Top 20 Car Brands in Canada

Looking for the top car brands in Canada? This list of the 20 top car brands can help you find the brands Canadians know and trust.

Canadians value their cars. With sprawling cities and immense rural areas to travel, owning a reliable vehicle is necessary.

In addition, Canada has one of the highest car ownership rates in the world, with over 22 million registered vehicles nationwide. Thus, Canadian drivers can desire many top car brands.

Read: Top 20 Car Brands in Europe

Top 20 Car Brands in Canada

Below are Canada’s top 20 car brands

Ford

• Head Office: Oakville, Ontario
• Founding Date: 1904
• Notable car Models:
  • Passenger cars: Mustang
  • SUVs & Crossovers: Escape, Edge, Explorer, Bronco & Expedition
  • Electric Vehicles: Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, Escape Hybrid & Plug-In Hybrid.
  • Trucks: Ranger, Maverick, F-150, F-250 & F-350
  • Commercial Vehicles: Transit
• Production Plants:
  • Oakville Assembly Complex: Ford’s primary manufacturing facility in Canada produces various models, including SUVs & crossovers.

Ford is undoubtedly one of the top car brands in Canada. From the iconic Ford F-150, a top choice for many Canadians who like to drive trucks, to the compact Ford Focus for city residents, the brand offers something for everyone. Also, Ford Canada is investing heavily in electric vehicle (EV) production as part of Ford’s global EV strategy.

Toyota

• Head Office: Toronto, Ontario
• Founding Date: 1964
• Notable car Models:
  • Passenger Cars: Camry, Prius, and Corolla
  • SUVs & Crossovers: RAV4, Venza, Highlander, Sequoia, 4Runner, & Corolla Cross
  • Electric Vehicles: BZ4X, Prius Prime, & RAV4 Prime
  • Trucks: Tacoma & Tundra
• Production Plants:
  • Cambridge Plant, Ontario: This production plant produces compact SUVs and Luxury crossover SUV models, such as the RAV4 & Lexus RX
  • Woodstock Plant, Ontario: Produces Toyota hybrid models, the RAV4 and RAV4 Hybrid

This giant is another top car brand operating in Canada. Toyota Canada, the Canadian subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, produces, markets, and distributes Toyota and Lexus vehicles across Canada. It offers vehicles across various segments, including sedans, SUVs, trucks, hybrids, and electric cars. Renowned for its durability, Toyota’s vehicles stand up to Canada’s harsh climate and road conditions. The Toyota Corolla is popular on Canadian roads. Meanwhile, the Toyota RAV4 is popular for those desiring a compact SUV to navigate city streets and off-road adventures.

Chevrolet

• Head Office: Oshawa, Ontario
• Founding Date: 1911
• Notable car Models:
  • Passenger Cars: Spark and Malibu.
  • SUVs & Crossovers: Trailblazer, Trax, Equinox, Blazer, Traverse
  • Electric Vehicles: Bolt EV, Bolt EUV, Blazer EV, & Silverado EV
  • Trucks: Colorado, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500, and Silverado 500
• Production Plants:
  • Oshawa Assembly Plant, Ontario: This manufacturing plant makes several Chevrolet models, including the Silverado
  • CAMI Assembly Plant, Ingersoll, Ontario: The CAMI (Canada Auto Manufacturing Inc.) plant primarily produces the Chevrolet Equinox, a famous compact SUV. It also makes electric vehicles.
  • Windsor Engine & St. Catharine’s Propulsion Plant: This plant produces engines and transmissions used in Chevrolet models.

Chevrolet Canada, a division of General Motors Canada, offers a range of vehicles and services tailored to the Canadian market. These include passengers, SUVs, crossovers, and commercial vehicles. Chevrolet Canada is one of the top car brands in Canada and entered the Canadian market in 1916.

Honda

• Head Office: Markham, Ontario
• Founding Date: 1969
• Notable car Models:
  • Sedans and Hatchbacks: Accord & Civic
  • SUVs & Crossovers: HR-V, CR-V, Passport, & Pilot
  • Electric Vehicles: CR-V Hybrid & Clarity Plug-In Hybrid
  • Trucks: Ridgeline
• Production Plants:
  • Honda of Canada Manufacturing (HCM), Alliston, Ontario: This production plant manufactures Honda models like the Civic and CR-V. The Engine Plant also manufactures engines for several Honda models.

Honda Canada is a leading car brand in Canada that produces and sells a variety of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, motorcycles, and light commercial vehicles. It launched its Canadian presence in the 1960s, initially focusing on motorcycles. However, the company expanded into automotive production in the 1980s.

Mazda

• Head Office: Richmond Hill, Ontario
• Founding Date: 1968
• Notable car Models:
  • Sedans and Hatchbacks: Mazda2 & Mazda3
  • SUVs and Crossovers: CX-5 CX-30 CX-60, and CX-80
  • Electric Vehicles: MX-30
  • Sport Cars: MX-5 Miata
• Production Plants:
  • Hiroshima Plant, Japan: Mazda’s foremost manufacturing facility produces Mazda models like the Mazda3 and Mazda6 for exports to Canada.
  • Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operations (MMVO): This company produces several models, including the Mazda3 and Mazda CX-30, for export to Canada and the United States.

Mazda Canada is a subsidiary of Mazda Motor Corporation. Established in 1968, the company has served Canadian drivers for over five decades. Mazda Canada offers a range of vehicles and is a top car brand in Canada. They include sedans, SUVs, sports cars, and electric vehicles.

Hyundai

• Head Office: Markham, Ontario
• Founding Date: 1983
• Notable car Models:
  • Sedans: Accent, Elantra, and Sonata
  • SUVs and Crossovers: Kona, Venue, Santa Fe, Tucson, and Palisade
  • Electric & Hybrid Vehicles: Kona Electric, Ioniq 5, & Ioniq 6
  • Sport Cars: Veloster N
• Production Plants:
  • Ulsan Plant, South Korea: It is one of the largest automotive manufacturing facilities in the world. The plant manufactures several Hyundai models, including sedans and SUVs, for export to Canada.
  • Montgomery Plant, Alabama, United States: This plant manufactures several Hyundai models, including the Hyundai Elantra, Santa Fe, and Tucson.

Hyundai Canada is the Canadian division of Hyundai Motor Company, a South Korean car manufacturer. Established in 1983, it has become a top car brand and a significant player in the Canadian automotive market. Hyundai Canada offers a range of vehicles, from sedans to SUVs and electric models.

Nissan

• Head Office: Mississauga, Ontario.
• Founding Date: 1965
• Notable car Models:
  • Sedans: Versa, Sentra, Maxima, and Altima
  • Electric Vehicles: Leaf & Ariya
  • SUVs & Crossovers: Qashqai, Rogue, Kicks, Murano, Pathfinder
• Production Plants:
  • Nissan Manufacturing, Smyrna, Tennessee, United States: This manufacturing facility is one of Nissan’s largest plants in North America. It produces several Nissan models, including the Altima, Maxima, Rogue, and Leaf. Vehicles manufactured in this plant are exported to Canada.
  • Nissan Manufacturing Canton, Mississippi, United States: This plant manufactures Nissan SUVs and truck models, including the Nissan Titan, Armada, and Frontier. The trucks and SUVs produced here are sent to Canada.
  • Both locations are significant suppliers of Nissan vehicles for the US and Canada.

Nissan Canada is a subsidiary of Nissan Motor Company, a Japanese multinational car manufacturer. As a top car brand in Canada, Nissan Canada produces, markets, and distributes Nissan models. Established in 1965, Nissan Canada offers various vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, electric and commercial vehicles. In addition, Nissan has a strong presence in Canada, contending with brands like Honda, Toyota, Ford, and General Motors.

RAM

• Head Office: Ottawa, Ontario.
• Founding Date: 2009
• Notable car Models: RAM 1500, 1500 Classic, 2500, 3500, ProMaster & ProMaster city
• Production Plants:
  • Windsor Assembly Plant, Ontario: The plant manufactures light RAM trucks like the RAM 1500.
  • Saltillo Truck Assembly Plant, Mexico: The facility produces heavy-duty trucks and chassis cabs like the RAM 2500, RAM 3500, RAM Chassis Cab.
  • Others: Brampton Assembly Plant, Ontario, Canada and the Dodge City Assembly Plant, Mexico.

RAM Canada is a division of RAM, a brand that makes trucks and commercial vehicles under the umbrella of Stellantis. The car brand operates in a competitive market, competing against brands like Ford, Chevrolet, and GMC. Also, RAM trucks are known for their ruggedness, capacity, and performance.

Subaru

• Head Office: Mississauga, Ontario
• Founding Date: 1976
• Notable car Models:
  • SUVs & Crossovers: Ascent, Outback, Forester, Crosstrek
  • Sedan or Hatchback: Legacy, Impreza, WRX
  • Coupe: BRZ
• Production Plants:
  • Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Ōta, Gunma Prefecture, Japan: Subaru’s manufacturing production facility in Japan. It is responsible for producing many Subaru models like the Impreza, WRX, Outback and Forester. Cars produced here are exported to the Canadian market.
  • Subaru of Indiana Automotive Plant, Lafayette, Indiana, United States: This is Subaru’s primary manufacturing plant for the North American market. The plant produces Subaru models such as the Outback, Legacy, and Ascent, which are sold in the United States and Canada.

Subaru Canada is the Canadian subsidiary of Subaru Corporation, a Japanese car manufacturer specializing in all-wheel-drive vehicles. Founded in 1953 and began sales in Canada in 1968, Subaru Canada is one of Canada’s largest car companies and top car brands. The company has many products, including sedans, wagons, SUVs, and crossovers. Subaru offers a wide range of vehicles in Canada, including Sedans (Impreza), Wagons (Outback), SUVs (Crosstrek), and Electric vehicles.

Kia

• Head Office: Mississauga, Ontario
• Founding Date: 1999
• Notable car Models:
  • Sedans & Hatchbacks: Rio & Forte
  • SUVs: Sportage, Telluride, Seltos, and Sorento
  • Electric Vehicles: EV6
• Production Plants:
  • Hwaseong Plant, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea: This is Kia’s largest production facility. The plant produces several Kia models, including Forte, Sorento, Stinger, and K5, which are usually exported to the Canadian market.
  • Gwangju Plant, South Korea: This plant produces SUVs and crossover models, such as the Kia Seltos and Sportage, which are popular in Canada.
  • Kia Georgia Plant, West Point, Georgia, the United States: This is Kia’s critical production facility in North America. The plant is vital in supplying models like the Kia Sorento, Telluride, and K5 for the Canadian and US markets.

Kia Canada is a subsidiary of Kia Corporation, a South Korean multinational car manufacturer. Established in 1999, it is a significant brand in the Canadian automotive market and offers a diverse lineup of vehicles, including compact sedans, SUVs, and electric cars.

Volkswagen

• Head Office: Ajax, Ontario.
• Founding Date: 1952
• Notable car Models:
  • Cars: Golf, Jetta, Passat, and Arteon
  • SUVs: Tiguan, Atlas, and Taos
  • Electric Vehicles: ID.4 and ID.3
  • Performance Models: Golf R and GTI
• Production Plants:
  • Germany: Home to several significant plants, including the Volkswagen headquarters in Wolfsburg, one of the world’s largest automotive manufacturing facilities. Other notable plants are in Emden and Zwickau.
  • North America: Volkswagen has a significant manufacturing plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, that produces models like the Atlas and the Passat. Additional vehicles are manufactured in Puebla, Mexico.

Volkswagen Canada is a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group Canada Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers. Established in 1952, Volkswagen Canada offers many passenger cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles, including the Transporter and Crafter.

GMC

• Head Office: Oshawa, Ontario
• Founding Date: 1918
• Notable car Models:
  • Trucks: Sierra 1500 & Sierra HD (2500/3500)
  • SUVs: Acadia, Terrain, Yukon, Hummer EV
  • Commercial Vehicles: Savana
• Production Plants:
  • Oshawa, Ontario: It is historically significant for GM operations, though it currently focuses on other GM brands.
  • Flint, Michigan, United States: This is a critical facility for the GMC Sierra and other truck models, such as the GMC Sierra 2500HD and 3500HD.
  • Fort Wayne Assembly, Indiana, the United States: This plant mainly assembles GMC Sierra 1500 trucks, a popular model in Canada.

GMC is a division of General Motors that specializes in designing, manufacturing, and selling trucks, SUVs, and crossovers in Canada. It is known for its rugged and capable vehicles, which are popular among consumers and commercial customers. In addition to its passenger vehicles, GMC produces several commercial vehicles, such as the Savana van and the Sierra HD pickup truck. These vehicles are used for various purposes, including transportation, construction, and fleet operations.

Jeep

• Head Office: Windsor, Ontario.
• Founding Date: 1980
• Notable car Models: Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Compass, Renegade, Avenger
• Production Plants:
  • Windsor Assembly Plant, Windsor, Ontario: This plant produces the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Jeep Wrangler.
  • Brampton Assembly Plant, Brampton, Ontario: While not exclusively a Jeep facility, it has produced some Jeep models, such as the Jeep Cherokee, in the past.
  • Warren Truck Assembly Plant, Michigan, United States: It produces the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Jeep Wagoneer.
  • Toledo Assembly Complex, Toledo, Ohio, United States: Manufactures models like the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator.

Jeep Canada is the Canadian division of the iconic American automotive brand Jeep. It is known for its rugged and off-road capable vehicles.  It was established to cater to the Canadian market and offers a diverse lineup of SUVs and crossovers. In addition, it is a subsidiary of Stellantis NV, one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers. The company’s lineup includes a variety of SUVs and crossovers, such as the Wrangler, Renegade, Compass, Cherokee, and Grand Cherokee. Jeep Canada has a strong presence in the Canadian market.

BMW

• Head Office: Richmond Hill, Ontario.
• Founding Date: 1986
• Notable Car Models:
  • Sedan: 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, & i4
  • SUVs & Crossovers: X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7
  • Electric & Hybrid Vehicles: i3, ix
  • Performance: M2, M3, M4, M5, Z4
• Production Plants:
  • Munich Plant, Germany: The original and flagship plant, producing a range of BMW models like the 3 Series and 4 Series.
  • Dingolfing Plant, Germany: One of the largest BMW manufacturing facilities, producing luxury models like the 5 Series and 7 Series.
  • Regensburg Plant, Germany: Known for producing the 3 Series, Z4, and other models.
  • Spartanburg Plant, South Carolina, the United States: This facility is BMW’s largest production site globally and primarily focuses on manufacturing Sports Activity Vehicles (SAVs), including the X3, X4, X5, X6, and X7.

BMW Canada is the Canadian subsidiary of the renowned German luxury automobile manufacturer BMW AG. Established in 1986, BMW Canada has become a key player in the Canadian automotive market. It offers a wide range of products, including luxury sedans, SUVs, sports cars, motorcycles, and minivans.

Tesla

• Head Office: Toronto, Ontario
• Founding Date: 2010
• Notable car Models: Model S, Model 3, Model X, Cybertruck & Roadster
• Production Plants:
  • Gigafactory Nevada: Primarily produces the Model 3 and Model Y.
  • Gigafactory Texas: A significant facility for producing the Model Y and the upcoming Cybertruck. Tesla relies on its US plants for vehicle production, which are then sold to Canada.

Tesla Canada is a subsidiary of Tesla Inc., a leading American electric vehicle company. Established in 2017, Tesla Canada has quickly gained popularity as a top car brand in Canada. In Canada, Tesla offers a range of electric vehicles, including the Model S, Model X, Model 3, and Model Y. The company also operates a growing network of Supercharger stations throughout Canada to enable long-distance travel. Notable locations include those along major highways like the Trans-Canada Highway.

Lexus

• Head Office: Toronto, Ontario.
• Founding Date: 1990
• Notable car Models:
  • Sedans: ES, IS, LS, and RC
  • SUVs: UX, NX, RX, GX, and LX
  • Hybrid Models: the ES and RX Hybrid
  • Coupes: RC
• Production Plants:
  • Toyota City, Japan: Lexus’ leading production site for many Lexus models, including the Lexus LS, GS, IS, and RC.
  • Tahara Plant, Japan: Known for manufacturing premium Lexus models, including the Lexus ES and LS.
  • Fukuoka Plant, Japan: Produces other models, including hybrid vehicles.
  • Georgetown, Kentucky, the United States: This plant manufactures the Lexus RX & ES.
  • Lexus Canada imports vehicles from these manufacturing plants to meet local demand.

Lexus Canada is the luxury vehicle division of Toyota Motor Corporation, established in 1989 to provide high-quality, premium automobiles tailored to the Canadian market. They offers a range of models, including sedans, SUVs, coupes, and hybrids.

Mercedes-Benz 

• Head Office: Toronto, Ontario
• Founding Date: 1955
• Notable car Models:
  • Sedans: A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class
  • Coupes and Convertibles: C-Class Coupe, E-Class Coupe, and S-Class Coupe
  • SUVs: GLA, GLB, GLC, GLE, G-Class, and GLS models
  • Electric Vehicles: EQS, EQB, EQC, and EQS
  • Vans: Sprinter and Metris
  • Sport Models: AMG A 35, AMG C 63, AMG GT
• Production Plants:
  • Stuttgart, Germany: Home to producing the C-Class, E-Class, and S-Class models.
  • Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA: Produces SUVs, GLE and GLS models, and electric vehicles like the EQ series.
  • Sindelfingen, Germany: Specializes in luxury vehicles and high-performance models. Mercedez Benz Canada imports vehicles from these manufacturing plants to meet local demand.

Mercedes-Benz Canada is a division of the global automotive brand Mercedes-Benz, known for its luxury vehicles, buses, and trucks. As a top car brand in Canada, Mercedes-Benz offers a comprehensive lineup of vehicles, including sedans, coupes, SUVs, roadsters, and high-performance AMG models.

Cadillac

• Head Office: Oshawa, Ontario
• Founding Date: 1955
• Notable car Models:
  • Sedans: CT4, CT5, CT4 V-Series, & CT5 V-Series
  • SUVs and Crossovers: XT4, XT5, XT6, Escalade, & Escalade ESV
  • Electric Vehicles: Lyriq, Celestiq, and Escalade IQ
• Production Plants:
  • Detroit, Michigan, USA: GM’s Detroit facilities manufacture Many Cadillac models, including the CT4, CT5, and Escalade.
  • Lansing, Michigan, USA: The Lansing Grand River plant is known for producing the Cadillac ATS and CTS models.
  • Spring Hill Manufacturing, Tennessee, USA: Manufacturing SUVs like the XT5 and XT6 and the Lyriq electric vehicle. Cadillac Canada imports vehicles from these manufacturing plants to meet local demand.

Cadillac Canada is the Canadian division of Cadillac, the luxury car brand of General Motors (GM). Established in 1902, Cadillac offers many vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and crossovers. Some of their most popular models in Canada include the CT4, CT5, XT4, XT5, XT6, Escalade, and Lyriq.

Volvo

• Head Office: Mississauga, Ontario
• Founding Date: 1956
• Notable car Models:
  • Sedans: S60 & S90
  • SUVs: XC40, XC60, & XC90
  • Wagons: V60 & V90
  • Electric Vehicles: C40 Recharge and XC40 Recharge
• Production Plants:
  • Torslanda Plant, Gothenburg, Sweden: Volvo’s central production facility for producing Volvo models, including the XC90 and V90.
  • Ghent Plant, Belgium: This is another central plant that produces models such as the XC40, V60, and the all-electric XC40 Recharge.
  • Charleston Plant, South Carolina, USA: This plant manufactures the S60 sedan and will produce future electric models for North American markets.

Volvo Canada is a division of Volvo Cars owned by the Chinese automotive company Geely Holding Group. This top car brand is responsible for the marketing, sales, and distribution of Volvo vehicles throughout Canada. In addition, Volvo Cars offers a wide range of vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and crossovers. Some of their most popular models in Canada include the S60, S90, V60, V90, XC40, XC60, and XC90.

Mitsubishi

• Head Office: Mississauga, Ontario
• Founding Date: 2002
• Notable car Models: Outlander, Outlander PHEV, Eclipse Cross, RVR, Mirage, Mirage G4
• Production Plants:
  • Mizushima Plant, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan: This plant primarily produces compact and small vehicles, including the Mitsubishi Mirage and some electric cars.
  • Okazaki Plant, Japan: Manufactures SUVs and crossover models, including the Outlander and Eclipse Cross.
  • Nagoya Plant, Japan: Produces large vehicles and SUVs for domestic and export markets.
  • Laem Chabang Plant, Chonburi, Thailand: One of Mitsubishi’s biggest overseas facilities that produces vehicles like the Mitsubishi Triton/L200 pickup truck and some SUVs, primarily for the Asia-Pacific region.

Mitsubishi Motors Canada has had a considerable presence in the Canadian automotive market since its establishment in 2002. The car brand’s lineup includes compact cars, SUVs, crossovers, and a popular plug-in hybrid option. Models like the Outlander, RVR, and the eco-friendly Outlander PHEV cater to drivers across the country, from urban areas to remote regions.