Many intriguing SUVs have been designed and sold around the world, but not all of them made it to the US market. Some of these vehicles boast unique features, bold designs, and impressive capabilities, yet they remain largely unknown to American drivers. In this article, we’ll explore 20 SUVs that never set wheels on US soil, offering a glimpse into what car enthusiasts might be missing out on.
Contents
Toyota Land Cruiser 70 Series
A true workhorse, the Land Cruiser 70 Series is known for its rugged durability and off-road prowess. It’s a favorite in Africa, the Middle East, and Australia, where challenging terrains are common. Equipped with a robust V8 diesel engine, solid axles, and a body-on-frame construction, it’s perfect for off-road adventures. However, it never made it to the US due to changing emission standards and market preferences for more comfort-focused SUVs.
Nissan Patrol Y61
The Nissan Patrol Y61 is a legendary off-roader still popular in the Middle East and Australia. With a solid axle, ladder frame, and powerful 4.8L inline-6 engine, it’s built for extreme environments. Its rugged design and reliability make it a competitor to the Land Cruiser, but stricter safety and emission regulations kept it out of the US.
Suzuki Jimny
This tiny, boxy off-roader is beloved for its agility and capability. With a compact design, lightweight body, and solid axles, the Jimny can go places larger SUVs can’t. Its popularity in Europe, Japan, and Australia stems from its affordability and off-road chops, but its small size and lack of luxury features have prevented it from entering the US market.
Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution
Originally built for the Dakar Rally, the Pajero Evolution is a high-performance off-road SUV. It features a powerful 3.5L V6 engine, independent suspension, and rally-inspired design. Despite its performance credentials, Mitsubishi never brought it to the US, possibly due to its niche appeal and the brand’s focus on more mainstream models in America.
Land Rover Defender 130
The Defender 130 is a longer version of the iconic off-road vehicle, with extra seating and cargo space. Though the Defender line finally made its way to the US in the 2020s, this specific model, with its rugged build and versatile design, was previously unavailable. Its utilitarian nature made it popular globally, but its late entry to the US was due to changing safety regulations.
Renault Duster
The Renault Duster is a compact SUV designed for affordability and versatility. It’s popular in Europe and South America for its practical size, fuel efficiency, and off-road capability. Its 1.5L diesel engine and 4×4 drivetrain make it capable in rough terrain, but Renault’s absence from the US market has kept the Duster from American roads.
SsangYong Rexton
This midsize SUV offers luxury at a budget-friendly price. With a 2.2L diesel engine, a refined interior, and advanced off-road technology, the Rexton has found success in Asia and Europe. However, SsangYong’s limited brand presence in the US and lack of dealer support meant this capable SUV never crossed the Atlantic.
Lada Niva
The Lada Niva is a Soviet-era SUV still beloved in Russia and Europe for its simplicity and ruggedness. Known for its tough 4×4 system and minimalistic design, it’s the go-to vehicle for rural and off-road driving. However, Lada never attempted to enter the US market, and the Niva’s outdated safety features wouldn’t meet American regulations.
Ford Everest
Built on the same platform as the Ford Ranger, the Everest is a rugged SUV designed for off-road capability. With a 3.2L turbo diesel engine and terrain management system, it’s widely used in Asia and Australia for both urban and rough conditions. While Ford trucks dominate the US market, the Everest’s diesel engine and smaller size never found a place stateside.
Mahindra Scorpio
The Mahindra Scorpio is a durable, no-frills SUV popular in India and South Africa. Known for its affordability and rugged off-road capabilities, it features a 2.2L diesel engine and robust body-on-frame construction. Mahindra’s focus on its domestic market and different vehicle standards kept the Scorpio out of the US.
Peugeot 3008
The Peugeot 3008 is a sleek and stylish crossover with a modern design, advanced technology, and fuel-efficient engines. Popular in Europe for its upscale interior and practicality, it offers a balance between comfort and capability. However, Peugeot’s withdrawal from the US market in the 1990s means this refined SUV never made it to America.
Honda Crossroad
The Honda Crossroad was a unique, boxy SUV sold in Japan. Originally based on the Land Rover Discovery, it featured a tough, off-road-ready build. Its unconventional design and limited production kept it from global markets, including the US, where Honda focused on more mainstream models like the CR-V.
Dacia Duster
A budget-friendly SUV known for its simplicity and ruggedness, the Dacia Duster is a popular choice in Europe and Latin America. Powered by a 1.5L diesel engine and available in 4WD, it’s perfect for both city driving and off-road adventures. Renault’s decision not to sell Dacia models in the US kept this affordable SUV out of American dealerships.
Tata Safari
The Tata Safari is an Indian-built SUV known for its spacious interior and off-road capabilities. Equipped with a 2.2L turbo diesel engine and advanced terrain response systems, it’s a popular family vehicle in India. Tata’s limited global presence and focus on its domestic market kept the Safari from entering the US.
Citroën C5 Aircross
A stylish, comfort-focused SUV, the Citroën C5 Aircross is known for its plush ride and modern design. Featuring hydraulic suspension and a spacious interior, it’s a favorite in Europe and China. Citroën’s long absence from the US market and its focus on smaller cars meant the C5 Aircross never reached American shores.
Great Wall Haval H9
The Haval H9 is a large, body-on-frame SUV from China with impressive off-road credentials. Featuring a 2.0L turbocharged engine and full-time 4WD, it’s designed for adventure. Great Wall’s limited brand recognition in the US, combined with strict safety regulations, kept this capable SUV out of the American market.
Skoda Kodiaq
The Skoda Kodiaq is a family-oriented SUV known for its practicality and refined driving experience. With seating for seven, a range of efficient engines, and advanced tech features, it’s popular in Europe and Asia. However, Skoda’s decision not to re-enter the US market has kept the Kodiaq from American roads.
Nissan Terrano
A cousin to the Renault Duster, the Nissan Terrano is a budget SUV sold in India and Russia. It offers practical size, good fuel economy, and light off-road capability. Nissan’s decision to market higher-end SUVs like the Rogue in the US meant the Terrano never crossed the Pacific.
Holden Trailblazer
Sold in Australia and New Zealand, the Holden Trailblazer is a midsize SUV based on the Colorado pickup. With a 2.8L diesel engine and rugged build, it’s popular for towing and off-road use. However, the Holden brand was discontinued by General Motors, and the Trailblazer never made it to the US.
Isuzu MU-X
A durable, off-road-capable SUV, the Isuzu MU-X is built on the same platform as the D-Max pickup. Popular in Australia and Asia for its reliability and 3.0L turbo diesel engine, it’s known for its towing capacity and off-road prowess. Isuzu’s exit from the US passenger vehicle market kept the MU-X out of America.
This article originally appeared in MyCarMakesNoise.
More from MyCarMakesNoise
20 Reasons to Hold Off on Buying a New Car if You’re Under 25
Buying a new car might seem exciting, but if you’re under 25, it might not be the best financial decision. From higher insurance rates to rapid depreciation, there are several reasons why young drivers should consider alternatives. Read More
20 Easy DIY Car Repairs That Will Save You Big Money
You don’t always need a mechanic for every car issue. Many repairs can be done at home with basic tools and a little know-how, saving you a lot of money. Read More
15 Classic British Cars That Have Lost Their Charm
British cars have long been admired for their unique charm and engineering, but not all models have stood the test of time. Some classics, once celebrated, have lost their allure due to various design flaws, reliability issues, or simply because they haven’t aged well. Read More
