The Best Urban Crossovers in 2025
Looking at all the urban crossovers available on the market, the team at The Car Guide has identified the three models that represent the best buys for 2025.
Often called SUVs, these vehicles are actually just high-riding cars with a larger trunk. Unlike true SUVs, they lack an all-wheel drive option. Many of them have replaced small sedans and hatchbacks as the gateway to their automaker’s lineup, attracting customers after an affordable vehicle with a slightly elevated driving position.
1. Kia Soul
Since the fully electric variant was discontinued two years ago, the Kia Soul can only be ordered with a gasoline engine, namely a naturally aspirated, 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit developing 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Performance is decent, but less zippy than the late Soul EV.
Thanks to its boxy shape, the Soul is practical and roomy, with a trunk capacity of 663 litres. There’s a real possibility that the 2025 model will be the last in Canada, mind you.
2. Chevrolet Trax
In second place is the Chevrolet Trax. Just like its Korean rival, this little crossover is available with one engine only—a turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder mill with limited power (137 hp). A good amount of low-end torque (up to 162 lb-ft) does provide adequate acceleration. That being said, the small powerplant isn’t as fuel-efficient as you’d think because it needs to work harder than a four-pot.
The Trax’s interior proves capacious. In fact, it offers the most cargo room in the segment at 724 litres. It’s best to avoid the more expensive models in order to get better value.
3. Hyundai Venue
Rounding out our top 3 is the Hyundai Venue, the cheapest crossover currently on sale in Canada. While front-seat space is decent, the interior is tighter overall than that of the Trax or Soul. Ditto for the trunk (528 litres).
Under the hood, you’ll find a small, naturally aspirated, 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine producing 121 hp and 113 lb-ft of torque. Performance is a little timid, but fuel economy is commendable. In city driving, the Venue handles well and is easy to park. On the other hand, it feels less confident on the highway where the engine quickly runs out of steam and noise levels become too high.
Just as good as the Venue, in our opinion, and almost as cheap is the Nissan Kicks Play—a new name for the old Kicks, which continues to be sold alongside the next-generation model for 2025.
For more information and ratings, don’t miss our Best Buys section.