buy?
The Kia Sportage Hybrid blends practicality with efficiency, making it one of the best fuel efficient small SUVs available in 2025. With hybrid power, AWD capability and Kia’s industry-leading warranty, it’s a value-packed compact SUV perfect for budget-conscious Canadian drivers.
Best Small Luxury SUVs in Canada 2025
Want premium features in a small size SUV Canada? Here are the best small size luxury SUVs:
BMW X1 – Sporty & Premium Compact SUV
- Starting Price: From $45,000 CAD (approx.)
- Fuel Economy: Around 8.0L/100km
- Key Features: Sporty handling, refined interior, advanced driver-assist features, AWD standard.
Why Buy?
The BMW X1 is one of the fastest compact SUVs in its class, offering a sporty driving experience with premium comfort. If you want a luxury small SUV Canada drivers love for both performance and practicality, the X1 delivers on all fronts.
Audi Q3 – Stylish & Tech-Focused Luxury SUV
- Starting Price: From $43,000 CAD (approx.)
- Fuel Economy: Around 8.4L/100km
- Key Features: Upscale cabin design, advanced infotainment system, quattro AWD, compact size for city driving.
Why Buy?
The Audi Q3 blends luxury and practicality in a compact package. With sleek styling, a tech-rich interior and standard AWD, it’s one of the best small size luxury SUVs in Canada for urban professionals who want both sophistication and versatility.
Mercedes-Benz GLA – Compact Luxury with Style
- Starting Price: From $44,000 CAD (approx.)
- Fuel Economy: Around 8.6L/100km
- Key Features: Premium design, luxury features, strong safety systems, available AMG performance trims.
Why Buy?
The Mercedes-Benz GLA is a cool small SUV that carries the prestige of a luxury badge without the oversized footprint. Compact yet refined, it’s perfect for Canadians seeking a small size luxury SUV that combines everyday usability with high-end appeal.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Small SUV in Canada for 2025
The best small SUV Canada 2025 truly depends on your priorities:
- Best all-around value → Toyota RAV4
- Most reliable small SUV for families → Honda CR-V
- Sporty compact SUV → Mazda CX-5
- Best rated affordable SUVs →
- Hyundai Tucson or Kia Sportage
- Top subcompact SUVs → Hyundai Kona or Subaru Crosstrek
- Luxury small size SUVs → BMW X1, Audi Q3 or Mercedes GLA
At The Car Boys, we recommend test-driving at least two different models before making a final decision. Every driver’s needs are unique whether it’s fuel efficiency, AWD capability, affordability or luxury features and these top rated compact SUVs for 2025 each bring something special to Canadian roads.
FAQs About Small SUVs in Canada
1. What is the best rated small SUV in Canada?
The Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are consistently ranked as the best rated small SUVs in Canada thanks to their reliability, fuel efficiency and strong resale value.
2. What is the most reliable small SUV for 2025?
The Honda CR-V is considered the most reliable compact SUV 2025, with a proven track record for safety, durability and low long-term maintenance costs.
3. Which small SUV has the best fuel mileage?
The Nissan Rogue (gas AWD) and the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid lead in best fuel economy small SUV rankings, offering excellent mileage for Canadian drivers.
4. What are the best small hybrid SUVs in Canada?
Top picks include the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, Honda CR-V Hybrid, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Kia Sportage Hybrid. These are the most recommended small SUVs for drivers who want fuel efficiency with SUV capability.
5. What is the difference between compact and standard SUVs?
Compact SUVs: Smaller, easier to park, more fuel-efficient and better for city driving.
Standard SUVs: Larger, with more power, seating for up to 7 passengers and higher towing capacity.
6. What is the smallest SUV in Canada right now?
The Hyundai Kona and Chevrolet Trax are the smallest SUVs in Canada, making them ideal for city driving and budget-friendly ownership.
7. What is the best 2025 SUV for the money?
The Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage are often rated as the best 2025 SUVs for the money because they combine affordability, modern tech, hybrid options and excellent warranties.
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