Don’t count on getting AWD for less than $25,000; you most likely aren’t
Don’t expect cheap with AWD While SUVs seem to defy a common definition, we know a lot of car shoppers are crossing the showroom floor to kick the tires on sport utility models these days, preferring the higher seating position, better sightlines, perceived safety benefits and all-weather invincibility. We’ve pored over manufacturers’ websites to find nine of the most affordable new 2019 SUVs in Canada, keying in on manufacturer’s suggested retail entry price, and the lowest MSRP for the same model equipped with an automatic transmission, air conditioning and all-wheel drive – content the majority of buyers expect to have in their SUVs. ▲
Jeep Compass — $23,808/$29,499 The Jeep franchise has proven to be such a big money maker for Fiat Chrysler that the automaker couldn’t resist expanding the lineup of models donning the Jeep name. The Compass is a prime example. It fills the microscopic niche between the subcompact Renegade, which starts at an eye-popping $28,445, and the compact Cherokee, which is similarly priced. The Compass is considerably cheaper, if only because the base model comes with a manual transmission and front-wheel drive. ▲
Jeep Compass — $23,808/$29,499 Redesigned for 2018 to more closely resemble the Grand Cherokee, the Compass is usefully sized and provides genuine off-road capability befitting the marque. Its 180-hp 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine feels a little lethargic, however, and the optional 9-speed automatic transmission is slow to execute shifts – a gripe that’s dogged most models that use this ZF-sourced transmission. Still, this Jeep’s 7-slot grille and ability to churn up the mud with the available AWD hardware are reason enough for fans of the brand to commit. ▲
Chevrolet Trax — $20,800/$27,400 Having started life as the Opel Mokka in 2012, the Chevrolet Trax benefits from an international engineering effort and joined GM of Canada’s Chevrolet showrooms for 2013 –fully two years before the Trax appeared in the US. Other than some cosmetic changes, the Trax soldiers on into 2020 largely unchanged. It uses a 138-hp 1.4-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that works with a standard 6-speed automatic transmission. ▲
Chevrolet Trax — $20,800/$27,400 Being small, but tall, the Trax offers a roomy cabin with upright seats that provide good legroom. Despite its European breeding, this wee Chevy is tuned more for comfort than sport. The ride quality is smooth, but the electric steering feedback is merely okay. In keeping with the times, there’s plenty of tech inside, with 4G LTE, a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot and a 7-inch touchscreen featuring Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. ▲
Mitsubishi RVR — $22,998/$26,998 After 17 years in Canada, Mitsubishi is finally getting some traction in one of the last places on earth that’s not familiar with this Japanese automaker’s 3-diamond logo. As its smallest crossover, the RVR is considerably larger that the subcompacts on this list and plays the value card well. Buyers of the entry-level model get a 148-hp, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine tied to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and air conditioning standard. ▲
Mitsubishi RVR — $22,998/$26,998 Unfortunately, the base engine is a wheezer that isn’t particularly energetic or fuel-efficient, and it feels even weaker hooked up to the optional AWD system. Buyers would be wise to chip in the extra money for the larger 168-hp 2.4-litre 4-banger. The cabin is a little on the drab side and rear-seat legroom could be better, as could the RVR’s previous-generation infotainment gear. On the plus side, owners get a comprehensive 5-year factory warranty standard, which helps to seal the deal. ▲
Mazda CX-3 — $21,045/$26,371 For buyers looking for a great driving experience, the Mazda CX-3 should be at the top of their list. The folks responsible for the MX-5 Miata have ensured their little crossover is infused with some of the same brilliant suspension tuning, quick-acting gearbox and responsive steering that make the roadster such a joy. But like the Miata, the CX-3 is exceedingly small, which becomes obvious in the back-seat accommodations and stingy cargo space. At least the cabin is nicely appointed with better-than-average materials. ▲
Mazda CX-3 — $21,045/$26,371 The aluminum 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine makes 146 horsepower, enough to move the CX-3 with some authority while returning excellent fuel economy. The low entry price is indicative of a model with a manual transmission – popular in the Quebec market – and Mazda resisted the temptation to make the optional automatic a CVT by opting for a conventional 6-speed autobox, which likely will be more durable over the long haul. ▲
Honda HR-V — $23,300/$25,600 The clever HR-V is based on that marvel of modern packaging, Honda’s Fit hatchback. By locating the fuel tank under the front seats and specifying a compact torsion-beam rear suspension, engineers created a deep storage space and a back seat that imitates a Swiss Army knife. The 60/40-split rear bench could fold down to the floor for long cargo, or the seat bottoms could fold up against the seat back, opening a tall floor-to-ceiling space for bulky items. ▲
Honda HR-V — $23,300/$25,600 The HR-V uses a 1.8-litre 4-cylinder engine working through the standard continuously variable automatic transmission. Unfortunately, 141 horsepower is hardly enough to motivate the porky HR-V with much alacrity. Honda’s trademark lightness of being comes through in the steering and handling, although the suspension is tuned on the soft side and can become unsettled over big bumps. Honda finally added a volume knob to the radio this year – old-school technology that was dearly missed by some. ▲
Nissan Qashqai — $20,198/$25,498 Because the Nissan Kicks is exclusively front-wheel drive, buyers have to move up a rung to get AWD traction. The Qashqai is a thoroughly modern design that offers a lot of content for what is a pretty low entry price (thanks to the manual gearbox). Featured is an infotainment system with a standard 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, which sits front and centre in the attractive cabin. The Rogue can haul plenty of luggage, and offers lots of cubbies that make it eminently practical. ▲
Nissan Qashqai — $20,198/$25,498 The Qashqai’s 141-hp, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission are duly matched, but the engine’s unenergetic power delivery and the CVT’s sluggish response make for a sleepy pair. The soft suspension provides a relaxed ride, but its spongy reflexes compromise overall control. At least it’s quiet on the highway and can cruise long distances effortlessly. Fuel economy is exceptional in the real world. Unfortunately, the Qashqai is not rated for towing. ▲
Ford EcoSport — $21,213/$25,438 The product of Ford’s extensive global product development resources, the subcompact EcoSport has been around since 2013, but only entered the North America market in 2018, slipping into Ford’s model lineup below the popular Escape. The EcoSport has the distinction of being the first made-in-India vehicle sold here. It uses the front-drive platform of the tiny Fiesta hatchback, and appears to be hamstrung by the same tight rear seating and underwhelming cargo capacity. ▲
Ford EcoSport — $21,213/$25,438 The EcoSport works well as a city runabout: visibility is good, it’s easy to maneuver and park, and there’s a well-thought-out infotainment system. Unfortunately, the front-wheel-drive base model employs a 123-hp, 1.0-litre turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that feels weak and fails to deliver stellar fuel economy. All-wheel-drive models come standard with a conventional 166-hp, 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine. Interestingly, the EcoSport can tow up to 907 kg, a feat not all subcompact utes can perform. ▲
Subaru Crosstrek — $23,695/$24,995 Here’s a fact: Canada’s lowest-priced all-wheel-drive model is a car and not a crossover. The Subaru Impreza impresses with its standard symmetrical AWD system, enabled by its flat-4 engine architecture that’s mounted longitudinally, not sideways, under the hood. But cars aren’t cool, so Subaru came up with the Crosstrek, a nifty Impreza hatchback with a jacked-up suspension and enough outdoorsy styling cues to play the SUV role. It’s been a big hit in Canada. ▲
Subaru Crosstrek — $23,695/$24,995 The Crosstrek’s 152-hp, 2.0-litre “pancake” engine comes paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, though the continuously variable automatic can be ordered for just a small premium of $1,300 over the base price. With its trademark AWD system, the Crosstrek feels solid and planted on and off the road, providing a composed ride and not-too-light steering. On the down side the economy-tuned engine is a weakling, which makes for somnolent acceleration. Keep in mind that the Crosstrek is smallish and doesn’t offer the carrying capacity of some of its class competitors. ▲
Hyundai Kona — $21,099/$23,099 Lots of Canadians have a budget in mind when car shopping, which is why the Hyundai Kona is at the top of our list – and also why you’re seeing lots of these colourful little crossovers all over town. The subcompact Kona was introduced last year and immediately found an appreciative audience. The Kona brings the whole enchilada: Unboring styling, exceptional interior packaging, engaging driving dynamics and good build quality backed by a comprehensive 5-year warranty. ▲
Hyundai Kona — $21,099/$23,099 Hyundai expertly bakes value into all of its models, exemplified by the impressive content provided in the base model of the Kona, which includes aluminum wheels, a conventional 6-speed automatic transmission, air conditioning and a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen complete with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Powering the Kona is an adequate 147-hp 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine powering the front wheels. All-wheel drive is a $2,000 upgrade, a very reasonable sum. All together, the Kona appears greater than the sum of all its parts and features, making it the best crossover buy in the land. ▲
Keyword: Top 9 inexpensive compact utes WITH all-wheel drive