Best Small Cars to Buy in Canada

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

Downsides

• Some road noise issues
• Many reviewers recommend the (more expensive) hybrid powertrain

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Best safe small car: Kia K4

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

Downsides

• Base engine doesn’t deliver exciting performance
• Some hybrid competitors deliver better fuel economy

Other top safe small cars

• Honda Civic
• Hyundai Elantra
• Mazda3
• Toyota Prius

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If you want a hybrid small car: Toyota Prius

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

Downsides

• Limited headroom in the back seat
• Road noise issues at higher speeds

Other top hybrid small cars

• Honda Civic
• Hyundai Elantra

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If you want a small EV: Nissan Leaf

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

Downsides

• No AWD option
• Cargo space could be better

Other top small EVs

• Hyundai Ioniq 5
• Hyundai Kona Electric
• Kia Niro EV
• Kia EV6

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If you want a small SUV: Mazda CX-50

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

Downsides

• Some competitors are more affordable
• Cargo space is limited

Other top small SUVs

• Honda CR-V
• Mazda CX-5
• Mazda CX-30
• Hyundai Tucson
• Kia Seltos
• Nissan Rogue
• Volkswagen Tiguan

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If you want a cheap small car: Hyundai Elantra

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

Downsides

• Some road noise issues
• Some interior materials feel a little cheap

Other top cheap small cars

• Nissan Versa
• Kia K4
• Hyundai Venue

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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

Downsides

• There are cheaper alternatives
• Rear visibility problems

Other top small hatchbacks

• Mazda3 Sport
• Subaru Impreza
• Toyota Corolla
• Toyota Prius
• Volkswagen Golf

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If you want a small, reliable car: Toyota Corolla

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

Downsides

• Not the most exciting car to drive
• Limited space for rear-seat passengers

Other top small cars for reliability

• Acura Integra
• Kia Forte
• Lexus IS
• Nissan Sentra
• Subaru Impreza

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If you want a luxury small car: BMW 3 Series

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

Downsides

• Optional extras will drive the price up
• Some complaints that the ride is a little firm

Other top luxury small cars

• Acura Integra
• Audi A4
• BMW 4 Series
• Genesis G70
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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If you want a luxury small SUV: BMW X1

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

Downsides

• Only has a four-star NHTSA Safety Rating
• Infotainment system is a little fiddly

Other top luxury small SUVs

• BMW X2
• Genesis GV70
• Mercedes-Benz GLA
• Porsche Macan

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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

Downsides

• Not quite as fast as some premium competitors
• There are cheaper alternatives

Other top small cars for performance

• Honda Civic Type R
• Hyundai Elantra N
• Porsche 911
• Toyota GR Corolla
• Volkswagen Golf GTI
• Volkswagen Golf R

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If you want a small truck: Ford Maverick

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 4,000 lbs and a maximum payload capacity of 1,500 lbs, while a comfortable and spacious interior, along with plenty of modern tech features, ensure that this truck is big on practicality.

Price: $35,100

Downsides

• Only has a four-star NHTSA Safety Rating
• Some complaints about the firm ride

Other top small trucks

• • Toyota Tacoma

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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.

Gas or electric or hybrid

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.

Running costs

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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

• What is the best small car to buy in Canada?

  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

• What is the cheapest new car in Canada?

  The cheapest new car you can buy in Canada is the Nissan Versa. The 2025 Versa sedan has an MSRP of $20,798.

• Are small cars safe to drive?

  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.

• Can I get a small car under $10,000?

  Yes, but only if you buy a used vehicle. New cars typically have a price point above $20,000.

• I'm looking for something bigger. Can you help?

  Yes. You can find several larger models worth considering in our guide on the best cars to buy in Canada.

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

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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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