Top 10 Most Affordable SUVs and Crossovers in 2022
The SUV and crossover market keeps expanding at all price points. There’s a growing number of electrified models—either hybrid or fully electric—but for those in search of something affordable, we can point to the Toyota Corolla Cross or Volkswagen Taos, for example.
Running a tight budget? Here are the 10 SUV and crossover models with the lowest manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) in Canada in 2022. Nearly all of them come standard with FWD. Most are available with AWD.
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. They do not include freight and PDI, other applicable fees, or available rebates and offers.
10. 2022 Subaru Crosstrek – $23,995
Winner of a Best Buy award from The Car Guide, the 2022 Crosstrek comes standard with a 2.0-litre engine producing 152 horsepower. It manages to undercut its new nemesis, the Toyota Corolla Cross.
9. 2022 Mitsubishi RVR – $23,828
The RVR subcompact crossover offers a pair of gasoline engines (2.0L and 2.4L) as well as front- and all-wheel drive models.
8. 2022 Kia Seltos – $23,595
Entering its second year on the market, the popular Seltos doesn’t have any changes to brag about except maybe Kia’s new logo. It stands out with a spacious interior, good visibility and attractive pricing. Engine selection is identical to the Hyundai Kona’s.
7. 2022 Mazda CX-3 – $22,250
Overshadowed by the sexier CX-30, the little CX-3 sticks around—at least in Canada as it won’t return to the U.S. for 2022. A few equipment revisions are in store, while the selection of body colours gets a couple of changes. All-wheel drive is optional.
6. Nissan Qashqai – $22,198 (2021 price)
The next-generation Qashqai was expected for 2022, but Nissan ultimately decided to keep the old model for one more year. There are no changes to report at the moment. A continuously variable transmission sends power to either the front wheels or all four wheels depending on the model you select.
5. 2022 Hyundai Kona – $22,099
The Kona received a significant mid-cycle update for 2022. The front end looks sharper, while the interior boasts a more modern appearance. The available turbocharged 1.6-litre engine is now more powerful, while the base 2.0-litre mill still puts out 147 hp. All-wheel drive is optional.
4. 2022 Chevrolet Trax – $22,098
The Trax is a small utility vehicle and the most affordable among seven offered by Chevrolet. Competitively priced in base trim, it gets a more powerful engine for 2022. A six-speed automatic transmission continues to handle shifting duties. The Trax can be specified with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
3. 2022 Kia Soul – $21,295
A decade after the trend of small, cube-shaped vehicles faded away, the Soul is still alive and well. The third generation gets some minor tweaks and a larger touchscreen for 2022. The four-cylinder engine generates 147 horsepower, always sent to the front wheels only.
2. 2022 Nissan Kicks – $20,198
Winner of a Best Buy award from The Car Guide, the 2022 Kicks is a small, urban-oriented crossover equipped with many safety and driver assistance features as standard. Under the hood is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine that supplies 122 horsepower. All models—S, SV and SR—rely on a continuously variable transmission that sends power to the front wheels only.
1. 2022 Hyundai Venue – $18,299
Those who miss the Accent subcompact hatchback since it left the Canadian market at the end of the 2020 model year can easily turn to the Venue, a small crossover that uses the same platform and the same 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine. Output is rated at 121 horsepower, which drivers can control via a six-speed manual gearbox or a continuously variable transmission. The lack of an all-wheel drive option makes the Venue a primarily urban-oriented vehicle.