Crossovers were once the hottest ticket in Canada. Families traded in sedans and minivans for the promise of versatility, higher seating positions, and all weather confidence. But not every crossover aged well. Some were plagued by reliability nightmares, while others offered little more than bland styling and dated technology. Today, many of these once popular models sit unwanted on classifieds and dealer lots, with resale values that are shockingly low. Here are twelve crossovers that Canadians embraced in the past but now avoid at all costs.
Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey was marketed as a bargain family crossover with space for everyone, and it quickly became a common sight in suburban driveways. But beneath its affordability was an outdated design that hadn’t evolved in over a decade. Its base four cylinder engine was painfully underpowered, while the optional V6 delivered poor fuel economy. Reliability was another sore spot, with reports of premature brake wear, electrical faults, and transmission issues. Canadian winters only made things worse, as salt revealed rust faster than expected. Today, Journeys often sell for peanuts on the used market, and even then, buyers hesitate.
Chevrolet Equinox (Early Generations)
The Equinox was a hit when it first arrived, but its early models have become symbols of what not to buy used. Owners quickly discovered problems with excessive oil consumption, timing chain failures, and rust that spread alarmingly fast in salt heavy provinces like Ontario and Quebec. The interiors also felt cheap and dated compared to rivals. While newer Equinoxes are far better, the first generations remain unwanted, with resale values among the lowest in their class.
Ford Edge (Older Models)
The Ford Edge gave Canadian buyers a midsize option that slotted neatly between compact SUVs and full sized trucks. Early success was overshadowed by reliability issues, particularly transmission failures and problematic power steering systems. Technology that seemed modern at the time quickly aged, and today those older models feel clunky and outdated. Buyers in markets like Alberta and British Columbia, who need confidence in both snow and mountain driving, have little interest in older Edges, turning instead to newer competitors.
Nissan Murano (Early Generations)
When the Murano debuted, it was praised for bringing style to the crossover market. Unfortunately, the first generations were plagued by fragile CVT transmissions that often failed long before they should have. In Canada’s cold winters, CVTs struggled even more, making ownership expensive and stressful. On top of that, fuel economy was disappointing, and maintenance costs were higher than average. Today, early Muranos are avoided even when offered cheap, with Canadian buyers unwilling to take the gamble on a failing transmission.
Hyundai Santa Fe (Older Models)
The Santa Fe has grown into a respected crossover in recent years, but older models carry a bad reputation. Rust was a major problem, especially in provinces that used heavy road salt, where wheel arches and frames corroded quickly. Engines also suffered from early failures, while interiors lacked the refinement that buyers demanded. Many Canadian families who bought early Santa Fes traded them in quickly, and now the used market shows little interest in these older versions.
Kia Sorento (2011–2014)
The Sorento was once seen as an affordable family hauler, but the 2011 to 2014 versions are now infamous for reliability problems. Many Canadian owners dealt with catastrophic engine failures and electrical system malfunctions. For those who relied on the Sorento for long distance drives or winter road trips, the breakdowns were costly and frustrating. The resale values of these models have tanked, and even with low prices, used car shoppers are steering well clear.
Jeep Compass (First Generation)
The first generation Jeep Compass promised Canadians affordable entry into the Jeep lifestyle, but the reality was disappointing. It lacked the rugged ability expected of the brand, with underpowered engines and a cheaply built interior. On snowy roads, it struggled to inspire confidence, and its all wheel drive system wasn’t up to par with rivals. Buyers soon realized they weren’t getting a true Jeep, and the Compass’s reputation never recovered. On today’s used market, these early models are almost impossible to sell.
GMC Terrain (Early Models)
As the Equinox’s sibling, the GMC Terrain was marketed as a slightly more upscale option. Unfortunately, it inherited all the same problems—engine issues, poor durability, and rust that spread too quickly. The higher starting price of the Terrain also meant Canadian owners expected more, but they were often left with disappointment. Today, early Terrains are some of the least desirable crossovers available, with resale values collapsing as buyers flock to newer, more reliable options.
Mazda CX-7
Mazda introduced the CX-7 as a sporty alternative in the crossover world, but it became one of the brand’s biggest missteps. Its turbocharged engines were prone to failure, especially in cold weather, and fuel economy was abysmal for its size. Canadian winters were particularly unkind to the CX-7, with turbos and seals failing more often in freezing conditions. The CX-5, which replaced it, was a massive improvement, leaving the CX-7 to fade into obscurity. Buyers today see it as a financial risk not worth taking.
Dodge Nitro
The Dodge Nitro stood out with its bold, boxy styling, but that was its only real strength. Underneath, it was plagued with reliability problems, poor fuel economy, and an interior filled with hard plastics. Canadian owners quickly discovered it didn’t live up to its tough image. Winters exposed weak build quality, while high running costs turned it into a burden. Today, the Nitro is considered one of Dodge’s most forgettable efforts and rarely attracts buyers even at rock bottom prices.
Nissan Rogue (First Generation)
The Rogue is now a staple of Canadian roads, but its first generation was far from impressive. Styling was bland, interior quality was weak, and CVT transmissions failed regularly, especially in provinces with cold winters. Crash ratings also lagged behind competitors, making it less appealing for families. Buyers today know to avoid these early Rogues, which explains why used market demand is almost nonexistent.
Honda Crosstour
The Honda Crosstour was marketed as a mix between a sedan and a crossover, but it ended up pleasing no one. Its sloping roofline cut into cargo space, while its styling was awkward and polarizing. Canadians, who value practicality in their vehicles, ignored it in favor of true crossovers. Reliability wasn’t terrible, but the Crosstour’s lack of usefulness doomed it. Today, it is a rare sight on the roads and an even rarer choice on the used market.
The Cold Truth About Forgotten Crossovers
Crossovers once represented the sweet spot for Canadian drivers, but these twelve models prove that not every SUV with a hatchback was destined for success. From CVT failures and rust prone bodies to dated designs and poor winter performance, these vehicles no longer appeal to today’s buyers. While they once had their moment in the spotlight, they’ve become the unwanted leftovers of the crossover craze. Canadians who value reliability, safety, and practicality have moved on—and these models are now little more than footnotes in the country’s automotive history.
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