Top 10 Best Cars to Buy in Canada in 2026
MyChoice’s ranking covers the 10 best vehicles to buy in Canada in 2026. We came up with our own methodology that weighs the factors Canadian drivers care about most. They include reliability ratings, total cost of ownership (TCO), resale value, suitability for Canadian roads, average insurance price, and national sales volume.
The smartest car isn’t just about specifications. It’s also about buying a car that will work for you. Think about how you drive and your space needs. Consider the car you want and make sure it will continue to fit comfortably within your budget.
| Make and model | Sales volume (H1 2025 est.) | Reliability | TCO | Resale value | Canadian road suitability | Insurance price | MyChoice score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 | ~41,500 units | Very strong | Moderate | Excellent | Very high | Moderate | 9.2 |
| Honda CR-V | ~30,900 units | Strong | Moderate | Very good | Very high | Moderate | 8.8 |
| Toyota Corolla | ~26,500–27,000 units | Very strong | Low | Excellent | High | Low–moderate | 8.7 |
| Mazda CX-5 | ~22,800 units | Strong, above average | Moderate | Good | High | Moderate | 8.5 |
| Subaru Outback | ~19,000 units | Strong for Canada’s rugged terrain | Moderate | Good | Very high: all-wheel drive and winter-ready | Moderate | 8.4 |
| Toyota Camry | ~12,000 units | Very strong | Moderate | Excellent | High | Moderate | 8.2 |
| Kia Seltos | ~19,500 units | Improving reliability | Low–moderate | Good | High | Low–moderate | 8.0 |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 | ~15,000 units | Good | Moderate to low (electric) | Good | High, with winter-range caveats | Moderate | 7.9 |
| Ford F-150 | ~63,800 units | Good | Moderate to high | Good | Very high for Canadian roads, snow and towing | High | 7.8 |
| Nissan LEAF | ~3,500 units | Good | Low (electric) | Very good for its category | Moderate to high | Low–moderate | 7.7 |
1. Toyota RAV4
Units sold: ~41,500 (H1 2025 estimate)
The Toyota RAV4’s size is right for city and suburban driving. It has generous cargo room, offers an AWD option and has a good name for longevity—all factors that make it popular with buyers.
For the new generation of this model arriving in 2026, hybrid and plug-in choices receive even more attention. It’s a big advantage in Canada’s high-cost fuel and energy environment. Drivers seeking a versatile car usually consider RAV4 to be a strong option.
2. Honda CR-V
Units sold: ~30,900 (H1 2025 estimate)
The Honda CR-V remains one of the most popular cars in Canada by combining practical size, easy driving, fuel economy, and reliability. Available AWD, useful ground clearance, and a comfortable cabin also suit everyday Canadian roads.
Even though it may trail Toyota for resale value or durability, it is still among the strongest all-around choices.
3. Toyota Corolla
Units sold: ~26,500–27,000 (H1 2025 estimate)
The Toyota Corolla is a dependable baseline choice. It is compact for urban driving, efficient, easy to service, cost-effective, and supported by Toyota’s reputation and excellent resale value. It might not quite deliver an SUV’s “wow” factor, but buyers prioritizing economy, reliability and long-term value will find that it covers the essentials.
4. Mazda CX-5
Units sold: ~22,800 (H1 2025 estimate)
The CX-5 checks all the right boxes and offers premium materials, appointments and capable performance while costing not as much as some luxury compact and midsize SUVs.
Running and maintenance costs may be a tad higher than the absolute-bargain alternatives, but value remains good, especially considering AWD availability and good ride quality. Its dimensions are right for the city and the great Canadian outdoors.
5. Subaru Outback
Units sold: ~19,000 (H1 2025 estimate)
For Canadians dealing with snow, country routes and rough roads, the Subaru Outback stands apart by pairing practical utility with all-weather capability. Standard AWD is a major advantage.
Its generally good reliability and decent resale value are matched by ownership costs that remain reasonable for what the vehicle provides.
6. Toyota Camry
Units sold: ~12,000 (H1 2025 estimate)
Sedans may not be as dominant as they once were, but when it comes to reliable and economical transportation for commuting, long-distance trips, carpooling and family duty, the Toyota Camry is still near the top of many shoppers’ lists. It also benefits from Toyota’s stellar reliability and resale-value reputations in Canada.
The Camry suits Canadians who mainly travel on paved roads or prefer a sedan’s economy and format over an SUV. Insurance tends to be moderate, service is widely available, and ownership costs are stable.
7. Kia Seltos
Units sold: ~19,500 (H1 2025 estimate)
Kia has advanced considerably in design, reliability and buyer acceptance. The compact Seltos gives city drivers more utility than a small car, and its improving reliability and lower-cost crossover format can make ownership less expensive than with a large SUV.
8. Hyundai IONIQ 5
Units sold: ~15,000 (H1 2025 estimate)
Drivers prepared for an electric vehicle whose travel patterns suit one should consider the Hyundai IONIQ 5. It stands out among Canada’s leading EV contenders through modern styling, strong technology and interior design, and an improving charging network.
And, of course, ownership costs are important. Electricity costs, charging requirements and the effect of Canadian winters all have an impact. Resale may be slower in an evolving EV market. But if you’re ready for an EV, this is a very good choice.
9. Ford F-150
Units sold: ~63,792 (H1 2025 estimate)
Year after year, the Ford F-150 remains a familiar presence on Canadian roads and near the top of national sales charts. Its popularity reflects a versatile, capable truck: the F-150 can tow a trailer, haul lumber or handle a snow-covered backroad with confidence and power.
For a full-size pickup designed for demanding work, reliability is strong, although fuel, tires and insurance cost more than they do for smaller vehicles. Resale value remains excellent, making the F-150 a smart option when work or lifestyle demands strength, room and versatility.
10. Nissan LEAF
Units sold: ~3,500 (H1 2025 estimate)
The Nissan LEAF is one of the most affordable EVs in Canada. Buyers who want to minimize both purchase and running costs and don’t mind range and charging limitations should consider the LEAF.
Lower energy costs and fewer moving parts can make ownership very favourable for drivers with charging access. The tradeoffs are reduced winter range and an EV resale market that is still developing.
Our Methodology for Ranking the Best Cars in Canada
For Canadians buying a new car in 2026, sticker price is no longer the only consideration. Cold winters, aging roads, rising insurance rates and changing vehicle technology make reliability and long-term cost essential when choosing a model suited to Canadian driving.
Cars were evaluated to determine the 10 best cars to buy in Canada for 2026. Various factors were considered and weighted to determine an overall MyChoice Score. We’ve provided some explanation for why we think each factor is important and how we came up with the weighting.
Top 10 Best-Selling Cars in Canada in 2025
You can see the best-selling cars in the first half of 2025 in Canada below. Since these were the most purchased in 2025, it’s safe to assume they would be a great option to buy in Canada in 2026.
What You Might Want to Consider Before Buying Your Next Car
When it comes to buying a car in Canada, you’ll want to give it some thought, especially because you’ll drive it often and have many different cars to choose from. If money is not a concern, you’ll probably end up choosing the car of your dreams. But if you’re on a tighter budget, you might need to look at some cheaper options on the market. On the flip side, if you’re a first-time car buyer, buying a used car can be an attractive option because it’s usually cheaper than buying a new car. However, others will still prefer to enjoy the unique “new car” smell by choosing a brand-new vehicle.
Regardless of your preferences, it’s also important to know the current buying trends in the Canadian auto market so you can make a more informed decision about your purchase.
Car Performance and Specifications
If you’re more of a car enthusiast, you may want to take into account your chosen car’s performance on the road, as well as its numerous features, including technology, design and speed.
Luckily, most cars on the market today deliver quality performance and an array of features that make driving more comfortable, convenient and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for a car with impressive horsepower, responsive handling or advanced safety features, you’ll find a variety of options available to suit your needs. What you choose ultimately depends on your own preferences.
Safety and Reliability
Safety and reliability are two of the most important considerations when buying a car in Canada. Some things you may want to look at when choosing your vehicle are the latest safety features, such as advanced driver-assistance technology, rearview cameras, blind-spot monitoring and lane-departure warning systems. These features can help keep you and your passengers safe on the road.
Another common thing to check is the car’s safety rating. Many vehicles undergo safety testing and evaluations to determine how well they protect their occupants.
Fuel Efficiency
Most importantly, we recommend that you understand how fuel-efficient and reliable your potential car will be. You’ll want to choose a car that will cost you less in gas and repairs.
If fuel efficiency is a top priority for you, you’ll be happy to know that many of the best cars to buy in Canada are designed to give you more mileage for your money. From electric vehicles and hybrids to fuel-efficient gasoline cars, there are many options. Some cars can travel more than 600 km on a single charge, while others can travel more than 800 km on a single tank. Given the rising costs of fuel and other general expenses, choosing a relatively fuel-efficient car can help you save money in the long run.
Car Reviews
Lastly, when it comes to making a major purchase like a car, it’s important to consider not only expert opinions but also reviews from real customers. When doing your research, look at reviews that cover everything from the driving experience and fuel efficiency to interior features and overall satisfaction with the car. These reviews can give you valuable insight into the pros and cons of different models and help you make an informed decision about which car is right for you. Whether you’re in the market for an electric vehicle, a compact car or a luxury SUV, reading customer reviews can be a valuable part of your research process.
The Bottom Line
While Ontario is one of the most expensive Canadian provinces for purchasing car insurance, there are many ways to save on your premiums. For one, you can refer to the list above and avoid buying a luxury car but if you’re still wanting to make that sort of purchase then make sure you compare your insurance options.
You can do that here at My Choice, we make it easy to compare rates and pick policies tailored to your driving needs. Just enter your postal code, and you can get the best insurance policy for you in under three minutes!