Update Sept. 14, 2023: An earlier version of this article stated that the Mazda MX-30 was discontinued; Mazda has confirmed that the MX-30 will be on sale in Canada for the 2024 model year.
The end of the summer also coincides with the traditional model year turnover in the car industry, and this year is no different. Looking at our list of discontinued models below, the trend is evident: passenger cars such as two-door coupes, sports cars, or sedans are on the chopping block in far greater numbers than SUVs, trucks, or anything with a battery.
While some 2023 models, like the Chevrolet Camaro and Bolt EV and EUV, or the Jeep Cherokee, are on hiatus for the 2024 model, here's a list of current 2023 models that won't return in the foreseeable future.
Audi R8
Seventeen years and two generations later, the 2023 models will be the last of Audi's mid-engine two-seat R8 supercar. Initially offered as a coupe with V8 or V10 engines for 2008, the Spyder convertible shortly followed. Compared with its Lamborghini Gallardo/Huracán platform mates, the R8 has always been a supercar you could drive daily with few compromises, as the Audi offers a slightly larger cabin and a more forgiving overall ride quality than its Lambo cousins.
Audi TT
The Audi TT debuted as a 2+2 coupe in 1998 and a two-seat roadster a year later. The current third-generation model was unveiled in 2014 and is joining the R8 in Audi sports car heaven. While contemporary rivals (the BMW Z3, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Porsche Cayman/Boxster) were designed with front- or mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layouts, the all-wheel drive TT had to make do with the Volkswagen Group's transversely mounted engines up front. Despite stunning styling and beautifully crafted interiors, some critics saw the Audi as a mere "VW Golf in drag." But TT fans still rave about the five-cylinder RS versions, last available in 2022.
Chrysler 300
Designed by Canadian Ralph Gilles and built in Brampton, Ont., it's easy to get patriotic about Chrysler's 300 luxury sedan. Arriving for 2005 with a road presence harking back to the glamourous American cars of the 1950s, the modern 300 is timelessly roomy and comfortable, with RWD or AWD and a choice of V6 or Hemi V8 engines. The 2023 Chrysler 300C sends out the big-and-burly sedan on a powerful note, featuring a 485 horsepower V8 HEMI and other performance goodies.
Dodge Challenger
As a modern reincarnation of the 1970 to '74 first-generation muscle car era Challenger, the modern model borrows its chassis from Germany's Mercedes-Benz (as does the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 four-door sedans). Still, since 2008, the Dodge's HEMI V8s have delivered plenty of all-American muscle. As one of the "Last Call" special editions, the 2023 Challenger SRT Demon 170 boasts 1,025 hp, making it the quickest, fastest, and most powerful muscle car in the world.
Dodge Charger
After a two-decade hiatus, the Charger returned for 2006. But like its Challenger and Chrysler 300 siblings, Dodge's big sedan is going away for 2024 – at least in its current form. The nameplate is returning as an all-electric muscle car based on the Dodge Charger Daytona SRT Concept. The order books closed in July this year for various Dodge "Last Call" 2023 Charger models introduced to help celebrate the end of the gas-powered muscle car era.
Ford Edge
If you've been through a drive-thru, shopped at a big box store, or have kids in hockey, you've come across an Edge. Introduced for 2007, the first-generation of Ford's two-row midsize SUV was based on the Mazda6 midsize sedan, while the current second-gen model has used the old Ford Fusion sedan chassis since 2015. Both generations have been assembled in Ford's Oakville, Ont., plant. As part of Ford's long-term focus on electric vehicle production, the 2023 model year will be the last for the Edge.
Kia Rio
Popular small hatchbacks like the Ford Fiesta, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, and Toyota Yaris are long gone. And now, the most affordable Kia, the Rio subcompact hatch, is going away for 2024. The current fourth-gen Rio arrived in 2018 in both four-door sedan (dropped three years ago) and hatchback body styles. For over two decades, the Rio was a gateway to new car ownership (and Kia's long new car warranty) for buyers who only had the means for a used car.
Kia Stinger
Since it arrived for 2018, the Stinger has shared a platform with its Genesis G70 luxury sport sedan cousin. Kia disguises its roomier interior and larger rear cargo area with its hatchback liftgate and a sexy fastback roofline. The Stinger's rear-based AWD chassis and turbocharged engines make it a value-laden alternative to an Audi A5 Sportback or BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe. However, relatively poor sales and Kia's continuing electrification of its lineup have Kia killing off the Stinger for 2024.
Mazda CX-9
Introduced for 2007, the Mazda CX-9 midsize three-row SUV was the final collaboration with Ford. The second-gen model arrived in 2016, based on Mazda's Skyactiv platform and engines shared with other new Mazdas introduced after 2011. Compared to mainstream brand rivals, the CX-9 looked, felt, and drove like it belonged in the luxury bracket. For 2024, Mazda is adding a zero to the badge for the CX-9's replacement with the new CX-90.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe & Cabriolet
As it expands its all-electric lineup, the two-door versions of Mercedes-Benz's C-Class are being replaced by the 2024 CLE-Class. The Coupe returned on the third-generation C-Class in 2011, with the first-ever C-Class Cabriolet (the only Benz compact cabriolet since 1955) revealed in 2016 as the most affordable Mercedes convertible. For their 2023 sendoff, the C-Class two-doors are available only with AWD in C 300 and AMG C 43 trims.
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
Subjectively, the CLS is one the most eye-catching Mercedes-Benz cars since the SL sports cars of the 1950s and '60s. Based on the E-Class midsize sedan, the original 2006 CLS was the first "four-door coupe," copied by rivals like BMW's Gran Coupes and the Audi Sportbacks. With buyers now favouring coupe/SUVs (like the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe), the third-generation CLS will be no more after the 2023 model year.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe & Cabriolet
There's been a Mercedes-Benz E-Class since the 1950s. But not always with two doors. Between 1969 and 1996, three generations of midsize 'Benz two-doors were sold. Then, based on the smaller C-Class and borrowing styling and some powertrains from the E-Class, there was the 1997 to 2009 CLK-Class. Since 2010, E-Class two-doors have shared the same platform as the sedan/wagon. The models debuted for the 2018 model year and, like the C-Class two doors, will be consolidated into the new 2024 CLE-Class.
Nissan Maxima
After over 40 years and eight generations, the Nissan (nee Datsun) Maxima sedan will disappear after the 2023 model year. By its third generation, Nissan marketed the Maxima as "the 4-door sports car" and sold it as a family sedan that could turn into a road toy after you dropped the kids off. The current 2023 Maxima is no sports sedan, but it blends the power of 300 horsepower and near-luxury accoutrements nicely.
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