Not every car purchase ends in a love story. Across Canada, drivers are realizing that some vehicles don’t live up to the hype or the payments. Some models have left Canadians feeling misled or disappointed, whether it’s underpowered engines, laggy acceleration, cheap interiors, or frustrating tech. The car drivers regret most things, from compact sedans to family SUVs. Here are 19 cars Canadians deeply regret buying. Are you driving one right now?
2022 Nissan Rogue
On paper, the Nissan Rogue was a smart pick. Its 2.5L four-cylinder engine offers just 181 hp, and while that might sound decent, its sluggish 0–100 km/h time of nearly 9 seconds leaves much to be desired. The CVT transmission is uninspiring and noisy under acceleration. Inside, the cabin feels dated, with too much hard plastic and lackluster infotainment. Many Canadians regret picking the Rogue over more dynamic and reliable rivals like the CR-V or RAV4. For a supposedly family-friendly SUV, it is surprisingly underwhelming.
2023 Jeep Compass
The Compass is marketed as a rugged yet refined crossover, but it falls short. Its 2.0L turbo-four engine produces 200 hp, yet the 0–100 km/h time of around 8.3 seconds feels slower than it should, thanks to the laggy throttle response. While the exterior styling is appealing, the interior quality is plagued by subpar plastics and glitchy infotainment. For the price point, Canadians expected more comfort and performance. Owners report frequent reliability issues and poor resale value, making this one Compass that failed to point in the right direction.
2021 Chevrolet Malibu
This aging sedan is clinging to relevance in a segment full of sharper, more efficient rivals. Its base 1.5L turbocharged engine delivers a modest 160 hp and takes nearly 9 seconds to hit 100 km/h, which is not exactly thrilling. The cabin feels outdated, with generic cloth seats and minimal tech innovation. Many Canadian drivers expected a little more luxury and a lot more zip. Add to that poor fuel economy for its class and disappointing safety scores, and it’s no wonder regret follows so many Malibu owners.
2023 Mitsubishi Mirage
Despite its low upfront cost, the Mirage often becomes a long-term headache. Its 1.2L 3-cylinder engine produces just 78 hp, making it one of the weakest performers on Canadian roads. Acceleration from 0–100 km/h takes a sluggish 12.5 seconds, and highway merging becomes an anxious chore. The interior feels bare-bones, with cheap materials and minimal tech. Its advertised fuel efficiency cannot justify the lackluster ride quality and poor crash test scores. The Mirage was a significant misstep for Canadians hoping for a dependable city runabout.
2022 Ford EcoSport
Billed as a compact urban SUV, the EcoSport quickly disappointed Canadian drivers. Its 1.0L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine puts out a mere 123 hp, leading to underwhelming acceleration and strained highway driving. The 0–100 km/h sprint takes over 10 seconds, and the engine sounds harsh when pushed. The interior is cramped, with outdated controls and awkward cargo space, thanks to the side-hinged rear door.
2023 Toyota C-HR
The Toyota badge typically signals reliability and satisfaction, but the C-HR missed the mark. Its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine generates 144 hp and takes over 10 seconds to hit 100 km/h. That would not sting as much if it at least felt fun to drive, but the ride is firm, the CVT saps enthusiasm and road noise intrudes constantly. Interior styling is bold but sacrifices practicality, especially in the rear seats and cargo area. Many Canadians expected more from Toyota’s edgy crossover and wound up with something that felt all show and no go.
2021 Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey stuck around longer than it should have, and Canadian buyers paid the price. With its outdated 2.4L 4-cylinder engine pushing out just 173 hp, acceleration feels sluggish at over 10 seconds to 100 km/h. The optional V6 could not redeem its poor fuel economy or dated design. Inside, the cabin is basic and uninspiring, with low-grade materials and tech that feels a decade old. Many Canadians bought it for the low price and seven-seat layout but quickly realized they’d sacrificed too much in comfort, performance, and longevity.
2022 Chevrolet Spark
Marketed as a cheap and cheerful urban car, the Spark often frustrates Canadian drivers. With just 98 hp from its 1.4L engine, it crawls to 100 km/h in over 11 seconds. It’s underpowered for hills, merging, or anything beyond city limits. The barebones interior lacks refinement, and the infotainment, though simple, is far from cutting edge. While some appreciate its compact size and maneuverability, most regret sacrificing comfort, safety, and performance.
2023 Subaru Ascent
Subaru fans hoped for the brand’s largest SUV, but the Ascent hasn’t met expectations. Its 2.4L turbocharged engine offers 260 hp, but the CVT dulls performance. It takes about 7.4 seconds to reach 100 km/h, which is not bad but far from exhilarating. There are reports of engine reliability problems, uncomfortable third-row seating, and cabin materials that feel a step below rivals. Canadian families expecting a rugged, adventure-ready vehicle got a clunky compromise instead.
2022 Hyundai Kona Electric
The Kona Electric promised clean, zippy performance, but many Canadians now feel shortchanged. While its 201 hp motor offers decent acceleration, 0–100 km/h in about 7.6 seconds, cold weather wreaks havoc on its real-world range. Advertised at 415 km, many drivers report dropping well below 300 km during Canadian winters. The cramped rear seats and limited cargo space don’t help either. At its price point, buyers expected more versatility and comfort. In the growing EV market, competition is fierce, and the Kona EV’s shortcomings have left many owners second-guessing their purchase.
2023 Volkswagen Taos
Volkswagen’s smallest SUV drew buyers in with its Euro styling and branding, but Canadians got a frustrating experience. Its 1.5L turbocharged engine offers 158 hp, yet the acceleration is underwhelming at 0–100 km/h in around 8.8 seconds. Worse, the dual-clutch transmission in AWD models is jerky at low speeds. Interior quality is a mix of sharp design and cheap plastics; infotainment glitches are frequent complaints. Many owners hoped for Golf-level fun in SUV form but got a buggy, lukewarm ride instead.
2021 Kia Forte
On the surface, the Kia Forte seemed like a feature-rich budget sedan, but Canadians quickly discovered its flaws. The base 2.0L engine offers 147 hp and takes around 9 seconds to reach 100 km/h, and it feels especially sluggish with the CVT transmission. While the interior includes decent tech for the price, cabin noise is high, and ride comfort is stiff. Reliability issues have also emerged, particularly around the CVT. With intense competition from the Honda Civic and Mazda3, many regret settling for the Forte’s underwhelming performance and harsh road feel.
2022 Jeep Compass
The Jeep Compass might look ready for adventure, but Canadians quickly discovered it’s more show than substance. Its 2.4L Tigershark engine delivers a lackluster 177 hp and a sluggish 0–100 km/h time of around 9.3 seconds. The 9-speed automatic transmission is unresponsive, leading to jerky shifts and frustrating performance. Inside, the cabin is cramped with dated tech and inconsistent materials. Despite its off-road branding, the Compass struggles to justify its price or compete with better-equipped crossovers.
2021 Chevrolet Malibu
Once a mid-size staple, the Malibu has fallen far behind. The 1.5L turbocharged engine only produces 160 hp, with a 0–100 km/h time of about 8.5 seconds. The ride is soft but not refined, and the handling is uninspiring. Its interior lacks the upscale feel of newer rivals and is filled with outdated tech and cheap plastics. Canadians looking for a comfortable family sedan often feel frustrated by its sluggish acceleration, aging design, and declining resale value.
2023 Nissan Altima
The Altima’s standard all-wheel drive appeals to Canadians, but the rest of the package leaves many cold. Its 2.5L 4-cylinder engine delivers 182 hp and gets to 100 km/h in a tepid 8.1 seconds. Paired with a CVT, the driving experience is bland and disconnected. While the cabin is spacious and quiet, the infotainment is dated, and the build quality is hit or miss. Given the steep competition in this segment, many regret choosing the Altima over more dynamic and reliable sedans like the Accord or Camry.
2023 Ford EcoSport
The Ford EcoSport’s compact size and available AWD may have caught the attention of Canadian drivers, but the regret set in fast. Its 1.0L turbocharged 3-cylinder engine produces just 123 hp, crawling to 100 km/h in over 11 seconds. The ride is stiff, the cabin cramped, and the rear swing gate is impractical in tight urban spaces. Despite its tall SUV look, the interior feels dated and budget-focused. With newer, more refined subcompacts on the market, many Canadians now view the EcoSport as overpriced, underpowered, and overdue for retirement.
2021 Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mirage is one of Canada’s cheapest new cars, and it shows. Its tiny 1.2L 3-cylinder engine generates just 78 hp and takes 13+ seconds to hit 100 km/h. Even by city car standards, it is underpowered and noisy. The cabin is sparse, dominated by rigid plastics and minimal tech, while the ride is harsh over rough roads. While some buyers appreciate the low price and high fuel efficiency, most soon realize it’s a false economy. For many Canadians, the Mirage was a regrettable compromise that felt outdated from day one.
2022 Toyota C-HR
Toyota’s C-HR promised edgy design and Toyota reliability but delivered underwhelming performance and tight interiors. Its 2.0L 4-cylinder engine makes 144 hp, requiring over 10 seconds to reach 100 km/h. Paired with a CVT and lacking AWD (even in snow-heavy Canada), it confuses its purpose. The rear-seat space is claustrophobic, and the sloping roofline kills cargo practicality. While Toyota fans expected a fun, efficient crossover, they got a slow, style-over-substance misfire.
2023 Chrysler 300
Once the symbol of full-size American swagger, the Chrysler 300 has grown stale. Even its base 3.6L V6, which puts out a healthy 292 hp, feels sluggish compared to modern performance sedans, with a 0–100 km/h time of around 6.5 seconds. It has an aging platform, outdated infotainment, and fuel economy, making Canadians cringe at the pump. The bulky frame and numb steering add to the issues. Buyers drawn in by its luxury-lite image and roomy cabin often discover it’s a relic that has not aged gracefully and is not worth the premium.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
When people think of innovation, they often picture Silicon Valley. However, Canada has a history of innovation, too. Whether it’s redefining sports, revolutionizing medicine, or just showing America up at its own game, Canadian inventors, thinkers, and dreamers have had their fair share of mic-drop moments. Here are 22 times Canadian ingenuity left the U.S. in the dust.
22 Times Canadian Ingenuity Left the U.S. in the Dust
