Canada May 2025: Lexus (+41.3%), Acura (+31.1%) strongest in market up 7.9%

The new Acura ADX helps the brand surge in Canada in May.

According to estimates by local consultancy Desrosiers Automotive, the Canadian new light vehicle market gains 7.9% year-on-year to 187,000 units, however the year-ago comparison base was relatively low. This could yet again be attributed to a pre-tariff rush, with those being postponed once again and inventory fast depleting. There is still a lot of uncertainty regarding the tariffs and counter tariffs exposure of the Canadian market and is potential impacts, keeping in mind around 41% of all new light vehicles sold in Canada over Q1 were imported from the US according to research by DAC.  The SAAR comes in at 1.81 million vs. 1.63 million a year ago, a 11% increase but by far the lowest of the year after passing the 2 million mark in January, February and March. The year-to-date tally is up 9.5% to 804,000. Note sales of reporting carmakers for May are up a whopping 16.8% and 8.7% year-to-date.

Among OEMs still communicating monthly sales, Toyota Motor is up 12.6%, Hyundai-Kia up 17.5% and Honda Canada up 24.9%. As for brands, Lexus (+41.3%), Acura (+31.1%), Genesis (+24.9%), Honda (+24.3%) and Kia (+19.9%) lead the way. Model-wise, excellent performances by the Kia Sportage (+60.9%), Toyota Sienna (+57.9%), Mazda CX-30 (+52.2%), Subaru Forester (+51.6%), Subaru Crosstrek (+36.5%), Hyundai Tucson (+35.8%), Hyundai Elantra (+31.6%) and Honda CR-V (+26.3%).

Previous month: Canada April 2025: Honda (+53.2%) helps push market up 10.2%

One year ago: Canada May 2024: Hyundai (+31.7%), Volvo (+18.9%) shine, 19th consecutive positive month

Full May 2025 volumes for OEMs, brands and models still reporting monthly below.