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.
Ranking Criteria
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:
- Performance: Easy handling, comfortable driving dynamics, and overall engine performance are core factors here.
- Comfort: Even the smallest SUV in Canada should still be comfortable and supportive for long trips.
- Tech: An infotainment centre and onboard technology that enhances driving experiences while also providing connectivity matters to many drivers.
- Space: Enough cargo space and leg room can make even a small SUV comfortable enough for adults.
- Value: Competitive pricing and warranty make a vehicle a better investment.
- Fuel Efficiency: Fuel prices continue to change, so determining how efficient a vehicle is is critical to choosing the best small SUVs.
- Style: Small SUVs can still be attractive, modern vehicles with nice features and ample performance quality.
- Reliability: SUVs should last for years and maintain their value longer.
To determine the best subcompact SUV in Canada, we carefully considered all of these criteria based on the makes and models on the market.
Best Subcompact SUVs in Canada
Which is the best subcompact SUV in Canada? Here’s what our research determined.
Hyundai Kona
Clutch Rating: 4.1/5
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.
Who is the Hyundai Kona for
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.
Pros
The 2025 Hyundai Kona offers a variety of benefits that make it at the top of the best subcompact vehicles in Canada, including:
- A five-seat crossover-style vehicle with ample shoulder, leg, and cargo room
- Two engine options and an all-electric Kona Ev to select from
- Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, depending on trim
- Powerful engine creates smooth handling
- Larger-than-most infotainment centre
Cons
There are a few drawbacks to keep in mind:
- The higher-end trim model in the N Line could benefit from better suspension
- Little crowded in the backseat for taller people
What’s New
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.
Price Range
The prices for the 2025 Hyundai Kona in Canada range from
- 2.0L Essential FWD: $26,249
- 2.0L Essential AWD: $28,249
- 2.0L Preferred FWD: $28,749
- 2.0L Preferred AWD: $30,749
- 1.6T Preferred Sport AWD: $34,599
- 1.6T N Line AWD: $35,749
- 1.6T N Line Ultimate AWD: $38,999
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Volkswagen Taos
Clutch Rating: 4.0/5
Redesigned for 2025, the Volkswagen Taos has an improved automatic transmission, better handling, and a super fun drive quality that’s hard to beat.
Who this car is for
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.
Pros
- Nice powertrain performance with the 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 158-horsepower performance
- Nice handling with responsive performance overall
- Interior cabin is roomy, with ample overall cargo space for groceries or gear
- The new suite has standard features, including IQ.DRIVE and Car-Net connected services
Cons
- Interior quality is good but not necessarily great
- The infotainment screen is 8.0 inches, which is smaller than many
What’s New
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.
Price Range
The prices for the 2025 Volkswagen Taos in Canada range from
- Trendline FWD: $29,795
- Trendline 4Motion: $31,795
- Comfortline 4MOTION: $35,295
- Comfortline Black Edition 4Motion: $36,995
- Highline 4Motion: $38,995
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Mazda CX-30
Clutch Rating: 3.9/5
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.
Who this car is for
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.
Pros
- A fun and stylish vehicle to drive
- Confidence in cornering, better handling, and a sporty feel to the powertrain
- Standard features make it a packed vehicle
- Interior leg room is good, and interior features are better than many
- SKYACTIV-G 2.5-L dynamic pressure turbo engine on select trims performs well
- Up to 7.1-L/100 km highway fuel performance
Cons
- Base engine isn’t ideal, but the upper trims perform significantly better
- Cargo space is less than competitors
What’s New
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.
Price Range
The prices for the 2025 Mazda CX-30 in Canada range from
- GX: $28,950
- GS: $31,850
- GS Luxury Package: $34,050
- GT: $37,850
- GT Turbo: $40,250
- Suna Edition: $41,000
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Kia Seltos
Clutch Rating: 3.8/4
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.
Who this car is for
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.
Pros
- 2.0-L MPI 4-cylinder engines with Auto Intelligent Variable Transmission and Idle Stop and Go
- Efficient performance at 7.6 L/100km
- 5 roomy seats comfortable for even adults
Cons
- Base model features an 8-inch display
- A bit more boxy, but that also improves the interior room
What’s New
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.
Price Range
The prices for the 2025 Kia Seltos in Canada range from
- LX: $25,545
- LX AWD: $27,545
- EX: $28,645
- EX AWD: 30,545
- EX Premium AWD: $33,845
- SX Turbo AWD: $36,845
- X-Line AWD: $39,445
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Subaru Crosstrek
Clutch Rating: 3.8/5
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.
Who this car is for
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.
Pros
- Quite the capable vehicle with above-average performance on the road and off of it
- Slightly more room inside means adults can handle a longer ride without feeling crushed
- Zippy performance with overall power enough for rugged terrain.
- Good fuel economy (though specifics were not released at the time of this review for the 2025 model)
- More effective for distance travellers looking for a better on-road experience
Cons
- A bit bigger than others, it blends the look of a hatchback and a small SUV into one vehicle but does so with less cargo space
- Tech features could use an upscaling to meet competitor products
What’s New
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.
Price Range
The prices for the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek in Canada range from
- Base: $25,695
- Premium: $26,945
- Sport: $29,495
- Limited: $31,395
- Wilderness: $33,915
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Toyota Corolla Cross
Clutch Rating: 3.7/5
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.
Who this car is for
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.
Pros
- Solid engine in the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve base model
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with numerous standard features
- Features such as Drive Connect enabled, Remote Connect Vehicle Status enabled, and remote engine start and door lock, though subscriptions are necessary here
- 6 speaker audio
- Good-looking FX trim provides a more modern, updated look
Cons
- Limited storage, even with the hatchback, there seems to be limited overall cargo room
- Heavy throttle and somewhat depressing engine capability
What’s New
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.
Price Range
The prices for the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross in Canada range from
- L: $27,650
- LE: $29,690
- XLE: $35,950
- Hybrid SE: $34,590
- Hybrid XSE: $37,350
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Kia Soul
Clutch Rating: 3.7/5
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.
Who this car is for
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.
Pros
- Good safety features include Advanced Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist.
- Fun and quirky interior features include a 10.25-inch multimedia screen with touchscreen navigation and a sound-reactive mood lighting option.
- Decent 2.0-L MPI engine with 4-valves per cylinder DOHC.
Cons
- Not the most fuel-efficient of subcompact SUVs, which could be problematic for those looking for better fuel economy
- No all-wheel drive option, which may not be a bad thing if it keeps the costs lower and you do not need it
What’s New
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.
Price Range
The prices for the 2025 Kia Soul in Canada range from
- LX: $22,895
- EX: $24,795
- EX+: $25,595
- EX Premium: $27,945
- GT Line Limited: $29,795
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Hyundai Venue
Clutch Rating: 3.7/5
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.
Who this car is for
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.
Pros
- Effective Smartstream G1.6 DPFI engine with Intelligent Variable Transmission offers a bit of a kick
- Good safety features including Forward Collision-Avoidance with Pedestrian Detection and Blind-Spot Collision Warning with Lane Change Assist
- SUPERSTRUCTURE core design to enhance safety
Cons
- The Venue’s lower price means no frills inside the cabin
- Not as fuel-efficient as some of its rivals
What’s New
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.
Price Range
The prices for the 2025 Hyundai Venue in Canada range from
- Essential IVT: $21,099
- Preferred IVT: $23,099
- Ultimate IVT: $25,599
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Jeep Compass
Clutch Rating: 3.4/5
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.
Who this car is for
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.
Pros
- Good performance with 200 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque, both of which are best-in-class
- Tow up to 2000 pounds with this small – but slightly larger vehicle
- Several trim options to select from for refined looks
Cons
- More expensive than others, especially in the higher trims
- Larger than other compact SUVs, which may be too big for some
What’s New
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.
Price Range
The prices for the 2025 Jeep Compass in Canada range from
- Sport: $32,700
- North: $39,700
- Altitude: $44,700
- Limited: $46,700
- Trailhawk: $46,700
- Trailhawk Elite: $46,700
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Save Thousands on the Best Subcompact SUVs at Clutch
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.
