Canadians and Americans have a close but competitive relationship. We share media, language, and cars. However, Canadians often pay more for American vehicles due to tariffs, trade tensions, exchange rates, and dealer markups. Here are 22 U.S. car brands that cost more in Canada.
Ford
Ford F-150 trucks are extremely popular across North America but come with a significant price difference between countries. Canadian buyers face 10-20% higher costs compared to their American counterparts due to tariffs on imported vehicles and parts, increased shipping expenses to reach Canadian dealerships, and unfavorable currency exchange rates. These higher prices impact both Canadian consumers, who must stretch their budgets further for the same vehicle, and Ford’s business operations, which require adjustments.
Chevrolet
Chevrolet, a flagship brand of General Motors (GM), maintains a strong presence in both the United States and Canada. However, when cross-border trade tensions flare, like during the 2018 U.S.-Canada tariff dispute, Canadians often end up paying more for American-made cars, including Chevys. Additionally, tariffs on steel and aluminum, which can reach up to 25%, drive manufacturing costs higher, prompting automakers to pass those costs on to consumers. Even today, vehicles like the Silverado and Equinox — often imported from U.S. plants — can carry a premium north of the border.
Jeep
Thanks to tariffs, Wranglers and Grand Cherokees often sport a 15% markup. These tariffs have disrupted the integrated North American automotive supply chain, leading to increased production costs. Stellantis responded by temporarily halting operations in Canadian and Mexican plants, affecting 900 U.S. workers. Consequently, Canadian consumers are expected to face higher prices for Jeep models, with potential increases of up to 25%. Blame NAFTA renegotiations and some border-hopping costs — because even freedom isn’t free.
Dodge
Canadian Dodge fans (especially those dreaming of a Charger or Challenger) know that speed costs money. Tariffs and regulations on engine parts can significantly increase your final price. These developments have led to temporary plant closures and layoffs, with Stellantis halting operations in Canada and Mexico, affecting both Canadian and U.S. workers. So, it is safe to say that Canadian consumers are experiencing increased vehicle prices, reduced availability, and longer delivery times for Dodge models.
RAM
RAM trucks, the workhorses of Alberta, are not spared either. Many RAM trucks, particularly heavy-duty models, are assembled in Mexico and incorporate components from various countries. Consequently, these vehicles are now subject to both U.S. and Canadian tariffs, potentially increasing their prices by up to $6,000 for Canadian consumers. The added costs stem from tariffs on non-North American parts and the complexities of cross-border manufacturing.
Tesla
You’d think that an electric car would be exempt from political crossfire, but nope. Tesla’s Model Y or Model 3 can cost up to 25% more in Canada. Tariffs on batteries and tech components drive up costs faster than a Model S in Ludicrous Mode. These tariffs are part of broader trade measures implemented by Canada, the U.S., and the EU to address concerns over China’s state-led industrial policies and overcapacity in the electric vehicle (EV) market. While aimed at protecting domestic industries, these actions have led to increased costs for consumers and potential disruptions in the electric vehicle (EV) supply chain.
GMC
GMC, a division of General Motors, is a prominent U.S. automotive brand known for its trucks and SUVs. Due to recent trade tensions, Canadian consumers are facing increased prices for GMC vehicles. In April 2025, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on imported vehicles and parts, including those from Canada. Canada responded with a matching 25% tariff on U.S.-made vehicles that don’t comply with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) rules of origin. It is safe to say that higher tariffs on parts and premium materials, along with “import complexity fees”, inflate prices.
Cadillac
A Cadillac with 85% U.S. content would incur a 21.25% tariff on its value. Analysts estimate that such tariffs could add between $5,000 to $10,000 to the price of a new vehicle. This increase affects not only new car prices but also insurance premiums and repair costs, as parts become more expensive. Additionally, the tariffs are part of Canada’s response to U.S. trade policies and are expected to remain in place until the U.S. lifts its tariffs on Canadian goods.
Buick
Buick’s resurgence into stylish, comfortable rides like the Enclave means Canadians are wanting Buicks again. But higher shipping costs and tariffs on imported auto parts make them more costly than a trip to Whistler. The Envision, once Buick’s third-best-selling model in the U.S., is now at risk of being withdrawn from North American markets due to these financial pressures. This situation underscores the significant impact of international trade policies on vehicle pricing and availability.
Lincoln
Lincoln’s Navigator and Aviator scream “executive luxury,” but they also whisper “executive debt” to Canadian buyers. Vehicles like the Lincoln Nautilus, which are assembled in China, are particularly affected. While the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) provides some protection for North American-made vehicles, it doesn’t shield models with significant non-compliant content. For instance, Lincoln’s U.S. production facilities import parts from outside North America, making their vehicles susceptible to tariffs on those components.
Chrysler
Chrysler, a beloved American brand, is no stranger to the Canadian market. But, thanks to those charming little things called tariffs, Canadians often end up paying a bit more for their Chryslers. You see, Canada’s customs duties on vehicles imported from the U.S. can drive up the price tag. Depending on the model, you could find yourself coughing up several thousand extra bucks just to drive away in a Chrysler.
Corvette (Chevrolet Division)
While Chevrolet’s Corvette is known for its stunning performance, sleek design, and that unmistakable engine growl, the price tag north of the border tends to have a bit extra oomph due to tariffs. Canadians, ever the fans of muscle cars, often find themselves paying a premium when importing the Vette, thanks to trade rules that love adding a bit of spice to the mix. But here’s the thing: despite the higher price, the Corvette remains a prized possession, a badge of honor, and a statement that says, “I’ve got muscle and style.”
Hummer (GMC Division)
GM’s new electric Hummer isn’t just massive — it’s massively expensive in Canada. Now owned by GM, the brand was reborn as the GMC Hummer EV — a 9,000-pound irony on wheels. According to Statistics Canada and Automotive News, tariffs typically increase vehicle costs by 10–25%, depending on the freight rate of the month. So, Canadians hunting for a Hummer might need to hunt for extra loonies too.
Rivian
The plucky Rivian R1T and R1S electric vehicles are hot commodities — and hot potatoes for Canadians’ budgets. For instance, the R1T Dual Standard now starts at CA$108,900, while the R1S Tri tops out at CA$158,900. These figures are notably higher than their U.S. counterparts, even after accounting for exchange rates. Trade tensions further complicate the situation. President Trump’s administration has imposed a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum, materials crucial to vehicle manufacturing. And, while Rivian assembles its vehicles in the United States, the increased costs of imported components could be passed down to consumers.
Lucid Motors
Lucid Air is a luxury EV masterpiece, but in Canada, it’s also a masterpiece of taxation. The Air Grand Touring, for instance, saw a $21,000 price hike, now sitting at $ 210,000. Meanwhile, the upcoming Lucid Gravity SUV is set to debut at CAD$113,500, with the Grand Touring version priced at CAD$134,500. So, if you’re in Canada and dreaming of a Lucid, be prepared to pay a premium.
Fisker
Remember Fisker? They’re back with electric dreams, and Canadian buyers get to pay about 20% more for models like the Ocean. Blame tariffs on lithium imports and global shipping disasters. Adding salt to the wound: Fisker is struggling stateside too, having recently paused production and issued “going concern” warnings about its future. In short: Canadians who dream of owning a Fisker might pay thousands more for a car from a company that’s, well, trying very hard not to sink.
Bollinger Motors
These all-electric off-road beasts are rare in Canada, partly because few people are willing to pay the high tariffs. This means that Bollinger’s already premium-priced electric trucks—starting around $125,000—could now cost Canadian buyers an extra $30,000 or more, assuming the full tariff is passed on. That’s enough to make even the most die-hard off-road enthusiast consider a nice used canoe instead. The tariffs are part of a broader $155 billion Canadian countermeasure package, which also targets U.S. steel, aluminum, and agricultural products.
Saleen
Thanks to tariffs (currently around 6.1% on imported U.S. cars into Canada), Canadian buyers not only pay for the horsepower but also for the privilege of buying horsepower across the border. Saleen’s street cred stems from its racing prowess — it has won championships in the SCCA and even attempted a Le Mans entry. Their S7, in particular, was America’s first true homegrown supercar, hitting 0–60 mph in under 3 seconds (blink and you’ll miss it). So yes, Canadians pay a premium, but for a Saleen, they’re also buying a slice of muscle car legend — and an extra excuse to flex at Tim Hortons.
SSC North America
SSC makes a hypercar like the Tuatara — good luck importing one. Thanks to U.S.-Canada trade tensions and those spicy tariffs, Canadians itching for a Tuatara will pay even more than their southern neighbors. Tariffs on U.S. luxury vehicles can increase costs by up to 10%, transforming an already astronomical $2 million car into a “out-of-this-world” $2.2 million splurge.
Karma Automotive
Karma’s reborn luxury hybrids might be gorgeous, but they’re a wallet-melter. This tariff tango means that Canadian buyers might find themselves paying significantly more for the privilege of owning a Karma. The integrated nature of North American auto manufacturing, where parts cross borders multiple times, only adds to the complexity and cost. So, if you’re a Canadian dreaming of cruising in a Karma, be prepared to shell out extra loonies.
Freightliner (Daimler Trucks)
Freightliner, the big boss of the highway, is Daimler Trucks’ pride and joy — and it’s about to cost Canadians a bit more thanks to tariffs. Freightliner rules North American roads with a market share of about 36% in heavy-duty trucks. Daimler Trucks North America, Freightliner’s parent company, is headquartered in Portland, Oregon, so when trade tensions spark, guess who gets caught in the middle? Yep, our northern friends with wallets a bit lighter. New tariffs (roughly 10–20% depending on vehicle class) mean those shiny Cascadias and M2 106s are coming with a side of sticker shock.
International Trucks (Navistar)
Another one for the big rig fans: International Trucks face brutal tariffs when imported into Canada, which gets passed down to Canadian buyers like an unwanted inheritance. Result: Buying an international product north of the border can cost up to 10%–25% more, depending on how creative customs fees become. Yet, despite the wallet pain, Canadians still snap them up — because when you need to haul 80,000 pounds through a January blizzard, “cheap” suddenly isn’t a top priority.
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