Best Compact SUVs in Canada for 2025
Though minivans are on a small resurgence recently, they're still not as popular as they once were, and sedans simply don't offer the usefulness buyers need. This continues to fuel the compact SUV segment. Everyone from Audi to Chevrolet to Jeep has jumped into the segment, capitalizing on the growing demand. Even luxury SUVs entered the realm from upscale manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus, and Volvo.
Today, the compact SUV market is flooded with options, making it hard to choose the right one. Below, we cover our top picks for the best compact SUVs in Canada for 2025 to help you narrow your search.
2025 Toyota RAV4
$
33555
$
33555
–
$
61945
8
Pros
- Versatile Powertrain Options: The 2025 Toyota RAV4 offers gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid models, making it adaptable to various driving preferences. Whether you need strong towing capability, all-electric commuting, or fuel efficiency for long trips, there’s a RAV4 for every lifestyle.
- All-Weather Capability: Standard all-wheel drive across all Canadian models ensures confident driving in snow, rain, and off-road conditions. Adventure-ready trims like the Trail and Woodland editions add extra rugged features for enhanced off-road performance.
- Comprehensive Safety Features: Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 comes standard on all trims, offering advanced driver-assist features such as lane tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking, ensuring driver and passenger protection.
Cons
- Expensive Top Trims: While the base models are competitively priced, higher trims like the Limited and plug-in hybrid versions can become quite expensive, pushing the RAV4 into a premium price bracket compared to rivals.
- Underwhelming Base Engine: The standard 2.5L gasoline engine delivers decent power for everyday driving but can feel underpowered when merging on highways or carrying heavy cargo, limiting its performance appeal.
- Subscription-Based Tech Features: Many desirable tech features, such as connected navigation, remote start, and in-car Wi-Fi, require paid subscriptions after an initial trial, adding to long-term ownership costs.
The 2025 Toyota RAV4 is a versatile SUV that appeals to a wide range of drivers. Families will appreciate its spacious interior, ample cargo space, and advanced safety features that offer peace of mind on daily commutes and long road trips. Its roomy cabin comfortably seats five adults, while the 60/40 split-folding rear seats make transporting large items a breeze. For eco-conscious buyers, the RAV4 Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid models provide excellent fuel efficiency without compromising on power, making them ideal for reducing fuel expenses while minimizing environmental impact.
Adventure seekers will find plenty to love as well. The RAV4’s standard all-wheel drive and high ground clearance make it well-suited for tackling snowy roads, gravel trails, and cottage getaways. Off-road enthusiasts can opt for the Trail or Woodland editions, which come equipped with features like rugged tires, roof rails, and Toyota’s Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD for enhanced control on challenging terrain. Meanwhile, tech-savvy drivers will enjoy its intuitive infotainment system, featuring wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available premium audio options. Whether you’re commuting through city traffic or exploring the great outdoors, the 2025 Toyota RAV4 is built to adapt to any lifestyle.
2025 Honda CR-V
$
35725
$
35725
–
$
49820
8.4
Pros
- Roomy Cabin: The 2025 CR-V boasts a spacious cabin with loads of headroom and legroom in the front and rear seats. It can also handle all the sports equipment and groceries you can toss at it with 1,028-1,003 litres of cargo room with the rear seats up. If you plan on hauling more, you can drop the rear seats and have 2,030-2,166 litres of cargo space.
- Safety: The 2025 CR-V also has an impressive suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and collision mitigation braking. These enhancements increase both safety and driving confidence.
- Fuel economy: The 2025 Honda CR-V stands out in fuel efficiency in its base setup, but the hybrid model gives buyers a whole new level of efficiency.
Cons
- Underpowered base engine: While the turbocharged base engine is peppy, some critics note it feels underwhelming when fully loaded or during highway merging.
- Busy infotainment system: The CR-V has large enough infotainment screens for the compact SUV segment. However, some users have mentioned the infotainment interface is clunky at times and has a steep learning curve.
- Vanilla design: We get it that the Honda CR-V’s design targets a broad audience, so over-the-top styling isn’t in the cards. That said, the 2025 CR-V feels a little too bland in a class filled with exciting and modern designs catering to younger families.
The Honda CR-V has long been renowned for reliability and practicality, and the 2025 model continues this legacy. The 2025 Honda CR-V features a sleek exterior design and a spacious interior that caters to comfort and functionality.
Available in five trim levels — LX LX AWD, Sport, EX-L Hybrid, and Touring Hybrid — the 2025 CR-V includes robust features that serve everyday driving needs and adventurous journeys. With Honda's commitment to environmental sustainability, the CR-V also emphasizes hybrid options, providing an eco-friendly alternative without sacrificing performance.
The 2025 CR-V also commits to safety, and it shows this by including standard Honda Sensing® across all trims. This suite of safety and driver-assistive features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, gives you additional peace of mind on every journey.
Honda also emphasizes infotainment technology, giving the 2025 CR-V several touchscreen display options and great connectivity options, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2025 Mazda CX-5
$
32550
$
32550
–
$
45200
8.5
Pros
- Impressive Driving Dynamics: The CX-5 offers sharp handling and responsive steering, making it one of the most enjoyable compact SUVs to drive. Its agility and composed ride quality set it apart in a segment often focused solely on practicality.
- Upscale Interior: Premium materials, soft-touch surfaces, and thoughtful design elements give the CX-5 a luxury-like feel. The attention to detail in the cabin creates an inviting and comfortable space for drivers and passengers alike.
- Turbocharged Performance: The available turbocharged engine delivers up to 250 horsepower, offering an extra dose of excitement for performance enthusiasts. Its smooth power delivery and robust torque make it ideal for highway merging and spirited drives.
Cons
- Limited Cargo Room: With only 875 litres of storage behind the rear seats, the CX-5 falls short of class leaders like the Honda CR-V. This smaller cargo space may be a drawback for families or outdoor enthusiasts needing more versatility.
- Tight Rear Seat Space: The CX-5’s 991 mm of rear-seat legroom is tighter compared to competitors, which may leave taller passengers feeling cramped on longer drives. While adequate for short trips, it’s less ideal for larger families or frequent carpooling.
- No Hybrid Option: Unlike rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V, the CX-5 lacks a hybrid powertrain. This omission may deter eco-conscious buyers seeking better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
The 2025 Mazda CX-5 blends style, performance, and sophistication, making it a standout choice in the compact SUV market. Known for its sharp handling and upscale interior, the CX-5 offers a driving experience that rivals luxury brands while maintaining competitive pricing.
This compact SUV excels in providing a premium cabin, intuitive technology, and smooth ride quality. Mazda’s renowned attention to detail is evident in every aspect, from the sculpted exterior to the soft-touch interior materials.
While the CX-5 impresses in driving dynamics and craftsmanship, it has some limitations, including less cargo space compared to competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. However, its engaging performance and refined design make it an attractive option for drivers prioritizing style and driving enjoyment over maximum utility.
2025 Hyundai Tucson
$
34499
$
34499
–
$
52699
8.8
Pros
- Eye-Catching Design: The Tucson’s bold lines, LED lighting, and unique grille make it stand out in a crowded segment.
- Comfy Interior: Lots of room for passengers and cargo means it’s an excellent choice for long distances.
- Comprehensive Safety Features: Advanced driver-assistance systems and strong crash test ratings provide peace of mind for families and commuters.
Cons
- Underwhelming Performance: While the 2025 Hyundai Tucson is suitable for daily driving, many compact SUVs have more power and oomph.
- Average Fuel Economy: The gasoline engine offers average efficiency. Drivers looking for fuel economy will need to look at the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.
- Not Built for Off-Roading: Drivers who need a rugged SUV capable of off-road use will be disappointed.
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson is a stylish entry into the competitive crossover SUV market. Big on comfort and safety, it builds on Hyundai’s reputation for making practical, aesthetically pleasing vehicles. The 2025 model comes with a refreshed exterior that offers bold lines and slick, distinctive LED lighting that truly makes it stand out from the crowd.
The interior is spacious and comfortable, looks and feels high-quality, and has advanced tech and safety features to match. However, the overall performance lacks a bit of bite outside of urban settings.
The 2025 Hyundai Tucson pricing is fair, with four trims — Preferred, XRT, N Line, and Ultimate — ranging from between $34,499 for a gas model to around $52,699 for the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) configuration. In other words, there's a powertrain for every preference.
2025 Kia Sportage
$
30295
$
30295
–
$
49995
8.3
Pros
- Versatility: This vehicle offers five trim options with gas engines, including a powerful 2.5-L four-cylinder engine producing 187 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.
- Hybrid Models: Those after the highest fuel efficiency may wish to seek out the Hybrid or PHEV models, which have a turbocharged 1.6-L four-cylinder vehicle producing 177 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque.
- Energy Efficiency: A fuel efficiency rating of 9.5 L /100km combined makes it a solid option.
Cons
- Interior: The interior is nice but not necessarily as luxurious or high-end as some of the competitors out there.
- Acceleration: The engine's acceleration isn't as fast as others, making it slow off the line.
With 8 trim options, the 2025 Ka Sportage offers comprehensive options for just about all drivers. Noted for its performance and efficiency, this five-seater offers ample cargo space and outstanding safety features while being fun drive.
Good overall fuel efficiency with hybrid and PHEV models available as turbocharged versions, performance, and money savings go hand-in-hand here. Though the 2025 model is not significantly different from previous model years, it is overall a solid investment. With the competitive 2025 Kia Sportage price in Canada, this vehicle could be on many consideration lists..
2025 Nissan Rogue
$
33988
$
33988
–
$
45598
7.6
Pros
- Refined Interior: The Rogue delivers a premium feel even at the base model, with quality materials and sophisticated styling throughout.
- Advanced Technology: Upgraded tech, including driver-assist features and enhanced camera systems, boosts convenience and safety.
- Quiet Powertrain: The 201-horsepower engine offers smooth and quiet performance, ideal for city commutes and highway drives.
Cons
- Fuel Efficiency: While improving, the 2025 Rogue's fuel efficiency isn't as good as some of its competitors, and with unstable fuel costs, that could be a factor for some buyers.
- Higher Costs: Premium comes with a higher price tag, and the upper trim options are more expensive than some of the competition’s close-to-equal options.
- Limited Off-Road Capability: Despite its stylish design, the Rogue isn’t built for rugged adventures, which may deter outdoor enthusiasts seeking a more versatile SUV.
The 2025 Nissan Rogue continues to deliver smooth rides and eye-catching styling, solidifying its place in the compact SUV market. Known for its comfort and well-balanced handling, the Rogue offers middle-of-the-road fuel efficiency across several trims, making it a practical choice for everyday driving.
Inside, the Rogue impresses with a supportive and upscale interior, but its powertrain prioritizes refinement over raw performance, leaving speed and off-road enthusiasts wanting more. New technology upgrades, including advanced driver-assist features, enhance safety and convenience, making the 2025 Rogue a competitive option for families and urban drivers alike.
2025 Subaru Forester
$
33495
$
33495
–
$
44995
8.2
Pros
- Standard All-Wheel Drive: Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides excellent traction, making the Forester reliable in diverse weather and road conditions.
- Spacious and Comfortable Interior: A roomy cabin with high-quality materials and thoughtful design makes the Forester ideal for families and road trips.
- Advanced Safety Features: Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology comes standard, offering features like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist for added peace of mind.
Cons
- Underpowered Engine: The 2.5-litre engine struggles with high-speed acceleration and feels less dynamic than competitors.
- Higher Price Tag: With a starting price of $33,495, the Forester’s cost is higher than previous models and may deter value-focused buyers.
- Subdued Styling: While updated, the Forester’s design lacks the sharpness and boldness seen in rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.
The 2025 Subaru Forester marks the sixth generation of this beloved compact SUV, building on its reputation for practicality and reliability. With updated interior and exterior styling, enhanced safety features, and a refined 2.5-litre engine, the Forester aims to balance comfort, versatility, and rugged capability.
While the focus on comfort may leave driving enthusiasts wanting more, the Forester’s smooth ride, spacious cabin, and advanced all-wheel-drive system ensure it remains a dependable choice for families and outdoor adventurers alike. Though its higher price tag raises questions about value, the Forester continues to deliver where it matters most—comfort, safety, and reliability.
2025 Ford Escape
$
31949
$
31949
–
$
46799
8
Pros
- Strong Safety Features: With advanced driver-assist technologies and a “Good” IIHS safety rating, the Escape provides peace of mind for families and commuters alike.
- Tech-Forward Options: Even the base trim includes solid technology, while the Premium Tech Package adds standout features like adaptive cruise control and a larger touchscreen.
- Responsive Powertrains: The turbocharged engines deliver ample power, especially the 2.0L EcoBoost, which offers an engaging driving experience.
Cons
- Interior Quality at Lower Trims: The plastic-like materials in entry-level models detract from the Escape’s otherwise solid interior design.
- Fuel Economy Variability: While efficient for its class, the Escape’s fuel economy falls short of hybrid-equipped competitors.
- Less Sporty Handling: The Escape’s driving dynamics prioritize comfort over agility, which may disappoint drivers seeking a more engaging ride.
The 2025 Ford Escape continues to stand out in the compact SUV market with its sleek exterior design, turbocharged engine options, and user-friendly technology. Fun to drive and packed with practical features, the Escape balances power and everyday usability, making it a versatile choice for families and commuters alike.
There are a few factors to consider, though, including the less overall sporty feel of the drive handling and less-than-ideal plastic-like interior trim features on the lower trim levels. As a compact SUV, there's plenty to like about the Ford Escape for those looking for an everyday vehicle that has more room than a passenger car without the intensity of a large SUV.
You have plenty of options when searching for the best compact SUV in Canada. Why not save thousands by opting for a used small SUV instead of a new model? Clutch, Canada's premier online automotive retailer, has a wide range of models in the small SUVs segment in stock and ready to roll.
Are you unsure about buying a compact SUV online? Rest assured that our high-quality pre-owned SUVs have been through a 210-point inspection and reconditioning process to ensure they are ready for the road.
When you order your pre-owned compact SUV online with Clutch, you can skip the dealership and haggling process. At Clutch, you always get a great price, and no negotiation is necessary. Plus, you have the option of our 10-day or 750-km test-own period. If you don't love your new Clutch SUV during that period, you can return it for a refund or exchange it for another vehicle.
Trading up into a newer small SUV with more features? Clutch can also handle trade-ins, and you can get your offer online. If you're satisfied with our offer, we can pick up your trade-in vehicle and apply the trade-in value to your purchase.
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