7 Cool Cars to Consider Importing Into Canada in 2026

In Canada, we’re fortunate to have the 15-year import law, which makes importing vehicles 15 years old or older significantly easier than importing newer ones. Unlike the United States, which has a 25-year rule, 15 years isn’t all that old. It places us in 2011, which is still fairly recent in automotive terms. Many cars from the early 2010s still offer modern interiors and impressive performance.

This also makes it easier to find vehicles in good condition, especially enthusiast or performance models, which are typically better cared for than regular commuter cars. Over the years, Canada has missed out on many interesting vehicles sold in international markets, particularly performance and off-road models. The following list highlights some cool cars that have recently become legal to import into Canada.

1. Volkswagen Scirocco

The Scirocco is one of the coolest Volkswagen models that never made it to North America. It shares a platform with the Mk6 Golf but features a sleek two-door body. Designed by Walter de Silva, who also penned the first-generation Audi A5 and R8, the Scirocco has aged exceptionally well.

Because it shares its platform with the Golf, the Scirocco also offers familiar powertrain options. The most desirable versions are powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, the same engine found in the Golf GTI. There is also the Scirocco R, which produced 261 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

One of the most significant advantages of importing a Scirocco is the availability of parts, as most mechanical and interior components are shared with other Volkswagen models from the same era. Prices vary depending on trim and condition, ranging from under €10,000 to €30,000 ($16,000 to $40,000 CAD). That makes it more expensive than a comparable Golf, but also far more distinctive.

2. Suzuki Jimny

The Jimny is one of the more interesting off-roaders that never made it to North America. It’s a small, bare-bones vehicle that delivers only what you need and nothing more. Measuring just 3,665 millimetres in length, it’s comparable in size to a Fiat 500.

Internationally, the Jimny was offered with 1.3L or 1.4L inline four-cylinder gasoline engines, as well as a 1.4L diesel. Output ranged between 82 and 85 horsepower, and most examples were equipped with manual transmissions. Four-wheel drive was standard.

While the Jimny has been produced for decades, the newest model eligible for import is the third-generation version introduced in 1998 and built until 2018. It saw few updates during its 20-year production run, meaning even newer examples feel somewhat retro.

Secondhand prices reflect the Jimny’s affordable roots. Well-kept examples can be found for under €15,000 ($24,000 CAD), with many available below €10,000 ($16,000 CAD).

3. Renault Megane RS

French automakers are known for building fast and fun small cars, though options were limited in the early 2010s. One standout was the Renault Megane RS, often considered the French answer to the Volkswagen Golf R.

It came with a 2.5L turbocharged inline four-cylinder producing 247 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission. Performance models were offered only in a sporty three-door body, giving the Megane RS plenty of visual presence.

Production began in 2010, so these cars are only now becoming eligible for import into Canada. Prices typically range from €10,000 to €30,000 ($16,000 to $40,000 CAD), putting it on par with a used Golf R.

4. Mercedes-Benz SL65 Black Series

Black Series Mercedes-Benz models are rare, taking already potent AMG cars and pushing them to extremes. The SL65 Black Series is among the most recognizable, and for good reason.

It’s powered by a 6.0L twin-turbo V12 producing 661 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission available was a five-speed automatic, but performance was still staggering. The SL65 Black Series could accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 320 km/h.

The model was never sold in Canada. Just 350 units were produced between 2008 and 2011, with roughly half going to the U.S. market. Its original MSRP was about $300,000 USD, and values have remained high ever since. Today, prices typically range from $300,000 to $400,000 USD ($416,000 to $555,000 CAD). One example is currently listed on AutoTrader for $799,000 CAD.

5. HSV Maloo R8

Few vehicles are as closely associated with Australia as the ute, a unique blend of a sedan cabin and pickup bed. While designed as utilitarian vehicles, some high-performance versions exist, including the HSV Maloo R8.

HSV, short for Holden Special Vehicles, was the performance arm of General Motors’ former Holden brand. The Maloo R8 is a genuine muscle car, powered by a 6.2-litre V8 producing 425 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque. A manual transmission was also available.

Those figures may not seem extreme by modern standards, but the Maloo’s uniqueness more than makes up for it. It’s guaranteed to turn heads in Canada. The downside is rarity. Prices generally range from $40,000 to $75,000 AUD ($37,000 to $70,000 CAD), making it a purchase best suited for true enthusiasts.

6. Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio

Europe’s love affair with hot hatchbacks often focuses on French brands, but Italy has its own compelling options. One of them is the Alfa Romeo Giulietta Quadrifoglio, the performance version of the Giulietta from the early 2010s.

It features a turbocharged 1.7L inline four-cylinder producing 232 hp and 251 lb-ft of torque, sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Despite its age, the Giulietta still looks sharp. Its clean, minimalist design gives it an elegant presence for a compact hatchback.

Prices typically range from €13,000 to €20,000 ($21,000 to $32,000 CAD), making it an appealing and attainable import.

7. C6 Audi RS 6

Audi only reintroduced the RS 6 to North America in recent years, which means Canadians missed out on what many consider the best version of the model. The C6-generation RS6 debuted in the mid-2000s, during a time when Volkswagen Group favoured oversized engines.

It was fitted with a Lamborghini-derived 5.0-litre V10 producing 572 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. Even by modern standards, performance remains impressive. Power was sent to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Produced from 2007 to 2011, all C6 RS 6 models are now legal to import into Canada. Buyers can choose between sedan and wagon body styles. Prices vary widely, with higher-mileage examples available for under €30,000 ($48,500 CAD) and pristine examples reaching €80,000 ($130,000 CAD).

Regardless of condition or price, the C6 RS6 stands out as one of the very few V10-powered sedans ever built.