12 Vehicles That Will or Could Get the Axe Soon
Welcome to another edition of the “Doomed Dozen.” Every year, automakers collectively launch and discontinue dozens of vehicles. It’s always the same story: cars give way to SUVs, new hybrid and electric models keep coming, and the high development costs of a new generation send aging models into retirement.
At the very beginning of the year, we listed a bunch of cars and trucks not returning for 2025. Now, let’s focus on those that will—or could—get the axe within a year or two.
- Also: 2025 Volvo V60 Cross Country: A Fine Wagon That May Be Doomed
- Also: Kia Soul Bites the Dust Two Years After EV Variant
Acura TLX
Acura devoted considerable resources to providing the TLX with a dedicated and exclusive platform. However, the investment hasn’t paid off. Despite a pleasant ride and below-average ownership costs, the compact sedan’s lackluster sales don't make it a priority for Acura. Will the future RDX use the same chassis?
BMW 8 Series
For 2026, the 8 Series loses its high-performance M8 models. The luxury grand tourer’s streamlined model lineup hints at its imminent departure. It might return with an electric drivetrain, mind you, but the gasoline V8 engines will be a thing of the past. Incidentally, the X4 and XM crossovers will not be renewed.
Cadillac CT4 and CT5
Cadillac made a bold move with the launch the CT4 and CT5 in 2020, at a time when sedans were dropping like flies. Unfairly ignored by customers, the latter has received an update for 2025, but not the former. It's a sign that the end is near. Let's hope that their spirit will carry over to a future electric sedan.
Chevrolet Blazer
Although Chevrolet has not yet confirmed this, all indications are that the gasoline-powered Blazer will not be sold alongside the Blazer EV for much longer. Both are assembled at the Ramos Arizpe plant in Mexico, which will eventually cease production of gas-powered SUVs. The Cadillac XT5 (built in Tennessee) is also likely to be discontinued after 2026.
Honda Civic Type R
Initially, Honda Canada planned to import only 546 units of the Civic Type R over three model years (2023, 2024 and 2025) in order to preserve its exclusivity. Three years later, we don't know if the company has changed its mind. We do know, however, that enthusiasts can fall back on the Acura Integra Type S...
Lexus IS
Lexus recently introduced the IS 500 Ultimate Edition, powered by the sensational 5.0-litre V8 engine. In its press release, the company called it a “tribute to the history and heritage” of the IS compact sedan. We think that’s just a polite way of announcing its demise, following a similar move with the RC coupe. Hopefully Lexus will bring it back in one form or another.
Mercedes-Benz EQE and EQS
With their uninspiring design, less-than-stellar reliability and staggering depreciation, the EQE and EQS electric sedans will not be renewed. Pretty soon, they’ll become a thing of the past. Mercedes-Benz will follow BMW's lead by electrifying well-known and popular vehicles such as the E-Class and GLE.
Mitsubishi RVR
Largely unchanged since 2011, the RVR continues to defy the odds and ranks as one of the oldest vehicles on the market. Mitsubishi has promised to launch a new or refreshed model every year between 2026 and 2030, but will it keep both the RVR and Eclipse Cross? After all, the two small crossovers are hurting each other’s sales.
Nissan Altima and Versa
Last summer, company insiders told Automotive News that the Altima and Versa were not part of Nissan’s long-term plans. If true, we’ll have to say goodbye to a pair of affordably priced sedans. The Versa, in particular, is the last remaining subcompact car on the Canadian market and the least expensive new car, too.
Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 is directly affected by Canadian tariffs on Chinese-made electric and hybrid vehicles. Sure, the company imported enough units before the surtax was introduced and will be able to meet demand until the end of the year, but what after 2025? Will Polestar move production of a car that’s nearing the end of its cycle, throw in the towel or find a way to get a reprieve from the Canadian government? There are still a lot of questions left to answer, but you can be sure that there are some good deals to be had in the meantime.
Toyota Highlander
Since the launch of the Grand Highlander in 2024, sales of the Toyota Highlander have plummeted. Less spacious and practical than its larger sibling and most competitors, the Highlander is also getting old. We have to wonder how long Toyota will continue to sell two three-row midsize SUVs. The future of the Highlander may depend on a fully electric successor.
Volvo V60 and V90
Volvo has just sold the last units of its S60 and S90 sedans in Canada. For 2026, their wagon variants will remain, but we don't give them much of a chance to survive beyond. Incidentally, the all-electric ES90 sedan unveiled earlier this spring won't be coming to our shores. It would make sense for Volvo to add an EV90 wagon, but that one likely wouldn’t be sold in Canada, either.
