10 American Vehicles Named Differently Overseas

In modern conditions, large automakers can’t afford to be strangers to badge engineering. Rebadged cars appear more and more often as automakers divert their resources on lowering production costs by establishing alliances, sharing platforms and even outright buying out their competition. American automakers are no strangers to this practice as well. They’ve rebadged a number of foreign nameplates over the years and these 10 were likely the best jobs they’ve ever done in that respect. This time, however, we’ll be focusing on reversed state of affairs. Here are the 10 current American models marketed overseas under different badges, names or even both.

Dodge Journey (Fiat Freemont)

Mid-size crossover was introduced for 2009 model year and started initially as North American market exclusive vehicle. As of 2011, however, things changed. Mexican-made SUV received new badge and name, and started its overseas journey as Fiat Freemont. Fiat Freemont can now be bought in Australia, China, South Korea, Brazil and most of Europe. Unlike American models which are offered in conventional two-way 4-cylinder and V6 options, global models can also be ordered with fuel-efficient 2.0L turbo diesel engine. Other than one additional engine and reworked frontal fascia, Dodge Journey and Fiat Freemont are basically the same thing.

Dodge Journey

Fiat Freemont

Buick Encore (Opel Mokka, Vauxhall Mokka)

Buick’s first ever compact crossover was actually first introduced as Opel Mokka in Europe, in late 2012. Buick version came a few months later, in early 2013. Differences between the models, however, are almost non existent. There’s nothing to separate them apart from different badges and frontal fascia. And engines, of course. While Buick Encore in America and China both come with 1.4L turbo four making 138 horsepower, European Opel and Vauxhall counterparts do things slightly differently. Redesigned Mokka X (both Opel and Vauxhall) can either be ordered with mentioned 1.4L turbo four or optional 1.6L diesel and petrol mills.

Buick Encore

Opel Mokka X

Ford Escape (Ford Kuga)

One of the best sold American compact crossovers doesn’t stop there. Ford Escape has its market across the pond too, where it goes under the name Ford Kuga since 2012. Kuga existed before that, mind you, but it was based on the C1 platform jointly developed by Ford, Mazda, and Volvo. Furthermore, third generation Ford Escape and second generation Ford Kuga feature the same visual treatment. They’re only powered by different engines. While American version offers a choice between 1.6L and 2.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinders, and 2.5L naturally aspirated in-line four, overseas models add 1.5L EcoBoost and four tunes of 2.0L Duratorq diesel mill. They don’t get the naturally aspirated 2.5L engine, though.

Ford Escape

Ford Kuga