Top 10: the cheapest SUVs and crossovers in 2025
Once very popular and diversified, city cars and compacts have deserted the North American market. Manufacturers have replaced them with more expensive, cost-effective and fashionable SUVs and crossovers.
After presenting you with the ten most affordable sedans and hatchbacks three weeks ago, we're repeating the exercise with SUVs. In 2025, there will still be as many cars as SUVs under the $30,000 mark. Do the latest give you more bang for your buck, beyond their versatility?
Note: Prices shown include all charges displayed on manufacturers' websites (shipping and preparation, administration) and excise tax (tires and air conditioning). MSRP does not include these charges. Discounts and applicable sales taxes have not been taken into account.
10. Mazda CX-30 – $32,063 with fees, MSRP of $28,950
After solid price increases over the past two years, the Subaru Crosstrek and Volkswagen Taos have left the list to make way for the Mazda CX-30. Like the Mazda3 from which it derives, this subcompact SUV is a game-changer in its class, thanks to the quality of its styling, its driving pleasure and the performance of its powertrains. However, you have to live with mediocre rear visibility, which renders the central rearview mirror virtually useless, and below-average trunk space.
9. Chevrolet Trailblazer – $30,825 with fees, MSRP of $27,899
In 2024, Chevrolet doubled its small SUV offering by bringing back the Trax. It cast a long shadow over its big brother, the Trailblazer, since it costs less, is just as spacious and comes with the same basic engine (a 1.2-liter three-cylinder). In other words, the Trailblazer is of little interest. Only the versions with all-wheel drive and a 1.3-liter block (not available with the Trax) seem more relevant. But even these options don't put this Chevrolet on a par with its rivals.
8. Toyota Corolla Cross – $30,672 with fees, MSRP of $27,720
Like the range of compact cars that share its name, the Corolla Cross doesn't impress with its driving style, styling or quality of finish. Instead, it will appeal to pragmatic buyers thanks to its simple, effective ergonomics, competitive price range, reasonable size, functional interior, considerate suspension and below-average depreciation. And whether you opt for a hybrid or gasoline engine, the anticipated reliability remains excellent.
7. Hyundai Kona – $29,171 with fees, MSRP of $26,449
With 30,020 units sold last year, the Hyundai Kona is one of the ten most popular vehicles in Canada. Its wide range of versions (12, including electric) has certainly helped, as have its warranty and road manners. If the efficiency of the all-wheel drive and the calibration of the suspension don't match that of the Subaru Crosstrek during the cold season, the Kona remains in the top three of the sub-compact SUV segment. Especially if you like its design!
6. Kia Seltos – 2 $28,417 with fees, MSRP of $25,695
A technical cousin of the Kona, the Kia Seltos inherits the same qualities, but wraps them in a less flashy exterior. If you're hesitating between the two South Korean crossovers, their styling will probably decide for you. In fact, their financing terms, dimensions, equipment list and mechanical options are directly comparable, apart from the absence of an electrified variant on the Kia. The Seltos offers either a 146 hp naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder or a turbocharged 195 hp block.
5. Chevrolet Trax ($27,625 with fees, MSRP of $24,699) and Buick Envista ($31,825 with fees, MSRP of $28,899)
As we said earlier, the Chevrolet Trax cannibalizes the Trailblazer, especially in its entry-level variants. It boasts a very roomy interior for an urban utility vehicle, and its roadholding makes quite acceptable compromises when compared with vehicles in a higher category. In this respect, the Trax shares much of its DNA with the Buick Envista. This luxurious, coupe-like SUV cousin enhances the experience with better soundproofing, exclusive amenities, an upscale interior design and a different rear suspension that benefits stability.
4. Mitsubishi RVR 2024 – $27,572 with fees, MSRP of $24,798
At the time of writing, Mitsubishi had not yet begun marketing the RVR 2025. However, prices are expected to remain stable. Virtually unchanged since 2011, it is now chronically technologically backward, and its overall level of refinement is nothing like that of its modern competitors, especially since it was far from revolutionizing the automotive industry when it was launched! Paradoxically, the RVR's conservatism explains its success. Its ease of use, proven reliability and unbeatable warranty make it possible to drive without breaking the bank.
3. Kia Soul – $25,917 with fees, MSRP of $23,195
After three generations and some fifteen years on the market, the Kia Soul is about to bow out, and is unlikely to be succeeded by another. For the time it has left, however, this cube on wheels continues to outshine its direct rivals (Chevrolet Trax, Nissan Kicks Play and Hyundai Venue) in terms of road manners and a shape that makes it squarely habitable, as we found out in a comparison match in Le Guide de l'auto 2024. The Soul EX and EX+, in the middle of the range, offer the most for the money.
2. Nissan Kicks Play ($25,460 with fees, MSRP of $22,598) and next-generation Nissan Kicks ($30,056 with fees, MSRP of $27,199)
Contrary to the norm, Nissan is offering two generations of the same vehicle for the 2025 model year. The old Kicks, now called Kicks Play, is sold alongside the new model, whose starting price has risen by 20%. Admittedly, in exchange you get a much more refined, imposing and up-to-date utility vehicle. On the other hand, some customers bought the original Kicks for its attractive price and sufficient equipment, regardless of its modest power and aging technology.
1. Hyundai Venue – $24,021 (MSRP of $21,299)
The latest SUV to be offered for under $25,000, the Hyundai Venue is also the second least expensive new vehicle in Canada, behind the Nissan Versa. You can't expect miracles from this inexpensive product, which imposes compromises in terms of soundproofing, interior space (which will annoy rear occupants) and power, even compared to the Chevrolet Trax or Kia Soul. However, its fuel consumption is very low, its powertrain is tried and tested, and its monthly payments are very competitive. After all, every dollar counts!
