When buying a car in Canada, the sticker price is only half the story. Some models are notorious for stacking on the extras, from dealer prep fees to pricey extended warranties and inflated destination charges to mandatory upgrades. These vehicles may look like a good deal up front, but hidden fees and costly fine print can push them far beyond their advertised value. Here are 20 cars that cost Canadians the most in hidden fees:
Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee may promise rugged performance and off-road appeal, but Canadian buyers often feel duped by the inflated hidden costs. Beyond its base price, buyers are hit with hefty destination charges, mandatory appearance packages, and expensive dealer-installed options. The standard 3.6L V6 offers 293 hp and decent acceleration but guzzles gas at 12.3 L/100km combined. The upscale interior is attractive, but many features are locked behind pricey trims. Add frequent financing markups and pre-delivery inspection fees, and this SUV becomes a wallet-drainer.
Ford Explorer
While the Ford Explorer’s turbocharged 2.3L EcoBoost engine delivers 300 hp and brisk acceleration, it’s also known for surprising Canadian buyers with unexpected costs. High delivery fees, required safety add-ons and inflated documentation charges inflate the final price. Many tech features, like Ford’s Co-Pilot360 Assist+, come bundled in expensive packages. Its fuel economy sits at 11.1 L/100km combined, and even mid-level trims push the price far above the MSRP once hidden fees are factored in.
Chevrolet Blazer
The Chevrolet Blazer offers sporty styling and a strong 308 hp V6 engine, with decent acceleration around 6.6 seconds to 60 mph. However, Canadian drivers often discover that what starts as a mid-size crossover bargain quickly turns into a money pit. High destination charges, optional equipment bundles, and costly documentation fees stack quickly. Fuel economy is middling at 10.7 L/100km combined, and although the interior is attractive, it’s not quite premium for the price. The sticker may scream value, but once fees and packages are added, many buyers walk away feeling burned.
Honda Odyssey
The Honda Odyssey is a go-to minivan for Canadian families but also a champion in hidden dealership charges. The 3.5L V6 engine produces 280 hp with confident acceleration and gets 10.6 L/100km combined. However, entry-level trims feel sparse, pushing buyers toward pricier versions with mandatory “protection” packages and extended warranties. Many Canadian dealerships slip in security etching, tire warranties, or infotainment upgrades that aren’t disclosed. When you factor in all the hidden extras, the Odyssey’s appeal can quickly turn into regret.
Nissan Rogue
The Nissan Rogue lures buyers with its modern design and fuel-sipping 8.4 L/100km combined, but that thriftiness can evaporate in the finance office. The base model’s 201 hp engine is fine for city driving, but the real issue lies in hidden dealer fees. Canadian customers frequently report paying for add-ons like wheel locks, VIN etching, and cargo trays they never requested. Tech and safety upgrades are bundled into high-priced trims, forcing buyers into higher monthly payments.
Chevrolet Traverse
The Chevrolet Traverse delivers big space with a strong 310 hp V6 engine and a smooth 0–60 time of 6.9 seconds. However, many Canadians quickly learn that affordability is an illusion. Standard trims are stripped down, steering buyers toward pricey options loaded with convenience features and hidden charges, and owners can expect high freight fees, accessory “bundles,” and high dealer documentation costs. With a combined fuel economy of 11.8 L/100km, it’s not the most efficient SUV either. The interior is spacious and family-friendly, but the pricing structure feels designed to trap you into spending more than planned.
Hyundai Palisade
On the surface, the Hyundai Palisade looks like one of the best values in its class. It boasts a refined interior, a 291 hp V6 engine, and a comfortable ride with decent acceleration. However, in Canada, base models are scarce, and dealers often stock only the top trims. Buyers are met with padded destination fees, added paint protection packages, and expensive extended warranty pitches. With fuel consumption around 11.1 L/100km combined and most luxury touches reserved for the highest-priced versions, the Palisade’s real cost can sneak up on unsuspecting buyers.
Subaru Ascent
Subaru’s Ascent is promoted as the ideal all-weather family SUV, with its symmetrical all-wheel drive and 260 hp turbocharged engine. However, many Canadian customers are blindsided by the hidden extras. The Ascent’s trims are stacked to push buyers into more expensive versions to get essentials like blind-spot monitoring or navigation. Added freight charges, PDI fees, and dealer-installed accessories add thousands more. Its fuel efficiency isn’t stellar at 11.0 L/100km combined, and while the interior is comfortable, it lacks the premium materials of similarly priced rivals.
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is praised for its design, comfort, and 291 hp engine, delivering steady, capable performance. However, Canadians often find themselves stuck with high hidden costs. Standard trims are hard to find, and dealerships load vehicles with unnecessary “appearance” packages and high dealer markup due to demand. Destination fees can approach $2,000; extras like winter tire packages or key fob insurance appear on final bills. Fuel economy sits at 11.2 L/100km, and while the interior is upscale, the buying experience can feel more like a trap than a triumph.
Volkswagen Atlas
The Volkswagen Atlas offers space and practicality, with a 235 hp turbocharged 4-cylinder or optional 276 hp V6 engine. It feels solid on the road but lacks urgency in acceleration. Its fuel economy of 11.4 L/100km combined isn’t ideal, and buyers often complain about excessive fees on top of an already premium price tag. Canadian dealerships frequently add extended warranties, tire and rim packages, or anti-theft systems without asking. You’ll be nudged into upper trims that carry more than just a higher MSRP to get the features most drivers want.
Nissan Pathfinder
The Nissan Pathfinder’s rugged looks and 284 hp V6 engine promise adventure, and with 6.7-second acceleration to 60 mph, it is reasonably quick for a three-row SUV. But under the hood of its pricing structure lies a different beast. Canadian dealerships commonly upsell mandatory protection packages, inflated freight and PDI charges, and extended warranties that add thousands to the final bill. The fuel economy is fair at 10.5 L/100km combined, and the interior is family-friendly and has decent tech. Still, buyers often walk out paying far more than the advertised price, sometimes without even realizing it.
Ford Bronco Sport
With its boxy styling and turbocharged engines producing 181 hp base or 250 hp on higher trims, the Ford Bronco Sport feels built for Canadian terrain. But its affordability comes with strings. Base models are often unavailable, leading buyers to pay more for higher trims and hidden fees. Add-on dealer accessories, undercoating, tire protection, and high documentation charges are common. The 8.1-second 0–60 acceleration is decent, and the 9.3 L/100km fuel economy is respectable. Inside, it is rugged but minimal unless you upgrade
Toyota Highlander
Toyota’s Highlander is synonymous with reliability, offering a 265 hp engine and smooth, quiet performance with 9.6 L/100km fuel economy. But in Canada, the “Toyota Tax” is very real. Buyers report being pushed toward high trims because dealerships rarely stock base models. Expect inflated delivery fees, forced accessories, and excessive warranty upselling. Interior comfort and tech are strong suits, but shoppers often feel blindsided by the final bill.
GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain’s handsome design turbocharged 175 hp engine, and respectable fuel economy of 8.4 L/100km make it a tempting choice. But for many Canadians, the hidden fees outweigh the perks. Basic features like remote start and upgraded safety tech are locked behind costly trim levels. Dealerships regularly add nitrogen tire packages, VIN etching, and paint sealants to increase profits. Interior quality is hit-or-miss, especially on lower trims. With underwhelming acceleration and a maze of dealer add-ons, the Terrain often costs more than buyers expect for a compact SUV.
Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 blends sporty driving dynamics with upscale design, offering a 250 hp turbocharged engine and athletic 7.1-second acceleration. However, for Canadians, the value quickly erodes due to hidden fees. Base models are nearly nonexistent on lots, steering shoppers toward trims with hefty markups and costly extras. Freight charges, documentation fees, and extended warranties push the real price well past expectations. Fuel efficiency clocks in at 10.4 L/100km, and while the cabin is sleek and near-premium, the sticker shock lingers.
Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is an off-road icon but comes with a surprising load of hidden costs. Canadian buyers often get blindsided by sky-high freight, PDI fees exceeding $2,000, and costly trim “bundles” that drive up the price quickly. While the 285-hp V6 performs well and 0–100 km/h takes about 7 seconds, the ride is stiff, and fuel economy sits at a thirsty 13.8 L/100 km in city driving. Interior features are rugged and not refined, making it a poor value once all the extra charges pile up.
BMW X5
The BMW X5 delivers luxurious performance with a 335-hp turbo inline-6 and a smooth 5.5-second 0–100 km/h sprint. However, Canadian buyers often face sticker shock when dealership add-ons like advanced tech packages, navigation subscriptions, and “mandatory” wheel upgrades are tacked on. Destination fees hover around $2,500, and luxury taxes in some provinces can stack up. While the cabin is plush and tech-rich, base models lack standard features, pushing buyers toward overpriced packages.
Ford F-150
Canada’s best-selling truck is also one of the most fee-loaded. Ford’s dealer-installed “appearance” packages, towing upgrades, and undercoating can add thousands to the advertised base price. Destination and delivery fees exceed $2,000, and extended warranties are heavily pushed. Performance is solid, up to 400 hp and sub-6-second 0–100 km/h in top trims, but fuel economy lags at around 14.0 L/100 km in city driving. The interior is spacious, especially in Lariat or Platinum models, but expect to pay far more than MSRP once the extras are added up.
Infiniti QX60
With a 295 hp V6 engine and smooth-shifting 9-speed transmission, the Infiniti QX60 offers a premium driving experience and a family-friendly cabin. However, many Canadian buyers report feeling trapped by its hidden expenses. Even entry-level trims have expensive freight, luxury tax implications, and pricey warranty packages. Fuel efficiency sits at a modest 10.6 L/100km, and the acceleration is respectable at around 7.3 seconds to 60 mph. Inside, it’s plush and well-appointed, but the final price tag rarely aligns with the sticker, especially once the dealership has layered on fees you didn’t see coming.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
The RAV4 Hybrid is praised for its 6.0 L/100 km fuel economy and solid 219 hp, but buyers often get tripped up by long waitlists and non-negotiable dealer add-ons. Many dealerships charge “market adjustment” fees, bumping prices by thousands over MSRP. Other standard charges include mandatory accessories, extended warranties, and high delivery fees of around $1,950. The acceleration is adequate, at 0–100 km/h in 7.8 seconds, and the interior is practical but not luxurious. The hidden costs can leave buyers seeing red for a vehicle touted as affordable and green.
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
