As gas prices continue to rise due to tensions in the Middle East, electric vehicles seem to be regaining popularity. Indeed, after falling dramatically in early 2025, EV sales appear to have begun a comeback during the final months of the year, as well as in the first quarter of 2026.
The arrival of new, more affordable models and a price drop for vehicles already on the market is certainly no stranger to this trend, as buyers now have several options offered at a price below the market average.
Many of these new models are, in fact, crossovers and SUVs, meaning they appear in the most popular categories of the market.
Here is a ranking of the 10 most affordable electric SUVs and crossovers available on the Canadian market in 2026, followed by an identical list for the American market, which reveals a few surprises.
10th place: Toyota bZ – $45,990
The Toyota bZ (formerly bZ4X) benefits from a major update for 2026, marked by a refined design and increased technological integration. Offered in Canada at a starting price of $45,990, the base model (XLE) is a front-wheel drive powered by a 168-horsepower motor, offering a range of 380 km. All-wheel drive versions climb to 338 horsepower and feature a 77 kWh battery for a range reaching 468 km. Now equipped with a NACS port as standard, it facilitates access to fast-charging stations, while its cabin receives a new 14-inch screen.
9th place: Kia Niro EV – $45,595
The Kia Niro EV maintains its spot among the most affordable options with a starting price of $45,595. This compact SUV relies on a front-wheel-drive configuration, powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor developing 201 horsepower and 188 lb-ft of torque. Its 64.8 kWh lithium-ion battery allows for a combined range of 407 km. Versatile, it offers a maximum cargo volume of 1,803 liters once the rear bench is folded. Its Level 3 fast-charging capacity allows it to go from 10 to 80% energy in about 45 minutes.
8th place: Nissan Leaf – $44,998
The third generation of the Nissan Leaf makes a major transition toward a subcompact crossover format while maintaining its affordable positioning with a starting price of $44,998. The S+ version stands out with a considerably increased range, now reaching up to 488 kilometers per charge. On the technical side, it now integrates a North American Charging Standard (NACS) port with the Plug & Charge function, facilitating access to the public network. Its design is modernized by motorized flush door handles and a variable opacity panoramic roof, while the cabin benefits from native Google integration.
7th place: Ford Mustang Mach-E – $44,995
The Ford Mustang Mach-E occupies the seventh position following a major pricing revision, bringing its starting price down to $44,995. This entry-level version is equipped with a 73 kWh standard range battery, offering an estimated driving distance of 406 km. Unlike several competitors in this price bracket, the Mach-E favors a rear-wheel-drive configuration. Its electric motor develops 264 horsepower and 387 lb-ft of torque, ensuring dynamic performance faithful to the brand’s image. Of course, all-wheel drive is offered as an option, as is a larger battery.
6th place: Toyota C-HR – $44,900
A newcomer to Toyota’s electric lineup, the C-HR brings back an old name with entirely new electric mechanics as well as a starting price of $44,900. This compact crossover with coupe styling sits on the e-TNGA platform and offers, in its front-wheel-drive SE version, an estimated range of 496 km thanks to its 77 kWh battery. The model can also be equipped with a dual-motor system (all-wheel drive) developing 338 horsepower. On the practical side, it offers a cargo volume of up to 1,685 liters once the bench is folded and integrates a standard NACS charging port compatible with Tesla Superchargers.
5th place: Volvo EX30 – $44,000
The Volvo EX30 is distinguished by a strategic price drop, positioning this premium brand SUV at an MSRP of $44,000. This aggressive pricing allows the Swedish manufacturer to compete directly with models from mainstream brands. Despite its very compact format, it offers high-level performance with a rear-wheel-drive configuration (rear motor) developing 268 horsepower. Its 69 kWh battery allows it to display a competitive range of 420 km and a fast charge from 10 to 80% in just over 26 minutes. The interior, faithful to Scandinavian philosophy, prioritizes sustainable materials and a minimalist technological interface.
4th place: Hyundai Kona Electric – $43,999
The Hyundai Kona Electric maintains a competitive position in Canada with a starting price of $43,999. Unlike the American market where the model no longer appears in the brand’s catalog for 2026, it remains a pillar of the Canadian electric offering. For this market, only the 64.8 kWh long-range battery is offered, providing a driving distance of 420 km. This front-wheel-drive SUV, related to the Kia Niro EV, is powered by a 201-horsepower motor and features standard equipment adapted to the local climate, such as a heated charging port and a heat pump.
3rd place: Kia EV5 – $43,495
The Kia EV5 makes a notable entrance with a starting price of $43,495 for the front-wheel-drive Light version. This model holds particular importance as it is a Canadian exclusive in North America, the vehicle not being marketed in the United States. Built on a dedicated architecture, the entry-level version is equipped with a 60.3 kWh battery, offering an initial estimated range of 335 km. Inspired by the styling of the large EV9, it offers a high-tech cabin featuring a panoramic display of nearly 30 inches and integrates a standard NACS charging port.
2nd place: Subaru Uncharted – $42,995
The Subaru Uncharted makes its debut as the brand’s first all-electric subcompact SUV, with a starting price of $42,995. This model focuses on versatility with a cargo volume of over 700 liters and urban agility comparable to that of the Crosstrek. The entry-level front-wheel-drive version has a range of 399 km, while a “Long Range” configuration can reach 496 km. Faithful to Subaru’s DNA, it is also offered with symmetrical all-wheel drive developing up to 338 horsepower. It integrates a standard NACS port allowing for a 10 to 80% fast charge in about 30 minutes. This vehicle is a technical twin to the Toyota C-HR but is offered at a better price.
1st place: Chevrolet Bolt – $39,999
The long-awaited return of the Chevrolet Bolt marks the top of this ranking with a starting price of $39,999. Although it retains the familiar silhouette of the old EUV version, which gives it its small crossover attributes, it is now powered by Ultium technology shared with the Equinox EV. Its battery allows for an estimated range of 422 km, and its charging speed is 2.5 times faster than its predecessor. The interior has been entirely remodeled, integrating an 11.3-inch infotainment screen with Google built-in and an open center console for more storage.
As the Canadian and American branches of automakers are independent of one another, it is not surprising that they sometimes adopt different strategies when it comes time to set the price of their vehicles. Additionally, tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imported vehicles have pushed several manufacturers to review their offerings in that market.
Thus, the ranking of the most affordable SUVs and crossovers on the American market is quite different from the one you just read:
10th rank: Kia Niro EV – $39,700
9th rank: Volvo EX30 – $38,950
8th rank: Subaru Solterra – $38,495
7th rank: Ford Mustang Mach-E – $37,795
6th rank: Toyota C-HR – $37,000
5th rank: Hyundai Ioniq 5 – $35,000
4th rank: Chevrolet Equinox EV and Subaru Uncharted – $34,995
3rd rank: Toyota bZ – $34,900
2nd rank: Nissan Leaf – $29,990
1st rank: Chevrolet Bolt – $27,600
Let’s not forget to mention the Kia EV3, a subcompact crossover recently unveiled that should arrive this fall in Canada and the United States with a very competitive starting price that could well make it the most affordable EV on the market.
