Top 10 Vehicles that Didn’t Sell Well in Canada in 2018
The automobile market offers something for everyone these days. From minicars to full-size pickup trucks, from 800-horsepower muscle cars to emissions-free electric vehicles, in addition to a plethora of SUVs of all sizes, Canadian consumers have plenty of choices as they shop for a new vehicle. Too many choices, perhaps?
Here’s the top 10 vehicles that didn’t sell well in Canada during the 2018 calendar year. However, we deliberately ignored prestige vehicles that are intentionally sold in small numbers as well as vehicles that arrived on or left the market during the year. What’s a shame is that there are several excellent cars and trucks on this list.
10- Lincoln MKT
It’s still for sale? Yes. Each year, we announce the end of this midsize, three-row luxury SUV, but it quietly soldiers on. In the spring of 2018, Lincoln told us the 2019 MKT would be reserved exclusively for commercial fleets, but it’s still offered to the public. Yet the latter doesn’t seem to notice its existence. Will there be a 2020 MKT? It’s possible.
Sales in Canada in 2018: 157 units (-21% compared to 2017)
9- Jaguar XF
The English brand’s midsize luxury sedan isn’t attracting a fan base in Canada. And yet it has many virtues and drives well, but just can’t seem to stand out in a segment overflowing with luxurious and dynamic German sedans. Even the aging Jaguar XJ, whose current generation has been around since 2011, sold in greater numbers than the XF…
Sales in Canada in 2018: 173 units (-65% compared to 2017)
8- Kia Cadenza
The perfect example of a competent, comfortable and relatively affordable sedan that slipped into obscurity. The Cadenza obviously doesn’t have the flair or a Mercedes-Benz or a BMW, but compares well to what Buick and Lincoln has to offer. We’ll blame the Kia brand’s lack of prestige and low resale value here.
Sales in Canada in 2018: 83 units (-33% compared to 2017)
7- Genesis G90
Here’s another victim of low resale value and a brand recognition that has yet to be established. The big G90 is a formidable luxury sedan that’s comfortable and quick on its feet. However, if we’re to dish out almost $90,000 on a car, we’re likely more inclined to choose one from a luxury brand that might actually make our neighbours jealous. Too bad.
Sales in Canada in 2018: 81 units (-12% compared to 2017)
6- Acura RLX
It appears that the buying public has lost interest in big luxury sedans. However, the Acura RLX never was a sales success, and yet, it’s filled to the brim with technology, it’s fast and it consumes little fuel. And let’s not forget that it will hold its value for many years, making it a good choice for those who like to keep their luxury car for the long term. The RLX should soon disappear, with no replacement in sight.
Sales in 2018 in Canada: 64 units (+8% compared to 2017)
5- Infiniti Q70
Yet another luxury sedan that has trouble attracting buyers, but admittedly, the current generation of the Q70 has been around since 2010. And at the time, it was called the Infiniti M. We’ll bet that its replacement, if there is one on the drawing boards, will be equipped with a plug-in hybrid or fully electric powertrain.
Sales in Canada in 2018: 53 units (-20% compared to 2017)
4- Jeep Renegade
Yes, 1,193 units of the Renegade were sold in Canada last year, a number much higher than the sales of many other models in this list. However, in the effervescent subcompact SUV segment, we must admit that the Renegade is a disappointment. And yet, overall sales of the Jeep brand are rising across the planet. Il only it was more affordable.
Sales in Canada in 2018: 1,193 units (-60% compared to 2017)
3- Nissan Titan / Titan XD
We’d applaud a manufacturer who’d manage to sell 5,445 units of a luxury SUV or a convertible a year in Canada. However, in the case of a full-size pickup truck, it’s a sad result. For every Titan or Titan XD Nissan sells, Ford moves 26 F-Series trucks off its dealer lots. And yet, the Titan is an interesting product.
Sales in Canada in 2018: 5,445 units (-5% compared to 2017)
2- Fiat 500X
Like the Jeep Renegade, the Fiat 500X should find its fair share of buyers in an extremely popular market segment. However, it uncomfortably sits in last place on the sales charts in its category. For 2019, FCA eliminated the front-wheel-drive versions of the 500X, so its base price is over $30,000. That’s too much.
Sales in Canada in 2018: 79 units (-91% compared to 2017)
1- Fiat 500L
We really don’t want to kick Fiat Chrysler Automobiles while it’s down. However, the automaker is going through big changes at the moment, and although it announced plenty of upcoming products for the Ram, Jeep and Maserati brands, among others, the future of the Dodge, Chrysler and Fiat brands in North America has yet to be redefined. Meanwhile, the poor Fiat 500L seems very lonely in its corner, despite being a very versatile vehicle. But without all-wheel drive and stuck with the brand’s reputation of shoddy reliability, the 500L continues to be offered in Canada while no one seems to want one. It’s sad.
Sales in Canada in 2018: 13 units (-69% compared to 2017)