Mid-size SUVs gain traction in ’16
With only one base price topping $50k, year’s bestselling vehicles in segment show allure of affordability
Like clover in the automotive pasture, mid-size SUVs continue to proliferate, pulling strong sales month after month. Despite a softening in overall Canadian automotive sales recently, medium-size 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 at dealers.
Here, in order of total sales for the year (to the end of October), are the most popular mid-size SUVs in Canada. 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.
Units sold (to date 2016/2015): 20,816/22,568
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. Units sold: 18,058/15,307 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. Units sold: 16,417/18,360 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. Units sold: 13,514/12,298 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. Units sold: 12,753/9,614 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 Eco-Boost and added new features. Units sold: 12,598/12,781 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. Units sold: 12,017/8,280 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 model gains a refresh, with minor design changes and interior enhancements. Units sold: 10,788/8,646 Base price: $35,500
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 an SUV. Units sold: 9,241/8,357 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 use. Units sold: 8,153/8,359 Base price: $32,498