10 Most Popular Hatchbacks in Canada for 2024

The humble hatchback has served as a fun and economical runabout for millions of drivers over the years. This tradition continues today, even with the rise of the crossover SUThe humble hatchback has served as a fun and economical runabout for millions of drivers over the years. This tradition continues today, even with the rise of the crossover SUV.

Hatchbacks were once a cornerstone of the market, but their numbers have dwindled, as buyer preferences have shifted to taller vehicles.

It’s not all doom and gloom though, as there are still a number of brand-spanking-new hatchbacks on sale in 2024 and tons of previously owned examples are available. They start at low prices, provide lots of practicality and feature plenty of safety tech.

If you are in the market for a small, economical vehicle, a hatchback might be the perfect choice. In no particular order, we have compiled a list of 10 hatchbacks that continue to excel in 2024, offering affordable motoring to the masses with consistently improving quality.

1. Volkswagen Golf

First on our list is the legendary Volkswagen Golf. Famed for its practicality and sporty handling, the Volkswagen Golf is one of the world’s best-selling car models with more than 35 million units rolling off the Volkswagen assembly line since its debut in 1974.

The eighth generation hatchback is the latest incarnation of the nameplate and features a wide range of Volkswagen’s latest tech and safety features. Here are the key points for the Volkswagen Golf hatchback.

• Powertrain: The Mk8 Volkswagen Golf has a turbocharged 1.4-litre inline four-cylinder engine good for a plentiful 147 horsepower. Driving the front wheels through your choice of six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission puts up fuel economy numbers of 8.2 L/100 km in the city and 6.3 L/100 km on the highway.
• Safety: A forward collision warning system scans the road ahead for hazards like pedestrians, cyclists and intersections, and can automatically apply the brakes to help keep you and those around you safe. There’s also a blind spot warning system to make your life on the road easier. Front and rear side curtain airbags help keep you safe if a collision does occur.
• Technology: Inside the Volkswagen Golf you’ll find a range of the latest infotainment technology. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are on deck, as well as an 8-inch screen to handle all your multimedia demands. Available satellite radio provides the tunes while USB charging lets you arrive at your destination ready for anything.

Start your search for a Volkswagen Golf with Kijiji Autos.

2. Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is efficient, practical, safe and fun all rolled into one squared-off package. The 2024 edition sees refinements to its styling as well as a range of new driver assistance systems like lane-keeping and forward collision avoidance. Here’s what else is on offer:

• Efficiency: The Kia Soul is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, backed by an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) sending 147 horsepower and 132 lb.-ft. of torque to the front wheels. It’s rated at a frugal 8.5 L/100 km city, 7.0 L/100 km highway and 7.8 L/100 km combined.
• Practicality: Thanks to its funky styling, the Kia Soul features a highly practical and versatile interior, with a mammoth 1,758 litres of cargo space when the seats are folded flat. Need more space? An optional power sunroof opens up the heavens above.
• Safety: On top of the available assistance and safety tech, the 2024 Kia Soul scored highly on every test thrown at it by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), including a newly revised side-impact test designed to simulate the taller, heavier vehicles on the road today.
• Brings the party: The 2024 Kia Soul knows how to have a good time. An 8-inch touchscreen featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard equipment and a larger 10.25-inch version is optional, as is a Harmon Kardon sound system optimized for the Soul. Every party needs lighting, and the Kia Soul has this covered with sound-reactive mood lights throughout the interior.

Get the good vibes going and search for a Kia Soul on sale today.

3. Ford Focus

Although Ford announced the discontinuation of the Focus in 2022, used models are still among the most popular in Canada. The Ford Focus is known for its nimble handling and fun-loving spirit. Powered by engines ranging from a fuel-sipping 1.3-litre turbocharged three-cylinder through to the fire-breathing 350-horsepower unit found in the Ford Focus RS, there’s something for everyone in the Focus lineup. Here’s everything else Ford packs into the Focus.

• Self-parking system: It’s true—what was once the purview of the most advanced luxury cars is available on every Ford Focus that rolls off the production line. The system can identify suitable parking spaces and then guide the Focus into the space automatically.
• Safety features and driver assists: The Ford Focus also comes with a number of optional safety features and driver assists such as lane-keep assist, rear parking sensors and blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert hill.
• Go-far efficiency: Refined aerodynamics and fuel-saving engines mean that in its most economical guises, the Ford Focus puts up numbers that land it at the front of the class with fuel consumption as low as 6.1 L/100km.
• Entertainment-a-plenty: The Ford Focus doesn’t skimp on the entertainment either, with an optional 8-inch centre touchscreen paired with a 10-speaker Sony sound system handling media duties.

Save a bundle and shop for a Ford Focus with Kijiji Autos.

4. Nissan Versa

The Nissan Versa, known as the Versa Note in hatchback form, wraps up efficiency and practicality in a striking hatchback body that provides luxury limousine levels of rear leg room.

The Versa Note also combines a budget-friendly price tag with optional features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to provide drivers with the best of both worlds. Here’s what else the Nissan Versa Note brings to the table.

• Basic to bespoke: In its most basic form the Nissan Versa Note serves as a simple, inexpensive transporter with manual windows and door locks, while checking a few options boxes gets you features like cruise control, power windows and fog lights.
• Relaxed and comfortable handling: The Nissan Versa Note features comfortable handling that soaks up bumps well, while large door openings and an upright seating position make it easy to get into and out of.
• Efficiency in every Note: Every version of the Versa Note is powered by a 109-horsepower four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels. Like the Kia Soul, the Nissan Versa Note features a CVT gearbox which it uses to put up an impressive fuel economy rating as low as 6.2 L/100 km.
• Space for people and their gear: The Nissan Versa Note boasts a spacious, comfortable interior that can easily transport four or five adults. When cargo is the order of the day, the Versa Note’s rear seats fold to boost interior space even further.
• Tech and entertainment: A 7-inch centre screen handles all things infotainment in the Versa Note, and can be added along with satellite radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot.

Find out what the Nissan Versa is capable of in hatchback form and start your search today.

5. Chevrolet Spark

It's been a few years since the Spark line was discontinued, but that hasn't slowed down its status as one of the top-sellers on the resale market.

The small but mighty Chevrolet Spark brings agility to the segment with its compact footprint and optional manual transmission.

Powered by a 98 horsepower 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine, the Spark can also be had with a CVT automatic. The Spark also comes with a surprising amount of technology. Here are the highlights.

• Handling: Reviews consistently sing the Spark’s praises for its agile handling, quick steering and confident brakes. If you’re looking for a driver’s car in the segment this could be the one.
• The finer things: While the Chevrolet Spark starts as a simple, no-nonsense runabout, you can add a premium feel with the higher trim packages, such as the 1LT trim which adds satellite radio and keyless entry.
• Entertainment as standard: One of the great things about the Chevrolet Spark is the amount of technology that comes as standard equipment. Every example features a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system loaded with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot, twin USB ports and a 12-volt outlet for charging.
• Available safety: The Chevrolet Spark can be optioned with a range of systems to keep you safe on the road. Forward collision alert scans the road ahead, while emergency automated braking can help you avoid trouble. There’s also a lane-departure warning system and rear parking sensors on offer.

Ignite your passion for driving with a Chevrolet Spark. Start your search today.

6. Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza built its name on the world’s rally stages, and that spirit lives on in the latest 2024 model with features like the full-time all-wheel drive that helps it grip the road whatever the weather. The Subaru Impreza has been completely redesigned for 2024. Here’s what it brings to the table:

• Boxer engine: Subaru’s trademark engine layout means the Impreza carries its weight down low for more stable handling. There are a pair of engines to choose from, one displacing 2.0 litres and making 152 horsepower, and the other producing 182 horsepower from 2.5 litres. The former is rated at 8.0 L/100 km combined, while the latter is only slightly thirstier despite its extra displacement and power.
• EyeSight: This is Subaru’s suite of safety systems and driver assists. The system uses a camera mounted behind the windscreen to scan the road ahead and look out for hazards. Also included are adaptive cruise control, lane keeping, emergency braking and more.
• Optional 11.6-inch touchscreen: A larger central touchscreen with built-in navigation can be had on the two higher trims of the Subaru Impreza, giving it tech chops to match its off-road prowess.
• Roof crossbar mounting points: Carry kayaks and other large items atop your Subaru Impreza with ease thanks to the roof crossbar mounting points built into every model.
• Cargo space: The Impreza’s roomy interior can carry plenty of gear too, with 578 litres of space in the trunk, expanding to 1,586 litres with the seats folded down.

Hit the road for adventure in a Subaru Impreza.

7. Hyundai Accent

The Hyundai Accent is a veteran when it comes to moving people and things around without breaking the bank. Hatchback form adds versatility to the Accent, while a 1.6-litre engine with 120 horsepower provides the motivation. Transmission options include a six-speed manual and a CVT. Here’s what else the Hyundai Accent is packing.

• Fan favourite: With its inexpensive point of entry, good list of standard equipment and clean styling, the Hyundai Accent hatchback is all the car that many people could ever need. The five-door Accent gets the job done efficiently and reliably.
• Nimble handling: It’s not all practicality and shopping with your head; the Hyundai Accent also has the chops to thrill you when the roads get twisty thanks to agile handling and responsive steering.
• Tech options: The Accent hatchback comes well-equipped as standard with a 5.0-inch multimedia touchscreen, though SEL and Limited trims come with a 7.0-inch unit featuring Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and SiriusXM satellite radio capabilities.
• Safety assists: Advanced safety systems are also on the options list, with forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking systems both on offer.

Put a Hyundai Accent hatchback in your driveway, start your search with Kijiji Autos today.

8. Mazda3

In the past few years, the Mazda3 has gone from a cheerful economy hatchback to a much more upmarket position. The styling is premium, as are the interior materials. Handling is up there with the best in class, and Mazda’s Skyactiv engines bring the power and efficiency that buyers want. Here are some other factors that make the Mazda3 such a strong contender:

• Engines: The 2024 Mazda3 hatchback has a choice of two engines, both 2.5 litres; one is equipped with a turbocharger and one without. The latter puts out a healthy 191 horsepower, while the turbo engine makes a stout 250.
• Available AWD: Helping those engines put their power down is an available all-wheel drive system, improving handling stability and bad-weather performance.
• Top Safety Pick: The 2024 Mazda3 has been named a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for its strong crash test results and standard equipment, such as blind spot monitoring and forward collision warning.
• Options: Entry-level Mazda3s are equipped with an 8.8-inch infotainment screen and heated front seats as standard. Bigger screens and better sounds courtesy of a Bose speaker system come with selecting a higher model. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and faux leather seats up the premium feel.

Experience the Mazda3’s blend of handling and efficiency. Search Kijiji Autos, book a test drive and get behind the wheel.

9. Hyundai Elantra GT

The Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback brings upmarket design and features to its segment. The Elantra is Hyundai’s top-selling model with over 14 million rolling off the production line across seven generations. Each new version has improved on the last, culminating with today’s Hyundai Elantra GT being one of the most compelling cars in its class. Here’s what makes it special.

• Plenty of standard equipment: The Hyundai Elantra GT comes with a wealth of features right out of the box. An 8.0-inch touchscreen houses Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth capabilities, while premium features like a panoramic sunroof, ventilated seats and driver-assist technologies can be optioned.
• Choice of engines: A pair of engines are on offer: a fuel-efficient 161 horsepower four-cylinder or the rowdier 201 horsepower turbocharged unit that comes with the Hyundai Elantra GT N Line. This version also comes with performance tires and the choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
• Upmarket design: The Hyundai Elantra GT is one of the most stylish and handsomely styled vehicles in its segment, and this is backed up by quality materials inside and out.

Get more for less with a Hyundai Elantra hatchback of your own.

10. Honda Civic

The Honda Civic is a legend of the hatchback segment and is now in its 11th generation. The Civic hatchback comes in Sport and Sport Touring flavours, both powered by a turbocharged 1.5 L four-cylinder engine with 180 horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Sport Touring can be optioned with a manual gearbox if you prefer to do your own shifting; otherwise, a CVT is standard. Here are some of the other features the Honda Civic hatchback has to offer:

• Efficiency: Both versions are rated at 7.7 L/100 km city, 6.3 L/100 km highway and 7.1 L/100 km combined, though this climbs to 8.5, 6.3 and 7.3 in the Sport Touring equipped with the manual transmission.
• Top Safety Pick: Like the Mazda3 mentioned above, the Honda Civic has also received special mention from the IIHS for its suite of protection and safety systems.
• Honda Sensing driver assists: Speaking of safety, the Honda Civic includes collision mitigation braking with pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and many more features.
• Connected as standard: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come preloaded into every Honda Civic hatchback.
• Step it up: There are a range of upgrades available to up the level of luxury in your Civic. Rear heated seats, leather seats, a premium Bose sound system and a larger touchscreen are all extras.

Find a Honda Civic for sale near you with Kijiji Autos.

So there we have it—10 hatchbacks that continue to sell in the age of the crossover. Some are simple and some take on a more luxurious form, but they all share practicality and a reasonably low price of entry.

We trust that this article has provided valuable insights into your hatchback options. Kijiji Autos offers an extensive selection of these vehicles available for purchase in markets nationwide. Start your search with Kijiji Autos today.