The availability of inexpensive new cars continues to diminish in Canada, but a handful of brands still offer some relatively low-cost options.

For the list of cheapest 2026 model year cars, we’ve set the threshold at $28,000. Below you can check out all the brand-new vehicles you can still buy below that price, including fees and levies such as destination charges. That’s for the starting price of each vehicle’s base model.

The list is ordered from most to least expensive.

Not all automakers have announced 2026 model year details yet, and this article will be updated as information becomes available.

The starting advertised price includes the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), plus fees and levies. Fees and levies may vary by location. This list is based on Ontario advertised prices. Dealers may set their own prices and automakers may adjust their prices through the year. Check with your local dealer for an exact price.

Nissan Sentra

Starting advertised price: $27,887 (MSRP of $25,268)

The Nissan Sentra (pictured up top) is all new for the 2026 model year. The 2-litre four-cylinder engine with 149 hp and 146 lb.-ft. from the previous model is carried over, but now all versions come with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The car also has an updated design, and more tech and comfort features than before, including Zero Gravity front seats. A 12.3-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, as are various advanced driver assistance systems.

Build yours on the Nissan Canada website.

Mazda3

Starting advertised price: $27,846* (2025) (MSRP of $25,250)

The Mazda3, Mazda’s longtime compact car, is powered by Skyactiv-G 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine with 191 hp and 186 lb.-ft. of torque mated to six-speed automatic transmission. Standard features include a suite of advanced safety features, push-button start, black cloth heated front seats, automatic climate control, LED automatic headlights, LED combination taillights, 16-inch silver metallic alloy wheels and more. The hatchback version, Mazda3 Sport, costs $750 more than the sedan, and the Mazda3 can also be had with a more powerful turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, but at higher prices. The price above is based on 2025 pricing. The MSRP isn’t increasing for 2026, but revisions to fees and levies may push the purchase price higher.

Build yours on the Mazda Canada website.

Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Starting advertised price: $27,768 (MSRP of $24,820)

Toyota’s Corolla Hatchback is powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder engine with 169 hp, mated to a direct shift continuously variable transmission, with a city-highway combined fuel-efficiency rating of 6.8L/100 km. Standard features include Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which is a suite of safety features, an eight-inch multimedia screen with an up to 10-year trial of Toyota’s Service Connect and Safety Connect, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comparability, smart key with push button start and more.

Build yours on the Toyota Canada website.

Toyota Corolla

Starting advertised price: $27,468 (MSRP of $24,520)

Toyota’s long-running compact sedan is powered by 2-litre four-cylinder engine with 169 hp, mated to a continuously variable transmission, and a city-highway combined fuel-efficiency rating of 6.7L/100 km. The car comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which is a suite of safety features, as well as an eight-inch multimedia screen with an up to 10-year trial of Service and Safety Connect, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comparability and more.

Build yours on the Toyota Canada website.

Kia K4 Hatchback

Starting advertised price: $27,390 (MSRP of $24,795)

The Kia K4 Hatchback is an all-new model, arriving one year after the K4 sedan. It is powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 hp and 132 lb.-ft. of torque. The interior features a dual-digital display setup that measures nearly 30 inches with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, various advanced driver assistance systems and a cavernous cargo area (629 litres behind the rear seats and 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded flat).

Build yours on the Kia Canada website.

Mitsubishi RVR

Starting advertised price: $27,369 (MSRP of $24,998)

The RVR became Mitsubishi’s most affordable vehicle when the automaker discontinued the Mirage at the end of 2024. The RVR, a subcompact SUV, is significantly roomier than the Mirage. Standard safety features include electronic brake force distribution with brake assist, active stability control and more. The base model gets a 2-litre engine with 148 hp, and front-wheel drive, but the SUV has an an available 2.4-litre engine and all-wheel drive, albeit at higher prices.

Build yours on the Mitsubishi Canada website.

Kia K4

Starting advertised price: $26,590 (MSRP of $24,296)

The Kia K4 launched for the 2025 model year as a replacement to the Forte. It’s advertised as the largest car in the compact car class. Base model features include smart cruise control with stop and go, various advanced driver assistance systems, smart key with push start and remote engine start, 12.3-inch multimedia screen with Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and more. The car is powered by a 2-litre four-cylinder engine with a city-highway combined fuel-efficiency rating of 7L/100 km.

Build yours on the Kia Canada website.

Hyundai Elantra

Starting advertised price: $25,844 (MSRP of $22,999)

Hyundai’s compact sedan is powered by a fuel-efficient 2-litre four-cylinder engine producing 147 hp and 132 lb.-ft. of torque, with engine idle stop and go. Standard features include an eight-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, heated front seats, forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane follow assist, lane keeping assist, LED headlights, intelligent speed limit assist, driver attention warning, rear occupant alert, eight airbags and more.

Build yours on the Hyundai Canada website.

Hyundai Venue

Starting advertised price: $24,994 (MSRP of $21,999)

The Venue is the lowest-priced new vehicle in Canada for the 2026 model year. This small crossover is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with a city-highway fuel-efficiency rating of 7.5L/100 km. It comes standard with an eight-inch touchscreen, forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian detection, driver attention warning, lane keeping assist, rear occupant alert, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, heated front seats, cruise control and more.

Build yours on the Hyundai Canada website.

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