Small cars are popular for a reason. They’re cheap to buy and run, reliable, and easier to maneuver than their larger counterparts. So if you’re in the market for a compact car, these are the 12 small cars to buy in Canada.
Vehicle prices
Prices listed below are the MSRP for each model in the base trim.
If you’re looking for a well-rounded small car: Honda Civic
The Honda Civic has long been a favourite among Canadian buyers, and it’s easy to see why. The standard trim of this compact sedan comes with a 2-litre, 4-cylinder engine with 150hp. A 200hp hybrid version is also available. Step inside the Civic and you’ll find a comfortable and spacious cabin with your choice of four drive modes as well as support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Price: $28,340
Why it’s great
The Civic was the top-selling passenger car in Canada in 2025, with over 31,000 Civics rolling off showroom floors across the country. With a five-star safety rating, excellent fuel economy, good looks and a refined cabin, there’s a lot to like about this ever-popular model. It was also named the Best Overall Car in the 2025 AutoTrader Awards, the 2025 Canadian Car of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, and features in Car and Driver’s 2026 10 Best Cars list.
Downsides
Some road noise issues
Many reviewers recommend the (more expensive) hybrid powertrain
If safety is your number-one priority in a new car, there are plenty of good reasons to check out the Kia K4. A strong performer in crash tests, this boldly stylish sedan features a 2-litre, 147hp engine as standard, while there’s also a turbocharged engine available for drivers who want a bit more zip. The K4 also boasts a spacious interior with plenty of cargo space, good fuel economy and a long list of tech features.
Price: $23,995
Why it’s great
The K4 comes with eight airbags, Electronic Stability Control and Hill Assist Control. There are lots of other available safety tech too, including Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist and Driver Attention Warning. And with 2025 Top Safety Pick+ status from the IIHS and a five-star NHTSA Safety Rating, it’s well worth a look if you want to stay safe on the road.
Downsides
Base engine doesn’t deliver exciting performance
Some hybrid competitors deliver better fuel economy
The Prius isn’t just the best-known hybrid, it’s a top pick in this category. With a 196hp engine, this fuel-efficient sedan will help you save plenty on gas. It’s comfortable and packed with features too, including heated front seats, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 19-inch alloy wheels and a six-speaker sound system.
Price: $38,165
Why it’s great
The Prius delivers an engaging drive and plenty of creature comforts. It’ll help you travel a long way between trips to the gas pump too, with fuel consumption figures of 4.8L/100km in the city and 4.7L/100km on the highway. It’s also a 2025 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award winner and has a five-star NHTSA Safety rating, all of which makes it easy to see why the Prius was named the Best Hybrid Vehicle in the 2025 AutoTrader Awards. Add it to your test-drive list if you’re shopping for a small hybrid.
The zippy and stylish Nissan Leaf is our top pick as the best small EV in Canada. The front-wheel-drive Leaf features a 75kWh battery, delivering an estimated range of 488km per charge. Remote Battery Status, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and access to the Nissan Energy Charge Network are just some of its key inclusions. It’s comfortable and pleasant to drive too, so the Leaf is well worth checking out if you’re in the market for a pint-sized EV.
Price: $44,998
Why it’s great
With a bigger battery than previous models, the Leaf makes range anxiety a thing of the past. Its interior is comfortable and polished, and it offers great value for money. Perhaps that’s why it was named Breakthrough EV of the Year by InsideEVs and Car of the Year at the inaugural Buzz Awards.
The all-wheel-drive Mazda CX-50 features a 187hp Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine and 17-inch alloy wheels. Sleek lines, LED headlights and a moonroof are standout exterior features, while a 10.25-inch infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and heated front seats are just some of the benefits on offer when you get behind the wheel.
Price: $39,950
Why it’s great
The Mazda CX-50 is our pick as the best small SUV for several reasons. It offers impressive handling, a premium interior and plenty of useful tech features. The CX-50 delivers a high level of safety too, having earned 2025 Top Safety Pick+ status from the IIHS and picking up a five-star NHTSA Safety Rating. So if you want a compact SUV, be sure to take it for a test drive.
It’s not quite the cheapest car on the market, but the Hyundai Elantra offers plenty of bang for your buck. It’s powered by a 2-litre, 147hp engine as standard, but it’s also available with a 1.6L turbocharged engine on the N Line model or with a hybrid drivetrain. The Elantra delivers excellent combined fuel economy of 6.8 litres per 100km, has a comfortable and well-appointed cabin and boasts a user-friendly infotainment system.
Price: $22,999
Why it’s great
The Elantra is a stylish sedan with good fuel economy, a comfortable ride and plenty of features. You can also hit the road with confidence thanks to its IIHS 2025 Top Safety Pick+ status and five-star NHTSA Safety Rating. And you get all that in a car with a very wallet-friendly base MSRP of just $22,999, making the Elantra an excellent value proposition.
If you want a small hatchback: Honda Civic Hatchback
The sedan version of the Civic is our pick as the best overall small car, so it’s no surprise to see the hatchback variant take the win here. The Civic’s 4-cylinder engine delivers 150hp in the base trim, while two higher-level trims come with a hybrid drivetrain that ups the power to 200hp. Key features include four drive modes, a multi-angle rear view camera, automatic climate control and plenty of active safety tech.
Price: $32,200
Why it’s great
The Civic continues to top sales charts for a simple reason—it’s just a very good car. The hatch has Top Safety Pick+ status from the IIHS, is fun to drive, offers a comfortable ride and delivers good fuel economy. So if you’re searching for a stylish and practical hatch, it ticks all the boxes.
The Corolla is one of those cars that needs no introduction. Available as a sedan or hatch, this popular small car features a 2-litre engine and a choice of four fuel-efficient hybrid models. It’s also loaded with active safety tech and comes backed by Toyota’s well-earned reputation for reliability.
Price: $23,970
Why it’s great
It’s no great surprise to see any reliability award go to Toyota. The Corolla was the highest-ranked compact car in J.D. Power’s 2025 US Vehicle Dependability Study. Toyota also tops Consumer Reports’ car brand reliability ratings, and the brand was named Canada’s Most Trusted Car Brand in the 2025 AutoTrader Awards. That’s why it’s hard to find a more reliable small car than the humble Corolla.
The 255hp BMW 3 Series sedan is sporty, stylish and downright fast. It accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds and delivers exciting handling, while optional extras like Adaptive M suspension can improve performance even further. The 3 Series also boasts a plush and premium interior, ensuring high levels of comfort and practicality every time you get behind the wheel.
Price: $60,500
Why it’s great
The BMW 3 Series offers German engineering at its finest. It delivers impressive performance, a refined interior, and access to plenty of easy-to-use tech features. And with a five-star NHTSA Safety Rating, you can enjoy extra peace of mind when hitting the road.
It’s hard to go past the BMW X1 if you’re in the market for a compact luxury SUV. The X1 boasts 241hp and 295lb-ft. of torque, and it can take you from 0 to 100km/h in a reasonably rapid 6.4 seconds. It’s available in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, and its handsome looks and distinctive double kidney grille help it stand out from the crowd. Highlights of the plush interior include an eye-catching curved display, wireless phone charging, luxurious upholstery and a 540-litre luggage compartment.
Price: $50,900
Why it’s great
It may be the smallest BMW SUV, but the X1 is big on features. It’s agile and responsive on the road, which any keen driver will appreciate, and there’s an undeniably premium feel to the cabin. Add a high level of comfort, stylish interior design and ample luggage space into the mix and this luxury SUV is perfect for car owners who enjoy the finer things in life.
If you want a small car for performance: Acura Integra Type S
Searching for a small car that’s fast and fun to drive. Look no further than the Acura Integra Type S. Powered by a 2.0-litre, 320-horsepower turbocharged VTEC engine, the Type S features an available 6-speed manual transmission and an adaptive damper system for a sporty driving experience. And with key features like Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, available wireless smartphone charging and a suite of safety technologies, the Acura is the complete package.
Price: $58,300
Why it’s great
The Acura Integra Type S is equally at home on a daily city commute or a fast drive on a long, winding road. It boasts plenty of power, a smooth transmission and a long list of practical and comfortable inclusions. It was also named the Best Mainstream Performance Car in the 2025 AutoTrader Awards, so there’s a lot to like about this hot hatch.
The Maverick is a small but mighty pickup with plenty to offer buyers. There are five Maverick models available, and you can choose from a highly rated 2.5-litre hybrid or a 2-litre Ecoboost engine. Key specs include a maximum towing capacity of 4,000lbs and a maximum payload capacity of 1,500lbs, while a comfortable and spacious interior, along with plenty of modern tech features, ensure that this truck is big on practicality.
Price: $35,100
Why it’s great
The Maverick was named the 2026 MotorTrend Truck of the Year and features in Car and Driver’s 2026 10Best Trucks and SUVs list. It’s a comfortable and user-friendly vehicle for drivers who don’t need a big hulking beast of a truck, and it delivers great fuel economy in hybrid form. That’s why it’s well worth taking the Maverick for a test-drive to find out what it has to offer.
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 small 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.
Why buy a small car?
Buying a small car comes with several benefits, especially when you take your budget into consideration:
Cheaper to buy upfront. Several of the cars featured on our list have an MSRP of less than $30K.
Cheaper to maintain. You’ll save hundreds of dollars a year by opting for a smaller car instead of a gas-guzzling truck or SUV. Maintenance costs also tend to be lower, while tires are cheaper too.
Easier to get financing.If you don’t have a great credit score, you may only get approved for a small car loan amount. So if you’re relying on financing to purchase a car, your options might be limited to small cars as opposed to more expensive SUVs or trucks.
Fewer greenhouse gas emissions. You can check your car’s emissions on the Natural Resources Canada search tool, but the concept is simple: The smaller your engine, the less carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases your car will produce. That’s why driving a small car is a good choice for your wallet and your environmental conscience.
Easier to drive and park. If you live in a crowded city, a compact car makes it much easier to navigate and park in cramped spaces.
How to choose the best small car for you
Keep the following factors in mind when choosing a small car.
What you need
Think about all the key features you want in a car. How many seats do you need? How much cargo space? How much driving will you do? Do you want a car that offers impressive on-road performance, or are factors like fuel economy and safety more important? Do you need all-wheel drive for snow and icy conditions?
Once you have a checklist of your must-haves, it’s time to start comparing suitable vehicles.
Price
Next, set your budget. Whether you’re buying upfront, taking out a car loan or leasing, decide how much you can afford to spend. If you’ll be paying for the car in installments, use a car loan calculator to work out an affordable monthly payment.
There are now multiple powertrain options available when choosing a car. As well as traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, you can also choose from:
Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), which have both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor. Hybrid batteries are charged by driving the vehicle.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which are hybrids with batteries that can be charged by plugging into a power source.
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) feature electric motors powered by rechargeable batteries.
Don’t just consider the upfront price when buying a car—you also need to think about how much it costs to own. Fuel economy, licensing and registration costs, maintenance and servicing can make some vehicles much cheaper to run than others. Use the Canadian Automobile Association’s Driving Costs Calculator to get an idea of how much specific models cost to own.
What it’s like to drive
Make sure you take any small car you’re interested in for a test drive. Take the time to find answers to questions like:
Is it responsive off the mark?
How does it handle?
Do the brakes provide ample stopping power?
How easy is it to park?
Is the infotainment system easy to use?
How much legroom and space do back-seat passengers have?
Is there enough luggage space for big family road trips?
Are the rear seats easy to fold down to create an even larger cargo space?
Safety
Check what standard active and passive safety tech each vehicle offers and how cars perform in crash tests. The easiest way to do this is to check a vehicle’s safety rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the US Government’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Learn more about the safest cars in Canada.
Resale value
New car values go down 20% to 30% in the first year. While depreciation is unavoidable, it’s worth noting that some makes and models hold value better than others. Choosing a car with a high resale value means you’ll be in a stronger financial position when it comes time to buy your next vehicle. Use online tools from providers like CARFAX, AutoTrader and Kelley Blue Book to check average resale values.
4 tips for buying a small car
Use these tips to help you get a good deal when buying a small car:
Get pre-approved.Getting pre-approved for a car loan from a few banks or third-party lenders can give you more bargaining power when you hit the dealership.
Check manufacturer incentives. If you decide to buy or lease a new car, check the manufacturer’s website to see if it has any special deals or incentives available. This might include 0% APR financing, no money down, or cash back to help offset the price of the car.
Schedule multiple test drives. Once you’ve narrowed down your options to two or three models, schedule test drives for each one. This is especially important if you’re buying used, since it gives you a chance to check for any damage or potential issues.
Prepare to negotiate. When you’re ready to buy, remember to negotiate the price of the car, not the monthly payment. If you plan to finance through a dealership, bring along your most competitive pre-approval offer to see if the salesperson is willing to offer a lower rate. Get more tips for negotiating with a car dealer in our guide.
Bottom line
Good things can come in small packages. If you’re shopping for the best small car in Canada, make sure you have a clear picture of what you need in a vehicle before you start comparing and test-driving your options. If you need financing, compare car loans to find the best rate.
Frequently asked questions
The Honda Civic is our top pick as the best small car to buy in Canada. The multi-award-winning Civic is safe, reliable, delivers excellent handling and impressive fuel economy. However, the best small car for you will depend on the features you need in a vehicle, so make sure you compare and test-drive a range of options before deciding which car to buy
The cheapest new car you can buy in Canada is the Nissan Versa. The 2025 Versa sedan has an MSRP of $20,798.
Yes, but the degree of safety depends on the vehicle. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the US Government's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) both perform crash tests and evaluate car safety features and tech to determine vehicle safety ratings. To get a better idea of how safe a particular model is, check its IIHS and NHTSA safety ratings.
Yes, but only if you buy a used vehicle. New cars typically have a price point above $20,000.
Yes. You can find several larger models worth considering in our guide on the best cars to buy in Canada.
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.
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