O Canada: Cars Sold Here But Not in the U.S.
Canada and the United States are very similar markets when it comes to cars, but due to a few differences in consumer demand certain models are only available on one side of the border.
To celebrate Canada Day, we’ve created this photo gallery of vehicles sold in Canada but not in the U.S., both from the past and present.
Asüna
Asüna (1992-1994) was a GM brand designed exclusively for Canada. It failed miserably. Good luck finding one today.
Smart fortwo (1st generation)
The iconic smart fortwo managed to break through the North American market, initially in Canada with the diesel-powered first generation.
Acura EL and CSX
Both the EL (1997-2005) and CSX (2006-2011) were a more luxurious, Canadian-exclusive variant of the Honda Civic.
Chevrolet Orlando
The Orlando, built on the Cruze platform and using an Equinox powertrain, lasted only three years in Canada—three more than in the U.S.
Nissan X-Trail
As the Rogue’s predecessor, the X-Trail compact SUV made its mark in Canada and Europe, but not in the U.S.
Chevrolet Optra
Sold as a Daewoo in other markets, the Optra enjoyed a decent run in Canada, but was absent from the U.S. It was eliminated after 2008.
Volkswagen Golf City and Jetta City
In the early part of the new millennium, Volkswagen offered Canadians a more basic version of its compact cars. The Golf City and Jetta City proved fairly popular with their low entry price.
Kia Rondo (2nd generation)
The second-gen Rondo (2014-2017) was sold in Canada only since the Americans quickly got bored with the original.
Mercedes-Benz B-Class (gasoline)
Surprisingly roomy, this small German wagon was sold in Canada up until 2019. Uncle Sam ultimately welcomed the B-Class, but only the fully electric variant.
Nissan Micra
Starring in its own racing series, the small and super-affordable Micra has had a good run in Canada. It’s not returning for 2021.
Hyundai Accent 5-Door
The Accent Sedan is gone in Canada, but the Accent 5-Door remains. In the U.S., it’s the exact opposite.
Kia Forte5
The Forte5 is a versatile compact car, but since Americans prefer the Forte sedan, the hatchback is only sold in Canada.
Kia Soul EV
The next-generation Soul EV arrived in Canada as a 2020 model. In the U.S. the car is not even on sale yet. It’s due for 2021.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class Hatchback
The Car Guide’s Best New Car of 2019 is Mercedes-Benz’s new entry-level model. The A-Class is available in sedan and hatchback body styles in Canada, but American customers can only have the former.
Ram 1500 Sport
The Ram 1500 Sport is a Canadian-exclusive trim level with a monochromatic exterior and a few more unique touches. It reportedly accounts for about 30 percent of Ram 1500 sales in Canada.