Top 10 Most Affordable SUVs and Crossovers in 2023
As traditional passenger cars continue to lose market shares, new SUVs and crossovers are popping up across the industry—in all shapes and sizes and at every price point. Many people prefer these vehicles due to the higher driving position and more spacious interiors.
Without further ado, we give you the top 10 most affordable SUVs and crossovers available in Canada in 2023.
Note: The MSRPs listed here 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. Buick Encore GX – MSRP from $26,748
Buick might be considered an entry-level luxury brand, but the Encore GX is still one of the most affordable crossovers in Canada. Why? Because it shares many components with the Chevrolet Trailblazer, including a pair of triple-cylinder engines. Base models feature a CVT and front-wheel drive. Of course, all-wheel drive ($2,000) and the many available options can quickly increase the price.
9. Toyota Corolla Cross – MSRP from $25,790
The Toyota C-HR was eliminated after the 2022 model year. The company’s entry-level crossover is now the Corolla Cross, which boasts more conservative styling. It’s the second-best buy you can make in the small-SUV segment in our opinion. Impressive cargo space and good predicted reliability are just two of its main draws. For 2023, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 and an eight-inch centre display are standard on every model.
8. Subaru Crosstrek – MSRP from $24,995
The only model in this top 10 to feature standard AWD, the Crosstrek is also one of the rare crossovers to offer a manual transmission. A new generation is coming for 2024 (set to launch later in 2023), but the current one can be yours from just under $25,000. The CVT requires an extra $2,200. You can find pretty much everything the Crosstrek has to offer in the lower-riding Subaru Impreza (now hatchback only) for $2,000 less.
7. Chevrolet Trailblazer – MSRP from $24,548
The Buick Encore GX we mentioned earlier is the Chevrolet Trailblazer’s mechanical twin. The latter offers less standard content and a shorter warranty. A pair of triple-cylinder engines is part of the mix. Base 1.2L models generate 137 hp, while those equipped with the 1.3L unit deliver 155 hp. If you want all-wheel drive, you need to spend at least $26,548.
6. Mitsubishi RVR – MSRP from $24,098
The RVR is the oldest small crossover on the market, the current generation dating back to 2011. It’s neither the most appealing nor the most refined model you can buy. But thanks to durable construction and unbeatable warranty, not to mention a low price and decent standard content, the RVR offers good value. Add about $2,500 for Mitsubishi’s S-AWC all-wheel drive system.
5. Kia Seltos – MSRP from $23,695
The Seltos is one of the most popular small crossovers in Canada. Spacious and well-equipped, it also comes with a 5-year/100,000km warranty. Standard content includes heated front seats and mirrors, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a USB port and even blind spot monitoring. The EX model ($25,995) adds a heated steering wheel, smart key access and a few more driving aids. With another $2,000 or so, you can get all-wheel drive.
4. Hyundai Kona – MSRP from $22,649
The Kona is the best-selling crossover in its class thanks to competitive pricing and a wide range of models. It shares its platform, engines (at least two of them) and many features with the Kia Seltos. The latter might be roomier inside, but the Kona is cheaper in base trim, which still includes heated front seats and mirrors, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a few advanced driving aids. You can get all-wheel drive with a $2,000 extra.
3. Kia Soul – MSRP from $22,595
Small, cubic-shaped crossovers used to be a thing, but the only one left now is the Soul, whose third generation received a mid-cycle update for 2023 including some cosmetic revisions and more technology. Some say it’s just a boxy hatchback, especially due to the lack of AWD, but the interior is surprisingly roomy and more practical than that of the Forte5. If you want AWD, go with the larger Seltos.
2. Nissan Kicks – MSRP from $20,998
This is our pick for the best buy in the urban crossover segment, ahead of the Kia Soul and Hyundai Venue. The Kicks is also the better seller. Cargo room, fuel economy and value are some of the reasons why. Additionally, you’ll find more standard driver assistance features in the Kicks than any competitor. Once again, however, all-wheel drive is not available.
1. Hyundai Venue – MSRP from $20,649
The Venue replaced the Accent as Hyundai’s smallest vehicle, yet it now costs $200 more than a base Elantra sedan. As a small urban crossover, the Venue’s direct competitors are the Kia Soul and Nissan Kicks. No AWD option is available, and the engine is pretty weak. The manual transmission has been dropped for 2023, pushing the base MSRP north of $20,000 for the first time. All Venue models come with automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning.