Affordable cars have long offered Canadians a reliable path to ownership, value, and freedom. However, shifting global trade dynamics and rising import tariffs mean some budget-friendly models could see sudden price spikes or disappear altogether. As governments revisit trade deals and tariffs grow less predictable, owning one of these well-priced cars may soon feel out of reach. These are 25 affordable cars that could become unattainable overnight because of tariffs:
Nissan Versa
The Nissan Versa has been one of Canada’s most budget-friendly new cars, with a starting price often below $20,000. It’s powered by a 1.6L four-cylinder engine making 122 hp, with a smooth ride and solid fuel efficiency. Inside, it offers surprising features for the price, like Apple CarPlay, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Built in Mexico, the Versa’s pricing is especially vulnerable to changing North American trade terms and potential cross-border tariffs. If tensions rise, the Versa may no longer be the value leader it’s known for.
Kia Rio
The Kia Rio delivers excellent value for under $23,000 in a small, stylish package. Its 1.6L engine makes 120 hp, with peppy handling and fuel economy averaging around 6.5 L/100 km. Inside, it’s well equipped for the price, offering an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a comfortable cabin. Made in South Korea, the Rio is already being phased out globally, and future access in Canada depends heavily on trade stability. Tariffs on Korean imports could drive the price well above its current affordability sweet spot or remove it entirely from showrooms.
Mitsubishi Mirage
One of Canada’s cheapest new cars, with prices that begin at about $17,000, the Mirage is known more for efficiency than power. It has a tiny 1.2L three-cylinder engine making 78 hp, offering exceptional fuel economy but modest acceleration. The interior is basic but includes a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and standard automatic climate control. Built in Thailand and Japan, the Mirage is especially vulnerable to tariff changes. With a shrinking dealership presence and declining demand, added import costs could soon make Mirage disappear from Canada.
Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent has earned a strong reputation for offering quality and value. It features a 1.6L engine with 120 hp, smooth suspension, and a roomy cabin that punches above its price tag of about $18,000. Inside, it comes with a 7-inch touchscreen, rearview camera, and heated seats in higher trims. Although already discontinued in the U.S., it remains available in Canada but relies on production in South Korea. Should new tariffs target South Korean-made vehicles or components, the Accent’s competitive pricing could vanish almost overnight.
Chevrolet Spark
The Spark is one of the last true subcompacts to hold its ground under $20,000. It’s powered by a 1.4L four-cylinder engine with 98 hp and offers agile city driving with a surprisingly tight turning radius. The cabin includes a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and basic but functional tech. Though discontinued in 2022, the remaining inventory has lingered in Canada. As GM shifts its focus and tariffs potentially raise costs on remaining international parts, the Spark may finally disappear from lots entirely, taking one of the country’s most affordable new car options with it.
Toyota Yaris (Used Market)
Though discontinued in Canada after 2020, the Toyota Yaris remains a popular pick in the used car market, with prices ranging from $4,000 to $20,000. It’s powered by a 1.5L four-cylinder engine making 106 hp, and it has a reputation for fuel efficiency and reliability. The cabin is simple but solid, with heated seats, Bluetooth, and touchscreen infotainment in later models. Many Canadian Yaris models were sourced from Japan or France, and rising tariffs on used imports or foreign parts could push resale prices higher.
Honda Fit (Used Market)
The Honda Fit was praised for its smart design and space-maximizing “Magic Seat” layout. With a 1.5L engine offering 130 hp, it’s quick, maneuverable, and fuel-efficient. The interior is unexpectedly roomy, with plenty of headroom and flexible cargo options. While no longer sold new in Canada, the Fit remains a top choice in the secondhand market at about $13,000. Since many units were built in Japan, tariffs on used imports or replacement parts could make maintenance or purchase less affordable.
Kia Forte
The Kia Forte blends affordability with sharp styling and solid tech, as prices begin at about $23,000. Its 2.0L engine delivers 147 hp, while the GT version offers a 1.6L turbocharged upgrade with 201 hp. Inside, the Forte offers an 8-inch display, wireless Apple CarPlay, and premium materials that feel more upscale than expected. Built in South Korea and Mexico, the Forte could face significant price hikes depending on where it’s sourced. With potential tariffs affecting Korean imports and parts, this well-priced sedan may soon lose its competitive edge in the Canadian market.
Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra offers excellent value in a compact sedan, with a 2.0L engine making 147 hp or a more powerful turbocharged variant in the N Line. The cabin is modern and tech-forward, with available digital gauges, wireless charging, and heated seats. As one of Canada’s top-selling cars, with prices beginning from about $22,000, it benefits from Korean and North American manufacturing. However, any shift in tariff policy, especially for imported parts, could increase pricing across trims.
Nissan Sentra
The Nissan Sentra has recently seen a substantial redesign, offering a 2.0L four-cylinder engine producing 149 hp, a refined suspension, and advanced driver-assist features. The interior includes a flat-bottom steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen, and available leather trim. Manufactured in Mexico, the Sentra is especially exposed to instability in North American trade agreements. If cross-border tariffs increase, Sentra’s value-for-money equation could shift quickly. While it sits in a sweet spot for budget-conscious drivers, with base models starting at about $23,000, future pricing may tell a different story.
Mazda3
The Mazda3 brings sporty handling and upscale features to the compact class at prices that begin at about $24,900. Available as a sedan or hatchback, it offers a 2.0L or 2.5L engine with up to 191 hp or even a turbocharged version with 250 hp. Inside, the cabin feels near-luxury, with leather options, a minimalist dashboard, and intuitive controls. Many models sold in Canada are built in Mexico, making them subject to shifting tariff rules. If trade tensions rise or North American agreements change, the Mazda3’s balanced mix of price, performance, and style could be hard to replicate at its current cost.
Subaru Impreza
The Subaru Impreza remains one of the few affordable cars offering all-wheel drive as standard, with prices that begin at $28,000. It’s powered by a 2.0L flat-four engine producing 152 hp, paired with a smooth CVT or a rare manual option. Fuel economy is competitive, and the cabin features a touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and strong safety ratings. Built in Japan, the Impreza is already facing pressure from rising shipping and production costs. If import tariffs escalate, mainly on Japanese vehicles or parts, its value proposition could shrink fast, making the Impreza harder to find at its traditionally accessible price point.
Volkswagen Jetta
The Jetta delivers German engineering in a wallet-friendly package starting at $25,800. It features a 1.5L turbocharged engine making 158 hp, offering both performance and efficiency. The interior is clean and spacious, with digital gauges and upscale finishes in higher trims. Though built in Mexico, the Jetta relies on European and Asian components. This makes it particularly vulnerable to international tariff shifts. As cross-border auto rules face growing scrutiny, Jetta’s place as a well-priced, globally engineered sedan may not last much longer without added costs passed on to Canadian buyers.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla continues to be one of the most trusted names in affordable transportation at prices that start at $23,700. In most models, it offers a choice of gas, hybrid, and even performance-oriented GR trims, with engines ranging from 139 hp to 169 hp. The Corolla includes a touchscreen, heated front seats, and advanced safety systems. While some trims are built in North America, others, including hybrids, come from Japan. Specific Corolla models could see price increases if tariffs are applied to imported vehicles or parts, narrowing options for cost-conscious Canadian drivers who’ve long counted on its value.
Honda Civic
The Civic has topped Canadian sales charts for years thanks to its reliability, performance, broad model range, and affordable prices, beginning at $24,200. With a 2.0L base engine producing 158 hp or a 1.5L turbo making 180 hp, it balances fuel efficiency and driving fun. The interior is clean and high-tech, with a digital display, quality materials, and strong safety features. Built in Alliston, Ontario, the Civic avoids some import tariffs but relies on parts from around the globe. As trade policy evolves, even this Canadian-assembled icon could become more expensive to produce and purchase.
Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks is a compact crossover offering city-friendly dimensions with SUV practicality. It runs on a 1.6L engine delivering 122 hp, and while not performance-focused, it’s known for excellent fuel economy and nimble handling. The cabin is modern and tech-savvy, featuring a 7-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and available heated seats. Manufactured in Mexico, the Kicks is directly impacted by changes in trade policies between Canada and the U.S. or Mexico. Any tariff increases could quickly raise its price by about $29,000, threatening its status as one of the most budget-friendly crossovers on the market.
Chevrolet Trax
The redesigned Chevrolet Trax is now roomier and more feature-packed than before, with a starting price of about $27,800, which is still within reach for many Canadians. It features a 1.2L turbocharged engine producing 137 hp and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The interior includes an 8-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone integration, and active safety tech across all trims. Built in South Korea, new import tariffs could compromise the Trax’s affordability. With demand for compact SUVs climbing, now may be the time to secure this value-packed option before price hikes reduce its appeal.
Mitsubishi RVR
The Mitsubishi RVR is a small crossover offering standard all-wheel drive in many trims, a rarity in this price range of about $24,800. Engine options include a 2.0L engine with 148 hp or a 2.4L with 168 hp. The practical cabin includes a touchscreen, heated seats, and an easy-to-use infotainment system. Built in Japan, the RVR faces potential price volatility due to tariffs on imported vehicles or components. With a competitive warranty and growing popularity, the RVR could soon move out of reach if global trade tensions worsen.
Hyundai Venue
The Hyundai Venue delivers practicality and style at a budget price of under $26,000, even for higher trims. It features a 1.6L engine that makes 121 hp, a front-wheel drive, and a compact footprint perfect for urban driving. Inside, it offers an 8-inch touchscreen, heated seats, and wireless Apple CarPlay. Built in South Korea and India, the Venue is exposed to various international trade pressures. Should new tariffs emerge affecting its source countries, its affordability could vanish quickly. For Canadians looking for a value-driven subcompact SUV, the window to buy one at its current price may not stay open for long.
Toyota C-HR (Used Market)
The Toyota C-HR brought an edgy design to the compact crossover space before its discontinuation in Canada. Powered by a 2.0L engine making 144 hp, it’s more about style and efficiency than speed. The interior includes quality materials, a touchscreen interface, and safety features. As a Japanese import, used C-HR models may be affected by future tariffs on Japanese vehicles or components and have more than the current $16,000 starting costs.
Kia Soul
The Kia Soul offers standout design with practical benefits, like excellent cargo space and high seating, and prices at about $23,000. It’s powered by a 2.0L engine making 147 hp, with the GT-Line Turbo variant offering 201 hp. The cabin is spacious and modern, with an intuitive 10.25-inch touchscreen, ambient lighting, and available premium audio. Most models are built in South Korea, making them vulnerable to changes in import tariffs. If Canada adjusts its trade stance or the U.S. applies regional duties that affect parts, the Soul’s quirky charm and affordability might become harder to find at its current price point.
Volkswagen Golf (Used Market)
The VW Golf, long known for its balance of performance and comfort, still maintains a strong presence in the used car market, with prices as low as $9,000. Powered by a 1.4L turbocharged engine making 147 hp in most recent trims, it delivers solid fuel efficiency and refined handling. The interior features high-end materials, supportive seats, and a clean, driver-focused layout. Most Golfs were imported from Germany or Mexico, meaning used models could see rising prices if tariffs hit European or Mexican vehicle imports.
Ford EcoSport
The Ford EcoSport is a compact SUV designed for urban agility, with a 1.0L turbo three-cylinder or 2.0L four-cylinder engine, depending on the trim. The larger engine delivers 166 hp and all-wheel drive. Its cabin includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and an available moonroof. Though no longer in production as of 2022, the EcoSport was built in India, making used models subject to future import taxes. If tariff tensions escalate, even budget-friendly secondhand imports like this could grow more expensive. It’s a good time to act if you’re considering one, especially as it remains comparatively affordable at about $25,600.
Chevrolet Malibu
The Malibu is one of the few mid-size sedans still sold new in Canada at prices that start at $25,800. It features a 1.5L turbo engine with 160 hp and a smooth ride for long drives. Inside, it offers a roomy cabin, an 8-inch touchscreen, and available leather upholstery in higher trims. Built in the U.S., tariff shifts could directly impact it if Canada adjusts trade terms with its southern neighbor. If pricing or supply chain disruptions arise, Malibu’s status as an affordable larger sedan may be short-lived, especially as GM reduces its focus on non-electric sedans.
Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V delivers crossover versatility with Honda’s signature efficiency and quality. The 2024 model runs on a 2.0L engine making 158 hp and offers available all-wheel drive. Inside, the HR-V features a clean layout, roomy rear seating, and a 7-inch display with smartphone integration. Built in Mexico for the Canadian market, it’s closely tied to trade deals under the USMCA. If new tariffs are introduced or production costs rise, the HR-V could move into a higher price bracket and become more expensive. It remains a practical and affordable gateway to the crossover world, with prices that begin at about $30,000.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
When people think of innovation, they often picture Silicon Valley. However, Canada has a history of innovation, too. Whether it’s redefining sports, revolutionizing medicine, or just showing America up at its own game, Canadian inventors, thinkers, and dreamers have had their fair share of mic-drop moments. Here are 22 times Canadian ingenuity left the U.S. in the dust.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
