When buying a new car, you need to think about so much more than design, colour and price. It’s a huge investment to make, after all. You need to take into account many other factors: How safe is it? How well does it handle on the road? Is it fuel-efficient? We’ve looked at the experts’ recommendations to create this list, which will help you narrow down the possibilities. We’ve also taken into account the things that may be important to you, such as environmental friendliness. So, without further ado, here are the best cars in Canada for 2019.

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1 / 20
Mazda CX-5 ($36,700 to $51,500)
According to Wheels.ca, the Mazda CX-5 is the best mid-size SUV in Canada right now. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or IIHS, named the 2018 model a 2018 Safety Top Pick+ because of its many safety features. You probably won’t win the Dakar Rally in this one, but it will get you to that cottage in one of Ontario’s most beautiful places without a hitch. Its ergonomic design makes long-distance driving less of a pain and if having tunes while you’re driving is important to you, the 2019 model will come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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2 / 20
Hyundai Veloster N (from $34,999)
AutoTrader.ca says that the Hyundai Veloster N is the first model in Hyundai’s N performance brand to hit North American shores. It’s basically an improved version of the Veloster hatchback and a great option if you’re looking for something sporty and stylish to get you around the city. More precise steering comes courtesy of the special front axle geometry and the 2.0L turbocharged engine gives better performance.

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3 / 20
Mazda MX-5 ($32,900 to $39,900)
The new Mazda MX-5 comes with more power and less internal weight. Auto123 says that its safety features have been upgraded too. In addition to advanced blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, the base model now includes smart city brake support, lane departure warning system, high beam control system, as well as a wide-angle rearview camera. This roadster isn’t a family car, but will take you on some of the best Canadian trips for solo travellers. Want to feel the wind in your hair? Then opt for the GT model, where the convertible top now comes in a choice of black cherry or brown.

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Ram 1500 ($42,095 to $74,595)
If you have one of the highest paying jobs that doesn’t involve sitting at a desk, you can’t go wrong investing in a pickup. Wheels.ca says that the best one for 2019 is the Ram 1500 from Fiat Chrysler. It’s good for both on-road and off-road conditions and is one of the quietest rides you can have. It’s also much more luxurious than its predecessor.

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5 / 20
Toyota Corolla Hatchback ($20,980 to $27,980)
Finally the Toyota Corolla Hatchback is cool, thanks to its sportier new design. Is it still a mom car? Considering safety features such as the pre-collision system that can detect a pedestrian in low light conditions, yes, it’s still a great option for driving around the kids. It’s not only for moms, though. After all, according to Auto123, it comes with great features like Apple CarPlay and the Entune 3.0 Audio multimedia system. Starting with the SE Upgrade, the higher-end models also feature the Qi wireless charging system so you can charge your electronics as you commute.

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6 / 20
Subaru Forester ($27,995 to $39,495)
The new Subaru Forester is another great option for a mid-sized SUV. According to AutoTrader.ca, it’s slightly larger than previous models, which makes for a more spacious interior. It handles both on- and off-road conditions well, as it comes with an all-wheel drive system. DriverFocus helps combat distracted driving and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto ensure that you always have those road trip tunes on hand. If you live in one of the Canadian cities with the worst winters, you’ll definitely appreciate the Subaru Forester’s heated front seats.

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7 / 20
Ford Mustang Bullitt (from $57,625)
This year marks 51 years since the release of the movie Bullitt, starring Steve McQueen and a legendary car chase scene. The new Ford Mustang Bullitt pays homage to that movie and even comes in dark green, like the car in that scene, according to Wheels.ca. You can, however, opt for black too. You can also control the exhaust sound. Of course there’s more to this car than its retro cool, though. It comes standard with a semi-active suspension system, blind spot alert, cross-traffic alert, B&O Play audio by Harman and GPS navigation.
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8 / 20
Volvo V90 R-Design (from $78,000)
Wheels.ca calls the Volvo V90 R-Design the best large premium car for 2019. It now boasts a sportier look with a well-finished interior complete with all the features you’d want from a car in this price range. This car has a 2.0L turbocharged and supercharged 4-cylinder engine, 8-speed automatic and standard AWD. And it performs well in daily driving conditions. So if you have one of those jobs that pay over $200,000 a year, this may just be the car for you.

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Volkswagen GTI ($33,995 to $35,395)
The Rabbit name returns to the Volkswagen GTI this year. This reliable old stalwart comes with safety features like ABS and brake assist, as well as a back-up camera, according to AutoTrader.ca. For a comfortable drive, there are heated front seats, an MP3 player, Bluetooth and a satellite radio. It performs well and is a good choice for commuting.

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10 / 20
Mercedes Benz C-Class Wagon ($47,400 to $59,900)
Wheels.ca calls the Mercedes Benz C-Class Wagon the best mid-size premium car for 2019. It’s comfortable, drives well and looks great. If you’re planning one of those great Canadian road trips you need to take at least once, this is your car: it’s roomy and it’s easy to load too.

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11 / 20
Jaguar i-Pace (from $86,500)
Wheels.ca has chosen Jaguar’s first pure electric vehicle as the winner in the best premium EV/plug-in hybrid category for its Canadian car of the year for 2019. On full charge, it has a range of 377 km and it can reach a top speed of 200 km/h. It has all the luxury you’d expect from a Jag and while it’s pricey, it’s still much, much cheaper than a new Tesla.

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12 / 20
Genesis G70 ($42,000 to $57,000)
According to Driving.ca, the Genesis G70 comes with a range of automatic driver aids, Bluetooth connection, an MP3 player, satellite radio, heated front seats, rear defrost and heated mirrors for the Canadian winter and much more. It also comes standard with a sunroof, so it's perfect for driving in the best Canadian cities to visit in summer too.

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13 / 20
Lexus LS 500 ($102,700 to $134,050)
Wheels.ca awarded the Lexus LS 500 the second place in the category for best large premium car for its 2019 Canadian car of the year. The more expensive 500H hybrid model comes especially highly recommended for the smooth, quiet ride it provides.

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14 / 20
Volvo S90 T8 AWD Plug-In Hybrid (from $74,950)
Second in Wheels.ca’s 2019 Canadian car of the year in the EV/plug-in hybrid category, the Volvo S90 T8 is a handsome, sophisticated car packed with amenities. It handles very well considering its weight. Fuel economy is one of the best ways to cut your car costs and it’s a given with this plug-in hybrid model.

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15 / 20
Honda Insight ($27,990 to $33,590)
According to Auto123.com, the IIHS regards the Honda Insight one of the safest cars on the North American market. Its cabin remains in relatively good shape during collisions and its airbags deploy properly. It’s a hybrid model based on the Honda Civic, so you’ll save on fuel costs too.

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16 / 20
Acura RDX ($43,990 to $54,990)
If you have one of the best jobs for moms, you want a car that is reliable, spacious and, most of all, safe. The IIHS gave the Acura RDX the highest possible rating for crash avoidance and mitigation. Auto123.com says that this car has a luxurious spacious interior and comes with advanced features like an Android-based operating system and an innovative new touchpad.

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17 / 20
Kia Sorento ($27,995 to $48,865)
The Kia Sorento is another car that scored a superior rating for crash avoidance and mitigation by the IIHS. According to Auto123.com, the 2019 models haven’t changed much since 2015, but there is now an EX version that seats seven and is exclusively made for the Canadian market. So, if you want to go on one of those great adventures every Canadian must try, this is the car for an epic road trip with your best friends.

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18 / 20
Honda Pilot ($41,090 to $53,990)
Another car that got the highest possible rating for crash avoidance and mitigation from the IIHS is the new Honda Pilot. According to Canadian Auto World, it now comes with family-friendly, state-of-the-art technological upgrades like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as great all-weather driving capabilities. There is also the Black Edition exclusively for Canada.

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19 / 20
Toyota Avalon ($42,790 to $47,790)
AutoTrader.ca says that the 2019 Toyota Avalon is much more exciting than its predecessor. It looks less bland, with a trim for sport and one for luxury. The luxury limited model even features real wood in the interior. For the first time, a Toyota model now features Apple CarPlay. Features like pedestrian detection and emergency braking, lane-departure alert with steering assist and automatic high-beams make it easy to see why the IIHS considers this one of the safest cars in 2019.

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20 / 20
Nissan Micra S Manual ($9,988)
One of the first ways of reducing your credit card debt is to cut your spending. If you need a new car but don’t want to spend years paying it off, the Nissan Micra is a great choice. Lease Costs says that the manual base model is the cheapest car in Canada right now. It’s a small car perfect for city slickers who simply need wheels to get from A to B. If you want to pay a little more, upgrades can include features like air conditioning, heated side mirrors, front fog lights and USB connectivity.
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