The Best 5 Used SUVs in Canada in 2019
These are the 5 Best Used SUVs in Canada right now based on affordability, quality, reliability, and fuel economy. Which one do you like?
Determining the best-used sport utility vehicle (SUV) in Canada was an adventure, simply because there are so many great options to choose from. Of course, reliability significantly factored into our SUV options. And with the beloved storage space of a wagon-esque body combined with the versatility of multiple-terrain driving options makes the SUV a Canadian favourite. After all, who doesn’t want the weight and strength of an SUV when January arrives?
To be comprehensive, our list touches on all drive types: front-wheel drive (FWD), rear-wheel drive (RWD), all-wheel drive (AWD), and 4-wheel drive (4WD). These five SUVs are strictly according to our own criteria; a combination of “owner love”, cost, long-term dependability, and fuel efficiency.
Like with all our lists, prices are an average from figures gathered across the country. We try our best to provide a median price-point, but we highly recommend using Autotrader.ca and Wheels.ca to get price ranges in your city, and, of course, Canadian Black Book.
As always, when buying used, make sure to get a car history report. You can do this through CARFAX Canada.
Here are the top 5 best suvs in canadaToyota 4Runner
Price range: $30k-$36k
Drive type: RWD, 4WD drive
Years: 2014-2017
For years, Toyota has dominated the J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Awards. Hands-down, it’s what the import brand is best known for, and the 4Runner contributes to its high ranking. That reliability is precisely what you want in the dead of winter – not a dead SUV.
You can grab the V6 2014 4Runner on the lower end of the above price range if the kilometres are low (considered around 64,000km-70,000km for this year and based on the 23,000km/year standard).
Edmunds gives this year and model a consumer rating of 4.5/5 stars with excellent off-roading abilities and plenty of cargo space. Its fuel efficiency sits at 12.7L/100km for city driving and 9.4L/100km for highway for an average of 11.2L/100km.
Features can include leather interior, stability control, power seats, dual climate controls, rear-view camera, sunroof, modern media functions, nav system and keyless entry.
The premium models of the 4Runner can come with fog lights, telescoping steering, tow-hitch receiver and even a spoiler. Some consumer-reported downsides include a cramped third-row seat and lack of a diesel engine option. Earlier models than the range above also fare well if you’re looking to save money.
Honda CR-V
Price range: $15k-$25k
Drive type: FWD & AWD options available
Years: 2012-2014
Because it’s a compact SUV and not a midsize SUV, the Honda CR-V is a more affordable alternative to the 4Runner, yet with ample cargo space and rear-seat room.
Owners report it’s a “fun” drive, as it has a bit more of a compact frame and very responsive handling. It has a 5-star crash-test rating for years 2013 and 2014. In terms of value, it boasts 4.5 out of 5 stars from consumers and a modest 4 stars from various industry expert publications.
The CR-V has an incredibly distinguished record for reliability and the models in these years are no exception. RepairPal shows that common issues for this generation of Honda CR-V are minor, such as poor A/C performance rather than major mechanical problems.
With a combined 8L/100km (9.2L for city and 6.6L for highway), it is a bit more of a guzzler than the 4Runner, but it’s important to note that these models are a bit older.
Features include a rearview camera, dual climate controls, fog lights, electronic compass and keyless entry, to name a few. Consumer downsides include the availability of cloth interior vs leather.
Lexus RX
Price range: $23k-$32k
Drive type: FWD & AWD options available
Years: 2012-2013
If a quiet all-terrain adventure in luxury is your idea of a good time, then the moderately-sized Lexus RX is the SUV for you.
Consumers boast that it’s an incredibly quiet drive and the vehicle adheres to the Lexus standard of being very reliable. In fact, J.D Power named the Lexus RX the most dependable vehicle in 2013 (in the U.S). In fact, one of the top praises these SUVs receive is how little maintenance they need.
Fuel economy is around average for the segment, 11.8L/100km in city and 8.3L/100 for highway. If you want extra power and better fuel economy, you can choose the 450h model which is their hybrid model.
Like the 4Runner and CR-V, it has excellent cargo space. Luxury features include rain-sensing wipers, heated leather memory seats and adaptive headlights.
Reported downsides are the navigation system which has been said to be a little glitchy and the fuel economy is not as good in the older models than the newer ones in this range. Resale value also puts the RX as a unique addition to our list, due simply to a premium nameplate.
Mazda CX-9
Price range: $18k-$27k
Drive type: FWD is standard in all but the Signature trim. AWD is standard with Signature models
Years: 2014-2016
If you need minivan space but the handling of a 4-wheel drive, then the Mazda CX-9 may be for you. Consumers praise its fun, responsive steering and very roomy interior.
As the largest of the Mazda SUVs, the CX-9 fits 7 passengers and has very comfortable third-row seating. Fun features include a sunroof, fog lights and dual climate controls. Expect moderate fuel economy, running at 12.8L/100km for city and 9.0L/100km for highway.
Consumer Reports gives this CX-9 generation an 8.4 out of 10 reliability rating, mainly due to minor issues that can occur. Annoying but innocuous, the infotainment screen could freeze and variances in the distance-to-empty display can cause you to run out of fuel. Fortunately, none of the concerns are major.
Downsides include a fidget-inducing drive if you buy the car almost new as the seats allegedly need a lot of time to be broken in, long rear doors and a fickle media system.
Kia Sportage
Price range: $15k-$24k
Drive type: FWD and AWD options available
Years: 2015-2016
The Kia Sportage makes the list with an awesome bang for your buck. Choose from the EX, SX or LX models and pick a variety of bonus features like panorama sunroof, tinted windows, keyless entry, UVO voice-recognition system, leather seats, power driver’s seat and more.
Fuel economy is about the same as the Mazda, at 12L/100km for city and 9.1L/100km highway. The Sportage is deemed as a really fun drive and incredibly roomy. Some reported downsides are the somewhat cramped rear seats and rough ride quality.
From a safety perspective, the Sportage scored a perfect 5 stars in front and side-impact tests, which made it stand out against its competitors.
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