They say Canada has two seasons: winter and construction. Winter is a six-month affair in many parts of Canada, so a year-round daily driver that can handle snowy conditions is inevitable for most of us. This is a big part of why more than 85% of us choose a truck or SUV when buying a new car.
In this article, we’ll look at the best used SUVs for Canadian winters in 2026. We’ve set up our list in order from the smallest SUVs to the largest to help you find the right fit for your household. Each vehicle listed has either standard or available all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) and plenty of ground clearance to help you get over snow drifts. Most also include comfort features that are helpful in the winter like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, heated mirrors, automatic high beams, and remote start. Since anti-lock braking systems and traction control systems are required in Canada, these are included on all these vehicles as well.
While these are our top recommendations, bear in mind there are plenty of vehicles that can work perfectly well on slippery roads in urban and suburban environments. Even a sedan on a quality set of winter tires will do more to keep you safe on black ice than a four-wheel drive system on all-season tires ever could. That’s why we haven’t focused on vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, or Land Rover Defender here (although the latter does offer a heated windshield, a rare but helpful offering). The cars below offer plenty of capability in snowy driving conditions along with driving comfort and features you’ll enjoy all year long.
Before you start shopping for a used vehicle, check out our resource on How to Buy a Used Car in Canada for tips on how to help your search go smoothly. If you’re shopping for a truck like the Ford F-150 or Ram 1500, take a look at our list of the Best Pick-up Trucks Under $20,000.
Best Used SUVs for Canadian Winters
Audi Q3
The Audi Q3 is the German marque’s smallest SUV, making it the most affordable entry point into this luxury brand. Audi’s excellent Quattro AWD system has been standard on the subcompact Q3 in Canada for many years, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from on the used car market. Newer Q3s will also come with features like a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
A three- to four-year-old Q3 with a reasonable odometer reading is likely to cost you between $22,000 and $30,000, while older examples can be found for $15,000 or less. One thing to keep in mind with luxury brands is their cars tend to be more expensive to maintain than their mainstream counterparts, so be sure to plan for that in your budget. If you can afford a larger luxury car, options like the compact Audi Q5 or midsize Audi Q7 might work for you as well.
Subaru Crosstrek
No one’s going to be shocked to learn that Subaru makes several appearances on this list of the best cars for winter driving. The brand’s full-time symmetrical AWD is known for its winter weather performance, and Subaru’s X-Mode offers features like adjustable traction control and hill descent control that help in the trickiest conditions.
The Subaru Crosstrek is the brand’s smallest SUV and is based on the same platform as the Subaru Impreza compact car. You shouldn’t have any trouble finding a three- to four-year-old used Crosstrek with reasonable kilometres for less than $25,000, and units that are a few years older are available for $15,000 or less. Just watch for high-kilometre examples: Subaru owners tend to adventure in them for longer distances than average.
Honda CR-V
Few cars are as common on Canadian roads as the Honda CR-V. This is partly because this compact SUV has been assembled by Honda of Canada Mfg. in Alliston, Ontario, since the 2012 model year, although you can still find much older units trundling along on Canadian highways.
Modern CR-Vs use Honda’s Real Time AWD system, which disengages the rear axle when added traction isn’t needed to improve fuel economy. Honda offers a more capable AWD system called i-VTM4, which applies full-time AWD and adds torque vectoring on the rear axle for more precise torque distribution. Most city drivers will be served by the Real Time AWD system just fine, but if your area’s conditions are more severe, you may benefit from a vehicle with i-VTM4 such as the Honda Passport, Pilot, or Ridgeline.
For the CR-Vs part, though, you’re likely to find thousands of used units available at any given time. If you’re looking for AWD, be sure it’s equipped on the unit you’re considering as base units still come with front-wheel drive (FWD) as standard. The latest generation of CR-V debuted in 2023, so 2022 units from the tail end of the fifth generation are time-tested and a decent deal at roughly $24,000 to $30,000 on average.
Hyundai Tucson
Not only is the Hyundai Tucson a likeable compact SUV, but it also tends to be more affordable than its competitors. Korean brands have a reputation for packing in tons of value, so you’ll also get a surprising number of desirable features for the price point. While you’ll find most units on the used car market come with AWD, it should be said that the system in the Tucson is an average one for the segment.
If you aim for a five- to seven-year-old Tucson, you’ll drive it home for well under $20,000 and end up with an SUV from the era when the brand was winning reliability awards left, right, and centre. The current-generation Tucson launched for the 2022 model year, and three- to four-year-old examples can be bought for $20,000 to $25,000 without compromising on odometer reading. You may also be able to find a hybrid or plug-in hybrid from this generation, which will save you money on fuel without compromising all-weather capability.
Kia Sportage
The Kia Sportage is closely related to the Hyundai Tucson and is the compact SUV for Kia, Hyundai’s slightly more upmarket sister brand. There are plenty of fifth-generation Kia Sportage compact SUVs on Canadian roads, which launched with attractive new styling and technology updates for the 2023 model year.
If you don’t mind driving a smaller SUV and looking back a couple of years, though, a fourth-generation Kia Sportage from model years 2017 to 2022 could be a great bet. Kia ranked well as a brand in J.D. Power’s U.S. Vehicle Dependability Studies relating to those years. Plus, nearly all model years (except 2019) were named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS when equipped with upgraded headlights.
Expect to pay $12,000 to $17,000 on average for a used Sportage in this model year range. The SX Turbo with its more powerful engine may carry a slight premium. If you have a higher budget, consider looking for a 2023 or newer hybrid or plug-in hybrid for better fuel efficiency.
Mazda CX-5
With imports of the Mazda CX-50 on hold, the Mazda CX-5 is holding the fort as the brand’s compact SUV. This long-time mainstay of the Mazda line-up has long been appreciated by enthusiasts for its driving experience and affordable premium feel.
While the CX-5 doesn’t place on the J.D. Power dependability rankings, Mazda as a brand scores better than average. Plus, every model year since the second generation began in 2017, with the exception of 2025, receives a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS.
The third-generation CX-5 arrived for 2026, but there are plenty of used second-gen models around equipped with Mazda’s i-activ AWD system. These have held their value well, so expect to pay $25,000 to $35,000 for a three- to four-year-old unit. An earlier second-gen car from 2017 to 2019 should be priced below $20,000.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester, the brand’s compact SUV, is a classic choice for Canadian winters to the point of being a stereotype. Its full-time symmetrical AWD and X-Mode drive mode functionality give the driver control in all kinds of challenging conditions. For even more capability, seek out the Subaru Forester Wilderness, which comes with extra ground clearance, tow hooks, and other rugged features.
A three- to four-year-old Subaru Forester in good condition will usually cost between $25,000 and $32,000. The Wilderness trim runs closer to $35,000 to $40,000. Units that are eight years old or older are usually priced below $20,000.
Toyota RAV4
Toyota’s compact crossover, the Toyota RAV4, is another very popular vehicle in Canada. Since 2008, the RAV4 has been assembled in Canada at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada in Woodstock, Ontario, and later in Cambridge, Ontario.
The RAV4 has different AWD systems available depending on the powertrain. The gas-powered version uses traditional mechanical AWD, while the hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions power the rear axle with an electric motor. Both systems are capable of handling the winter conditions most Canadians deal with.
Since they have an excellent reputation for reliability, RAV4s tend to hold their value very well. For gas-powered models, expect to pay between $30,000 and $35,000 for a three- to four-year-old unit. There aren’t many base-trim FWD units out there but they are around, so be sure to check that it’s equipped on the car you’re considering if that’s important to you. A RAV4 Hybrid from the same years is typically priced between $35,000 and $42,000. You’ll likely need to go back at least 10 years to find a RAV4 priced at $20,000 or less.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee midsize SUV offers more selection in its AWD systems than any other vehicle on its list. Three different versions are available. The standard Quadra-Trac I system delivers full-time 4WD with a high-range-only transfer case and brake-lock differential. The Quadra-Trac II system adds a more sophisticated two-speed transfer case and an electronically controlled clutch pack for the centre differential. The most sophisticated version is the Quadra-Drive II system, which adds torque vectoring on both axles.
That’s a lot of terminology, but it boils down to this: any of these systems will perform well in ice and snow. The Quadra-Drive II system’s torque vectoring gives greater control if you can afford it, but if you can’t, don’t sweat it. A good set of winter tires on any Jeep Grand Cherokee will do the job.
The latest generation of Jeep Grand Cherokee launched partway through the 2022 model year. A previous-generation unit from 2021 or 2022 presents a better deal at $25,000 to $32,000 on average. Bear in mind that Jeeps aren’t known for their dependability and most of these units will now be out of warranty.
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Subaru Outback
We’re big fans of the Subaru Outback for all the same reasons its smaller siblings have made it onto this list. The brand’s symmetrical all-wheel drive is legendary for its capability in northern climates, and its 22 centimetres of ground clearance and available X-Mode drive modes make it a natural pick for places that get deep snow and icy roads.
A new generation of Outback launched for 2026 with a traditional SUV shape. On the used market, though, you’ll be shopping for an older Outback from when its body style was a meld of wagon and crossover. While J.D. Power ranks the Subaru brand below-average in its dependability studies, it’s a point of pride for Subaru that its vehicles are consistently given the Top Safety Pick+ designation by the IIHS.
On the Canadian used car market, Outbacks that are three to four years old are usually priced in the $25,000 to $30,000 range. This makes them a good option for those who want all-weather capability in a slightly larger package. If you don’t mind going back seven or eight years, sub-$20,000 units are common.
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota finally gave us a new 4Runner in 2025. Meanwhile, the previous generation — which ran from 2010 all the way to 2024 — can be a great buy on the used car market. It’s a favourite in regions of Canada that frequently see severely snow-covered roads.
This rugged go-anywhere SUV has a stellar reputation for reliability, versatility, and off-road capability from its pickup truck-based body-on-frame build. J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Studies ranked the 4Runner as the top mid-size SUV for reliability, though it’s worth pointing out the IIHS didn’t think especially highly of the fifth generation’s construction. Fuel consumption is also on the high side with NRCan rating the 4.0-litre V6 at 12.8 L/100 km.
Toyota 4Runners hold their value very well, so this midsize SUV is more of an investment than most vehicles on this list. A three- to four-year-old unit will run you between $40,000 and $55,000, while specialized trims such as TRD units can go for $60,000 or more. To find even a high-kilometre unit for $20,000 or less, you’ll need to reach back at least 10 years.
Toyota Highlander
As an automaker, Toyota has a rock-solid reputation for winter-ready reliability and capability in adverse conditions like Canadian winters. The three-row Toyota Highlander has steady residual values, high IIHS ratings, and an available hybrid version for the eco-conscious.
Gas-powered models with AWD systems from the end of the third generation, which lasted until the 2019 model year, average 11.6 L/100 km combined from the 3.5-litre V6, while hybrids achieve a notably low 8.4 to 8.5 L/100 km. The Highlander remains tops in J.D. Power dependability studies, indicating the midsize SUV’s reliability has carried over into its fourth generation.
You’ll find the odd bargain, but most of these currently carry an asking price of $35,000 to $40,000 for a three- or four-year-old Highlander. But if you want to skip the minivan but still need three rows of seating from commutes to cold-weather driving, the Highlander is the best option on this list.
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Chevrolet Tahoe
There’s always a place for large SUVs among that subset of families who need extra rear seats while also towing a hefty boat or trailer with plenty of cargo space. The latest generation of Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon was released for the 2021 model year. Its smaller 5.3-litre V8 averages 13.2 L/100 km combined according to NRCan, while the available larger 6.2-litre V8 averages 13.8 L/100 km combined. While there are rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Tahoes out there, four-wheel drive is common and makes the Tahoe a beast in winter driving. For its size, this SUV has a surprisingly comfortable ride.
Plenty of these come off lease and hit the used market. Pricing is really all over the map for these, so shop smart and use the CarGurus.ca deal tracker feature on each listing to assess whether you’re looking at a good price for the model year, trim and odometer reading.
Note: Images may show US models.
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