All seven of these up-and-comers are on the compact side, and most also fall into what passes for “affordable” these days, too
You know you’re of a certain age when you remember a price war between two automakers and their smallest bare-bones cars. When one company dropped its price by five dollars, the other immediately undercut it by another couple of bucks, the goal being to advertise “the cheapest car in Canada.”
But today, few car companies offer truly tiny vehicles, and “affordable” is a relative term. Even so, there are some smaller and competitively-priced nameplates coming out model year 2025, either already here or on their way, and we’ve rounded them up here.
2026 Kia EV3
The EV3 shares its overall cabin styling with the EV6 and EV9, including their 30-inch screen containing the digital instrument cluster and infotainment. Other features, depending on the trim, will include a sunroof, heated front and rear seats, wireless charger, leather-look upholstery, and head-up display. It’s capable of one-pedal driving, where regenerative braking – which captures and stores otherwise-wasted energy during deceleration – can be ramped up a level where the EV3 will come to a stop on its own, so you can drive using just the accelerator.
2025 Kia K4
Depending on trim, features include cloth or faux-leather upholstery, heated seats and steering wheel, wireless charger, and a digital key through one’s phone. The three non-turbo trims run from $23,995 to $27,995; while the two turbo trims are the GT-Line at $31,495, and the GT-Line Limited at $34,495.
2025 Nissan Kicks
A 12.3-inch centre touchscreen with wireless phone connectivity is standard, and the top SR Premium adds a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Depending the trim, features include an auto-dimming mirror, surround-sound audio, leather upholstery, and ProPilot Assist hands-on driving system. The 2025 Kicks comes in two FWD trims, at $27,199 and $28,749; while the three AWD models run from $29,199 to $34,899.
2025 Nissan Kicks Play
The Kicks Play uses a 1.6L four-cylinder engine making 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque, and with CVT and front-wheel-drive only. It comes in two trims, with the entry S offering a seven-inch touchscreen with phone connectivity, 16-inch wheels, emergency front braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-departure warning. The SV adds heated seats and steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, automatic climate control, and eight-inch touchscreen, among other features.
It’s not as powerful or as fancy as the new Kicks, but it’s also easier on the wallet, at $22,598 for the S and $25,198 for the SV. How long it’ll stick around is anyone’s guess, but for now it’s a good alternative for budget-minded drivers.
2026 Rivian R2
Full specs aren’t out yet, but we know the R2 will be 4,714 mm (185.6 inches) long and ride on a “connected” platform, developed in-house and ready for future software updates. The liftgate window opens, as does pop-out glass on the sides; rear accessory points let you snap on a bike rack without tools, and the rack can be stored in the front trunk; most functions are handled through screens or the haptic-touch steering wheel; and there’s even a flashlight stored in the door.
2025 Volvo EX30
It stands pretty much alone in the pint-sized, premium plug-in segment, and Volvo says 80% of its early customers are new to the brand. The EX30 with single motor comes in three trims, ranging from $53,700 to $59,100; while the dual-motor comes in Plus at $59,900 or Ultra at $62,100.
2025 Honda Civic Hybrid
All hybrid trims include driver-assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, multi-angle camera, and emergency front braking. The hybrid models sit above the gas-only Civic for trim levels, and their features can include heated seats and steering wheel, Bose audio system, nine-inch touchscreen, and the Civic’s first use of Google Built-In.
The hybrid trims start above the gas-only Civic, with the Sport Hybrid at $35,305, and the Sport Hybrid Touring at $38,805. The hatchback models are $195 more.
And not yet on our list, but—
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