Best cars to buy in Canada

Buying a new car can be overwhelming. There are dozens of manufacturers and hundreds of models to choose from, so to make your choice easier, 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, an available Bose sound system, sporty handling and a range of driver assistance features.

Price: $28,340

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 named the Best Overall Car in the 2025 AutoTrader Awards and features in Car and Driver’s 2026 10Best Cars list. That’s why it’s our pick as the best small car in Canada.

Downsides

• There are cheaper options in this category
• The sedan version doesn’t come with a manual transmission

Other top small cars

• Hyundai Elantra
• Kia K4
• Toyota Corolla

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 2026 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

• Hyundai Sonata
• Kia K5
• Toyota Camry

Best luxury car: Genesis G80

A host of European brands usually spring to mind first when you think of luxury cars, but our top pick in this category hails from South Korea. The G80 is a large luxury sedan that comes with all-wheel drive as standard, and the choice of either a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a more expensive (and powerful) 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6. There are features galore in the G80’s well-appointed interior too, from the leather seats and steering wheel to the three-zone climate control and a long list of active safety technologies.

Price: $74,500

Why it’s one of the best

The multi-award-winning Genesis G80 boasts elegance, style and a whole lot of comfort. There’s a premium feel to the interior finish, plenty of power from both engine variants, and the handling is agile and refined. Plus, for added peace of mind when hitting the road, the G80 also has a Top Safety Pick+ Award from the IIHS.

Downsides

• Some buyers might prefer a car with more of a focus on performance
• Fuel efficiency could be better

Other top luxury cars

• Audi A6
• BMW 3 Series
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Best small SUV: Mazda CX-50

The Mazda CX-50 is a compact SUV that ticks a lot of boxes for a lot of people. This all-wheel-drive SUV features a 187hp Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre engine in base trim, but there’s also a hybrid version available that delivers an impressive combined fuel economy of 6.2L/100km. Other features include a 10.25-inch full colour infotainment system, heated front seats, and plenty of Mazda safety and driver assistance technology.

Price: $39,950

Why it’s one of the best

The CX-50 is a small SUV that just oozes quality. There’s a premium feel to the interior, punchy power from the engine and agile handling on the road. All-wheel drive is standard, which is a big plus in Canadian conditions, and this model also has an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award. That’s why it’s well worth test-driving the CX-50 if you’re shopping around for the perfect compact SUV.

Downsides

• There are plenty of cheaper options in this category
• Some competitors have more cargo space

Other top small SUVs

Best midsize SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid

The bold and uniquely stylish Santa Fe Hybrid is a medium SUV with plenty of modern features and creature comforts. It offers seating for six or seven people, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, and handy tech inclusions like wireless smartphone charging and an available Bose 12-speaker sound system. The hybrid drivetrain delivers 231hp and is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering a combined fuel economy of 6.9L/100km.

Price: $43,799

Why it’s one of the best

There’s quite simply a lot to like about the all-wheel-drive Santa Fe Hybrid. It’s easy on the eye in its own distinctive way, delivers impressive fuel economy, and has lots of interior space and inclusions to help make it a very practical performer for Canadian families. This is a competitive class, however, so compare the Santa Fe to other leading medium SUVs to find the right model for you.

Downsides

• Only has a four-star NHTSA Safety Rating
• Third-row seating is cramped

Other top midsize SUVs

• Honda Passport
• Hyundai Palisade
• Kia EV9
• Mazda CX-70

Best large SUV: Chevrolet Tahoe

The three-row Tahoe provides seating for up to nine people. In base trim it comes with a 5.3-litre V8, but there’s also a 6.2-litre V8 and a turbodiesel configuration available. The Tahoe’s interior boasts a maximum of 3,474 litres of cargo space, while key features include a 17.7-inch diagonal centre touchscreen display, heated front bucket seats and HD Surround Vision.

Price: $81,333

Why it’s one of the best

The Tahoe offers all the space and features you need to keep a large family happy. It boasts powerful engines, a practical interior and a five-star NHTSA Safety Rating. Even better, the Tahoe was named Best Full-Size SUV in the 2025 AutoTrader Awards and also features among Car and Driver’s 10Best Trucks and SUVs for 2026. That’s why it’s so hard to beat in this category.

Downsides

• V8 fuel consumption
• Expensive in top trim levels

Other top large SUVs

• GMC Yukon
• Ford Expedition
• Nissan Armada
• Toyota Grand Highlander

Best luxury SUV: Porsche Cayenne

If you’re looking for an SUV that combines ultimate comfort with impressive performance, it’s hard to go past the Porsche Cayenne. This premium SUV is available in a choice of 15 different model variants, with gasoline, hybrid and fully electric options available. All come with all-wheel drive and automatic transmissions, all deliver agile handling and plenty of power, and all come loaded with tech features.

Price: $95,300

Why it’s one of the best

Motoring journalists praise the Cayenne for its excellent on-road performance and handling. Its interior is comfortable and refined too, with plenty of cargo space and room for back-seat passengers. That’s why the Cayenne was named the Best Mid-Size Luxury SUV in the 2025 AutoTrader Awards, and why it’s well worth a look if you’re in the market for a luxury SUV.

Downsides

• Expensive
• Adding options will drive the price up even further

Other top luxury SUVs

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 and a hybrid model, 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: $52,355

Why it’s one of the best

The Ford F-150 offers new truck buyers an impressive all-around package, so it was no great surprise to see it top Canadian new vehicle sales charts in 2025. It boasts a five-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 2025 AutoTrader Awards, making it a great choice for new truck buyers.

Downsides

• Fuel economy isn’t a strong point
• May be too big for some

Other top trucks

Best minivan: Kia Carnival

Shopping for a practical and comfortable people mover? The Kia Carnival is our top pick. With seating for up to eight people, this spacious minivan is available with a 3.5-litre, 288hp gasoline engine or with a more fuel-efficient hybrid drivetrain. Other key highlights include a wide range of safety tech, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a Smart Power Liftgate on some trims for easy loading and unloading.

Price: $40,495

Why it’s one of the best

The Kia Carnival boasts pleasing looks (as far as minivans go), reliable on-road performance and a host of practical features. It’s affordably priced and offers a high level of comfort for passengers too, so the Carnival represents great value for money in the minivan category.

Downsides

• No all-wheel drive
• Higher price tag for the hybrid drivetrain

Other top minivans

• Chrysler Pacifica
• Honda Odyssey
• Toyota Sienna

Best EV: Kia EV9

The all-electric EV9 is a big SUV with a long list of features. Boasting three rows of seating, the EV9 runs a 76.1kWh battery and rear-wheel drive in base trim, but larger battery variants and all-wheel drive models are also available. It can tow up to 2,267kg (5,000lb), and it has a maximum range of 370-491km. There’s plenty of available safety and assistance tech for this model too, such as Highway Driving Assist 2 and Remote Smart Park Assist 2.

Price: $59,995

Why it’s one of the best

Given that EVs come in all sizes and body styles, it’s difficult to pick just one model that will be the best pick for most people. That said, we think the EV9 is a top option for anyone in the market for an electric SUV. It’s stylish, spacious and big on tech features, while its five-star NHTSA Safety Rating and IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award for 2025 are big pluses. The EV9 also took out the title of Best Overall SUV in the 2025 AutoTrader Awards, so this EV has certainly won plenty of admirers.

Downsides

• There are cheaper alternatives
• Some drivers might want more range than the base model offers

Other top EVs

• Chevrolet Blazer EV
• Hyundai Ioniq 6
• Nissan Leaf
• Tesla Model 3

Best hybrid: Toyota Prius

The Prius is one of those cars that’s instantly recognizable. Its latest iteration boasts 196hp and city/highway fuel economy of 4.8/4.7 litres per 100km. An automatic transmission handles the gear changes, while key features include heated front seats, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 protection, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Price: $38,165

Why it’s one of the best

The world’s first mass-produced hybrid is still a class leader almost three decades after it was first launched. The Prius continues to deliver excellent fuel economy, comfort and refinement in 2026. It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award winner, and it was named Best Hybrid Vehicle in the 2025 AutoTrader Awards. That’s why it’s a great option if you’re looking for a hybrid with a whole lot to offer to drivers.

Downsides

• Some buyers might need something bigger
• Rear-seat headroom could be better

Other top hybrid vehicles

Best sports car: Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

If you’ve got the need for speed, the Corvette Stingray is sure to get your heart racing. Available with up to 496hp and 470 lb-ft of torque, this beast can go from 0 to 60mph in just 2.9 seconds. It also features an eight-speed dual clutch automatic transmission, sleek styling and high-end interior design, making it a top choice for anyone searching for some high-octane fun.

Price: $91,133 (coupe)

Why it’s one of the best

The Corvette is a legendary name in sports car circles, and the Stingray packs an almighty punch for a much more affordable price than many premium supercar rivals. It also features in Car and Driver’s 10Best Cars for 2026, so it’s a natural choice as the best sports car in Canada.

Downsides

• The $90,000-plus starting price is still a lot of money
• No manual transmission

Other top sports cars

• Acura Integra Type S
• BMW M2
• Mazda MX-5
• Porsche 911

Best value car: Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 is consistently the best-selling SUV in Canada. This hybrid compact SUV has a 2.5-litre engine with 236 horsepower, all-wheel drive and city/highway fuel economy of 5.1/6L per 100km in the standard trim. Interior features include a 10.5-inch touchscreen, heated front seats and Toyota’s Safety Sense 4.0 active safety features.

Price: $33,685

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 five-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 2025 AutoTrader Awards.

Downsides

• Not the most exciting on-road performer
• Seats are a little firm

Other top value cars

• Honda Civic and CR-V
• Hyundai Elantra
• Mazda3
• Toyota Corolla

Best self-driving car: Tesla Model 3

The Tesla Model 3 is available in two 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 Full Self-Driving (Supervised).

Price: $79,990 (Long Range model)

Why it’s one of the best

The Model 3 boasts an excellent driving range and a comfortable interior. Full Self-Driving (Supervised) is designed to reduce some of the hassle of driving, offering assistance with route navigation, lane changes, steering and more. External cameras provide 360-degree visibility, while the Autopark feature makes it easy to get into tight spots. So 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: Honda Passport

If safety is your top priority when choosing a car, make sure you check out the Honda Passport. This family SUV is a strong performer in crash tests. The Passport features a 3.5-litre DOHC V6 engine that churns out 285hp. Standard all-wheel drive and Honda’s intelligent Variable Torque Management (i-VTM4) system ensure improved traction on and off-road, while there’s comfortable seating and plenty of space for five people inside.

Price: $56,990

Why it’s one of the best

The Passport is rugged and off-road-ready on the outside but also refined and comfortable on the inside. It has a five-star NHTSA Safety Rating as well as a 2025 Top Safety Pick+ Award from the IIHS, while the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver assistance features provide added peace of mind. And with the Passport featuring in Car and Driver’s 2026 10Best Trucks and SUVs list, it’s a top choice if you’re searching for a safe family SUV.

Downsides

• So-so fuel economy
• Some buyers might prefer a third row of seats

Other top cars for safety

Any model with an IIHS 2025 Top Safety Pick+ award and a five-star rating from the NHTSA (there are too many to list here).

Best first car: Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa is the cheapest new car on the market right now. It also offers great value for money for first-time buyers. Powered by a 122hp, 1.6-litre engine paired with a continuously variable transmission, the Versa delivers impressive combined fuel efficiency of 6.7L/100km. It also features 425 litres of cargo space, Automatic Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning, and a 7-inch colour touchscreen display.

Price: $20,798

Why it’s one of the best

If you’re looking for an affordable but feature-packed vehicle to choose as your first car, it’s hard to go past the Versa. The Versa has a five-star safety rating, is cheap to run and delivers a comfortable drive. But 2025 is the last model run of the Versa, which has been discontinued, so it won’t be around for much longer.

Downsides

• Not particularly fast or exciting to drive

• Interior finish feels a little cheap

Other top first cars

• Honda Civic
• Hyundai Elantra
• Mazda3
• 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

In the 2025 AutoTrader Awards, Toyota was named Canada’s Most Trusted Car Brand. It also tops Consumer Reports’ new car reliability rankings in the US, and the Corolla was the highest-ranked compact car in the J.D. Power US Vehicle Dependability Study. Add the Corolla’s impressive safety rating and Toyota’s strong resale values into the mix, and it’s easy to see why the Corolla is the top pick in this category.

Downsides

• Not known for providing a particularly exciting drive
• The brand’s high resale value means you may need to pay a little extra

Other top used cars for reliability

Best family sedan: Toyota Camry

Sedans may have been replaced by SUVs as the car of choice for many Canadian buyers, but impressive models like the Toyota Camry still provide excellent value and functionality for families. The Camry is a 225hp hybrid that delivers city and highway fuel economy of 5L/100km. Inside, you’ll find comfortable seating, dual-zone automatic climate control and plenty of available passive and active safety systems.

Price: $35,075

Why it’s one of the best

Toyota boasts a deserved reputation for reliability and strong resale values. It was named Canada’s Most Trusted Car Brand in the 2025 AutoTrader Awards, and the Camry was the highest-ranked midsize car in the J.D. Power US Vehicle Dependability Study. The Camry’s IIHS 2025 Top Safety Pick+ status and 2025 Kelley Blue Book Best New Model Award round out the list of reasons why it’s our top pick.

Downsides

• Not particularly sporty to drive
• Several worthy challengers

Other top family sedans

• Honda Accord
• Hyundai Sonata
• Kia K5

Best hatchback: Honda Civic

The hatchback version of the Civic, Canada’s top-selling car, is a great pick for a wide range of drivers. Available in three trims, it features a 2-litre, 150hp engine in the base trim or a fuel-efficient hybrid drivetrain in its other variants. Combined with sporty good looks, a comfortable cabin, and solid tech features, this helps make the Civic Hatchback a winner.

Price: $32,200

Why it’s one of the best

You only need to see the Civic’s position at the top of sales charts to know that it represents excellent value. It’s a reliable performer with excellent fuel economy, and there’s plenty of user-friendly tech to keep modern buyers happy. And because this Honda hatch has won an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ Award, you know you can hit the road with confidence.

Downsides

• Some road noise issues
• Back-seat passengers might want more headroom

Other top hatchbacks

Best car under $30k: Hyundai Elantra

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 147hp and 132lb-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 and a long list of available active safety technologies.

Price: $22,999

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

Compare the best car loans in Canada

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What are the best-selling cars in Canada?

The best-selling car in Canada in 2025 was actually a pickup truck, with the Ford F-Series ringing up over 138,000 sales. Check out the top-selling cars, pickups and SUVs for 2025 below.

AutoTrader Top Sold Vehicles

At the end of 2025, AutoTrader released lists of the top-searched and top-sold vehicles on the platform in 2025. Here are the results.

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.

Your needs

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.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Leanne Escobal as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Tim Falk

Writer

Tim Falk is a freelance writer for Finder. Over the course of his 20-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

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