Buying a new car can be an overwhelming experience. With dozens of manufacturers and hundreds of models to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best cars to buy in Canada.
There are options below to suit every buyer and budget, including budget-friendly commuter cars, luxury and sports cars, gasoline-powered cars, EVs and hybrids. Keep reading to find the car that’s right for you.
Best small car: Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a small car that’s big on features. Available as a sedan or hatchback, this popular compact car is powered by a 2-litre engine that delivers 150 horsepower, but there’s also a hybrid version that churns out up to 200hp. It features a flexible interior layout, 7-inch colour touchscreen, available Bose sound system, sporty handling and a range of driver assistance features.
Price: $27,840
Why it’s one of the best
No matter whether you want sporty on-road performance, practical features or maximum safety, the ever-popular Civic delivers on all fronts. This Japanese compact impresses with its refined handling, ample cargo space and easy-to-use tech. The Civic was also featured on Car and Driver’s 10 Best Cars for 2025 list and was named the Best Overall Car in the 2024 AutoTrader Awards. Add in Honda’s solid resale values, plus high safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, and it’s easy to see why the Civic is a top pick.
Downsides
There are cheaper options in this category
The sedan version doesn’t come with a manual transmission
Other top small cars
Acura Integra
Hyundai Elantra
Kia Forte
Mazda 3
Nissan Sentra
Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru Impreza
Toyota Corolla
Volkswagen Jetta
Best midsize car: Honda Accord
The Honda Accord is a 5-seat sedan that combines stylish looks with practical features. It’s powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, but there’s also a hybrid model available. Standard features include a 7-inch colour touchscreen, heated front seats and active safety tech such as lane keeping assist.
Price: $38,300
Why it’s one of the best
With Honda Sensing technologies included—like active cruise control, Traffic Sign Recognition and Traffic Jam Assist—the Accord works hard to help you avoid accidents. It earned a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, making this a top choice if safety is your number-one priority. The Accord was also named in Car and Driver’s 10 Best Cars for 2025 list, so it’s well worth checking out if you’re in the market for a midsize car.
Downsides
No all-wheel drive
Some drivers might prefer an engine with a little more power
Other top midsize cars
Toyota Camry
Hyundai Sonata
Subaru Legacy
Best luxury car: Genesis G90
The Genesis G90 combines elegant looks with a comfortable interior, a smooth ride and a long list of standard features.
Price: $117,000
Why it’s one of the best
Genesis may not be the first brand that springs to mind when you think of luxury cars, but there are lots of good reasons why the G90 is a top luxury pick. Cars.com named the G90 the Best Luxury Car of 2023, while MotorTrend named it the 2023 Car of the Year. It also picked up a 2024 Car and Driver Editors’ Choice Award. And with a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, it’s an excellent choice for luxury car buyers.
Downsides
No wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Not as sought-after as some premium Euro brands
Other top luxury cars
Audi A8
BMW 5 Series
Genesis G80
Lexus ES 350
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Best minivan: Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica offers seating for up to 8 people with a versatile interior layout. It’s loaded with thoughtful features, including wireless connectivity, heated front seats and an available 360° Surround View Camera system. The Pacifica comes with a 3.6-litre V6 engine and 9-speed automatic transmission.
Price: $52,700
Why it’s one of the best
The Pacifica has an impressive list of on-board safety tech and scores well in crash tests, earning a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA. Its Stow ‘n Go seating arrangement makes it easy to quickly switch from maximum passenger capacity to cargo-carrying capability. As an added bonus, all-wheel drive is available with some trims.
Downsides
Fuel economy could be better
Second-row seats lack comfort
Other top minivans
Honda Odyssey
Toyota Sienna
Best SUV: Toyota RAV4
The RAV4 was the best-selling SUV in Canada in 2023. This compact SUV has a 2.5-litre engine with 203 horsepower, all-wheel drive and city/highway fuel economy of 8.7/6.9L per 100km in the standard trim. A hybrid version is also available. Interior features include an 8-inch multimedia screen, heated front seats and Toyota’s Safety Sense 2.5 active safety features.
Price: $33,555
Why it’s one of the best
The RAV4 is quite simply an attractive all-round package for SUV buyers. It has a long list of safety technologies, features a practical interior and sips (rather than guzzles) fuel. The RAV4 also earned a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, so you can hit the road with confidence. To top it off, Toyota was named Canada’s Most Trusted Car Brand in the 2024 AutoTrader Awards.
Downsides
Some buyers might want a larger SUV
Not the most exciting on-road performer
Other top SUVs
BMW X3
BMW X5
Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Trax
Chevrolet Trailblazer
Honda CR-V
Honda HR-V
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai Tucson
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Kia Soul
Kia Sportage
Kia Telluride
Mazda CX-30
Mazda CX-90
Subaru Ascent
Subaru Outback
Volkswagen Atlas
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90
Best electric car or SUV: Hyundai Ioniq 6
The Hyundai Ioniq 6 EV offers a driving range of up to 550km. It boasts 18-inch alloy wheels, futuristic styling, a power trunk and LED headlights. Other features include heated front seats, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Price: $54,999
Why it’s one of the best
The Ioniq 6 performs well in crash tests and was voted the 2023 World Car of the Year by 105 judges from 35 countries. Add its long range into the mix, and you’ve got an EV with a whole lot to offer new car buyers.
Downsides
Futuristic styling won’t appeal to everyone
Cargo-carrying capacity could be better
Other top electric cars and SUVs
BMW i4
Chevrolet Bolt
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Hyundai Ioniq 6
Kia EV9
Tesla Model 3
Tesla Model Y
Volvo XC40 Recharge
Best hybrid car or SUV: Mazda CX-90 PHEV
The Mazda CX-90 plug-in hybrid is an eight-seater SUV with a 2.5-litre engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. It offers a battery driving range of up to 42km with a claimed maximum driving range of 789km once the gas engine kicks in. All-wheel drive is standard. Interior features include an 8-speaker sound system, 10.25-inch full-colour centre display and safety tech like blind spot monitoring.
Price: $54,900
Why it’s one of the best
The CX-90 PHEV offers refined handling, a luxurious interior and seating for up to 8 people. Because it has a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, you can enjoy added peace of mind when you hit the road.
Downsides
Third row is a little cramped
Base model only has wired (not wireless) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Other top hybrid cars and SUVs
Honda CR-V Hybrid
Mazda CX-90 PHEV
Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Toyota Prius
Kia Sportage Hybrid
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid
Lexus NX 450h+
Volvo XC60 Recharge
Volvo XC90 Recharge
Best truck: Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 is a truck that needs no introduction. This big beast comes with a variety of engine choices, including a V8, but most models are powered by a 2.7-litre or 3.5-litre V6 EcoBoost engine. Other features include selectable drive modes, a 12-inch screen, a head-up display and plenty of safety tech.
Price: $49,955
Why it’s one of the best
Regularly featured at the top of sales charts, the Ford F-150 offers new truck buyers an impressive all-round package. It boasts a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA, a comfortable interior, substantial towing capacity and a wide range of models to choose from. It was also named the Best Full-Size Truck in the 2024 Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Awards, making it a great choice for new truck buyers.
The Kia Soul is a small SUV that knows how to stand out from the crowd. Powered by a 2-litre engine that churns out 147 horsepower, the Soul delivers a combined fuel consumption of 7.9L/100km. Its distinctive boxy shape gives it a spacious interior, while the long list of features include safety tech, an available sunroof, and integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Price: $23,195
Why it’s one of the best
Everyone has their own definition of what represents good value, but for our money, it’s hard to go past the Kia Soul. For a price that won’t break the bank, the Soul boasts a spacious interior, an impressive list of standard features and reliable on-road handling.
Downsides
Boxy look may not suit everyone’s taste
No all-wheel-drive option
Other top value cars
Hyundai Kona
Kia Rio
Toyota Camry
Toyota Corolla
Best self-driving car: Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is available in 2 models—the Performance model, which has an estimated range of up to 478km, and the Long Range that can cover up to 584km. You can add up to 285km of charge in just 15 minutes at a Supercharger. The Model 3 comes with 18-inch wheels. Plus, there are plenty of tech features to take advantage of, including cabin pre-heating and cooling, wireless phone charging and Tesla’s Autopilot.
Price: $54,990
Why it’s one of the best
Autopilot includes features like Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer to reduce some of the hassle of driving. The Model 3 boasts an excellent driving range and comfortable interior. If you’re searching for a high-quality car with self-driving technology, this vehicle should definitely be on your shortlist.
Downsides
Real-world driving range may not be as impressive
No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
Other top self-driving cars
Genesis G90
Tesla Model Y
Best car for safety: Volvo XC90 Plug-in Hybrid
Volvo has a well-earned reputation as a leader in vehicle safety, so it’s no surprise to see the XC90 feature here. This plug-on hybrid boasts an electric range of 53km, a 455hp engine, impressive fuel economy and a smooth ride.
Price: $93,450
Why it’s one of the best
The list of safety tech in the XC90 is extensive. It includes a 360-degree camera, a blind spot information system, collision avoidance, rear cross traffic alert and more. The XC90 also has a 5-star NHTSA safety rating and a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS, making it an excellent choice for anyone who wants the ultimate in on-road safety.
The Nissan Versa is a subcompact sedan with a wallet-friendly price tag. It’s powered by a 122 horsepower engine that delivers combined fuel economy of 6.7L/100km, and you’ll find 425 litres of cargo space in the trunk. There’s seating for 5 inside, while Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 suite features 6 driver assistance technologies to help you stay safe on the road.
Price: $20,798
Why it’s one of the best
The Versa ticks a lot of important boxes for first car buyers. It’s affordably priced and delivers great fuel economy but isn’t overpowered. Additionally, it features a practical interior and a 5-star NHTSA car safety rating, so add it to your test-drive list if you’re shopping for your first car.
Downsides
Some buyers might need a larger sedan
Some reviewers report cabin noise at high speeds
Other top first cars
Honda Civic
Mazda 3
Toyota Corolla
Best used car for reliability: Toyota Corolla
The Corolla has long been one of Canada’s most popular passenger cars. While never viewed as a particularly exciting drive, the Corolla has a well-earned reputation for providing a safe, reliable and comfortable driving experience. And with good fuel economy, it’s an affordable car to own as well.
Price: Varies
Why it’s one of the best
The 2019 Toyota Corolla was a 2022 J.D. Power dependability award winner, scoring an impressive 92 out of 100 for quality and reliability. Toyota was also featured among Consumer Reports’ 3 most reliable car brands for 2024. So if you’re looking for a reliable used sedan or hatchback, it’s hard to go past the Corolla.
Downsides
Not known for providing a particularly exciting drive
The brand’s high resale value means you may need to pay a little extra
The Porsche 911 Turbo’s performance figures will have any keen driver licking their lips. A 572hp, 6-cylinder, twin-turbo engine gets you from zero to 100km/h in less than 3 seconds. A top track speed of 320km/h and an 8-speed automatic transmission allows for seamless gear shifts. Add interior features like a 10.9-inch touchscreen display, sports seats and a standard Bose sound system, and you’ve got a car that offers luxury as well as performance.
Price: $225,700
Why it’s one of the best
The Porsche 911 needs no introduction. This iconic sports car is famous for its speed, slick handling and fun factor. And the Turbo model is seriously quick, so if you’ve got the cash to cover the hefty asking price, it’s sure to put a big smile on your face.
Downsides
Not cheap
No manual transmission
Other top sports cars
Chevrolet Corvette
Ferrari 296
Ford Mustang
Lamborghini Revuelto
Mazda MX-5
Subaru BRZ
Toyota GR86
Best hatchback: Mazda 3 Sport
The 2025 Mazda 3 Sport is a popular choice in the hatchback category. Powered by a 191 horsepower, 2.5-litre engine in the base-model GX, this stylish hatch delivers fuel economy of up to 6.4L/100km for highway driving. It boasts plenty of premium interior features too, such as an 8-speaker sound system, an 8.8-inch wide colour display and safety tech like blind spot monitoring and emergency brake assist.
Price: $25,650
Why it’s one of the best
The Mazda 3 Sport earned a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a 5-star safety rating from the NHTSA. Motor journalists praise its impressive handling and premium cabin, so it’s well worth a look if you want your next car to be a hatchback.
Downsides
Back seat is a little cramped
Cargo space isn’t as big as some competitors
Other top hatchbacks
Acura Integra
Honda Civic
Kia Forte5
Kia Rio
Subaru Impreza
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Best sedan: Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla has long been a favorite among Canadian car buyers. In addition to Toyota’s reputation for reliability, the Corolla features a 2-litre engine and a long list of safety tech and features like keyless entry, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a spacious interior. A hatchback version is also available.
Price: $23,970
Why it’s one of the best
Canadians love the Corolla, and it’s easy to see why. The vehicle has a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, a 5-star car safety rating from the NHTSA and delivers excellent fuel efficiency. Kelley Blue Book in the USA also named Toyota the best car brand for resale values in 2024, another factor that makes the Corolla a wise purchase.
Downsides
May not be large enough for some people’s needs
Not the most exciting car to drive
Other top sedans
Audi A3
Honda Accord
Honda Civic
Hyundai Elantra
Kia K5
Mazda 3
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Nissan Versa
Toyota Camry
Toyota Crown
Volkswagen Jetta
Best car to lease: BMW 530i xDrive
The BMW 530i xDrive is a luxury sedan that offers a pleasing mix of comfort and performance. Featuring bold styling and a 255hp engine, it accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 6.1 seconds. You’ll find the sort of premium interior finish you’d expect from BMW, while inclusions like a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and BMW’s Driving Assistant Professional safety tech increase comfort and safety.
Price: $71,200 (lease rates vary)
Why it’s one of the best
If you’re a luxury car buyer who wants to regularly upgrade to new models, the 530i is well worth a closer look. The BMW 5 Series gets a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS, delivers a smooth and comfortable ride and is loaded with tech features. That’s why we think it’s the best car in Canada to lease.
The four-door Hyundai Elantra sedan offers an impressive list of inclusions and a spacious cabin for a budget-friendly price. Powered by a 2-litre engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 lb-ft torque, the Elantra offers sporty styling and a combined fuel economy of 6.5L per 100km. It’s well equipped inside with features like heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a long list of active safety technologies.
Price: $22,599
Why it’s one of the best
Simply put, the Elantra offers great bang for your buck. It’s frugal on fuel, offers on-road reliability and comfort and has a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS. And because it’s so competitively priced, you can upgrade to the Preferred or Luxury trim and still get an MSRP of less than $30,000.
Downsides
Some buyers might like a bit more power than the base engine offers
No manual transmission
Other top cars under $30k
Chevrolet Trax
Honda Civic
Honda HR-V
Mazda 3
Mazda CX-30
Nissan Sentra
Subaru Crosstrek
Toyota Corolla
Volkswagen Jetta
How we chose the best cars to buy in Canada
We chose the best cars in this guide based on vehicles available in Canada. These vehicles are not representative of the entire market. When choosing our picks for the best cars in Canada, we considered price, safety, unique features, awards, ratings and sales volume. No single car will be the best choice for everyone, so compare your options to find the best fit for your situation.
The best-selling car in Canada in 2024 wasn’t actually a car — it was a pickup truck. The Ford F-Series topped sales charts with more than 133,000 models sold. Check out the 3 top-selling pickups, cars and SUVs in Canada in 2024 below.
At the end of 2024, AutoTrader released lists of the top searched and top sold vehicles on the platform in 2024. Here are the results.
2024 Top Sold Vehicles
2024 Top Searched Vehicles
Ford F-150
Ford F-150
Toyota RAV4
Toyota RAV4
Honda CR-V
Honda Civic
Dodge RAM 1500
BMW 3 Series
Honda Civic
Porsche 911
Ford Escape
Ford Mustang
Toyota Corolla
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Nissan Rogue
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Elantra
Chevrolet Corvette
Hyundai Tucson
Toyota Tacoma
How to choose the best car for you
Keep the following factors in mind when shopping for a new car:
Budget
First and foremost, work out how much you can afford to spend on a new car. Can you pay the purchase price upfront, or do you need to apply for financing? If you’re taking out a car loan, keep in mind that factors like your credit score and income will affect the interest rate you get, which will impact the total cost of your car. Before applying, make sure you can afford the monthly payments.
Do you need seating for two people or a family of five or more people? If you’re regularly carrying rear-seat passengers, be sure to check how each model stacks up in terms of back-seat legroom and headroom. Don’t forget to consider your cargo-carrying needs and how much space is available with the rear seats up or down.
Performance is another key factor—do you want something that’s fast and fun to drive, or do you just want something practical and reliable?
Safety
A high car safety rating gives you peace of mind when hitting the road and helps you save on insurance costs. Check each vehicle’s safety ratings from the NHTSA and IIHS, and see what sort of driver assistance technology is included to help keep you safe on the road. Check out our guide to the safest cars in Canada if safety is your number-one priority when buying a new vehicle.
Running costs
The purchase price is only part of the financial equation you need to consider when buying a new car. Also consider how much the car will cost in the long run. Fuel economy, maintenance, licensing and registration fees can vary substantially between models. The Canadian Automobile Association offers a handy Driving Costs Calculator that you can use to work out the yearly cost of owning and operating different vehicles.
Buy or lease
If you like regularly upgrading your vehicle or don’t want to buy an asset that depreciates quickly, consider leasing instead of buying. Learn more in our guide to leasing a car in Canada.
Resale value
It might seem strange to think about how much you’ll get from reselling a car before you even buy it, but it’s worth considering the average resale values of different makes and models. Providers like CARFAX, AutoTrader and Kelley Blue Book all have easy online tools for checking the value of old vehicle models.
Test-drive and compare
The best way to tell if a car is right for you is to take it for a test-drive. This will give you a better idea of how it accelerates, handles and stops; whether it’s comfortable to drive and whether its features meet your needs. You’ll also get a chance to check out visibility, legroom and headroom in the rear seats and how much trunk space is available.
It’s well worth test-driving multiple models back to back to find the right car for your needs.
What types of vehicles do Canadians want to buy?
Based on the data from the Finder: Consumer Sentiment Survey August 2023, SUV/Crossover vehicles are the most popular choice among respondents, with 24.8% planning to purchase one for their next vehicle.
Bottom line
Narrowing down the best car in Canada for your next vehicle purchase can be a daunting task, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Once you have a clear idea of exactly what you need and want in a car plus what you can afford to pay, start comparing suitable models and take any of your favourites for a test-drive.
Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 15-year writing career, he has reported on a wide range of personal finance topics. Whether you're investing in stocks and ETFs, comparing savings accounts or choosing a credit card, Tim wants to make it easier for you to understand. When he’s not staring at his computer, you can usually find him exploring the great outdoors. See full bio
Most cars are an investment, but none so much as a Tesla. If you’re looking at purchasing one, this guide will show you how to find the best model for you and how to make your purchase.
Learn how to calculate how much car you can afford based on your salary and budget.
Advertiser disclosure
Finder.com is an independent comparison platform and information service that aims to provide you with the tools you need to make better decisions. While we are independent, the offers that appear on this site are from companies from which Finder receives compensation. We may receive compensation from our partners for placement of their products or services. We may also receive compensation if you click on certain links posted on our site. While compensation arrangements may affect the order, position or placement of product information, it doesn't influence our assessment of those products. Please don't interpret the order in which products appear on our Site as any endorsement or recommendation from us. Finder compares a wide range of products, providers and services but we don't provide information on all available products, providers or services. Please appreciate that there may be other options available to you than the products, providers or services covered by our service.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
How likely would you be to recommend Finder to a friend or colleague?
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Very UnlikelyExtremely Likely
Required
Thank you for your feedback.
Our goal is to create the best possible product, and your thoughts, ideas and suggestions play a major role in helping us identify opportunities to improve.
