Top 10 Most Affordable SUVs and Crossovers in 2021
The popularity of SUVs and crossovers kept rising in 2020 and one has to wonder when this is all going to stop. Many new models have hit the market, too, such as the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Kia Seltos.
Of course, there’s a price to pay versus a comparable car. If you’re set on buying a new vehicle and not a used one, what are the most affordable options out there?
Here you will find the top 10 SUV and crossover models with the lowest manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) in Canada. Nearly all of them come standard with FWD. Most are available with AWD.
Note: Unless specified otherwise, the MSRPs listed on the next few pages are all accurate at the time of writing. However, they are subject to change at any time.
10. 2021 Subaru Crosstrek – $23,795
The Car Guide’s Best Buy for 2021 in the Sub-compact SUV segment, the versatile and adventurous Crosstrek offers a new 182-horsepower engine in Outdoor and Limited trim. Other models continue to rely on a proven 152-horsepower mill. AWD, as always, comes standard.
9. 2021 Kia Seltos – $23,095
The Seltos blurs the line between sub-compact and compact SUVs. The naturally aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine included as standard equipment can be replaced by a punchy 1.6-litre turbo option. Driving dynamics are solid for the segment. This one is a rising star.
8. 2021 Mitsubishi RVR – $22,998 (price for 2020)
The Mitsubishi RVR was revised last year. The 2021 model arrives at dealerships this winter, though without any changes. The base ES FWD model still carries a very attractive price.
7. 2021 Chevrolet Trax – $21,998
The latest revision to the Trax dates back to 2017 and no significant change was made for 2021. Despite being the brand’s smallest and cheapest SUV, it offers many available connectivity and safety technologies. AWD is available.
6. 2021 Nissan Qashqai – $21,498 (price for 2020)
Refreshed and updated last year, the Qashqai is a sub-compact SUV that comes standard with FWD, although AWD is available. Base models feature a six-speed manual transmission in order to lower the price, while SV, SL and SL Platinum rely on a continuously variable transmission.
5. 2021 Mazda CX-3 – $21,300
Despite the addition of the CX-30, the little CX-3 is back for 2021, though Mazda did make a few adjustments. For instance, the AWD option has been dropped from the base GX model. Instead, you need to move up to the mid-level GS to get it.
4. 2021 Hyundai Kona – $21,299
The Hyundai Kona is by far the best-selling subcompact SUV in Canada. In fact, only two other SUVs were more popular in 2020—the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. A significant update is planned for the 2022 model year, so keep that in mind.
3. 2021 Kia Soul – $21,195
The Car Guide’s Best Buy for 2021 in the Urban Crossover segment, the Soul is as spacious and versatile as many subcompact SUVs. Forget about AWD, however.
2. 2021 Nissan Kicks – $19,898 (price for 2020)
The Nissan Kicks is getting a mid-cycle update for 2021. While the changes are not revolutionary, customers can still expect a few pleasant surprises. What doesn’t change is the absence of AWD.
1. 2021 Hyundai Venue – $17,599
The Venue crossover is nothing more than a fancier, higher-riding Accent… with a slightly smaller trunk. Exclusively designed for urban driving, it lacks power and an AWD option.