Do you often find yourself perusing the car ads in the hopes of finding your next vehicle? If so, it’s important to take the time to find the best car to buy in Canada.
There are many factors to consider when buying a car, like what type of car is right for you. In Canada, many different types of vehicles are available on the market, so it’s essential to do your research and find the best one for your needs.
With so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. This article will explore some of the critical factors to consider when making your purchase and inform you about the most commonly sold cars in Canada over the last few years.
So, read on, and get ready to hit the showrooms.
What to Consider When Looking for the Best Cars to Buy in Canada
There are a few things to keep in mind when finding the best cars to buy. First things first—it’s essential to consider your budget. There is a wide range of options available, from economy cars to luxury vehicles, so it is vital to find a vehicle that fits both your needs and your budget.
Second, when trying to find the best car to buy in Canada, think about what you’ll be using the vehicle for. If you’re mostly driving in the city, you’ll want to look for a fuel-efficient car that is easy to maneuver.
If you’re planning on doing a lot of highway driving, you’ll want to find a car with good acceleration and a comfortable ride.
Finally, make sure to do your research before making a purchase. Read online reviews, compare prices, and test drive different models to find the perfect fit for you. With these factors in mind, you’ll surely find the best vehicles in Canada.
Quick Review of the Best-Selling Car Models in the World
When it comes to best-selling car models, a few stand out above the rest. The following is data from 2020, showing the top 10 best-selling models and the number of those sales in 2020:
| Model | 2020 Sales |
| 1. Toyota Corolla | 1,150,000 |
| 2. Toyota RAV4 | 1,070,000 |
| 3. Honda CR-V | 885,000 |
| 4. Nissan Sentra | 705,000 |
| 5. Toyota Camry | 635,000 |
| 6. Ford F-150 | 620,000 |
| 7. Honda Civic | 560,000 |
| 8. Honda HR-V | 560,000 |
| 9. Chevrolet Silverado | 500,000 |
| 10. Honda Accord | 500,000 |
Best-Selling Car Models in Canada in 2021
There were a few surprises on the list of best-selling car models in Canada for 2021. Let’s take a look.
10. Volkswagen Golf
In 2021, this car sold 8,589 units, translating to a decrease of almost 35% from 2020. We’re talking about a popular vehicle, drawing people in with its:
- fuel-efficient motors
- recognizable styling
- FWD and AWD options
- 5-passenger seating
- responsive handling
9. Nissan Sentra
With total sales of 10,017 vehicles in 2021, the Nissan Sentra was a popular option among Canadians. As you will later see, this was also one of the best-selling cars to buy in Canada in Q1 2022.
The present generation Sentra features a modern and stylish look and is fuel-efficient with a 4-cylinder engine that gets 8.1 L/100 km in the city and 6 L/100 km on the highway. The Sentra is also spacious and comfortable, making it an excellent value for the price.
8. Mazda3
Thanks to its stylish design and sporty performance, the Mazda3 has long been a popular choice in Canada. As a matter of fact, many people also consider it the best car to buy in Canada for students.
However, sales of the Mazda3 dropped by 7.6% in 2021, with a total of 11,804 units sold. Despite this decrease in sales, the Mazda3 remains a competitive option for Canadian buyers.
The 2021 model offers two engine choices: a turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder and a 2.0L 4-cylinder, both of which produce 155–227 hp.
The Mazda3 is also fuel-efficient, with an estimated 35+ mpg on the highway. According to numerous studies, it is also one of the most reliable cars in Canada.
7. Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry is one of the best cars to buy in Canada. In fact, it’s a mid-size sedan that saw a total sales increase of 16.9% in 2021, selling 11,896 units in Canada.
The Camry is well-known for being a reliable and affordable family car. In 2021, the Camry received its first Toyota Racing Development variant. The TRD model is a 301-hp family car with AWD standard and an updated entertainment system.
The Camry is a great option for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable sedan.
6. Volkswagen Jetta
Another best-selling car in Canada is the Volkswagen Jetta. It has long been a favourite among compact sedan shoppers looking for German engineering and quality. The Jetta underwent a complete redesign in 2019, resulting in a fresher, more modern look that still turns heads.
For 2021, the Jetta saw a sales increase of 19.3%, with a total of 12,585 units sold.
When thinking about which car to buy in Canada, we highly recommend this vehicle. The Jetta is an affordable option for compact sedan shoppers, and its fuel efficiency is among the best in its class.
The GLI trim level offers even more sportiness and responsiveness than the base model, making it a great choice for drivers who enjoy more excitement behind the wheel.
5. Tesla Model 3
If you shop around for the best car to buy in Canada, this is a great option. As a matter of fact, Tesla Model 3 is the most sold electric vehicle model globally.
Moreover, Tesla Model 3 had total sales of 12,800 units in Canada in 2021—a rise of 14.3% from 2020. Since its release, the Model 3 has been popular for its futuristic, instantly recognizable styling.
That, along with its 437–576 km range, makes this model a popular option, particularly with gas prices rising.
4. Kia Forte
The Kia Forte belongs to the group of the most popular cars in Canada. It is a stylish and capable compact car that enjoyed a slight sales increase in 2021 when 14,428 units were sold. One of the reasons for Forte’s success is Kia’s focus on exterior redesigns across its lineup.
Forte’s new style is reminiscent of the company’s flagship performance-oriented alternative, the Kia Stinger. The 5-passenger Forte is stylish and able to produce more than 64 km/h on the highway.
The Forte is a blast to drive, and many consider it the most popular car in Canada because of its engine options, providing you with over 200 hp. Whether you’re looking for a stylish daily driver or a capable weekend warrior, the Kia Forte should be at the top of your list.
3. Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra had a great year in 2021, with total sales of 26,312 units, increasing by 19.6% from 2020. It goes without saying that this is one of the best car brands in Canada.
The 5-passenger compact sedan lineup also has a new gas-electric version—the new Hyundai N-Line and the Hyundai Hybrid, for people who seek more performance.
The Elantra has always been a popular choice for people looking for a practical and affordable sedan, and these new additions are sure to appeal to even more customers.
With its excellent fuel economy, spacious interior, and impressive list of standard features, the Elantra is a great all-around vehicle that should continue to succeed in the years to come.
2. Toyota Corolla
With total sales of 40,019 units in 2021, the Toyota Corolla had a 20.6% increase from 2020. Moreover, the 2016 Toyota Corolla was also one of the fastest-selling used cars in Canada in 2020.
The Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan that has gone through many changes over the years, and the most recent iteration is a surprisingly sporty and stylish car.
The Corolla is available in either a 5-passenger sedan or a hatchback version. All in all, Corolla has a reputation for being reliable and efficient, has high safety ratings, and it is one of the top cars in Canada.
In comparison, Toyota was the leading car brand in the US in terms of sales in 2021.
1. Best Car to Buy in Canada – Honda Civic
Out of the 1.6 million vehicles sold in Canada in 2021, the Honda Civic accounted for 43,556 units. That was 1.3% more than in 2020, and it’s the latest example of the Civic’s domination of the Canadian market. All in all, the brand sold 131,254 units in Canada in 2021.
Thanks to its reliable performance and fuel efficiency, the Civic has been the best car in Canada for quite some time now. Even though Honda discontinued the 2-door Civic, the 5-passenger compact sedan has remained popular, particularly with the hatchback alternative still available.
Also, as the Civic Type R is one of the best cars on the road, Civic fans have plenty of options to choose from. The Honda Civic has you covered, no matter if you’re looking for a reliable daily driver or a high-performance track car.
Top Five Best-Selling Cars in Canada in 2022
Canadians love their cars, and they have a lot of choices when it comes to choosing the right vehicle. Here are the five best-selling vehicles, according to sales figures for Canada from the first quarter of 2022.
5. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 sold 9,899 units in the first quarter of 2022, down by 37% year-over-year. Even though this is a decline from the previous year, the Toyota RAV4 is still on track to be the best-selling SUV in Canada for the 7th consecutive year.
The 26% margin over its nearest rival makes it unlikely that RAV4’s title will be taken away. The two main advantages the RAV4 has over the CR-V are a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid option. In addition, both the RAV4 and CR-V are assembled in Canada.
4. Chevrolet Silverado
Chevrolet Silverado is one of the best cars in Canada. Its sales were down by 12% in the first quarter of 2022, reaching 12,733 units, but the truck was still one of GM’s bright spots. In a full-size pickup market that has lost market share, the Silverado made headway.
GM Canada has felt the impact of the supply crisis, but the Silverado has helped offset some of the loss. The truck’s success is partly due to its strong showing in the Canadian market.
3. GMC Sierra
GMC Sierra is another on the list of top car brands in Canada. With 13,080 units sold in the first quarter of 2022, GM’s pickup truck sales were down by 22%. Despite this, the GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado still outsold the Ford F-Series and Ram.
The two trucks combined earned more than enough total sales to beat Canada’s two top-selling vehicles by a wide margin. However, the degree to which GM dominated is noteworthy.
GM is still a powerful force in the automobile industry, and its pickup trucks are in high demand.
2. Ram P/U
When talking about top-selling cars in Canada, it’s inevitable to mention Ram P/U. It’s no secret that the pickup truck market is booming right now. Thanks to a combination of low-interest rates and a growing appetite for all things outdoors, trucks are flying off dealer lots.
However, not all trucks are created equal. In the first quarter of 2022, Ram sold 18,215 P/U trucks—a 15% decline year-over-year.
1. Ford F-Series
The most sold car in Canada for the first quarter of 2022 was the Ford F-Series, as 18,218 units of this model were sold. However, sales of the F-Series declined sharply year-over-year, with a drop of 40%.
Despite this, Ford still dominates the Canadian auto market, with 1 out of every 13 vehicles sold being a full-size Ford pickup. In addition, this car is the best-selling vehicle in Canada because of its reputation for reliability and a wide range of customization options.
At the same time, rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of repairs make it harder for Canadian consumers to justify owning a pickup truck. As a result, Ford’s dominance of the Canadian auto market will likely come to an end in the forthcoming years.
Summary
So, which car is the best in Canada? It really depends on your needs and wants. Are you ready to buy a car now when you know the best models out there? We hope this article has helped give you some ideas about which car is right for you.
We’ve outlined the best-selling models in Canada and worldwide to help you decide. But remember, the best car for you is the one that fits your budget, driving style, and needs. You should also decide if you are going to lease or finance your new car.
Keep this list in mind when you start shopping around—you won’t be disappointed. Happy shopping.
Best Car to Buy in Canada – People Also Ask
What is the number one selling car in Canada?
As per the latest info for the first quarter of 2022, the best-selling vehicle in Canada was the Ford F-Series. Namely, there were total sales of 18,218 Ford-F series units in that quarter.
Which car sold the most in 2020 in Canada?
In 2020, the Honda Civic was Canada’s best-selling car for 23 consecutive years. In other words, Honda Civic sold 42,996 units that year.
What vehicle sold the most in 2021 in Canada?
In 2021, the Honda Civic was the most commonly sold vehicle in Canada. More specifically, 43,556 units were sold that year, 1.3% more than in 2020. Also, that is the latest example of the Civic’s domination as the best car to buy in Canada.
