Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) have become one of the most popular choices by Canadian consumers, trailing only pickup trucks as the top-selling vehicle throughout the country. While the “best SUV in Canada” can be a subjective endeavour — one person might consider the most affordable to be the best while another would argue that the latest safety features are what qualifies as best — the bottom line is that some SUVs are clear standouts in the industry.
Whether you want pure power, luxury, fuel economy, capability, 4WD and AWD, convenience, safety, or a mix of the bunch, here are some of the best SUVs in Canada.
Best Compact SUV in Canada: Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 has been one of Canada's best-selling SUV for a long time now. With a rugged design, loads of comfort, and top-notch features, the RAV4 has a little something for everyone.
Toyota leaned into the RAV4’s popularity with a pair of green models with hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. With the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) RAV4 Prime, you’ll enjoy a combined fuel consumption rating of 6 L/100 km and a 68-km all-electric driving range. And this fuel-efficient people hauler is a blast to drive too, with a 0-100 km/h time in the sub-six-second range. This puts the RAV4 Prime in the upper echelon of all vehicles — not just crossovers.
The gasoline-only RAV4 has lots to offer too, starting with a 1,588-kg towing capacity in the Trail AWD trim. And with up to 1,977 litres of cargo space, it’s quite versatile.
The Toyota RAV4 is also an Insurance Institute for Highway Driving (IIHS) Top Safety Pick. It received “Good” ratings in all original IIHS tests, but these were lowered to “Acceptable” in the more stringent updated tests. It also includes standard Toyota Safety Sense, which includes many advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and cross-traffic alert, making it a great choice for families or those with teen drivers.
The RAV4 really is a do-it-all compact SUV for those who don’t need the roominess a full- or mid-size SUV offers. With its small footprint, collection of driver-assist features, and fuel-efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, the RAV4 is perfect for commutes through heavy Toronto traffic or a weekend camping trip to get away from it all.
If you’re looking for more great compact SUV options check out The 9 Best Compact SUVs in Canada.
Best Subcompact SUV: Hyundai Kona
Hyundai Kona comes in two exciting flavours, gasoline or electric. In our best SUV in Canada list, we only considered the gasoline model, as comparing a full battery electric vehicle (BEV) to gasoline SUVs is an unfair fight.
The first thing to realize about the Kona — other than its super-unique exterior design — is it’s a tiny SUV with just a 2,600-mm wheelbase. Its compact size makes the Kona perfect for zipping through a crowded urban environment.
However, the Kona’s small stature doesn’t mean it lacks desirable features. It starts out with a standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers a respectable 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. This is plenty for most drivers, but those looking for a little more speed can jump to the N-Line trim. This peppier model adds a 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder with 195 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Both engines are available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD).
For buyers who seek a legitimate performance crossover, you need to look no further than the Kona N (not to be confused with the N Line). This compact powerhouse features a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that pounds out 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque. This powerful engine propels the Kona N to 100 km/h in under five seconds. The only real downside to the Kona N’s powertrain is it’s only available with FWD.
Being a subcompact SUV means the Kona is a little tighter on the inside than others on this list. Despite its small stature, it still has a respectable 1,803-litre cargo capacity with the rear seats folded. It also has tons of desirable standard features, such as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, power windows, a six-speaker audio system, Bluetooth, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and more. It also boasts premium standard safety tech, such as lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot collision warning, and more.
Best Midsize SUV: Kia Telluride
Kia may have once been a throwaway brand, but it’s recently become a true competitor in the SUV space, and the Kia Telluride is proof.
This larger-than-life midsize crossover doesn't feel like a midsize. The Telluride has three rows and room for up to eight passengers, plus it features all-wheel drive and a host of advanced technology and infotainment features (including a 12.3-inch touchscreen) that’ll help make your big family road trip a bit more bearable.
The Telluride also packs plenty of punch under its hood, thanks to a standard 291-horsepower, 3.8-litre V-6 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Thanks to this powertrain and rugged construction, the Telluride delivers a 2,268-kg towing capacity.
The Telluride also boasts head-turning looks that are far more upscale than its price may indicate.
If you prefer a slightly different style, you can also opt for the Hyundai Palisade, which is essentially the same vehicle with a different body.
Best Full-Size SUV: GMC Yukon & Yukon XL
Though minivans are resurging with new models like the Kia Carnival and hybrid Toyota Sienna, Canadians still often turn to SUVs to chauffeur the family. And larger families need all the room they can get and often turn to full-size SUVs. One of the best in this hulking segment is the GMC Yukon and larger Yukon XL.
The Yukon is still closely related to the Chevrolet Tahoe or Suburban, but it separates itself with unique styling cues. It boasts a gleaming chrome grille, eye-grabbing 20-inch wheels, and dynamic styling on top of its power and convenience.
Speaking of its power, the Yukon has three engine options: a standard 5.3-litre V-8, an optional 6.2-litre V-8, or an optional turbo-diesel 3.0-litre V-6. The Yukon tows up to 7,900 pounds, making short work of trailers, campers, or boats you need for a family trip to Banff.
Inside, the Yukon's spacious cabin treats passengers with heated and ventilated seats, a high-quality sound system, a 10.2-inch touch screen, and more. This cabin provides all the bells and whistles that a new car, and even a used car, should. It also boasts loads of extensive safety features, such as standard forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, front and rear park assist, lane-keeping assist, and more.
And if you want something more luxurious without heading into the luxury car segment, the Denali and Denali Ulitmate models likely have everything you need.
We review the best seven- and eight-seater SUVs in our articles The 7 Best 7-Seater SUVs in Canada and The 13 Top 8-Seater Vehicles Your Family Will Love.
Best Luxury SUV: Mercedes-Benz GLE
If your idea of the best SUV in Canada requires a little more luxury, the Mercedes-Benz GLE is a great option.
This midsize luxury SUV includes all the sophistication and careful engineering that's helped Mercedes become a leader in the luxury segment over the past century. Whether you’re seeking performance, an upscale cabin, a smooth ride, or drivability, the GLE-Class is unmatched by others in its class.
While the GLE-Class’ exterior is a beacon of style and status, its interior is a shining attribute. The GLE-Class has five- and seven-seat options, so you can choose between a rig that can haul a large family or one for a smaller family with extra cargo room. One slight critique is that the third row is not ideal for taller people — it’s best reserved for younger kids and shorter teens and adults. Depending on the configuration, the GLE-Class offers between 630 and 2,055 litres of cargo space, which should suffice for even larger families.
Likely one of the best parts of the GLE-Class is its breadth of high-tech features. The centrepiece of all this technology is the Mercedes MBUX infotainment system. Designed for ease of use courtesy of a large 12.3-inch touch screen, connectivity is at a premium with touch-screen control capabilities from your steering wheel or by saying, "Hey, Mercedes." Even Audi, Lexus, Cadillac, Land Rover, and BMW drivers recognize the detailed aspects of the new system, although the other luxury competitors are just a little behind.
The luxury doesn’t stop there, though. The Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class also features standard leather, heated seats and steering wheel, and E-active body control for added comfort.
The GLE-Class also has a robust lineup of powertrain options, starting with the GLP 350 and its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 255 horsepower through a nine-speed automatic transmission. This power heads to all four wheels for a 7.1-second 0-to-100 km/h sprint time.
Next is the GLE 450, which boasts a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six engine with 375 horsepower and a nine-speed automatic transmission. This also boasts standard AWD and delivers a 5.6-second 0-to-100 km/h sprint time.
The GLE 450e is a plug-in hybrid variant that pairs a 2.0-litre turbo engine with an electric motor for 381 horsepower. Thanks to AWD, this peppy PHEV can hit 100 km/h in just 6.1 seconds.
If performance is your preference, opt for the AMG GLE 53, which boasts a 429-horsepower 3.0-liter turbocharged engine. With standard AWD and an AMG-tuned transmission, this SUV zips to 100 km/h in just 5 seconds.
Finally, the pinnacle of GLE performance comes from the AMG GLE 63 S, which boasts a 603-horsepower twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine and an AMG-tuned transmission. This combined with all-wheel drive delivers a 3.9-second 0-to-100 km/h sprint time.
Most Fuel-Efficient SUV: Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
While the Kia Niro FE is “technically” the most fuel-efficient SUV in the Canadian market at 4.4 L/100 km combined, the Niro is much more a hatchback than a crossover. The true crossover with the most impressive fuel efficiency is the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, which checks in at 5.6 L/100 km combined, making it great for your daily commute.
For Canadian families or those looking to lower fuel costs and maximize their carbon tax rebate, the Corolla Cross Hybrid delivers the best numbers of any non-plug-in hybrid on the market. It features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain with 194 horsepower and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), giving it enough power for most drivers. On top of that, the Corolla Cross comes standard with all-wheel drive for some extra traction in those snowy Canadian winters.
For a comprehensive list of fuel-efficient SUVs, check out our article The 28 Most Fuel-Efficient SUVs in Canada.
Best Value SUV: Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue remains an impressive entry into the SUV market. In 2021, Nissan released a new-generation Rogue with a handsome exterior and standard 17-inch alloys that only further solidified its position as the best SUV in Canada for value.
The Rogue features a plethora of interior goodies, driver assist features, and safety features. Some of its great standard features include an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, rear parking assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, rear automatic braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and more.
At the forefront of the Rogue's IIHS Top Safety Pick rating is a host of advanced safety features courtesy of Nissan Intelligent Mobility and the innovative, semi-autonomous ProPilot Assist.
This compact crossover's standard 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivers a respectable 201 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. It also has good fuel consumption numbers at as little as 7.2 L/100 km combined. For everything it is, the Rogue is certainly a strong value buy.
If you’re looking for more of the best SUVs in Canada with great value, take a look at our article The 12 Cheapest New Cars in Canada.
Best SUV for Off-Road Excursions: Jeep Wrangler
The Wrangler has had decades of fine-tuning, making it the apex in off-road capability. It challenges all types of terrain thanks to its trail-rated features, such as Command-Trac, Selec-Trac, or Rock-Trac 4X4 systems. Also helping off the beaten path is its 246.4 to 327.7 mm of ground clearance.
The Wrangler now has five engine options that deliver very different driving experiences, starting with a 285-horsepower 3.6-litre V6. It also has a 270-horsepower turbo 2.0-litre, a 470-horsepower 6.4-litre V-8, and a 270-horsepower plug-in hybrid. Whatever driving style you prefer, the Wrangler has an option for you.
Jeep offers plenty of features on the Wrangler too. Its standard goodies include air conditioning, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an eight-speaker audio system, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and even a two- or four-door option. Never has the Wrangler been such a one-two punch of capability and comfort.
Looking for more off-roading options? Check out our article The 12 Best Off-Road SUVs.
Best SUV for Safety: Honda HR-V
The Honda CR-V's little brother, the Honda HR-V, has become a popular choice among Canada’s subcompact SUV shoppers for many years. Like the Honda CR-V, Despite its tiny footprint, the Honda HR-V is a leader when it comes to safety.
The 2024 Honda HR-V received the prestigious Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+) in the small SUV category by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It earned this honour by receiving "Good" safety ratings in all crash-safety tests, demonstrating its robust build and design. It also received a “Good” rating for its automatic emergency braking system’s performance in vehicle-to-pedestrian crash avoidance for additional peace of mind.
But the HR-V is about more than just safety. It also has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. This efficient engine paired with its small body allows the HR-V to deliver a combined fuel consumption rate as low as 8.3 L/100 km without advanced hybrid technology.
The 2024 HR-V also boasts a spacious interior, providing up to 958 mm of rear legroom and 691 to 1,559 litres of cargo space. This makes it a practical choice for families or those needing ample cargo space.
For a full list of the safest SUVs, take a look at our article The 17 Safest SUVs in Canada.
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