Ample options exist in the SUV and crossover segment — here are five of the most affordable.
The vehicles on this list are present because they hew to a traditional definition of SUV or crossover: generally taller than a hatchback or station wagon, at least two rows of seating, and a cargo area which is open to the passenger cabin. Pricing is taken from configurator pages on the websites of appropriate manufacturers for the 2024 model year. We have listed freight but no other fees or taxes since they can vary across regions. Fuel economy is supplied by the dweebs at NRCan.
And, yes — we know most of the images here are not of base models. Manufacturers tend to furnish testers and images of top trims. Hey, just squint yer eyes and tilt your head. With those notes out of the way, assembled here are five of the most affordable SUVs or crossovers on sale in Canada for 2024.
Hyundai Venue: $20,899
At this price, the Venue is powered by a 1.6L gasoline-fuelled engine making 121 horsepower and 113 lb-ft of torque. It all runs fine on regular unleaded and is funneled to the earth through a continuously variable transmission to its front wheels. All-wheel drive is not an option on the Venue. Even the least expensive Venue gets heated front seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, cruise control, air conditioning, and remote keyless entry.
- Canadian MSRP: $20,899 + $1,950 destination charge
- Power: 121 hp, 113 lb-ft of torque
- Cargo capacity: 528 litres (18.6 cu.ft)
- Combined fuel economy: 7.5 L/100 km
Chevrolet Trax: $21,699
That’s because every new Trax in Canada is motivated by a 1.2L turbocharged engine good for 137 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque, hove to the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. While its displacement is diminutive, all its torque is online by just 2,500 rpm which means the Trax feels more sprightly around town than its numbers may suggest. Base models get heated front seats, a high-def parking camera, and lane keeping as part of the deal.
- Canadian MSRP: $21,699 + $2,000 destination charge
- Power: 137 hp, 162 lb-ft of torque
- Cargo capacity: 725 litres (25.6 cu.ft)
- Combined fuel economy: 7.9 L/100 km
Nissan Kicks: $22,348
- Canadian MSRP: $22,348 + $2,030 destination charge
- Power: 122 hp, 114 lb-ft of torque
- Cargo capacity: 717 litres (25.3 cu.ft)
- Combined fuel economy: 7.2 L/100 km
Kia Soul: $22,795
The list of standard kit on the base LX is decently lengthy, including features such as heated sideview mirrors, heated front seats, a steering wheel which adjusts for reach and rake, six speaker audio, and cruise control. The entry level trim is easy to spot thanks to steel wheels with hubcaps and halogen headlights instead of LED peepers.
- Canadian MSRP: $22,795 + $1,900 destination charge
- Power: 147 hp, 132 lb-ft of torque
- Cargo capacity: 663 litres (23.4 cu.ft)
- Combined fuel economy: 7.9 L/100 km
Mitsubishi RVR: $24,798
Power in the 2.0L checks in at 148 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, good numbers though it should be noted they peak in the upper reaches of the tachometer. A continuously variable transmission is the engine’s dance partner. The ES FWD trim satellite radio, automatic climate control, LED headlamps, and heated front seats.
- Canadian MSRP: $24,798 + $2,050 destination charge
- Power: 148 hp, 145 lb-ft of torque
- Cargo capacity: 614 litres (21.7 cu.ft)
- Combined fuel economy: 8.9 L/100 km
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