A subcompact SUV combines the features and handling of a traditional passenger car with a bit more size and room inside, like a larger SUV. The best subcompact SUV in Canada provides tech features, ample leg room, and a powerful enough engine to get you to and from your activities with ease.
To determine which are the best subcompact SUVs, we considered performance, comfort, and tech. The best compact crossover or SUV needs to have space and still offer value for the price. Other important factors include reliability, fuel efficiency, and style.
If you’re planning to purchase a new vehicle, you need to know what to expect from the best subcompact SUV in Canada and the competitors out there. Factors beyond price, including cargo space and safety features, can make a difference in your driving experience for years to come.
To determine the best subcompact SUVs, we looked at some of the most valuable details about each vehicle to determine which is the best fit for most people. We received vehicle specifications along with third-party reviews and incorporated first-hand experience to create an overall rating based on the following criteria:
To determine the best subcompact SUV in Canada, we carefully considered all of these criteria based on the makes and models on the market.
Which is the best subcompact SUV in Canada? Here’s what our research determined.
The second generation of the Hyundai Kona makes the top of the list for the best subcompact SUV for numerous reasons. Comfortable, an all-electric model and good fuel efficiency make it a solid choice.
With a well-performing engine and roomy interior, the Hyundai Kona is the ideal choice for families and couples looking for a reliable vehicle for everyday use. With a big infotainment screen and ample safety features, it’s a feel-good vehicle you may enjoy driving.
The 2025 Hyundai Kona offers a variety of benefits that make it at the top of the best subcompact vehicles in Canada, including:
There are a few drawbacks to keep in mind:
The 2025 Hyundai Kona offers some nice features, including an upgraded turbocharged engine in the Preferred trim model. You’ll also like the rear air vents, which make air flow enjoyable. Available features include a hands-free power liftgate, and the trim no longer has a spoiler on the N Line Ultimate.
The prices for the 2025 Hyundai Kona in Canada range from
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Redesigned for 2025, the Volkswagen Taos has an improved automatic transmission, better handling, and a super fun drive quality that’s hard to beat.
As the smallest SUV from Volkswagen, this subcompact vehicle offers an impressive experience with significant interior room. That makes it a good option for most people looking for an everyday vehicle.
Built with a stronger engine, the handling and performance of this vehicle make it one of the best subcompact SUVs in Canada. Updated technology means smarter driving. The exterior has a bolder look as well, with a new front grille.
The prices for the 2025 Volkswagen Taos in Canada range from
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A five-seater with a modern interior and ample cargo space makes the Mazda CX-30 a solid investment. That, along with 1280 litres of storage space when the rear seats are down, makes it easy to use for most needs.
For the fuel-efficiency seeker who’s after a high-performance engine, the Mazda CX-30 hits the mark, depending on the specific model selected.
The 2025 Mazda CX-30 hasn’t changed too much from previous years. It has an improved navigation system and more added tech, including voice command improvements.
The prices for the 2025 Mazda CX-30 in Canada range from
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A fun-driving, efficient subcompact vehicle, the 2025 Kia Seltos provides nine standard driver-assist features and an engine that can reach 195 horsepower. Updated available features include Adaptive All-Wheel Drive, Smart Power Liftgate, and a 10.25-inch Dual Panoramic display with navigation.
Adventure seekers, travellers, and those seeking a reliable everyday car that’s easy to drive with enhanced safety may benefit the most from the 2025 Kia Seltos.
The 2025 Kia Seltos has a bit higher pricing than previous years, but it’s also incorporated more technology from previous models. The top trims, the SX and X-Line, feature a turbocharged 1.6L four-port, creating 195 horsepower.
The prices for the 2025 Kia Seltos in Canada range from
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Boosting a new hybrid option, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek brings with it extended performance and more efficiency, though there’s speculation about whether the manufacturer will bring the engine to Canada.
The Subaru Crosstrek has long been a reliable vehicle for those who want all-wheel drive performance, an outdoor vibe, and a competitive price point. It’s larger than some of the subcompact SUVs on the market but still small for everyday use and fuel efficiency.
The newly developed 2.5L horizontally-opposed engine and transaxle offer better performance for the vehicle. It has a high voltage battery and a large fuel tank capacity (63-litre fuel tank). The hybrid system makes it an efficient vehicle and one of the best on the market.
The prices for the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek in Canada range from
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The 2025 Toyota Corolla is an efficient compact SUV that offers good standard safety features. The engine may not be the most powerful of options out there, but it certainly will get you to and from work. It’s still the practical option many consumers are looking for in a smaller SUV.
While anyone could benefit from this fast, small, and efficient vehicle, there are limitations to its overall design. If you are looking for a solid daily commute vehicle that is highly reliable, you will find this option to be a good one. There’s nothing too exciting about its engine or functionality, though it does have great fuel efficiency and a number of solid standard features.
The 2025 Toyota Corolla doesn’t change much from the previous year’s model, at least from under the hood. A number of cosmetic updates have been made, including 18-inch satin-black alloy wheels and the launch of the FX trim with its 10.5-inch infotainment as a standard option.
The prices for the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross in Canada range from
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The 2025 Kia Soul brings with it a lot of fun features, including a practical design (including a surprisingly roomy interior cabin space). It’s certainly the boxy and youthful-looking vehicle it has always been, but the 2025 model features a few key elements that make it ideally suited for today’s driver who wants a bit of a quirky and playful but practical vehicle.
The Kia Soul is a practical vehicle that tends to have a great price point. If you’re looking for a vehicle with good features but not the most power under the hood, this vehicle is for you. It’s roomy enough for a family with children or smaller adults and offers a fun, playful look that’s perfect for those who want to stand out.
The 2025 model brings with it the Soulmate Edition, a higher trim option that’s based on the EX trim with two-tone paint and 18-inch aluminum wheels, among other cosmetic upgrades.
The prices for the 2025 Kia Soul in Canada range from
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The 2025 Hyundai Venue offers good value for the features it provides and has a roomy cargo area. While it is not as efficient as other subcompact vehicles in its class, there’s still a lot of value here, especially with the numerous standard features.
For those looking for a more roomy vehicle than the average car but want something that drives easily, the 2025 Hyundai Venue is a good option. At a competitive price with surprisingly numerous safety features, it is a good option for those who want a modern, practical, smaller car.
There’s not much to talk about here since the 2025 Venue is just about the same as the 2024 model. The only updates include the changing out of the Green Apple colour for Mirage Green.
The prices for the 2025 Hyundai Venue in Canada range from
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This five-seat compact SUV does a good job of providing performance and overall function. It has decent cargo space and safety features, as well as a fun-to-drive design.
The Jeep Compass is a good option for those looking for a touch of adventure in a practical vehicle. Designed to provide an entry-level SUV, it’s a good option for those who plan to do a bit of trekking or want a good-looking vehicle.
There are not a lot of changes in the 2025 Jeep Compass compared to others this year, though the Latitude trim adds some upgrades, including a heated steering wheel and heated seats.
The prices for the 2025 Jeep Compass in Canada range from
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Explore a wide selection of high-quality used subcompact SUVs in Canada with Clutch. Save thousands compared to new models by choosing from our pre-owned inventory, all inspected through a 210-point process to ensure road readiness.
Skip traditional dealerships and order your subcompact SUV online. Clutch offers a straightforward, no-haggle pricing model and an optional 10-day/750-km test-own period. If you’re not fully satisfied, return it for a refund or exchange.
Looking to sell or trade-in your current SUV? Clutch makes it easy—get an online offer and, if accepted, we’ll pick up your vehicle and apply its value toward your purchase.
