All buyer guides: top 5 cars for Canadian drivers

SUVs with AWD or 4WD for snowy Canadian roads, ranked by winter rating, then crash safety. Winter tires still matter most.

Good first cars: 4 or 5 star crash safety, low theft risk and easy upkeep. Ranked by safety, maintenance and fuel use.

Every pick earned a 5-star overall crash rating from NHTSA. Ranked by fewest Transport Canada recalls.

Seven or eight seats for school runs, hockey bags and grandparents. Ranked by crash safety, then fewest recalls.

Easy to park and cheaper on gas, but you still sit up high. Ranked by crash safety, then fuel use.

SUV room with fuel use closer to a car: 8.0 L/100km or less combined, per Natural Resources Canada.

Under 8.0 L/100km combined, per Natural Resources Canada. Ranked by lowest fuel use.

Models with a low maintenance tier: common parts and simple servicing. Ranked by fuel use, then fewest recalls.

Full-size and midsize pickups with 4WD for deep snow, gravel roads and towing. Ranked by crash safety, then fewest recalls.

A real truck bed and towing without full-size fuel bills or parking stress. Ranked by crash safety, then fewest recalls.

Usually cheaper to buy, insure and fill up than an SUV. Ranked by crash safety, then fewest recalls and fuel use.

Models that aren't a top target for thieves in Canada, which can also help with insurance. Ranked by crash safety, then fewest recalls.