Canada’s Best-Selling Cars of 2021
Written by DriveAxis.ca December 29, 2021
When shopping for a vehicle, Canadian drivers need to be aware of current market trends. Even if it doesn’t interest you, it’s important to know which cars are selling well on the market to understand what types of features and prices you should expect when browsing for a car.
In the first half of 2021, Canadians bought over 870,000 new cars. As we can see from this list, Canada’s top-selling cars show an established preference for pickup trucks and imported vehicles:
- Hyundai Kona
- Nissan Rogue
- Honda Civic
- Toyota Corolla
- Honda CR-V
- Chevrolet Silverado
- GMC Sierra
- Toyota RAV4
- Ram Pickups
- Ford F-Series
These cars have proven their popularity in Canada from their great features and competitive prices. What can they tell us about the country’s car market? Let’s find out as we take a closer look at Canada’s best-selling cars of the first half of 2021.
10. Hyundai Kona: 15,715 sold
Hyundai’s top-selling subcompact crossover makes its first appearance in the Canadian Top 10 due to its incredible value. The Hyundai Kona comes in at a lower price point than other subcompact SUVs on the market while also offering in-demand features, some of which come standard on its entry-level trim.
As a fun car that provides a luxurious driving experience, the Hyundai Kona is a premium car experience that has been made more widely accessible by its affordable price.
Top Features:
- Turbocharged 1.6L four-cylinder engine that produces 175-horsepower for strong acceleration
- Above average fuel economy at 8.6L/100km in the city and 7.0L/100km on the highway
- Entry-level models come with alloy wheels and safety features like driver attention monitor
- Very user-friendly infotainment system that is equipped with a 7" touchscreen
- All-electric version Kona EV also available
9. Nissan Rogue: 17,462 sold
The Nissan Rogue returns to the bestseller’s list with a dominant sales performance in the first half of this year. Comprising a full third of its Canadian sales, Nissan introduced the third generation of its popular compact crossover with a fresh redesign. This new version of the Rogue features a square front end and LED headlights that give it a prominent, chiseled look.
This small SUV has endeared itself to the Canadian market by being a practical car with a distinct character.
Top Features:
- Completely redesigned third generation model that features more engine power and reduced weight
- New 2.5L 4-cylinder engine suitable for city driving and off-road terrain
- All-wheel drive with five different drive modes that can adapt to changing road conditions
- Six storage configurations with hands-free liftgate
- Four cameras for vehicle navigation including Intelligent Around-View Monitor
8. Honda Civic: 20,243 sold
Canada’s best-selling car for 23 years makes a surprising drop in the standings by landing at #8 in our list. Having reached its peak in 2008 when sales reached 71,479, the Honda Civic has always been known for being a fun driving experience that comes in a reliable package.
Despite its sudden decrease in the standings, we fully expect the Honda Civic to remain a popular car choice in Canada for years to come.
Top Features:
- Higher price point offset by better performance and a fancier interior
- Great fuel economy at an average 6.9 L/100 km for an estimated yearly gas bill of $1,794
- Honda Sensing safety features are standard on each of the Civic’s five trims
- Compact sedan provide ample room for passengers with its 2.69-metre-wide wheelbase
- Advanced technology like its navigation system help maintain its high resale value
7. Toyota Corolla: 20,572 sold
After living in the shadow of its competitor for so long, the Toyota Corolla has beat its rival in quarterly sales to become Canada’s best-selling car. Boosted by its redesign from last year, the Corolla has made a reputation for itself as an affordable and commuter-friendly passenger car.
With the market currently in turmoil, this unexpected upset may indicate that the Corolla is finally ready to overtake the Civic for good.
Top Features:
- Choice of 1.8L or 2.0L engine for zippy performance
- Great fuel consumption that does 8.0L /100km in the city and 6.0L/100km on the highway
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 safety technology is standard for all trims
- Limited-production Corolla Apex serves as a fun, affordable alternative to upper-range sports sedans
- Android Auto smartphone integration on all models
6. Honda CR-V: 26,716 sold
As the second of Honda’s best-selling vehicles in the Canadian Top 10, the Honda CR-V continues to make a strong impression as a great SUV that delivers strong value. The CR-V has made an incredible 51-percent year-over-year gain that shows SUVs remain a popular sales trend among Canadian consumers.
Top Features:
- Powerful Turbo 1.5-L engine provides acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds
- Roomy cargo space of 1.11 cubic metre can expand to 2.14 cubic metres
- LATCH anchors to quickly install and remove child safety seats
- Honda Sensing safety features are standard on all trims
- Upper trim infotainment system features 7-inch screen, multiple USB ports, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration
5. Chevrolet Silverado: 30,399 sold
The Chevrolet Silverado is no stranger to the Canadian drivers that have made it one of the most popular full-size, half-ton pickup trucks on the market. It continues to sell well due to its powerful performance and variety of customizable options.
As a robust vehicle that excels at off-roading and towing, the Chevrolet Silverado will continue to dominate the ranks of Canada’s top-selling vehicles.
Top Features:
- Numerous engine styles to choose from including a 3.0-liter, inline-6 diesel engine with 277 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque
- Maximum towing capacity of 6,033 kilograms (top trim)
- Multi-camera trailering system for more viewing angles
- Maximum cargo space of 2.52 cubic metres with a maximum payload capacity of 1,034 kilograms
- Best-in-class fuel economy: 10.2L/100km in the city and 7.2L/100km on the highway
4. GMC Sierra: 32,866 sold
The GMC Sierra is everything that Canadians love in their trucks. What was first introduced as an entry-level pickup truck model has enjoyed a massive rise in popularity. As the pickup of choice for many car enthusiasts, the GMC Sierra is best known for being an affordable truck imbued with practical features and an attractive design.
Top Features:
- Engine choices include a 3.0-L Duramax turbodiesel engine that can produce up to 460 pound-feet of torque
- Numerous trims include the upmarket Denali, the sporty AT4, and the budget-minded SLE
- MultiPro tailgate offers configurability to its sturdy carbon-fiber composite bed
- Capable of a maximum haul of 5,534 kilograms and a 1,016 kilogram payload
- Fancy interior elements include heated and ventilated seats
3. Toyota RAV4: 37,908 sold
Canada’s top-selling SUV continues to shine as the ideal example of what Canadians want from their cars. This Toyota’s crossover continues to sell well as a vehicle that offers lots of interior space, a powerful engine, and impressive high-tech features.
With six available trims in addition to plug-in hybrids like the RAV4 Prime, Canada’s top-selling Canadian-built vehicle has something to offer to everyone.
Top Features:
- Powerful 2.5L engine that provides 200 horsepower along with 184 pound-feet of torque on non-hybrid vehicles
- Impressive fuel economy at 8.8 L/100km in the city and 6.7L/100km on the highway
- All-wheel drive for safe handling over rough terrain
- Advanced infotainment system with access to Android Auto/Apple CarPlay/Amazon Alexa
- Toyota Safety Sense 2.0 is standard on all vehicles
- Comfortable cabin with SofTex seats on higher trims
2. Ram Pickups: 39,784 sold
As they always have before, pickup trucks continue to rank at the top of Canada’s best-selling cars. And for many Canadians, the pickup of choice has been Ram’s full-size offerings that provide a luxurious ride that is efficient and powerful.
New for this year is Ram’s high-performance TRX model that features a 702-horsepower, supercharged 6.2L V8 engine, a move that ensures this vehicle will continue to be extremely popular.
Top Features:
- Impressive fuel economy at 7.1 L/100 km on the highway
- Active-Level Four-Corner Air Suspension for better balanced loads
- RamBox Cargo Management System featuring lockable storage bins with a 115-volt outlet
- Uconnect infotainment system with upgradable 8.4-inch touchscreen
- Safety features include a new Digital Rearview Mirror
1. Ford F-Series: 59,321 sold
With only a 5 percent year-over-year increase in sales, the Ford F-Series hasn’t experienced any impressive, two-digit growth rates like its competitors. Instead, this truck has continued to dominate Canadian car sales for the twelfth consecutive year in the number one position.
With a new redesign for 2021 that features an available hybrid powertrain option, the Ford F-Series stands firm in its ability to remain Canada’s best-selling vehicle.
Top Features:
- Powerful engine choices that include a 400-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine
- Towing capacity up to 6,350 kilograms; maximum payload capacity of 1,508 kilograms
- Off-road capabilities highlighted by the Tremor model and its front monotube shocks and rear twin-tube shocks
- Driver-assist technology includes Active Park Assist 2.0 and Lane-Keeping System
- Safety features include multiple front airbags, safety canopy and side-curtain airbags
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