As auto tariffs drive up the cost of new vehicles across Canada, a ripple effect is reshaping the used car market. Canadians are turning to previously overlooked models that offer reliability, performance, and value, without the tariff-induced price tags. With new inventory shrinking and dealer markups rising, used vehicles are suddenly in high demand. Here are 21 used cars that will surge in popularity thanks to tariffs:
2018 Toyota Corolla
Long known for its bulletproof reliability, the 2018 Toyota Corolla is emerging as a go-to alternative to inflated new models. With a 1.8L engine producing 132 horsepower and a fuel-efficient CVT, it offers a solid mix of daily drivability and long-term savings. The interiors are basic but functional, featuring a 6.1-inch touchscreen and rearview camera. The current market is seeing a surge in listings as Canadians try to lock in deals before demand dries up. At the same time, its reputation for low maintenance and stellar resale value makes it one of the smartest buys under pressure.
2017 Honda Civic
The 2017 Civic remains a Canadian favorite for good reason. Its 2.0L engine delivers 158 horsepower and sharp handling that outpaces many of today’s economy cars, while the interior still feels modern, with a sleek digital display and optional Apple CarPlay. As tariffs push up the cost of new compacts, the Civic’s strong resale reputation is causing prices on the used market to rise fast. Buyers looking for a sporty, efficient, and proven commuter are snapping these up, especially the EX and Touring trims that come packed with features.
2016 Mazda3
Sporty and fun-to-drive, the 2016 Mazda3 is one of the few compacts that still excites drivers. Powered by a 2.0L or 2.5L SkyActiv engine, it balances zip with fuel economy and features a surprisingly upscale cabin for its class. With new imports carrying higher tariffs, Canadians are rediscovering the Mazda3 as a reliable daily driver with personality. The hatchback version is especially popular, offering flexibility without sacrificing aesthetics.
2015 Subaru Outback
With its standard AWD and rugged build, the 2015 Subaru Outback is making a major comeback. This Canadian favorite runs on a 2.5L flat-four engine that produces 175 hp and offers a roomy, comfortable interior perfect for long winters and weekend escapes. Now that newer Outbacks are edging into luxury-level pricing due to tariffs, used models like this one are gaining serious traction, offering an ideal blend of capability and economy, with solid resale value and proven winter performance.
2014 Honda CR-V
The 2014 CR-V is one of those set-it-and-forget-it SUVs that Canadians never stopped trusting. Powered by a 2.4L engine with 185 hp, it boasts a cavernous cabin, excellent fuel economy, and unbeatable longevity. With new crossovers being slapped with higher prices, older CR-Vs are gaining newfound popularity. The EX trim with heated seats and AWD is particularly in demand in colder provinces. Mechanics love them, owners swear by them, and buyers are increasingly lining up, driving prices higher than expected for a vehicle now over a decade old.
2016 Ford F-150
Canada’s top-selling truck has not been spared by tariff spikes, which is why the 2016 Ford F-150 is getting renewed love. Its aluminum body and range of V6 and V8 engines still hold up well, with the 2.7L EcoBoost offering an outstanding balance of power and fuel efficiency. Its roomy SuperCrew configuration and tech features like SYNC 3 infotainment make it feel newer than its age. Whether for work or recreation, this truck checks every box, with demand booming among tradespeople and rural buyers priced out of 2025 models.
2017 Hyundai Elantra
Stylish and efficient, the 2017 Elantra is gaining steam on the used market thanks to its 2.0L engine, roomy cabin, and surprisingly premium options. It delivers a smooth ride and decent tech like Android Auto and heated seats, standard in most Canadian trims. With new compacts affected by tariff-based markups, the Elantra’s low entry cost and dependable track record are making it a hot commodity. It’s especially appealing to first-time buyers, students, and commuters watching their wallets amid economic uncertainty.
2015 Volkswagen Golf
Known for European handling in a practical package, the 2015 Golf remains a top sleeper pick. The turbocharged 1.8L engine delivers 170 hp and agile road manners, while the interior feels more upscale than rivals. TDI diesel models are also seeing a slight resurgence thanks to impressive highway mileage, despite past controversies. With tariffs making newer Golfs harder to justify, Canadians are rediscovering this versatile hatchback, and inventory is thinning quickly, especially in urban centers where small cars are still king.
2015 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2015 Equinox is not flashy, but it is proving to be a practical solution for families avoiding tariff-heavy crossovers. Offering a 2.4L engine and optional AWD, it’s roomy, reliable, and quietly capable in harsh conditions. The V6 version adds towing muscle without the premium price tag, and as used SUV demand rises, the Equinox is benefiting from a flood of buyers priced out of newer imports. Buyers can expect to see prices climbing steadily, especially for low-mileage units in rust-free condition.
2018 Kia Soul
The funky styling and functional design make the 2018 Kia Soul a sleeper hit in today’s shifting market. Its boxy shape offers tons of interior space, while the 2.0L engine and nimble handling keep things lively. With tariffs pinching prices on newer compacts and EVs, Canadians are eyeing the Soul as an affordable urban commuter or family backup car. The Exclaim trim, with a peppy turbo and upgraded tech, is especially in demand, as the car becomes one of the most hunted hatchbacks on the market.
2015 Nissan Rogue
Compact SUVs like the 2015 Nissan Rogue are seeing renewed popularity as tariffs push newer models out of reach. Its 2.5L engine, roomy cabin, and family-friendly features like a sliding second row make it a smart alternative for budget-conscious Canadians. At the same time, the all-wheel drive versions are especially desirable in snowy regions. With modern safety tech and solid fuel economy, the Rogue balances practicality with comfort, and used car lots report increased interest in these earlier models, especially among suburban families seeking long-term value without crossing into the high-priced new vehicle market.
2016 Jeep Cherokee
For Canadians who want off-road capability without the new-model price, the 2016 Jeep Cherokee is climbing the ranks. Its 2.4L four-cylinder or optional 3.2L V6 offers respectable power, and the Trailhawk trim delivers rugged performance with real 4×4 chops. Inside, it features a refined cabin with Uconnect infotainment and available heated seats. With new SUVs facing steep markups due to tariffs, the Cherokee’s balance of comfort and grit is making it a top choice for adventurous drivers or rural families who need versatility on a budget.
2017 Chevrolet Malibu
The 2017 Malibu is a midsize sedan that is aging gracefully into one of Canada’s best used values. Its sleek design, 1.5L turbocharged engine, and quiet cabin make it a refined commuter car that’s still underappreciated, but that’s changing fast. With the price of new sedans creeping upward due to tariffs, used Malibus are attracting savvy buyers who recognize the blend of comfort, safety tech, and style. High trim levels with leather and Apple CarPlay are especially in demand, and resale values are rising as inventory dries up.
2018 Toyota RAV4
The 2018 RAV4 has always been one of the most sought-after compact SUVs, and now it’s seeing even more attention. With a proven 2.5L engine, excellent resale value, and Toyota’s sterling reliability reputation, it’s a near-perfect used buy in uncertain times. Tariffs are inflating the price of newer RAV4s, so used models like this one are seeing bidding wars at dealerships and private listings alike. The AWD LE and XLE trims are especially popular across Canada, and buyers can expect prices to keep rising as supply struggles to meet demand.
2015 Acura RDX
For Canadians wanting luxury without paying tariff-inflated premiums, the 2015 Acura RDX offers high-end features at used-market prices. Powered by a 3.5L V6 and equipped with a smooth AWD system, it delivers a premium ride with excellent long-term dependability. In contrast, the leather seating, sunroof, and a punchy sound system elevate the daily drive. With new luxury crossovers soaring in cost, many drivers are turning to used Acuras for their value retention and refinement. The RDX strikes a sweet spot between affordability and upscale appeal, making it a hot ticket in 2025.
2016 Dodge Grand Caravan
For large Canadian families on a budget, the 2016 Grand Caravan is suddenly back in the spotlight. Its 3.6L Pentastar V6, Stow ’n Go seating, and massive cargo space make it a practical hero amid tariff turbulence. New minivans are becoming prohibitively expensive, so used Grand Caravans are being snapped up across the country, causing fleet and personal listings to see higher prices, especially for well-maintained models with lower mileage. While not flashy, the Grand Caravan delivers space, utility, and value exactly when families need it most, making it a great used car option.
2015 Lexus RX 350
The 2015 Lexus RX 350 is proving that luxury doesn’t have to mean overspending. With tariffs inflating new SUV prices, Canadians are gravitating toward this smooth-riding, V6-powered crossover for its lasting quality and comfort. Heated leather seats, a quiet cabin, and Toyota-grade reliability make it an ideal upscale family hauler. As newer RX models see major price jumps, this generation offers similar refinement at a fraction of the cost, leading to tightening listings, especially for AWD trims in good condition, making it a wise buy for those seeking high-end value.
2017 Ford Escape
Compact, capable, and comfortable, the 2017 Ford Escape has become a strong player in the tariff-shifted used car market. The available 2.0L EcoBoost engine offers plenty of punch, while the intelligent AWD system makes it ready for Canadian winters. Tariff hikes on newer imports have made Escapes a favorite among value-conscious buyers, especially families looking for space without the SUV surcharge. Tech like SYNC 3 and optional driver-assist features make it feel current, and used inventory is moving quickly as buyers recognize its bang-for-buck appeal.
2018 Nissan Sentra
Often overlooked in the past, the 2018 Nissan Sentra is now getting noticed for its reliability, fuel economy, and straightforward functionality. A roomy interior, smooth CVT, and features like Bluetooth and heated seats make it ideal for commuters. As new sedans get pricier, the Sentra is becoming a budget-friendly hero, drawing in Canadians who are seeking simple, worry-free transportation, especially in urban areas.
2015 Buick Encore
Compact and comfortable, the 2015 Buick Encore is finding new fans among Canadians looking for a touch of premium without the new-car sticker shock. The 1.4L turbocharged engine offers decent pep, and the cabin features soft-touch materials and surprisingly quiet insulation. With tariffs hitting newer premium crossovers hard, used Encores are attracting downsizers and city dwellers, while AWD models remain particularly popular in provinces with rough winters. Its compact size and refined feel make it one of the few used vehicles offering style and utility under mounting market pressure.
2016 Chevrolet Volt
The 2016 Volt is one of the few used plug-in hybrids surging in popularity amid tariff hikes on EVs and battery imports. With up to 85 km of electric-only range and a gas engine backup, it offers impressive flexibility, and Canadians looking to save on fuel without diving into today’s expensive EV market are gravitating to the Volt’s unique value proposition. It is ideal for urban commutes with rural backup capability, and used inventory is drying up fast, and as fuel prices fluctuate and new EVs soar in cost, the Volt is a dark horse favorite.
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