Top 10 Most Affordable Cars in 2021
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone wants an SUV or pickup. In Canada, one in five buyers still prefers cars, which are more pleasant to drive and typically less expensive.
Prices keep rising, though. Take the best-selling Honda Civic, for instance. While it started at $15,750 back in 2015, the cheapest 2021 model retails from $23,400—plus destination and handling. If you choose the Civic Hatchback, you’ll pay at least $30,400!
Here are the top 10 cars with the lowest manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) in Canada in 2021.
Note: 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. Mazda3 - $20,500
The Mazda3 is the cream of the crop when it comes to small cars. In fact, it won The Car Guide’s 2021 Best Buy award in the compact car segment.
9. Subaru Impreza - $19,995
With standard all-wheel drive and such a great low price, why isn’t the Subaru Impreza more popular among Canadian drivers?
8. Toyota Corolla - $19,350
The always reliable, no-nonsense Toyota Corolla can still be purchased for less than $20,000 in base trim with the manual transmission.
7. Nissan Sentra - $19,198
Completely redesigned for 2020, the Sentra understandably returns for 2021 with no major changes—unless you’re talking about the new Nissan Sentra Cup racing series!
6. Hyundai Elantra - $17,899
The Hyundai Elantra has been revised from the ground up for the 2021 model year. The Korean automaker is offering a sharp new design and more tech than ever, yet the base price remains extremely competitive.
5. Kia Forte - $17,895
Kia’s compact car, the Forte, is a value champion both in four-door sedan and five-door hatchback configurations, the latter offering extra space and versatility.
4. Kia Rio - $17,295
The freshly updated Kia Rio won The Car Guide’s 2021 Best Buy award in the sub-compact car segment. It’s now available as a five-door hatchback only.
3. Nissan Versa - $16,498
The Micra is gone, but the return of the Nissan Versa—in four-door configuration—means the company can still attract budget-minded drivers.
2. Mitsubishi Mirage - $13,858
Following a number of cosmetic revisions inside and out, the Mitsubishi Mirage is a bit more expensive for 2021. Obviously, its biggest strength is the reassuring 10-year/160,000 powertrain warranty.
1. Chevrolet Spark - $10,198
Despite a slight price increase that pushes it past $10,000, the Chevrolet Spark retains the title of Canada’s most affordable new car by a long shot.