Best Family Cars & SUVs (for Under $35,000)
In Canada, the average price of a new car broke through the $40,000 ceiling, according to DesRosiers Automotive Consultants. There are no two ways about it, new vehicles have become more expensive in recent years. But that average is driven up by pickup trucks and large SUVs, not to mention luxury vehicles and sports cars. In reality, it’s possible to get a great family vehicle for far less.
You don’t have to skimp on the trim either. For well below the average new car selling price in Canada, you can get a well-equipped, fun-to-drive SUV or car that fits the whole family. Wondering which models fit into your budget? We’ve narrowed down the list to our 10 favourite choices in the new car market today. (Or, you can jump to our winner!)
Find out if you can get finance approved for any of these vehicles. It's free to get pre-approved online, and there's no obligation to buy.
Hyundai Santa Fe Essential
Safety highlights
- Protective SUPERSTRUCTURE frame
- Vehicle Stability Management
- Traction Control System
- Rear Occupant Alert
- 6 airbags
Other features
- 2.4L GDI 4-cylinder engine
- Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
- Heated steering wheel & front seats
- Seats: 5
Although the Tucson is a little better on fuel, the Hyundai Santa Fe squeaks past it almost solely on the premise that more space is better for families. At 4,151L of total volume and 2,019L behind the front seats, the Santa Fe can accommodate gear, groceries, and more.
For just over $30,000, the Hyundai Santa Fe Essential FWD trim includes a 7" touchscreen, heated steering wheel and front seats, 17" alloy wheels, and projector headlights.
Toyota Camry SE
Safety highlights
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Star Safety System
- 10 airbags
Other features
- 2.5L 4-cylinder engine w/ 203 hp @ 6600 RPM
- Combined City & Highway Rating 7.4 L/100 km 38 mpg
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Seats: 5
When you think family-friendly, Toyota has to be near the top of the list. The Camry SE is one of the most popular packages because it combines style (with 17” alloys), comfort (with heated SofTex front seats), and essential tech the whole family will enjoy (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto). No question, safety is standard with Toyota Safety Sense P technologies and the Toyota Camry has always been one of the most dependable models on the road.
Starting at $29,250, the SE is a few grand more than the LE but you’re guaranteed to appreciate the extra features.
Mazda CX-5 GX
Safety highlights
- Smart City Brake Support Front
- Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Wide-angle rear-view camera
Other features
- 187-hp Skyactiv-G 2.5 L 4-cylinder engine
- Mazda Unlimited Mileage Warranty
- Heated front seats
- Android Auto & Apple Carplay
- Seats: 5
Another five-seat SUV to add to the mix, the Mazda CX-5 GX is a 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick+. Probably one of the classiest, best-looking models of the bunch, it’s also one of the best in terms of value. And if warranty equals reliability, no one holds a candle to the three-year unlimited mileage warranty. Although selecting AWD puts it out of the price range, other features like push-button start, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats, LED headlights, and Advanced Blind Spot Monitoring System with Rear Cross Traffic Alert make up for it.
It includes, as standard equipment, an 8” colour touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with Mazda’s HMI Commander switch, all for the base MSRP of $28,500.
Chevrolet Malibu LT
Safety highlights
- LATCH System for child car seats
- StabiliTrak electronic stability control system w/ traction control
- Rear Seat Reminder
- Teen Driver technology
- 10 airbags
Other features
- 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder engine with 160 hp at 5700 RPM
- Infotainment 3 System with 8" diagonal colour touchscreen
- Apple Carplay & Android Auto
- 17” aluminum wheels
- Seats: 5
Passenger cars aren't as popular as they were, but one notable holdout is the Chevrolet Malibu. The LT trim has the 160hp 1.5L turbo engine and a silky smooth CVT tranny so shifts don’t wake the baby in the backseat. Ten airbags, Chevy’s Rear Seat Reminder, and Teen Driver tech are safety gear that makes the Malibu LT a great family choice.
Overall passenger volume is amazing at 2,914L, providing elbow room for all five passengers. The Malibu LT rings in at approximately $28,098 MSRP, so you could add on a few upgrades, or you can settle for a Malibu LS at just $25,598.
Ford Fusion Hybrid SE
Safety highlights
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane-Keeping System
Other features
- 2.0L iVCT Atkinson-cycle I-4 engine & electric motor
- 5.5 L/100km city, 5.6 L/100km hwy, 5.7 L/100km combined
- SYNC 3 infotainment system
- Seats: 5
Although you pay more for the Hybrid version upfront, it rewards you with phenomenal fuel mileage for years. The Ford Fusion Hybrid SE delivers 5.6 L/100km (highway), while the ample 2,909L of the interior room means everyone stays comfortable. Safety remains paramount for Ford with BLIS, Lane-Keeping System, and other driver-assist tech, along with SYNC 3 infotainment, voice-activated navigation, and FordPass Connect.
Mom and Dad will love the heated front seats and peace of mind from all the safety equipment that comes standard. MSRP for the Fusion Hybrid SE starts at about $29,375.
Honda Civic Hatchback Sport
Safety highlights
- Honda LaneWatch blindspot display
- Forward Collision Warning system
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Collision Mitigation Braking System
Other features
- 1.5L Direct Injection DOHC turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
- Dual-zone automatic climate control with air-filtration system
- 180-watt 8-speaker audio system w/ Bluetooth, Apple Carplay, and Android Auto
- Seats: 5
For some families, efficiency takes priority to a cavernous interior. That’s probably why the Honda Civic has been so popular over the years. A 2021 IIHS Top Safety Pick, the Civic Hatchback Sport with CVT transmission comes in under the price cut-off at $30,700. Highlights include 18" alloys, Honda LaneWatch blind spot display and other driver-assist systems, dual-zone climate control, and proximity key entry with push-button start.
Honda cars are known for their reliability, but your family will also enjoy added perks like the heated front seats and 180-watt audio system. You could also step up to the Sport Touring trim for added comfort: heated rear seats.
Kia Sportage LX FWD
Safety highlights
- Hill Assist Control
- Rear view camera
- LED headlights
- 6 airbags
Other features
- 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) 4-cylinder engine
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- 17" alloy wheels
- Seats: 5
For the budget-conscious buyer, the Kia Sportage LX in front-wheel-drive deserves your consideration. Impressive highway fuel economy of 7.6 L/100km in a sporty 181-hp package is only a taste of what the Sportage brings to the table. It also includes heated front seats and an 8" display audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Inside, the Sportage LX is like a wide-open space. Total interior volume adds up to 3,660 L including 1,703 L behind the front row. Peace of mind comes standard with a 5-year, 100,000km comprehensive warranty on all Kia models. And we think it’s a bargain starting at $25,795.
Chevrolet Equinox LS AWD
Safety highlights
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning
- Forward Collision Alert
- StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with traction control
Other features
- 1.5L Turbo 4-cylinder engine
- 8” colour touchscreen
- Chevrolet Infotainment 3 system,
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Seats: 5
The highest-ranked non-luxury compact SUV in the U.S Dependability Study by J.D. Power, the Chevrolet Equinox has to be on our list. When the LS trim is paired with all-wheel drive, it comes in well under the wire at $29,598 MSRP. For that price, you get more than just high-quality manufacturing; you get Chevrolet Safety Assist tech, remote engine starter, auto stop/start, a 7” touchscreen with smartphone connectivity, and heated front seats.
With cargo volume behind the front seats coming in at 1,809L, it’s not the biggest in the pack, but it’s certainly not too small to fit a family of five either.
Mitsubishi Outlander ES S-AWC
Safety highlights
- Super all‑wheel control w/ drive mode selector
- Dual front, side-impact curtain, front seat-mounted side-impact, & driver's knee airbags
- Active Stability Control
- LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Child Restraint Seats)
Other features
- 2.4 L SOHC MIVEC 4-cylinder engine
- 16” alloy wheels
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Seats: 7
The only 7-seater SUV we could find for under $30k MSRP is the Mitsubishi Outlander with ES S-AWC trim at $29,998. And honestly, it’s a pretty great ride for what you’re paying!
The ES package is impressive with an 8" infotainment display, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, and of course, Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control system. Cargo area is decent at 1,792L behind the front seat but with this trim, you’ll give up the driver-assist systems.
Our Winner!
Apples to apples, the Subaru Forester offers amazing value for families. Safety features like standard EyeSight driver-assist technologies and of course, standard Symmetrical AWD keep the whole family secure. And with the massive hatch area, there’s no shortage of space to pack for a cross-country drive.
Subaru Forester
Safety highlights
- EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology
- X-MODE® technology featuring Hill Descent Control
- Rear-view camera
Other features
- 182-hp 2.5-litre 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER® engine
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- Heated front seats
- Raised roof rails
- Seats: 5
Built for the family that dare to adventure together, the Subaru Forester includes Symmetrical AWD that comes standard on all trim levels, even the base model. Every Forester also comes standard with EyeSight driver-assist technologies to keep you and your family safer. It boasts epic cargo space too with a power rear tailgate, being the only passenger car on our list that’s a wagon with 3053L of volume inside.
With the Forester, you aren’t too far from the $35k mark with a price tag of $28,695 MSRP, but we think a safe, reliable model like this is worth it.
Get a great deal online with Canada Drives
If you're interested in any of the cars on this list, Canada Drives can quickly help you find the right car for the right price. Start shoppingStart shopping for your new family vehicle today!
Related articles
10 Best Used SUVs To Buy (2016 to 2020)
Are you a First Time Car Buyer? Avoid the Headache With These Tips
