Canadian vehicle sales rose 2.0 per cent in 2025, but the model-level leaderboard shifted noticeably below the usual front-runners, according to an analysis from DesRosiers Automotive Consultants.
For a 16th straight year, the Ford F-Series held first place in Canada’s light-vehicle market. The Toyota RAV4, built in Canada, remained number two overall and again led the SUV category, despite a small decline. In passenger cars, the Canadian-built Honda Civic stayed in the top spot, with the Toyota Corolla second as both posted modest decreases.
Hyundai’s Elantra tightened the race for third among passenger cars, helped by an 18.7 per cent sales increase. The Kia K4 posted one of the biggest gains in the segment, rising by more than 12,000 units to take sixth place among passenger cars.
Light trucks saw steadier results among the top finishers, but meaningful movement further down the list. The Ram pickup slid to sixth among light trucks after a 25.0 per cent decline. The Hyundai Tucson jumped to seventh, climbing 40.2 per cent and gaining ground in the compact SUV fight. Rounding out the top 10 was a less common entry: the Subaru Crosstrek, which posted a 15.0 per cent gain.
“Although 2025 saw only a modest sales increase overall, the shifting sourcing patterns and broader consequences of the trade conflict did add fuel to the typical consumer preferences that drive model-level sales performances,” said Andrew King, Managing Partner at DAC, in a statement.
Fast-moving nameplates like Tucson and K4 can change a dealer’s mix, ordering strategy and used-vehicle demand, especially when affordability and supply patterns are in flux. King said with trade issues, economic headwinds and vehicle affordability “top of mind heading into 2026,” they expect more changes to come in the year ahead.
