One of the consistent frustrations for car enthusiasts in the United States is the tantalizing array of vehicles—or specific trims and drivetrains—that remain unavailable to us. This isn’t a new phenomenon. Previously, it was often due to safety or emissions regulations. Now, it’s typically because companies believe the American market wouldn’t generate enough sales to justify offering certain models.
The Toyota Hilux exemplifies this situation perfectly. This light pickup truck, now in its eighth generation, is known for its competence, ruggedness, and durability. Widely available worldwide, it’s often praised for its reliability and used in diverse environments, including the Dakar Rally. The Hilux’s absence in the US market is due to a tariff on light trucks.
Another example of an unavailable vehicle from a domestic manufacturer is the Ford Everest. This mid-sized SUV, based on the Ford Ranger, offers greater ruggedness and off-road capabilities than the Explorer. With features like inclinometers and a sophisticated AWD system, the Everest, in the opinion of some, even surpasses the Explorer in terms of style.
On the performance front, the BMW M3 Touring has sadly remained unavailable to US buyers, despite significant interest. While American buyers are sometimes perceived as fickle regarding high-performance wagons, the M3 Touring represents, for many, the ultimate vehicle: fun to drive, family-friendly, and with ample space for cargo.
A further underrepresented performance car we’re missing out on is the Toyota GR Yaris—a souped-up version of the Toyota Yaris boasting 300 horsepower. Toyota’s decision not to sell it in the US stems from concerns about insufficient sales. While perhaps Americans aren’t as drawn to compact cars in general, the GR Yaris, with its impressive power-to-size ratio, surely looks like it would be a fun driver.
As a market, America has always presented unique challenges to auto manufacturers. Despite the limitations, U.S. car lovers are constantly looking at the cars they wish they could drive.
