Canada’s best-selling vehicles are dominated by pickups and compact SUVs, but “best-selling” does not automatically mean “best value” or “cheapest to insure.” This guide shows the latest publicly available sales rankings, explains what the lists really measure, and gives a practical insurance-first checklist you can use before you buy.
Key Takeaways
- Best-selling lists are a shortlist, not a price promise: insurance can vary by trim, technology, theft risk, and repair costs.
- Use VIN-specific quotes (or the dealer’s stock/VIN) to avoid surprises between trims of the same model.
- Comparing across provinces can be misleading because coverage structures differ (private vs public systems and mandatory benefits vary).
- For city pages, the biggest swing factor is often territory/postal code-rates can differ meaningfully inside the same province.
- Start with the top sellers, then validate with insurance + theft + repair complexity before you commit.
On This Page
- Quick answers
- Best-selling vehicles in Canada (latest Top 10 lists)
- What “best-selling” really means (and what it doesn’t)
- Why best-sellers can cost more (or less) to insure
- Theft risk and best-sellers (Canada-wide snapshot)
- Canada-wide note: public vs private auto insurance
- City and postal code impact (how to localize this guide)
- How to check insurance before you buy (step-by-step)
- New vs used best-sellers: insurance trade-offs
- Business use and best-selling vehicles (rideshare, delivery, commuting)
- Decision flow: choosing a best-seller with insurance in mind
- FAQs
- Sources
Quick answers
Are Canada’s best-selling vehicles always the cheapest to insure?
No. Popularity can help with parts availability and repair networks, but insurance pricing reflects expected claims cost-repair complexity, theft patterns, safety equipment, and where/how you drive all matter.6 What to do next: quote the exact year/trim (ideally the VIN), not just the model name.
Does the same vehicle cost the same to insure across Canada?
Not usually. Auto insurance is provincially regulated and the structure of mandatory coverage can differ, especially where public systems are involved. Comparing “average premiums” across public and private markets can be difficult without matching benefits and coverages.8 What to do next: compare within your province using identical limits, deductibles, and optional coverages.
Why do two trims of the same best-seller quote differently?
Higher trims can add sensors, cameras, headlights, wheels/tires, and driver-assist technology that increase repair costs after a claim. Vehicle rating approaches can also incorporate real claims experience and theft likelihood, which may differ by model-year and configuration.6 What to do next: run quotes for 2–3 trims and at least one nearby model-year to find the pricing “sweet spot.”
Why do insurance and repair costs feel higher lately?
Canada has seen notable increases in vehicle and repair-related costs in recent years. Statistics Canada reported large increases in median new and used vehicle prices from December 2019 to December 2024, and rising costs for parts and maintenance inputs can flow into claim costs.4 What to do next: treat insurance as part of total ownership cost-test quotes before you sign, especially on tech-heavy trims.
What are the best-selling vehicles in Canada right now?
Publicly available national rankings are often published by major automotive outlets using industry data and may be updated quarterly or annually. Below are the most recent widely cited Top 10 lists available at the time of this update (full-year 2024 and first half of 2025).12
Best-selling vehicles in Canada (latest Top 10 lists)
Rankings change by quarter and year, but Canada’s top lists tend to be stable: full-size pickups and compact SUVs dominate. Use these lists as a starting shortlist-then validate insurance, theft risk, and trim-level repair complexity before you buy.
Top 10 best-selling vehicles in Canada (full-year 2024)
| Rank | Vehicle (as reported) | Total sales in 2024 (units) | Typical segment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford F-Series (F-150 + Super Duty) | 133,857 | Full-size pickup |
| 2 | Toyota RAV4 | 77,556 | Compact SUV |
| 3 | GMC Sierra | 59,912 | Full-size pickup |
| 4 | Ram 1500 / Heavy Duty | 56,992 | Full-size pickup |
| 5 | Honda CR-V | 55,363 | Compact SUV |
| 6 | Chevrolet Silverado | 52,078 | Full-size pickup |
| 7 | Nissan Rogue | 32,737 | Compact SUV |
| 8 | Honda Civic | 31,774 | Compact car |
| 9 | Ford Escape | 31,037 | Compact SUV |
| 10 | Hyundai Kona | 30,020 | Subcompact SUV |
Notes: The “Ford F-Series” grouping includes F-150 and Super Duty models in the cited list.1 What to do next: if you’re quoting insurance, quote the exact model-year and trim (and ideally the VIN), because “F-Series” and “Ram/Heavy Duty” groupings can include multiple configurations.
Top 10 best-selling vehicles in Canada (first half of 2025)
| Rank | Vehicle (as reported) | Total sales (Jan–Jun 2025, units) | Typical segment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ford F-Series (F-150 + Super Duty) | 66,330 | Full-size pickup |
| 2 | Toyota RAV4 | 42,761 | Compact SUV |
| 3 | GMC Sierra | 36,713 | Full-size pickup |
| 4 | Ram 1500 / Heavy Duty | 35,029 | Full-size pickup |
| 5 | Honda CR-V | 31,032 | Compact SUV |
| 6 | Chevrolet Silverado | 29,744 | Full-size pickup |
| 7 | Hyundai Kona | 22,954 | Subcompact SUV |
| 8 | Nissan Rogue | 21,008 | Compact SUV |
| 9 | Toyota Corolla | 18,202 | Compact car |
| 10 | Mazda CX-5 | 18,199 | Compact SUV |
What to do next: use the latest list for your timing (annual vs mid-year) and then verify insurance on the exact configuration you’re shopping. A model can stay on the top list while the mix of trims (and their repair/theft experience) shifts over time.2
What “best-selling” really means (and what it doesn’t)
When people search “best-selling vehicles in Canada,” they usually want one of these outcomes:
- Shortlist what Canadians actually buy (helps with resale expectations, service networks, and parts availability).
- A proven vehicle choice (the idea that high sales implies fewer surprises in ownership).
However, “best-selling” can be measured different ways:
- New vehicle sales (annual or quarterly reporting).
- Registrations (sometimes used in market analysis, but not always published the same way).
- Fleet vs retail mix (fleet-heavy models can rise in rank without being a typical household purchase).
- Grouped nameplates (some lists group related models into one line item).
Reality check
A vehicle can sell well because of incentives, supply availability, or fleet demand-none of which guarantee lower claim costs or lower theft risk. Treat best-seller lists as a shortlist, then validate with insurance quotes and total ownership costs.
Why best-sellers can cost more (or less) to insure
Insurance pricing is driven by expected claims cost, not popularity. A top-selling model can be inexpensive to insure in one trim and expensive in another.
1) Repair cost and repair time
Popular vehicles can have strong parts distribution and many repair facilities that know them well. But modern repairs often involve expensive components (LED headlights, sensors, cameras) and calibration. Rising vehicle and parts costs can increase claim severity over time.4
2) Claim frequency patterns
Best-sellers are driven a lot. High exposure (commutes, dense urban traffic, winter driving) can translate into more collision claims-especially in urban areas with higher traffic density.
3) Theft attractiveness
If a vehicle is highly demanded in resale or export markets, comprehensive losses can rise. Insurers may reflect theft experience in pricing and underwriting decisions. CLEAR, for example, uses industry data including claims frequency, claims cost, and the likelihood a vehicle will be stolen as part of how vehicles are grouped.6
4) Safety equipment vs expensive technology
Safety and driver-assist technology can reduce certain types of losses, but repair complexity can also increase. Insurers and industry tools may consider a vehicle’s safety equipment, repair costs, and loss experience when rating vehicles and setting premiums.7
5) Driver and usage fit
The same best-seller can price very differently depending on kilometres driven, commute distance, parking (garage vs street), driver history, and territory/postal code. That’s why a “low insurance” list can only be a starting point-your quote is personal.
Theft risk and best-sellers (Canada-wide snapshot)
Some of Canada’s best-selling SUVs also show up on national theft rankings, which matters because theft losses can exceed $1 billion annually in claims according to Équité Association, and theft patterns can influence pricing and availability of coverage depending on province and insurer.9
Top 10 most stolen vehicles in Canada (2024)
| Rank | Vehicle | Thefts in 2024 (count) | Why it matters for shopping |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota RAV4 | 2,681 | Compact SUV demand can raise theft attention |
| 2 | Honda CR-V | 2,261 | Popular SUV with strong resale demand |
| 3 | Ford F150 | 2,135 | Common pickup; verify trim and security features |
| 4 | Lexus RX Series | 2,089 | Higher-value crossover can influence comp pricing |
| 5 | Honda Civic | 1,733 | High volume vehicle; quote exact year/trim |
| 6 | Honda Accord | 1,619 | Sedan theft experience can affect comp |
| 7 | Toyota Highlander | 1,543 | Midsize SUV demand can raise theft risk |
| 8 | Chevrolet Silverado 1500 | 1,364 | Full-size pickup; consider parking and use |
| 9 | Ram 1500 | 1,234 | Full-size pickup; confirm business use rules |
| 10 | GMC Sierra 1500 | 1,177 | Full-size pickup; quote VIN where possible |
How to use this table: theft rankings don’t mean a vehicle is “bad.” They mean you should check theft-driven pricing and ask about anti-theft requirements (aftermarket devices, tracking, garage parking) before you commit-especially in higher-theft regions.10
Pro tip
If a vehicle you want is on both the best-seller list and the top theft list, prioritize VIN quoting and ask for a coverage-by-coverage breakdown (collision vs comprehensive vs liability). Theft often shows up in the comprehensive portion.
Canada-wide note: public vs private auto insurance
Auto insurance is provincially regulated. On top of minimum legal requirements, the structure of how coverage is delivered can differ:
- British Columbia has mandatory basic vehicle insurance through ICBC (public insurer) with optional coverages available through ICBC and private insurers depending on coverage type and policy structure.11
- Manitoba has basic compulsory coverage through Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI).12
- Saskatchewan has basic compulsory coverage through SGI (Saskatchewan Government Insurance).13
- Quebec has a public automobile insurance plan for bodily injury through the SAAQ structure, while vehicle damage coverage is typically handled through private insurers.14
Important warning for comparisons
Comparing “average premiums” between public and private systems can be misleading if the coverages and benefits aren’t matched. The Insurance Bureau of Canada notes that comparing private and public markets can be difficult without a like-for-like comparison.8
What to do next: when comparing with a friend in another province, match the same protections (liability, collision, comprehensive, accident benefits where relevant), the same deductibles, and the same usage assumptions.
City and postal code impact (how to localize this guide)
Within the same province, premiums can vary significantly by territory/postal code. That’s why “city pages” should be meaningfully different: local traffic density, claim frequency, theft patterns, and repair ecosystem can all shift the baseline.
Example: Ontario average premiums by region (FSRA benchmarks)
The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA) publishes average premium information that highlights how territory can change the baseline. The figures below are a useful benchmark-not a quote-and your price will still depend on your driver profile, vehicle, and coverage choices.3
| Ontario region | Average annual premium (Oct 2024) | Average annual premium (Jun 2025) | How to use this for a city page |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario (overall) | $2,002 | $2,120 | Use as province-level benchmark and explain key drivers |
| GTA | $2,337 | $2,476 | Explain urban density, theft exposure, higher claim frequency |
| Other Urban | $1,867 | $1,978 | Compare to GTA and note territory-based pricing differences |
| Rural | $1,502 | $1,593 | Discuss distance-driven risk vs lower congestion exposure |
What to include to make a city page meaningfully different
- Local risk context: commuting patterns (downtown vs suburban), winter road conditions, and parking realities (street vs garage).
- Local theft/claims context: if theft is a known concern locally, prioritize guidance on comprehensive and anti-theft questions.
- Local quoting tips: encourage VIN quoting and consistent coverages, plus a quick explanation of how postal code affects the quote.
- Local benchmarks: use the best available regulator or public benchmarks for your province/region, and clearly label them as benchmarks-not guarantees.
Methodology for rate tables on this page
- Benchmark sources: We use regulator or public benchmark sources when available (example: FSRA for Ontario averages).3
- Vehicle lists: Best-seller rankings are taken from widely cited national sales reporting published by major Canadian automotive outlets using industry data (annual and mid-year lists).12
- No “one-size-fits-all” quote: Benchmarks are not personalized pricing; your quote depends on location, driving record, vehicle details, and coverages selected.
- Update cadence: We update sales tables when new annual or quarterly rankings are publicly available, and update benchmark tables when the source publishes new values.
How to check insurance before you buy (step-by-step)
If you’re choosing between Canada’s best-selling vehicles, treat insurance like a pre-purchase inspection: do it before you commit.
Step 1: Quote the exact vehicle (VIN when possible)
“Toyota RAV4” can represent many trims, drivetrains, and option packages. Insurers consider make, model, year, value, and repair costs, and safety/anti-theft features may also be considered.7 What to do next: ask the dealer for the VIN or build sheet and quote that exact configuration.
Step 2: Keep coverages identical across quotes
To compare fairly, keep the same liability limit, collision and comprehensive deductibles, and the same endorsements (rental/loss of use, waiver of depreciation, accident forgiveness where available). What to do next: write a simple coverage checklist and reuse it for every quote.
Step 3: Use accurate usage details (kilometres, commute, parking)
Annual kilometres, commute distance, and parking type can change pricing. What to do next: estimate kilometres realistically and keep the same assumptions when comparing vehicles.
Step 4: Ask what’s driving the difference (collision vs comp vs liability)
When a quote is higher than expected, ask for a breakdown:
- Collision often tracks repair cost and collision claim experience.
- Comprehensive often tracks theft, vandalism, glass, and weather-related losses.
- Liability is heavily influenced by driver profile and territory, plus severity trends.
What to do next: if the difference is mostly comprehensive, check theft risk signals and ask about anti-theft requirements. If the difference is mostly collision, compare trims and tech packages-small equipment changes can shift repair costs.
Used-shopping tip
Quote at least two nearby model years and two trims before you buy used. A used “top trim” can still be expensive to repair, even if the sticker price is lower.
New vs used best-sellers: insurance trade-offs
Buying a best-selling vehicle used can reduce purchase price, but insurance doesn’t always move in the same direction.
When new vehicles can cost more to insure
- Higher replacement cost: the insurer may pay more on a total loss.
- More expensive components: new designs can have higher parts costs.
- Full coverage is more common: lenders/lessors often require collision and comprehensive.
When used vehicles can cost more to insure
- Trim complexity: older, high-end trims can still have expensive sensors and headlights.
- Vehicle theft profile: some older models remain theft targets.
- Coverage mismatch: some drivers keep full coverage longer than needed; others drop it too early.
What to do next: set a clear “keep or drop” rule for collision/comprehensive based on what you could afford out-of-pocket if the vehicle were written off-then quote both scenarios.
Business use and best-selling vehicles (rideshare, delivery, commuting)
Best-sellers are popular because they’re versatile, but insurance depends heavily on how you use the vehicle.
Personal vs commercial use
If you use a vehicle for delivery, frequent client visits, or transporting tools, your insurer may treat it differently than personal commuting. What to do next: disclose business use and ask whether you need a commercial policy or endorsement for your province and insurer.
Don’t guess on rideshare or delivery coverage
If you use a best-selling vehicle for rideshare or delivery, a standard personal policy may not respond the way you expect during app-on/app-off periods. What to do next: ask your broker/insurer to confirm in writing how your use is covered (rules and availability vary by province and insurer).
Decision flow: choosing a best-seller with insurance in mind
flowchart TD
A[Pick three models you want]
A --> B[Get VIN quotes same coverage]
B --> C{Is one quote much higher}
C -->|No| D[Choose fit budget availability]
C -->|Yes| E[Ask which coverage drives price]
E --> F{Can you adjust year trim deductible}
F -->|Yes| G[Re quote and compare again]
F -->|No| H[Plan higher premium or choose different model]
G --> DFAQs
What does “best-selling vehicle” mean in Canada?
It usually refers to new vehicle sales over a specific period (annual or quarterly). Some lists group related models (for example, a pickup family) and rankings can shift by timeframe, incentives, and availability.12
Should I buy a best-selling vehicle to save on ownership costs?
Not automatically. Popular vehicles can be easier to service and source parts for, but insurance depends on claims experience, repair costs, and theft likelihood. Always validate with quotes for your exact vehicle and location.67
How do I compare insurance fairly between two best-sellers?
Quote both vehicles using identical coverages and deductibles, use the same annual kilometres and parking details, and quote the exact trim (VIN when possible). Then ask which coverage (collision, comprehensive, liability) is driving any big difference.
Does theft ranking affect my insurance?
It can. Theft experience can influence comprehensive pricing and underwriting, and some regions may require anti-theft measures for certain vehicles. If your vehicle appears on a national theft list, prioritize VIN quoting and ask what anti-theft steps are recommended or required.910
Why is it hard to compare premiums across provinces?
Coverage structures differ and some provinces use public insurers for mandatory coverages. Comparing “average premiums” across systems can be misleading without matching benefits and protections.811121314
Is a used best-selling vehicle always cheaper to insure than new?
Not always. Used vehicles can still be expensive to repair (trim technology) and may have theft experience that influences comprehensive pricing. Quote both the vehicle you want and a nearby trim/year to compare.
Editorial standards / methodology
We prioritize Canadian regulators and public benchmark sources where available, plus national industry organizations and widely cited Canadian automotive sales reporting for best-seller rankings. Premium benchmarks are not personalized quotes: your price depends on location, driver history, vehicle details, coverages, deductibles, and discounts. Coverage rules and product structures vary by province and insurer, so confirm details with a licensed insurer or broker before you buy or change coverage.
Update note
- Last updated: January 9, 2026
- Refreshed best-seller tables using the latest publicly available annual (2024) and mid-year (first half of 2025) national lists.
- Updated theft and Ontario benchmark sections using the latest publicly available sources and clarified how to localize city pages.
Disclaimer
This article is for general information only and isn’t an insurance quote, contract, or legal advice. Coverage availability, policy wordings, and mandatory minimums vary by province/territory and insurer. Always confirm details with a licensed insurer or broker before you buy a vehicle or change coverage.
Sources (numbered footnotes)
- The Car Guide – “Top 10 Best-Selling Vehicles in Canada in 2024” (model list and sales units): https://www.guideautoweb.com/en/articles/77027/top-10-best-selling-vehicles-in-canada-in-2024/
- The Car Guide – “Top 10 Best-Selling Vehicles in Canada, First Half of 2025” (Jan–Jun 2025 model list and sales units): https://www.guideautoweb.com/en/articles/78901/top-10-best-selling-vehicles-in-canada-first-half-of-2025/
- FSRA (Ontario) – “Your average premium” (Ontario average annual premium benchmarks by region): https://www.fsrao.ca/consumers/auto-insurance/understanding-auto-insurance/your-average-premium
- Statistics Canada – The Daily (Jan 8, 2026), “Car prices continue to increase…” (median new/used vehicle price change since Dec 2019; parts cost change): https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/260108/dq260108c-eng.htm
- Statistics Canada – “Impacts of rising costs and claims on personal automobile insurance” (context on rising claim costs and premium pressures): https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-621-m/11-621-m2023010-eng.htm
- Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) – “CLEAR (Canadian Loss Experience Automobile Rating)” (claims frequency, cost, theft likelihood as inputs; overview of methodology): https://www.ibc.ca/industry-resources/insurance-data-tools/clear-canadian-loss-experience-automobile-rating
- Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) – “How auto rates are set” (vehicle factors and how vehicle choice impacts rates): https://www.ibc.ca/insurance-basics/auto/how-auto-insurance-rates-are-set
- Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) – “Determining Value: Comparing Private and Public Auto Insurance” (comparability caution across systems): https://www.ibc.ca/issues-and-advocacy/auto-insurance/determining-value-comparing-private-and-public-auto-insurance
- Équité Association – Press release (Nov 18, 2025), “Toyota RAV4 Tops… Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles… over $1B in claims; national context”: https://www.equiteassociation.com/press-releases/toyota-rav4-tops-equite-associations-annual-top-10-most-stolen-vehicles-list-organized-crimes-shifting-tactics-continue-to-impact-canadians-with-over-1-billion-in-claims-last-year
- Équité Association – “Canada’s Top 10 Most Stolen Vehicles” (2024 list with theft counts): https://www.equiteassociation.com/top-10-most-stolen-vehicles/
- ICBC – Insurance basics / mandatory basic insurance (public insurer structure in BC): https://www.icbc.com/insurance/buy-renew-cancel/insurance-basics
- Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) – “All about insurance” (basic compulsory insurance in Manitoba): https://www.mpi.mb.ca/all-about-insurance/
- SGI – “Auto insurance” (basic coverage structure in Saskatchewan): https://sgi.sk.ca/auto-insurance
- SAAQ – “Automobile insurance plan” (Quebec public bodily injury framework): https://saaq.gouv.qc.ca/en/automobile-insurance/automobile-insurance-plan
About the Author: ALAN ISIK
