Best Small SUVs in Canada and Where the Eclipse Cross Fits
Best Small SUVs in Canada and Where the Eclipse Cross Fits
Posted on November 5, 2026
For most Canadian drivers, from Scarborough to Saskatoon, the best small SUV has all-wheel drive, room for real life and a warranty that lasts. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross meets all three, with Super All-Wheel Control on every trim. The Mitsubishi RVR offers a smaller footprint for drivers who want something easier to park.
No single winner fits everyone. A commuter on the 401 needs something different from a family loading hockey bags every Saturday. Still, a few things matter almost everywhere in Canada: traction in snow, flexible cargo space and long-term peace of mind.
This overview covers what makes a small SUV a strong fit for Canadian roads and how the two small Mitsubishi SUVs compare. When you're ready to see them in person, you can browse the new Mitsubishi inventory at Scarborough Mitsubishi.
2026 White Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
What Is the Best Small SUV in Canada?
The best small SUV is the one that matches your winters, your passengers and your cargo. For many drivers, that points to the Eclipse Cross. For city drivers who want a more compact size, the RVR is a natural match.
What to Look For
Before you compare models, it helps to know what matters most here:
- All-wheel drive, ideally standard, for snow and slush
- Drive modes that adjust to winter roads and gravel
- Cargo space that grows when you fold the seats
- Heated seats for cold January mornings
- Driver-assistance features for busy highways
And don't overlook the warranty. A long powertrain warranty matters more than most shoppers expect.
Best Small SUVs in Canada at a Glance
|
Feature |
2026 Eclipse Cross |
Mitsubishi RVR |
|
Size class |
Compact crossover | Subcompact |
| Drivetrain | S-AWC on all trims | Front-wheel drive or AWC |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo, up to 152 hp | Ask the dealer for engine details |
| Drive modes | Normal, Snow, Gravel | 2WD, 4WD Auto, 4WD Lock (AWC models) |
| Max cargo | Up to 2,738 L | Flexible, with folding rear seats |
| Seating | 5 |
5 |
Which Small SUVs Come With Standard AWD?
All-wheel drive is the feature Canadian shoppers ask about most often. On the Eclipse Cross, Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) is standard on every trim. That includes the ES S-AWC, SE S-AWC, NOIR S-AWC and GT S-AWC.
The RVR gives you a choice instead. Pick front-wheel drive for city driving, or all-wheel control for extra grip.
2026 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross, the Compact Pick
The Eclipse Cross suits drivers who want confident winter grip and room to spare. Every Eclipse Cross uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes up to 152 hp. It's rated at 9.3 L/100 km combined, 9.6 L/100 km city and 8.9 L/100 km highway.
Space is a strong point. The Eclipse Cross offers up to 2,738 L of interior cargo space. It can also tow up to 907 kg (2,000 lb), so a small utility trailer is no problem.
Built for Snow, Slush and Gravel
S-AWC works with three drive modes:
- Normal for everyday commuting
- Snow for slippery winter streets
- Gravel for cottage roads and loose surfaces
On top of that, heated front seats are standard from the ES trim up. All four trims ride on 18-inch alloy wheels, and the NOIR adds a black finish. You'll find full trim details on Mitsubishi Canada's Eclipse Cross page.
Comfort and connected features include:
- Automatic climate control
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- SiriusXM Satellite Radio with a 3-month complimentary Platinum Plan trial
- An optional power panoramic sunroof
- An optional power liftgate
Mitsubishi RVR, the Subcompact Pick
Want something tidier for tight parking spots? The RVR is a great match. Its subcompact size makes downtown parking and narrow driveways easier. Yet it still delivers SUV-style practicality.
The RVR comes in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-control versions. On AWC models, you can choose from three modes:
- 2WD for efficient dry-road driving
- 4WD Auto, which sends power where it's needed
- 4WD Lock for deep snow or tricky conditions
That makes the RVR a fit for urban commuters and weekend explorers alike. For engine choices and trim details, the Scarborough Mitsubishi team can walk you through every version.
Warranty and Safety Features for Ontario Drivers
Mitsubishi backs both small SUVs with strong coverage:
- 10-year/160,000 km powertrain limited warranty
- 5-year/100,000 km new vehicle limited warranty
- 5-year unlimited km roadside assistance
Regular maintenance keeps everything running well, and you can book a service appointment with the Scarborough Mitsubishi service team.
Safety matters just as much. The Eclipse Cross features 7 airbags and Forward Collision Mitigation. Optional features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and a Multi-View Camera System.
Winter Driving in Scarborough and the GTA
Scarborough drivers deal with lake-effect snow, icy side streets and stop-and-go traffic on the DVP. Standard all-wheel control and a dedicated Snow mode make a real difference there.
Which Small SUV Fits Your Drive
The Eclipse Cross brings standard S-AWC, a turbocharged engine and generous cargo space. The RVR offers a compact size with a choice of drivetrains. Both share a long Mitsubishi warranty. Browse the new Mitsubishi inventory at Scarborough Mitsubishi to find the small SUV that fits your drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best small SUV in Canada?
It depends on your needs, but all-wheel drive, cargo flexibility and a long warranty matter most for Canadian drivers. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross checks all three. Super All-Wheel Control is standard on every new trim, with Normal, Snow and Gravel modes. It also offers up to 2,738 L of cargo space and a 10-year/160,000 km powertrain limited warranty. If you'd prefer a smaller footprint, the RVR is a strong alternative. Visit Scarborough Mitsubishi to compare both side by side.
What is the best small SUV to buy in Canada?
Start with how you drive. If you face snowy winters and haul gear often, the Eclipse Cross is a great fit. Every trim gets S-AWC and heated front seats, and it offers up to 2,738 L of cargo room. City drivers who value easy parking often prefer the subcompact RVR, which comes with front-wheel drive or all-wheel control. A test drive on familiar roads is the best way to decide.
Which SUV is the safest to drive in 2026?
Safety depends on both crash protection and driver-assistance features. Independent crash-test results are published for many models, so check the latest results for the exact vehicle you're considering. The Eclipse Cross features 7 airbags and Forward Collision Mitigation. Optional features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Lane Departure Warning. Standard S-AWC also adds confidence on snowy roads. Ask the Scarborough Mitsubishi team which features come on each trim.
What is the #1 SUV in Canada?
Sales charts shift often, so the top-selling SUV changes over time. But the best-selling model isn't always the best match for you. A better question is which SUV fits your commute, your family and your winters. For small SUV shoppers, Mitsubishi offers two strong choices. The Eclipse Cross brings standard all-wheel control and generous cargo space. The RVR is easy to manoeuvre around town. Visit Scarborough Mitsubishi to see which one feels right for you.
Which small SUVs come with standard all-wheel drive in Canada?
Several small SUVs sold in Canada offer all-wheel drive. Still, whether it's standard or optional varies by model and trim. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross includes Super All-Wheel Control on all four trims: ES S-AWC, SE S-AWC, NOIR S-AWC and GT S-AWC. The RVR offers both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-control versions, so you can choose. If AWD is a must for your Canadian winters, confirm the drivetrain on the specific trim before you decide.
Disclaimer: Content contained in this post is for informational purposes only and may include features and options from US or international models. Please contact the dealership for more information or to confirm vehicle and feature availability.