Shopping for a family SUV in Canada can feel overwhelming. You need safety, space, reliability, and comfort—but you also want value. Buying used is often the smartest path: you avoid the steep depreciation of a new car while still getting modern tech, advanced safety, and plenty of room for kids and cargo.
In this 2025 guide to the best used SUVs for Canadian families, we’ll break down the top models, what makes them stand out, which years to target (and which to avoid), plus the average used prices you can expect to pay. We’ll also look at winter-readiness, fuel economy, and family-friendly features like third-row seating and infotainment systems.
Why Choose a Used SUV for Your Family?
Before diving into the models, let’s touch on why used SUVs make sense for families in Canada:
- Lower upfront cost: Buying a three-year-old SUV can save you 20–30% compared to new.
- Modern features still included: Apple CarPlay, adaptive cruise control, and advanced airbags are common in models from 2019–2021.
- Winter-ready options: Many Canadian families prioritize AWD or 4WD, which are widely available in SUVs.
- Better financing flexibility: With interest rates still elevated in 2025, buying used helps stretch your budget further.
Key Features Families Should Prioritize
When evaluating SUVs, here’s what matters most for families:
- Seating capacity – Do you need 5 seats or 7+ for carpools, hockey gear, or road trips?
- Cargo space – Strollers, groceries, sports equipment: a family SUV must handle it all.
- Safety ratings – Look for IIHS Top Safety Pick or 5-star NHTSA ratings.
- Reliability track record – Toyota, Honda, and Mazda consistently perform well in long-term ownership surveys.
- Fuel efficiency – With gas hovering near $1.70/L in many provinces, efficiency matters.
- Winter performance – AWD, heated seats, and good ground clearance are must-haves in Canadian winters.
The Best Used Family SUVs in Canada (2025)
Below we break down the top SUVs Canadian families should consider in 2025, with details on reliability, pricing, and family-friendly features.
1. Toyota Highlander
- Best for: Families who want bulletproof reliability and strong resale value.
- Why it stands out: Toyota’s midsize SUV offers three rows of seating, excellent safety ratings, and strong V6 engines. The hybrid variant is a fuel-saver.
- Recommended years: 2018–2021 (good balance of price, features, and reliability).
- Average used price in Canada (2025): $28,000–$42,000.
- Cargo space: 16 cu. ft. behind third row, 84 cu. ft. with seats folded.
Family Tip: Go for the XLE trim—heated seats, power tailgate, and advanced safety tech come standard.
2. Honda Pilot
- Best for: Larger families needing maximum space.
- Why it stands out: With seating for up to 8, the Pilot is one of the roomiest midsize SUVs on the market. Strong V6 engines and Honda’s reputation for durability make it a winner.
- Recommended years: 2019–2021 (refresh included more safety tech).
- Average used price: $26,000–$39,000.
- Cargo space: 16.5 cu. ft. behind third row, 83.9 cu. ft. max.
Family Tip: The Touring trim includes rear entertainment screens—a lifesaver on long drives.
3. Mazda CX-9
- Best for: Families who want style and sporty handling without paying luxury prices.
- Why it stands out: Sleek looks, high-quality interior materials, and agile handling. The CX-9 feels like a near-luxury SUV at mainstream prices.
- Recommended years: 2018–2021.
- Average used price: $23,000–$36,000.
- Cargo space: 14 cu. ft. behind third row, 71 cu. ft. max (less than rivals).
Family Tip: The CX-9 is perfect if you only occasionally need the third row—cargo space is tighter than the Highlander or Pilot.
4. Kia Telluride
- Best for: Feature-packed family SUV seekers.
- Why it stands out: Since its 2020 debut, the Telluride has been one of the most sought-after SUVs. Stylish, packed with features, and with solid reliability so far.
- Recommended years: 2020–2022.
- Average used price: $32,000–$46,000.
- Cargo space: 21 cu. ft. behind third row, 87 cu. ft. max.
Family Tip: Hard to find at lower prices due to demand, but worth it if you want a near-luxury experience at mainstream prices.
5. Hyundai Palisade
- Best for: Families who want comfort and tech at a better price than the Telluride.
- Why it stands out: Essentially the Telluride’s sibling, but often easier to find at a discount. Smooth ride, great tech, and spacious third row.
- Recommended years: 2020–2022.
- Average used price: $30,000–$44,000.
- Cargo space: 18 cu. ft. behind third row, 86 cu. ft. max.
Family Tip: The Ultimate trim includes ventilated seats—a huge perk for summer road trips.
Comparison Table: Top Used Family SUVs in Canada (2025)
| Model | Seating | Cargo Max (cu. ft.) | Avg. Used Price (CAD) | Reliability Score* | AWD Standard? |
|---|
| Toyota Highlander | 7–8 | 84 | $28K–$42K | ★★★★★ | Yes |
| Honda Pilot | 7–8 | 83.9 | $26K–$39K | ★★★★☆ | Yes |
| Mazda CX-9 | 7 | 71 | $23K–$36K | ★★★★☆ | Yes |
| Kia Telluride | 7–8 | 87 | $32K–$46K | ★★★★☆ | Yes |
| Hyundai Palisade | 7–8 | 86 | $30K–$44K | ★★★★☆ | Yes |
*Reliability scores based on Consumer Reports and Canadian Black Book resale data.
Financing and Insurance Considerations
Family SUVs aren’t cheap—even used. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Financing: With interest rates around 7–9% in 2025, monthly payments can add up. A 5-year loan on a $35K SUV could mean $650–$700/month.
- Insurance: Three-row SUVs typically cost more to insure than compact crossovers. Expect $1,400–$2,000 annually in most provinces.
- Depreciation: Toyotas and Hondas hold value better, while Kia/Hyundai can depreciate faster—great news if you’re buying used.
Family Buyer’s Checklist (Canada Edition)
✅ AWD or 4WD for snow and ice.
✅ Heated seats, steering wheel, and mirrors.
✅ Enough USB ports/charging outlets for kids’ devices.
✅ Third-row space test: don’t just check the specs, sit in it!
✅ Safety tech: lane-keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and collision avoidance.
✅ Confirm space for your stroller, hockey bags, or Costco runs.
Final Verdict: Which SUV is Right for Your Family?
- Want the safest bet long-term? Toyota Highlander.
- Need maximum passenger space? Honda Pilot.
- Love driving and want style? Mazda CX-9.
- Want luxury without the badge? Kia Telluride.
- Want comfort + value? Hyundai Palisade.
Why Shop with Autodice?
Finding the right SUV is only half the battle. Negotiating with multiple dealers can eat up weekends—and you still may not get the best deal.
With Autodice, you:
- Build your SUV wishlist in seconds.
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No more wasted Saturdays. No more haggling. Just the best SUV deal, on your terms.
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