The Best SUVs in Canada Proudly Wear the Mazda Badge
Anyone looking for SUVs for sale might reasonably assume that finding the one they want is easy. Simply test drive a few options and select the one that works best for your budget and lifestyle, right? Well, not exactly. The explosion in popularity of the SUV body style has led to quite literally dozens of options in every size and price category. You won't be choosing from two or three––more like 10 or 12!
Luckily, we have the scoop on three of Canada's best SUVs, and though they're all very different, they have one key thing in common: they're all manufactured by Mazda. You may not know that Mazda was named the Best Car Brand of 2021 by respected review site Consumer Reports. Journalists and drivers alike just can't seem to get enough of Mazda's sporty, performance-oriented SUV lineup, which now includes the all-electric MX-30 EV.
If you're seeking an SUV with a touch of luxury, a dash of spirited driving characteristics, and a sleek, modern curb presence, you'll find more than one wearing the respected Mazda badge. The SUV segment is the most competitive of all, so manufacturers know they need to bring their A-game if they want to succeed. Mazda gets it right with a lineup of SUVs designed for affordability and high owner satisfaction. It's time to discover these great Mazda SUVs.
The Family-Friendly Mazda CX-9
Parents have a dizzying array of choices when seeking a practical and roomy midsize SUV to tackle the carpools, errands, and sports tournaments that go along with raising kids today. If you're seeking an SUV with seating for seven that doesn't conform to the vanilla styling found on most models, the 2022 Mazda CX-9 is the vehicle for you. Not only does this popular midsize SUV offer modern, sleek exterior styling––it's also a fuel-efficient option with multiple trims that allow you to dial in the level of luxury and tech you want.
The CX-9 trim lineup includes the GS, GS-L, GT, Kuro, and Signature. The base GS trim includes a large 26 cm infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, along with heated front seats, tri-zone automatic climate control, and LED headlights and taillights. A 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers a spritely 250 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, which will propel you out of the school drop-off line and let you get on with your day with just a little more kick.
Midway through the lineup sits the CX-9 GT. This nicely equipped trim adds a handful of extras for discerning buyers. You'll love streaming your favourite Spotify playlist on the 12-speaker Bose audio system. Parking gets a whole lot easier with the standard front and rear parking sensors, which help you avoid the dreaded "bumper kiss" that comes from guessing when you're too close to an object. Choose a set of captain's chairs for the middle row, and your kids can recline in comfort on long road trips.
The Spirited Mazda CX-5
Sitting in the compact category is the adorable CX-5, a media darling since its launch back in 2012. It's Mazda's best-seller in Canada, and for 2023, all trims come standard with i-Active all-wheel drive. Power comes from a standard gas engine capable of 187 hp and 186 lb-ft of torque paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. However, the Sport Design and Signature trims offer a turbocharged 2.5L four-cylinder that makes 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque.
As for creature comforts, you'll find plenty across the trim range. Even the affordable GX trim includes modern LED headlights, heated outside mirrors, heated front seats, and automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, all of which come in handy on inclement weather days. The upscale Mazda CX-5 Signature receives a standard 10-speaker Bose Centerpoint 2 premium audio system with SurroundStage signal processing, dual-zone automatic temperature control, heated and ventilated front seats, and a 360-degree bird's eye view camera. Supple Nappa leather trim combines with authentic Abachi wood trim to deliver an oasis for commuters.
Commuters will also love passing many fuel stations on their way to and from work because the 2023 CX-5 achieves high fuel economy ratings of 9.8 L/100km city and 7.9 L/100km highway. The CX-5 is also packed with standard driver-assist features, including Radar Cruise Control with Stop & Go, which automatically adjusts your highway speed in response to traffic. An automatic High Beam Control System is standard, along with an array of collision avoidance systems designed to keep you and your passengers out of harm's way.
The Electric Mazda MX-30 EV
Though the MX-30 EV is fairly new to the market, it earns a spot on our list because it is Mazda's first-ever electric vehicle. Level 3 DC fast-charging capability can charge from 20% to 80% in less than 40 minutes, and the estimated 161 km range means you can say goodbye to range anxiety and enjoy the drive. Mazda throws in two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance for even more worry-free driving enjoyment.
Keeping track of your EV's range and key driving data is essential, which is why Mazda also includes two years of complimentary access to the app-based Mazda Connected Services. This free trial includes convenience features like remote start (a welcome feature on cold, snowy mornings), remote door lock/unlock, and a vehicle location tool that comes in handy when you can't quite remember where you parked.
The 2023 MX-30 EV comes in two trims: the GS and the GT. Both feature a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion battery that powers a 143 hp electric motor, 46 cm wheels, and a full suite of driver-assist technologies that Mazda calls i-Activesense. Comfort and convenience features include a heated steering wheel, authentic cork accents in the cabin, and a dedicated touchscreen display for the cabin temperature controls.
What's Coming: New Mazda Models
Canadians are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the all-new CX-50, an SUV designed for drivers with active outdoor lifestyles. Featuring standard i-ACTIV all-wheel drive and a stability system called G-Vectoring Control Plus that increases traction by evenly distributing weight even when the vehicle is actively cornering, the CX-50 is tailor-made for explorers. Use the Mi-Drive selector to choose from multiple drive modes, including Sport, Off-Road, and Towing.M
Though the current Mazda lineup includes a wide assortment of SUVs for buyers with different budgets and lifestyles, Mazda is still hard at work designing new models to round out its offerings and provide more options for drivers. First up is the new CX-90, a midsize SUV that offers three rows of seats and a premium ownership experience. It will be accompanied by the two-row midsize CX-70 for drivers who desire a smaller vehicle. Both SUVs will feature innovative engine options, including a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
If you're in the market for a new SUV now, there's no need to wait. Mazda's continuous commitment to building segment leaders in all size categories is evident in the current lineup. These SUVs tick all the boxes, from fuel economy to stylish good looks. Whether you're seeking a compact commuter that sips gas or you're ready for a larger midsize SUV with room for the kids and their gear, Mazda has the vehicle you need.
