Updated May 25 2022

The compact SUV category has been the most popular among Canadian consumers for years. While there was some interest in SUVs before their massive introduction onto the mass market, today’s enthusiasm was born with the compact models. What is the best small SUV?

Here’s a list of the five best used compact SUVs on the market: The Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson and Mazda CX-5.

HONDA CR-V

The Honda CR-V is one of the most interesting values in the industry. It’s a rock-solid performer when it comes to reliability, offering a reassuring ride and a sense of security for the driver, thanks to the Honda Sensing safety package, which includes

• Forward Collision Warning
• Collision Mitigation Braking
• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Departure Assist
• And much more

By the way, all of the vehicles in this list stand out for their increasingly advanced driving aids.

Whether you opt for the current generation (since 2017) or the one before it, it’s just as robust in every way. The main difference is that the newer CR-Vs have a smaller turbocharged engine (1.5 liters), while a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter engine powered the previous iteration.

TOYOTA RAV4

With the exception of full-size pickup trucks, the Toyota RAV4 has been the best-selling vehicle in North America and in Canada for the past few years. The popularity of this product is truly unmatched.

The generational switch with the RAV4 occurred in 2018, when the current model was introduced. Although it is more refined than the one before, the oldest model has proven to be the most reliable in the history of the line. There are no bad choices here.

NISSAN ROGUE

The Nissan Rogue has just been revamped for 2021. Consequently, the generation that appeared in 2014 is now available on the second-hand market. The latter, the second after the product’s arrival in 2008, has really taken the model to another level in terms of quality.

Its continuously variable transmission (CVT) is the perfect solution for getting the best possible ratings. Its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, which offers a very acceptable 170 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque, has also proven itself to be reliable over the years.

MAZDA CX-5

The Mazda CX-5 is an interesting vehicle. It boasts the reputation of being the most pleasant to drive of its category. Behind the wheel, driving feel is very similar to that of a car.

On the market, you’ll find two generations of this model, one produced from 2013 to 2017, and another introduced in 2018. There’s not much difference between the two, as the CX-5 had evolved through its redesign rather than being transformed. The more recent the version, the more quality concern you’ll find on board.

This is especially true if you find a Signature version, introduced in December 2018. In his 2019 test drive, Derek Boshouwers had this to say about this version:

“The interior of the Signature trim [...] can easily compete with, and even surpass, some of the luxury vehicles.”

That’s also when the turbocharged variant showed up with a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and up to 250 horsepower.

HYUNDAI TUCSON

In the case of the Hyundai Tucson, which was launched in 2005, the progression has been steady over the years. The model has reached full maturity with the latest generation, which started in 2016.

This latest one offers:

• Impeccable finishes
• Very generous specs
• Inspiring driving experience

And, as a buyer, much like with the CX-5, you can count on several mechanical features. In fact, the engine room can accommodate a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine with 160 horsepower, as well as a 2.4-litre 4-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower.

It’s important to remember is that with each of the five models presented, you’re making a good choice. The important thing is to buy a vehicle according to your needs and to find the model that best suits your requirements.

You’re sure to find the ideal used car for sale at your online dealerships and in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Côte-Nord and Charlevoix regions, covering all makes of cars. At ToutesLesMarques.ca, many used SUVs for sale await you.