The Best Used SUVs in Canada

In today's economy, choosing the right car for your needs is more important than ever. That means figuring out what vehicles are best for your budget and lifestyle. VINN's team of Vehicle Experts was asked to put their 15+ years of combined automotive experience to the test and recommend the best used SUVs and Crossovers on the Canadian market today. Here are the ones that made the cut.

Subaru Crosstrek wins Best Smooth Ride in VINN's Best Used SUV in Canada
Best Smooth Ride

2019 - 2022 Subaru Crosstrek

The second generation of Subaru Crosstreks has resolved the minor issues of the earlier models (mainly the 2016 and 2018 models). This super easy-to-drive crossover, with a reliable 2.5L flat-four engine, will take you where you want to go, and you'll have fun doing it. According to Consumer Reports, the Subaru Crosstrek is chosen as one of the best Crossovers to purchase because of its fuel efficiency and ride comfort.

Pros
  • Loaded with safety features
  • Really easy to maintain
  • Holds its resale value quite well
Cons
  • Less cargo space than other crossover SUVs
  • Base model has slow acceleration
Best for
  • Comfort and handling
Find a Crosstrek near you
Toyota Highlander wins Best for Big Families in VINN's Best Used SUV in Canada
Best for Big Families

2020 Toyota Highlander

Offering some extra space, this is a great choice for a family SUV. The Toyota Highlander is a 7-seater SUV featuring a functional interior with three rows of seating. The third row of seats can fold flat for extra cargo space when not in use. The 2020 Highlander carries a V6 engine and all-wheel drive system on every trim level, which makes it a perfect fit for drivers who want the reassurance of adequate horsepower and torque to handle the Canadian outdoors.

Perhaps the most important point that makes the Toyota Highlander a top choice for families is the safety features. Toyota's Safety Sense system is a suite of cameras, radar, and lasers that monitor all objects surrounding the vehicle to provide warning and even automatic emergency braking.

Pros
  • Can fit up to 8 passengers
  • Lots of cargo space
  • All trim levels come with Toyota Safety Sense system
Cons
  • In demand and pricey
  • Not the best fuel efficiency due to the V6 and all-wheel-drive
Best for
  • Families of 5 or more
Find a Highlander near you
Nissan Murano wins Best City Cruiser in VINN's Best Used SUV in Canada
Best City Cruiser

2018- 2021 Nissan Murano

The Nissan Murano is a favourable choice for a used SUV because it was the highest-rated Nissan model produced from 2017 to 2021. The Murano is a complete midsize SUV, packed with safety and comfort features, including patented zero gravity seats, designed with ergonomic structuring, which helps to maximize blood flow and keep your energy levels up when driving on long commutes.

Pros
  • Hold their value quite well compared to other Nissan models
  • Extremely comfortable with zero gravity seats
Cons
  • Poor visibility reviews from some owners
  • Not made for towing purposes
Best for
  • Highway cruising
  • Winter driving
Find a Murano near you
Mazda CX-5 wins Best All Around Driver wins in VINN's Best Used SUV in Canada
Best All-Around Driver

2021 Mazda CX-5

Scoring a rare 10/10 with Car and Driver, the CX-5 does it all and does it well! This crossover SUV provides what many describe as the SUV lifestyle with a sports-car driving experience. The 2021 offerings include adaptive cruise control, an improved 10.3-inch Mazda Connect infotainment system, and advanced safety features like auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection for all trim levels. When shopping the used vehicle market for the CX-5, look for the Carbon Edition Turbo, which features a turbocharged engine for the price of a mid-level trim model.

Pros
  • More headroom than most other compact SUVs
  • Loaded with features- even on the base model
  • Great steering
Cons
  • Not quite as spacious as most of its crossover competitors
  • Low towing capacity
Best for
  • All-around touring
Find a CX-5 near you
Subaru Outback wins Best for Adventures in VINN's Best Used SUV in Canada
Best for Adventures

2021 Subaru Outback

This lifted, family-friendly AWD Station wagon can handle anything you can throw at it. Not as tall and clunky as its competitors, it offers the dependability of a solid SUV and all the space of a station wagon. And with the seats down, even tall people can sleep in the back. For those not satisfied with the smaller four-cylinder engine, there are turbocharged trim options available that make a noticeable difference in acceleration and extra towing capacity. Look for any used models above the base trim level to find a built 4G LTE mobile wifi compatibility.

Pros
  • Better off-road capabilities than most competitors
  • A spacious, comfortable ride
  • Decent fuel economy
Cons
  • Tech features can be a little slow
  • Not much horsepower in the base model, resulting in slower acceleration and overall speed
Best for
  • Adventures and road trips
Find an Outback near you

Honourable mention

Jeep Wrangler wins Honourable Mention in VINN's Best Used SUV in Canada

2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

The Rubicon is the ultimate "off-roading Jeep" that is still capable of daily driving. It is one of the slowest depreciating SUVs on the market and is sure to hold its value for years after purchase making it a wise investment. The 2018 model was chosen as one of the most resilient and reliable of the new generation (JL) and is a must-have for the ultimate weekend adventure seeker!

Pros
  • Rugged exterior with luxury interior
  • Good towing capacity
  • One of the only SUVs on the market with a manual transmission option
Cons
  • Infotainment system is sub-par
  • A noisy ride at high speeds
Best for
  • Outdoor enthusiasts
Find a Wrangler near you

What's the difference between SUVs and Crossovers?

Crossovers tend to provide a more comfortable ride and better fuel economy, while SUVs are better for more rugged and powerful needs like off-roading and towing.

Both SUVs and crossovers are excellent options for people who need more space in their vehicles. They can accommodate a large amount of cargo or passengers, and they offer a high level of safety and protection. They're also perfect for people who need to drive long distances. In addition, SUVs and crossovers are versatile vehicles used for recreational purposes, small businesses, or sports families carrying bulky equipment.

According to Statistics Canada, SUVs and Crossovers, considered 'Multi-purpose vehicles,' make up the highest volume of registered motor vehicles for the past 6+ years.

Simply put, an SUV (sport utility vehicle) is a larger, heavier vehicle built on a truck frame, while a crossover (a cross between an SUV and a car) is lighter and built on a car frame.