Auto123.com - Helping you drive happy

Top 10 Subcompact SUV Picks in Canada for 2025: our Top Small Crossover Picks

  • EPA Category: Subcompact SUV
    Obtain the best financial rate for your car loan at Automobile En DirectSpeedy
    Dan Heyman
    The competition is fiercer than ever in this segment, to the benefit of consumers.

    Hyundai Kona

    2024 Hyundai Kona
    2024 Hyundai Kona | Photo: B.Charette

    Hyundai’s very popular Kona received a thorough redesign for 2024, which added a slick new front facia (that will be the face of Hyundai going forward) as well as new chassis tuning and more interior space.

    The powertrain choices echo those of its Seltos cousin – that model’s two engines have made it to the Kona, and they make the same power as well.

    2024 Hyundai Kona, interior
    2024 Hyundai Kona, interior | Photo: Hyundai
    2024 Hyundai Kona, rear
    2024 Hyundai Kona, rear | Photo: B.Charette

    One thing the Kona gets that the Seltos doesn’t, however, is a quasi-performance model in the N Line. It doesn’t get any power boosts, but it looks much more purposeful with a unique front end and suave 19-inch wheels.

    See: 2024 Hyundai Kona First Drive Review: At the Adults’ Table

    See: Car Specs Hyundai Kona 2025 Preferred

    See: 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric First Drive: Already a Sure Value?

    Mazda CX-30

    2024 Mazda CX-30
    2024 Mazda CX-30 | Photo: D.Boshouwers

    The vehicle that started a whole new naming system for Mazda’s SUVs and crossovers returns for 2025, looking just as spunky as it always has.

    It’s actually amazing that after all this time, the design has hardly aged at all. You still get the five-point grille, slim headlamp lenses and athletic stance, no doubt helped by the fact that it shares much of its body with the Mazda3 Sport hatchback.

    For 2025, the CX-30 gets a new native navigation system as well as Amazon Alexa compatibility, but the two available powertrains remain unchanged: a 2.5L 4-cylinder good for 191 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque, as well as a turbo 4-cylinder good for 250 hp and 320 lb-ft, both with AWD as standard and 6-speed auto transmissions.

    If you want a little more stylistic flair, the Suna version returns for 2025, adding Zircon Sand Metallic paint, dark wheels and terracotta leatherette interior.

    See: Car Specs Mazda CX-30 2025 GT

    2024 Mazda CX-304, three-quarters rear
    2024 Mazda CX-304, three-quarters rear | Photo: D.Boshouwers
    2024 Mazda CX-30, interior
    2024 Mazda CX-30, interior | Photo: D.Boshouwers
    Dan Heyman
    Dan Heyman
    Automotive expert
    • Over 12 years' experience as an automotive journalist
    • More than 70 test drives in the past year
    • Participation in over 150 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists