Top SUVs and Crossovers: Best-Sellers in Canada

SUVs are top-notch with Canadian drivers, but how do their auto insurance rates stack up?

Over the years, SUVs have evolved into a family-friendly alternative to the often-maligned minivan and station wagon. And while the Honda Civic is tops with Canadians as the best-selling car, and the Ford F-series lays claim to the best-selling truck in Canada, it's Toyota's RAV4 that takes the top spot for the best-selling SUV in Canada.

Canada’s Best-Selling SUVs and Crossovers

Last year, auto sales data shows the Toyota RAV4 as Canada’s best-selling SUV, and it gained considerable momentum over its closest competitor, the Honda CR-V. Sales for the Toyota RAV4 grew 17.8% last year compared to 1.8% for the Honda CR-V:

1. Toyota RAV4
2. Honda CR-V
3. Ford Escape
4. Nissan Rogue
5. Hyundai Tucson
6. Mazda CX-5
7. Hyundai Kona
8. Jeep Wrangler
9. Ford Edge
10. Volkswagen Tiguan

When buying an SUV, there’s a lot to consider: seating capacity, fuel-efficiency, reliability, safety features, and kid-focused extras often top the list. One cost, however, that is often overlooked is auto insurance. For families on a budget, this could be a costly mistake. Don’t get caught off-guard, compare auto insurance quotes first before buying.

A Case Study for the Cheapest Auto Insurance: One Driver, 13 Ontario Cities, and the Best-Selling SUVs

Drivers like them, but how do the best-selling SUVs rank when it comes to auto insurance? For the best price it was the Jeep Wrangler and Volkswagen Tiguan that topped our list as the cheapest to insure:

1. Jeep Wrangler
2. Volkswagen Tiguan
3. Mazda CX-5
4. Hyundai Kona
5. Honda CR-V
6. Hyundai Tucson
7. Ford Edge
8. Ford Escape
9. Toyota RAV4
10. Nissan Rogue

What Goes into Determining an Auto Insurance Rate?

Part of what goes into your auto insurance rate is the vehicle you drive. If your SUV’s make and model is prone to auto theft, for example, it will cost more to insure. It will also cost more if its claims costs are higher on average than other vehicles. It all boils down to the numbers: the likelihood of a claim and the possible payout amount.

Your vehicle isn’t the only factor that goes into determining your premiums. Where you live, your driving and insurance history, and driving record all factor significantly into your rates too. As a result, the SUV that costs you the least to insure may not be the one that’s the cheapest choice for someone else.

If you’re planning on buying a new vehicle this year, find the vehicle that offers you the best rate. Shop around before you make your purchase decision.

Case Study Methodology

We compared quotes for a fictional 35-year-old driver with a clean driving record living in 13 Ontario cities. The cities include Ajax, Aurora, Kingston, Kitchener, Lindsay, London, Mississauga, Ottawa, Peterborough, Scarborough, Sudbury, Toronto and Windsor. An average of the cheapest auto insurance quote in each city for each vehicle was taken to produce the ranking. Only quotes for Ontario car insurance were reviewed as coverage can vary between provinces. Results may vary based on your circumstances.

This article is updated annually to reflect the latest sales trends in Canada.