Crossovers have dominated Canadian roads for nearly two decades, offering family-friendly practicality and SUV-inspired looks. But not every model has aged gracefully. Some were poorly built, others outdated the moment they launched, and a few were simply oddballs that never fit the market. These are twelve crossovers that once had a presence in Canada but are now unwanted, either because of reliability problems, poor resale value, or reputations that never recovered.
Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey sold in massive numbers thanks to its low sticker price and big interior. It was marketed as the cheapest way to get a three-row crossover, but beneath the bargain lay countless problems. Reliability was dreadful, handling was sloppy, and the interior felt bargain basement even when new. The Journey overstayed its welcome, and today used examples sit on dealer lots unwanted by Canadians who know what headaches they bring.
Chevrolet Equinox (Older Models)
The Chevrolet Equinox is still popular in its newer form, but early models from the late 2000s and early 2010s have tarnished its name. These versions suffered from chronic oil consumption, transmission failures, and high repair bills. Many Canadians still see the Equinox as a gamble, and used examples from those years are some of the least desirable crossovers on the market.
Ford Edge
The Ford Edge once fit perfectly between the Escape and the Explorer, offering more space without being huge. Over time, however, it started to feel stale. Expensive repair costs, patchy reliability, and Ford’s shifting lineup left the Edge without a clear place in the brand’s future. Buyers in Canada now look elsewhere, either to smaller crossovers for efficiency or larger SUVs for utility, leaving the Edge in limbo.
GMC Terrain (First Generation)
The GMC Terrain was marketed as a premium take on the Chevrolet Equinox, but the first-generation models were plagued with the same engine troubles and poor fuel economy. They carried a higher price without adding much substance. Canadians quickly realized they were paying more for the same problems, and the reputation of the first Terrain models has made them undesirable in the used market.
Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass has improved in recent years, but its early generations are among the most criticized crossovers ever sold in Canada. Cheap interiors, weak engines, and unimpressive reliability meant it never lived up to Jeep’s adventurous image. Although newer models are more competitive, the old Compass casts a long shadow, and used versions from its early days are largely ignored by buyers.
Jeep Patriot
The Jeep Patriot was meant to be a budget-friendly way into the Jeep lineup, but it lacked refinement, safety, and capability. Its engines were coarse, the ride quality was rough, and it felt dated compared to rivals. While it sold in decent numbers when new, today the Patriot is one of the least appealing used crossovers, with most Canadians opting to spend a little more for something far more dependable.
Dodge Nitro
The Dodge Nitro had bold, squared-off styling that set it apart, but everything else about it disappointed. It was heavy, thirsty, and less practical than competitors. The interior was cramped and cheaply finished, while reliability issues added insult to injury. For a short moment, it drew attention, but Canadians quickly realized it was all style and no substance. Now it’s one of the most ignored crossovers on the used market.
Kia Rondo
The Kia Rondo tried to blend minivan practicality with crossover appeal, but its awkward design left buyers cold. It offered good space and efficiency, yet it never captured the imagination of Canadians who wanted something more stylish. By the time crossovers really took off, the Rondo had already faded into obscurity. Today it is an afterthought, with used examples often overlooked no matter how cheap they are.
Hyundai Veracruz
The Hyundai Veracruz was Hyundai’s first shot at a large crossover, but it lacked the polish and identity of competitors. Its bland design and forgettable driving experience made it hard to justify over proven rivals like the Toyota Highlander. Canadians never embraced it in big numbers, and now the Veracruz is one of those used crossovers that sits unsold because nobody remembers it fondly.
Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
The Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet is one of the strangest vehicles ever to hit the Canadian market. A convertible SUV might have sounded adventurous, but in practice it was heavy, awkward, and deeply impractical. Canadians had little interest in this oddball experiment when new, and today it is remembered more as a curiosity than as something worth owning.
Mazda CX-7
The Mazda CX-7 looked sporty and stylish, but its turbocharged engines turned out to be unreliable and expensive to repair. Fuel economy was also poor, which undermined its appeal as a family-friendly crossover. Although Mazda has since redeemed itself with the CX-5 and CX-9, the CX-7 has become a warning to buyers, and it has little demand on the used market today.
Pontiac Torrent
The Pontiac Torrent was a badge-engineered sibling to the Chevrolet Equinox. While it filled a slot in Pontiac’s lineup, it never offered anything unique. When Pontiac was discontinued, the Torrent disappeared with it, and resale values collapsed. Canadians now avoid them entirely, preferring to put money into brands that still exist.
Why These Crossovers Faded Away
All twelve of these crossovers share the same fate—they once seemed appealing but failed to live up to expectations. Some suffered from poor reliability, others were awkwardly styled or outdated, and a few were victims of brand collapses. In Canada’s competitive market, buyers moved on quickly to crossovers that offered better value and fewer headaches. These models remain reminders that popularity doesn’t always last and that a strong reputation is everything when it comes to surviving Canadian driveways.
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