With new tariffs targeting American-assembled models and cross-border shipping channels, some cars, trucks, and SUVs could see steep surcharges before they even reach Canadian showrooms. Whether it’s a beloved pickup or a top-selling hybrid, these vehicles are caught in the middle of a political and economic standoff, and are already seeing price hikes, or are likely to be charged with extra fees, simply for being built on the wrong side of the line. Here are 20 vehicles facing tariff surcharges at the border:
Ford F-150
Canada’s best-selling vehicle for over a decade, the Ford F-150, is now one of the most tariff-exposed. Built primarily in Michigan and Missouri, the F-150 crosses the border on tightly scheduled logistics chains that are now under threat. Buyers may soon face surcharges of $3,000 or more, especially on higher trim levels, and Ford Canada has even warned dealers to prepare for mid-year MSRP volatility. With tariffs looming over aluminum and key components, it is not just the sticker price that could skyrocket, but also repair and upgrade costs.
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid (U.S.-Built Versions)
While some Toyota RAV4s are assembled in Ontario, the hybrid versions are often manufactured in Kentucky. That makes them a prime target for tariff surcharges, despite the vehicle’s popularity in eco-conscious Canadian markets, while some dealerships are already marking up U.S.-built hybrids by $2,500 to offset anticipated cross-border duties. Toyota has been quiet about shifting production, but buyers looking to avoid the tariff risk are being encouraged to special-order Canadian-built trims, often with longer wait times.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Built in Detroit, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has long been a Canadian favorite for its rugged versatility and family-friendly design. However, with its final assembly rooted in the U.S., it is now facing import tariffs that could increase the price by 8-10%. Dealers in Alberta and B.C. have already posted notices about limited inventory and pending surcharge adjustments. With Chrysler not yet offering a Canadian assembly alternative, even certified pre-owned models may feel pricing pressure.
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Another top-selling pickup caught in the tariff crossfire, the Silverado 1500 is assembled in several U.S. states, including Indiana and Michigan. Tariff surcharges are expected to increase prices by $3,500 or more on popular trims, such as the LTZ and Trail Boss. Fleet buyers are particularly concerned, with some municipalities in Ontario and Saskatchewan delaying truck purchases pending clarification of the tariffs. Chevrolet has hinted at possible production shifts, but no confirmation has been made. In the meantime, Canadian dealers may struggle to maintain supply without passing those border penalties directly to buyers.
Honda CR-V (U.S.-Made Units)
The CR-V is another example of a dual-production model that can cause trouble for Canadian buyers. While some trims are made in Alliston, Ontario, many U.S.-built CR-Vs, particularly AWD and high-spec Touring trims, are imported from Ohio. Those versions are now subject to tariff discussions and markup risk, and dealers are already flagging VIN origin to customers so they can make informed decisions. Price differences of up to $2,000 have emerged between Canadian- and U.S.-built CR-Vs, and that gap may widen, potentially causing Honda to lose ground if the surcharge issue persists.
Dodge Charger
The Dodge Charger, which was built in Brampton, Ontario, for years, recently saw parts of its supply chain shift to U.S. facilities for certain trim levels. That means some 2024 models crossing back into Canada are now tagged with tariff surcharges, and performance enthusiasts drawn to the Scat Pack or SRT models may see pricing jump by over $4,000. The muscle sedan’s 5.7L and 6.4L HEMI engines are also hit with additional duties under component-specific import codes. For a vehicle already battling tighter emissions scrutiny, the Charger now faces a one-two punch of regulation and rising costs.
Tesla Model Y
Tesla’s best-selling Model Y is built in Fremont, California, and Austin, Texas, both of which are now under scrutiny for tariffs. While Tesla has made aggressive pricing moves in Canada, the possibility of retroactive duties on EV imports is spooking buyers. Several Tesla forums report halted deliveries and requests for full payment before cross-border transfers. With potential surcharges of up to $7,000, depending on trim and options, the all-electric SUV is losing its cost advantage over Korean competitors, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5. Unless Tesla fast-tracks a Canadian assembly solution, Model Y pricing could drift out of middle-class reach.
GMC Sierra 1500
The Sierra 1500 is nearly identical to its Silverado cousin, except that it has higher trim pricing to begin with. Is another U.S.-built full-size pickup vulnerable to new duties? Built in Indiana and Michigan, it is already seeing projected markups of $4,000 to $5,000 on Denali and AT4 trims. Tariff surcharges are also impacting delivery schedules, as GM prioritizes domestic sales south of the border. Fleet customers in provinces such as Manitoba and Nova Scotia are seeking local alternatives or deferring purchases altogether.
BMW X5
Manufactured exclusively in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the BMW X5 is among the luxury vehicles most affected by U.S.-Canada trade tensions. The midsize SUV already carried a premium price tag in Canada, but tariff surcharges of up to 10% are sending it further out of reach for many would-be buyers. Some Ontario dealerships report price hikes nearing $7,000 for well-equipped xDrive40i and xDrive50e trims, and even leasing is affected, as finance arms adjust residuals based on uncertain cross-border valuations.
Chrysler Pacifica
Built in Windsor, Ontario, but with a heavy dependency on U.S. parts, the Chrysler Pacifica finds itself in a gray area of the tariff war. While final assembly is conducted in Canada, surcharges on American electronics and powertrain components are inflating total landed costs. Pacifica plug-in hybrid trims face the highest increases, with some dealerships forecasting $3,000 in price inflation. For families considering a tech-forward minivan, the Pacifica’s once-appealing price tag may now need a second look. At the same time, FCA has yet to confirm any pricing protection measures, leaving buyers in limbo for the time being.
Hyundai Santa Cruz
Despite Hyundai’s strong Canadian footprint, the Santa Cruz compact pickup is built exclusively in Montgomery, Alabama. It is a newcomer to the segment, and it has gained traction in Canada for its sporty utility, but tariff surcharges may halt those gains. Markups of $2,000 to $3,000 are expected, especially on AWD trims. Hyundai has not announced any Canadian assembly plans for the Santa Cruz, making its future north of the border uncertain. For Canadians hoping to buy into the compact truck craze, the Santa Cruz is becoming a more expensive option than anticipated.
Lincoln Nautilus
Previously built in Oakville, Ontario, the new Lincoln Nautilus is now assembled in China for global distribution, including Canada. While not a U.S. import, it is facing a different set of tariff issues, as Canada weighs retaliatory duties on vehicles assembled in countries tied to American corporate reshuffling. This has resulted in a luxury SUV once considered Canadian-made now seeking up to 15% in surcharges. Buyers who expected loyalty to be rewarded with price stability are left with unexpected sticker shock, as the Nautilus has become a case study in how global supply chains can complicate national pricing strategies.
Subaru Ascent
Subaru’s largest SUV, the Ascent, is built in Lafayette, Indiana, and shipped to Canadian dealerships from U.S. distribution centers. With three rows, AWD, and family-friendly features, it has been a steady performer. However, tariff surcharges of around $2,500 have already appeared on dealer invoices in Quebec and Alberta, and some trim levels, particularly Limited and Touring, are being flagged as price-volatile due to issues with parts sourcing. While Subaru enjoys strong brand loyalty in Canada, pricing pressure on the Ascent could steer buyers toward domestically produced alternatives, such as the Toyota Highlander or Mazda CX-90.
Chevrolet Equinox
Despite being assembled in Ontario, certain Equinox trims and packages, especially with upgraded infotainment and safety suites, rely heavily on U.S.-made components. That makes them susceptible to new tariffs hitting partial builds and electronic imports. Buyers are seeing markups on tech packages that used to be affordable upgrades. At the same time, some dealers have even separated final trim pricing from add-on surcharges to meet manufacturer pricing targets. With its mainstream appeal and crossover utility, the Equinox remains popular, but the tariff drag may dampen enthusiasm among budget-conscious buyers.
RAM 1500
Assembled in Michigan, the RAM 1500 has been a Canadian favorite for both work and recreation. But with the U.S. plant pipeline exposed to rising tariffs, sticker prices are climbing fast. Surcharges of up to $4,000 are appearing on Laramie and Limited trims, particularly when equipped with larger engines, such as the 5.7L HEMI. Ram Canada has yet to issue buyer protection guarantees, leaving dealers to adjust pricing in real-time. For working Canadians who rely on their trucks daily, the RAM 1500’s new cost profile may trigger serious second thoughts.
Ford Mustang
Built in Flat Rock, Michigan, the iconic Ford Mustang now faces pricing pressures that even performance fans cannot ignore. The base EcoBoost model may only see a $1,500 increase, but GT trims and above could face $3,000 to $5,000 in tariff surcharges. Enthusiast groups across Canada are already debating whether to wait for local inventory or search for used Canadian models to avoid the hike. Even parts for custom mods and tuning are under new scrutiny at the border, and for Mustang loyalists, the new tariff reality could curb the joyride.
Cadillac Escalade
The Escalade’s large size, powerful V8, and luxury appointments have made it a staple for upscale buyers, but its Arlington, Texas, assembly line is now a liability. As one of GM’s most U.S.-centric vehicles, it is experiencing some of the sharpest markups in Canada, particularly on Platinum and Sport trims. Some dealerships report effective price hikes of $8,000 or more. With few Canadian-built alternatives in its category, the Escalade may become a luxury too far for even affluent buyers who can expect extended lead times, reduced incentives, and tighter lease deals.
Nissan Pathfinder
Built in Smyrna, Tennessee, the Pathfinder is one of Nissan’s key offerings in the midsize SUV market. With cross-border tariffs in effect, it is facing surcharges of nearly $2,500 per unit, depending on trim and features. Nissan has adjusted its production forecasts for Canada, anticipating a reduction in demand due to price volatility. Meanwhile, dealerships in B.C. and Ontario are shifting their emphasis toward the Murano, which is assembled in Japan and less affected by U.S. tariffs. For families considering the Pathfinder, now may be the time to explore options before further cost escalations occur.
Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that is already among the pricier GM offerings and is now squarely in the crosshairs of the tariff. Built in Arlington, Texas, its import cost has risen sharply, especially for the High Country and RST trims. Fleet and police buyers in Canada are voicing concerns, with several municipal contracts reportedly paused due to price uncertainty. Buyers may also face extended delays, as production lines prioritize U.S. orders amid logistical crunches.
Kia Telluride
Although Kia’s production plant in West Point, Georgia, produces the Telluride with impressive quality and consistency, it is now exposed to tariff penalties that threaten its affordability in Canada. Once a value standout in the three-row SUV segment, the Telluride is now seeing projected surcharges of up to $3,500. Canadian buyers have already noticed tighter dealership supply and fewer incentives. Without a non-U.S. production alternative, Kia’s crown jewel in the SUV space may lose its luster north of the border, when demand was peaking.
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If trade tensions escalate between Canada and the U.S., everyday essentials can suddenly disappear or skyrocket in price. Products like pantry basics and tech must-haves that depend on are deeply tied to cross-border supply chains and are likely to face various kinds of disruptions
21 Products Canadians Should Stockpile Before Tariffs Hit
