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Written by Kayla Jane Barrie Updated on Mar 03, 2025 7 mins read

Blog Best New Cars To Buy In Canada for 2023

Top 14 new cars in Canada

The Canadian automotive market has a surplus of new and updated models to choose from; you may be wondering what is the best one to buy and why. Picking out a new car can be a challenge for many drivers nationwide. There are countless details to consider, such as how it will impact your insurance, overall price, additional features, and safety rating.

To help you narrow down your options, here are 14 of the best cars to buy in Canada in 2023.

What you need to know about the top new cars:

  • Buying a new car requires considering performance needs, safety/reliability features, fuel efficiency, and reviewing expert and customer opinions.
  • New and used car insurance costs vary based on vehicle type, repair costs, location, driving history, and tickets, highlighting the importance of comparing quotes.
  • Car insurance costs vary widely based on age, driving habits, policy type, and added endorsements (OPCFs).

What to consider when buying a new car in Canada

Buying a new car is a big decision that requires research, planning, and asking questions. To help you on the car buying journey, here are four tips to keep in mind when you are looking:

  • Performance: You’ll want to consider the specs and overall performance of the vehicle you want. If you enjoy road trips or need a truck for work, you will have different considerations compared to someone who commutes to the city.
  • Reliability: Safety and reliability are two key components drivers look into when buying a new car. You may want to learn about the latest safety features to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.
  • Fuel mileage : Everyone wants to save money on fuel – comparing the best fuel-efficient cars will help you estimate how much gas will cost you yearly. Many drivers are considering electric vehicles for this reason too.
  • Reviews: You’ll want to consider expert opinions and the reviews of customers. Look at the overall feedback on the driving experience, fuel efficiency, and interior and exterior features to better understand if the vehicle is right for you.

Estimated insurance costs for a new car in Canada

Below is a chart of the estimated costs for car insurance quotes for the top vehicles on our list. Remember, your monthly payments will vary on many factors such as your age, driving habits, policy type, and any OPCFs you may have.

Make/Model Premium* Monthly
Toyota Prius $ 2,350 $ 196
Honda Accord $ 2,331 $ 194
Mazda 3 $ 2,142 $ 179
Kia Forte $ 2,516 $ 210
Nissan Sentra $ 2,489 $ 207
Toyota Camry $ 2,519 $ 210
Tesla Model 3 $ 2,617 $ 218
Hyundai Elantra $ 2,265 $ 189
Volkswagen Jetta $ 2,118 $ 177
Toyota Corolla $ 2,220 $ 185
Honda Civic $ 2,346 $ 196
Kia K5 $ 3,193 $ 266
BMW 3 Series/4 Series $ 2,325 $ 194
Genesis G70** 60% $30,000

*From January, 1, 2023 to March 31, 2023. G drivers licence, standard coverage.

**All Genesis models

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Top 14 new cars to buy in 2023

Toyota Prius

MSRP: from CA$36,650

The practical and stylish design of the Toyota Prius has made it a highly sought-after hybrid. Its city-inspired touch, and comfortable interior provides passengers with an exceptional driving experience. The vehicle is equipped with an impressive range of tech features that make commuting or long-distance travel more enjoyable.

The car's smooth handling ensures that driving is safe and less stressful, especially during rush hour. The vehicle's exterior boasts a unique and eye-catching design, with angular lines that give it a dynamic and youthful appearance. Notable design elements include a shark fin antenna, colour bumpers, door handles, and electric side mirrors.

Honda Accord

MSRP: from CA$37,000

The Honda Accord has established itself as a beloved sedan in Canada and worldwide, primarily due to its ability to refresh its design while retaining its distinguishing characteristics consistently. With a balance of comfort, safety, and technology, the car provides an elegant and contemporary driving experience with powerful yet smooth handling. Passengers and drivers alike can appreciate the modern design of the Accord.

Mazda 3

MSRP: from CA$21,900

The Mazda 3 is a car with sportiness, an attractive exterior, and a thrilling driving experience. Its long lifespan makes it an excellent choice for those in the market for a used car in Canada. Available in both a four-door sedan and a five-door hatchback, the Mazda 3 delivers an enjoyable driving experience with super-sharp handling, an efficient yet lively engine, and smooth transitions. Despite being an entry-level car, the Mazda 3 offers many features typically found in more luxurious models. One such feature is its modern infotainment system, which provides essential data to the driver while on the road. It's sporty design and attractive exterior add to the overall pleasure of driving the Mazda 3, making it a strong contender for anyone seeking a premium look without the premium price tag in the compact car category.

Kia Forte

MSRP: from $20,395

If you're in the market for a new car, the Kia Forte is an excellent choice. This sporty vehicle offers a pleasing aesthetic without sacrificing functionality as a family car. It strikes an interesting balance between modernity, comfort, and dynamic handling, providing an outgoing and practical driving experience.

As a family car, the Forte remains faithful to the brand's principles, with a well-designed layout that maximizes space and provides a nice interior for daily use. There is a central armrest with storage space and cup holders in the backseats, and the trunk boasts an impressive storage capacity of 434 litres.

Nissan Sentra

MSRP: from CA$20,548

This car is available in four versions, each with manual or automatic transmission. The Nissan Sentra SR version boasts several impressive exterior features, including mirrors with a sleek black finish, electrical adjustment, integrated turn signals, LED headlights with daytime running lights, and automatic on/off lights with timers.

With its advanced technology and numerous safety features, this car provides high security for its passengers. However, some have noted that the handling does not quite match up to its attractive appearance, so this is something to keep in mind when considering a purchase.

Toyota Camry

MSRP: from CA$32,390

The Toyota Camry's strong, modern, and elegant design has made it one of the world's best-selling midsize sedans. Its comfortable interior, quiet cabin, good fuel economy, and easy-to-use controls make it an ideal choice for family travel. The Camry's refined design gives it a touch of modernity, while its aerodynamic shape enhances its solid appearance and contributes to excellent stability.

With gas prices rising in Canada, more drivers are opting for fuel-efficient vehicles like the Toyota Camry. While a traditional Camry offers impressive fuel efficiency, those seeking the best may want to consider the hybrid version. Above all, the Toyota Camry is perfect for family-friendly adventures, whether it's a long road trip or a scenic fall drive with the kids.

Tesla Model 3

MSRP: from CA$54,990

The increasing fuel prices in Canada have led to the popularity of electric cars such as the Tesla Model 3. This electric car has a range of approximately 576 km per charge, making it an excellent option for drivers who want to avoid frequent gas station visits.

Tesla has been leading the way in the electric car market, and the Model 3 is a prime example. It boasts a sleek and modern design, along with cutting-edge technology features that are easily accessible. Despite its compact exterior, the Model 3 has a spacious cabin made of high-quality materials and is equipped with various tech features to enhance comfort. The central console has USB ports for charging multiple devices, and the seats come with premium upholstery as standard.

Hyundai steering wheel

Hyundai Elantra

MSRP: from CA$20,449

The Hyundai Elantra is a sedan with a high safety rating and eye-catching aesthetics at an affordable price point. With its impressive standard safety features, this vehicle stands out in terms of safety.

Additionally, the exterior design of the Elantra has been updated to showcase a bolder and more daring look in recent models. The Hyundai Elantra is a sporty, tech-savvy, and budget-friendly option for those seeking a flashy car without breaking the bank. Unsurprisingly, the Hyundai Elantra is a popular choice among car buyers in Canada.

Volkswagen Jetta

MSRP: from CA$23,295

Compared to many other sedans on the list, the Volkswagen Jetta offers more storage space than its fair share. Its sizable trunk is ideal for packing anything from suitcases to work equipment. Moreover, the Volkswagen Jetta boasts ample legroom, making it an excellent option for drivers with long commutes.

Toyota Corolla

MSRP: from CA$22,690

Consider the Toyota Corolla if you’re in the market for a safe and dependable vehicle that will last for years to come. Not only is it an IIHS top safety pick, but it also boasts impressive longevity and high resale value. With its practicality and reliability, the Toyota Corolla is an ideal choice for Canadian drivers.

The sleek design of the Toyota Corolla is elegant and dynamic, featuring sporty finishes and intricate details. Despite its conservative appearance compared to other sedans, it offers an ample selection of standard security features. Its spacious cabin is built with high-quality materials, making it an excellent option for families in Canada seeking one of the best cars available.

Honda Civic

MSRP : CA$24,465

The Honda Civic's design perfectly balances modernity and distinctiveness, showcasing a dynamic and sporty look. This sedan is available in six colours, ranging from classic grey, silver, black, and white to two striking shades of red and blue that highlight its sporty aspect.

The interior is spacious and comfortable, following the modern exterior style. It boasts a multi-infotainment screen for the driver's and passengers' convenience. With its attractive exterior, great tech features, affordable price, and impressive fuel efficiency, it's no wonder that the Honda Civic is widely regarded as the best sedan in Canada. In fact, it has held the title of the top-selling car in Canada for 24 consecutive years.

Kia K5

MSRP : CA$29,995

The K5 has a sporty, modern exterior design that catches the eye. Spacious and comfortable interior meets a roomy and well-appointed cabin with comfortable seats and plenty of space for passengers and cargo.

It comes with an impressive list of high-tech features, including a large infotainment screen, smartphone integration, and advanced safety features. A choice of powerful engines, smooth transmissions, and sharp handling make it a fun car to drive. The K5 has a starting price that is competitive with other midsize sedans in its class, making it an excellent value for the money.

BMW 3 Series/4 Series

MSRP : CA$56,795

The BMW 3 Series and 4 Series are known for their sporty handling, powerful engines, and excellent driving dynamics. BMW is known for incorporating the latest technology in their vehicles, and the 3 Series and 4 Series are no exception.

They come with a range of advanced features, such as advanced infotainment systems, digital driver displays, and advanced driver assistance systems. They also offer a comfortable and luxurious driving experience, with high-quality interiors, comfortable seats, and a range of amenities that enhance the overall driving experience. BMW vehicles are known for their sleek and stylish designs, and the 3 Series and 4 Series are no exception. They come with modern and sophisticated styling that turns heads on the road.

BMW vehicles, including the 3 Series and 4 Series, tend to hold their value well over time. This means they can be a good investment for those looking for a high-quality vehicle that will retain its value in the long run.

Genesis G70

MSRP : from CA$47,000

The Genesis G70 is a luxury sedan that offers a lot of value for its price with powerful engine options that deliver impressive acceleration and handling. It has a standard 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 252 horsepower and an available 3.3-litre V6 engine that puts out 365 horsepower. It has a sleek, modern design that is sure to turn heads. Its bold grille, long hood, and short overhangs give it a sporty and aggressive look. The Genesis G70 is loaded with luxury features that come standard. It has a large infotainment screen, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and advanced safety features.

Genesis offers one of the industry's best car warranties, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty, and complimentary scheduled maintenance for three years/36,000 miles.

Despite offering many luxury features, the Genesis G70 has a competitive price point compared to other luxury sedans. This makes it a great value for buyers looking for a high-end car without breaking the bank.


Best new cars in Canada 2023 FAQs

If you drive a new or used car, you may wonder how it will impact your monthly payments. The make and model play a role in your costs, and many new cars cost more money to repair. Your location, driving habits, your driving record, and parking tickets all play a role in your coverage costs. This is why spending time looking at car insurance quotes is important.

According to the AJAC (Automobile Journalists of Canada) Canadian Car of the Year, the car of the year is the BMW i4. It's a fully electric compact sedan with rear-wheel drive with 281 hp or 335 hp and all-wheel drive with 469 hp (or 536 hp in Boost mode. The i4 eDrive35 and eDrive40 models both qualify for an EV rebate from the Canadian government (plus provincial incentives where applicable).

There is not one answer for the best new car in Canada – it comes down to the type, model, and specifications the driver is searching for. You want to ensure you can find the best car for your needs!

Before you hit the road, get the best rate for your new car

Before making your decision, make sure you do your research, schedule some test drives, and when you are ready to enjoy your new car, contact us to update your Ontario auto insurance.

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