Like clover in the automotive pasture, midsize SUVs continue to proliferate, pulling strong sales month after month. And, despite a softening in overall Canadian automotive sales recently, medium-sized utility vehicles remain popular, the segment up more 10.8 per cent for the year so far, according to the Global Automakers of Canada. And more models are on the way, with Volkswagen set to produce its new Atlas, Subaru readying its Viziv 7 concept, and revisions to many popular models, including the Toyota Highlander and Nissan Pathfinder, now arriving on store shelves.
Here, in order of total sales for the year-to-date (to the end of October), are the 20 most popular midsize SUVs in Canada so far in 2016. Where significant changes are seen year over year, a new model introduction or refresh is usually to cite for the drop or increase as consumers hold off or flock to the new unit. Prices do not include fees or taxes.
1. Hyundai Santa Fe Sport
The current sales leader among medium-sized SUVs, the Hyundai Santa Fe Sport slowed its brisk sales pace relative to last year (down 7.8 per cent) as customers held back for the 2017 model, which gains new technology, minor design tweaks and new safety features.
2017 Santa Fe Sport
Units sold to date, 2016/2015: 20,816/22,568
YTD change: –7.8%
Base price: $28,599
2. Ford Edge
The second-generation Edge introduced for 2015 rides on the Ford Fusion chassis (as does the Lincoln MKX crossover), but the 2016 version gained Ford’s Sync 3 system, which vastly improved the infotainment system’s usability, helping sales grow by 18 per cent.
2016 Ford Edge
Units sold to date, 2016/2015: 18,058/15,307
YTD change: +18%
Base price: $33,199
3. Jeep Wrangler
New colours for the highly regarded Jeep Wrangler in 2016 and 75th anniversary editions still haven’t kept sales at the same pace as 2015. A new Wrangler expected for 2018 may have some buyers holding out for the update, which promises better fuel economy and weight reduction without sacrificing off-road capability.
2016 Jeep Wranger Unlimited 75th Anniversary Edition
Units sold to date, 2016/2015: 16,417/18,360
YTD change: –10.6%
Base price: $27,695
4. Kia Sorento
Completely redesigned for 2016, the Kia Sorento grew not only in size, but in quality and comfort with better driving characteristics and a value-based sticker price – helping it to grow in sales by almost 10 per cent this year over last.
2016 Kia Sorento
Units sold to date, 2016/2015: 13,514/12,298
YTD change: +9.9%
Base price: $27,695
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Good discounts and incentives helped drive impressive sales gains for the Jeep Grand Cherokee, which comes with an optional diesel. With only minor changes over 2015, the Grand Cherokee enters 2017 with the top-of-the-line Summit getting revised styling and more interior features.
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Units sold to date, 2016/2015: 12,753/9,614
YTD change: +32.7%
Base price: $43,945
6. Ford Explorer
Several changes and updates to the strong-selling Explorer in 2016 didn’t push sales of the popular SUV much higher over 2015, even though the SUV got better looking, gained more power in the four-cylinder EcoBoost and added new features.
2016 Ford Explorer
Units sold to date, 2016/2015: 12,598/12,781
YTD change: –1.4%
Base price: $33,249
7. Nissan Murano
Unchanged for 2016 after an inspired redesign in 2015, the Murano continues to be a popular model for Nissan, even outselling its sibling Pathfinder. Good driving characteristics, a bold look and well-appointed interior at a decent price helped to send Murano sales 45 per cent higher this year.
2016 Nissan Murano
Units sold to date, 2016/2015: 12,017/8,280
YTD change: +45.1%
Base price: $30,748
8. Toyota Highlander
Good resale, above-average dependability and great utility continue to fuel Toyota Highlander sales. While the Highlander entered 2016 unchanged over 2015, the 2017 models gains a refresh, with minor design changes and interior enhancements.
2016 Toyota Highlander
Units sold to date, 2016/2015: 10,788/8,646
YTD change: +24.8%
Base price: $35,500
RELATED
SUV Review: 2016 Toyota Highlander Limited V6 AWD
9. Subaru Outback
Subaru set a record for sales in 2015 with 46,609 vehicles sold, and 2016 is likely to surpass that total, in part because of strong sales of the Forester and Outback, which is more of a crossover than SUV.
Subaru Outback
Units sold to date, 2016/2015: 9,241/8,357
YTD change: +10.6%
Base price: $27,995
10. Nissan Pathfinder
A thorough update, including changes to the CVT transmission, will undoubtedly propel the 2016 Nissan Pathfinder sales above the 2015 mark now that the refreshed model has arrived in dealerships. Ride and handling were also improved, and a new engine gains power while reducing fuel.
2016 Nissan Pathfinder Platinum 4WD
Units sold to date, 2016/2015: 8,153/8,359
YTD change: –2.5%
Base price: $32,498
RELATED
First Drive: 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
The next 10 most popular midsize SUVs in Canada:
11. Hyundai Santa Fe XL
2015 Hyundai Santa Fe XL Luxury
Units sold to date, 2016/2015: 7,156/5,499
YTD change: +30.1%
Base price: $32,199
RELATED
SUV Review: 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe XL Limited
12. Honda Pilot
2016 Honda Pilot Touring
Units sold to date, 2016/2015: 6,304/5,581
YTD change: –4.2%
Base price: $35,590
RELATED
SUV Review: 2016 Honda Pilot Touring
13. Toyota 4Runner
2015 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition
Units sold to date, 2016/2015: 5,663/4,747
YTD change: +19.3%
Base price: $44,540
14. Dodge Durango
2016 Dodge Durango
Units sold to date, 2016/2015: 5,272/3,118
YTD change: +69.1%
Base price: $43,945
15. Chevrolet Traverse
2016 Chevrolet Traverse LTZ
Units sold to date, 2016/2015: 3,575/3,436
YTD change: +4.0%
Base price: $34,630
16. GMC Acadia
2016 GMC Acadia
Units sold to date, 2016/2015: 3,307/5,236
YTD change: –36.8%
Base price: $35,095
RELATED
SUV Review: 2017 GMC Acadia Denali
17. Buick Enclave
2017 Buick Enclave Sport Touring Edition
Units sold to date, 2016/2015: 2,722/2,827
YTD change: –3.7%
Base price: $49,035
18. Ford Flex
2017 Ford Flex
Units sold to date, 2016/2015: 2,353/1,659
YTD change: +41.8%
Base price: $31,899
19. Mazda CX-9
2016 Mazda CX-9
Units sold to date, 2016/2015: 2,014/997
YTD change: +102%
Base price: $35,300
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20. Volkswagen Touareg
2016 Volkswagen Touareg
Units sold to date, 2016/2015: 1,163/1,880
YTD change: –38.1%
Base price: $50,975