Whether purchasing a new or used vehicle, depreciation typically represents the largest expense for most car owners.
This happens because unless you’re buying a classic or collectible car, the vehicle’s value decreases as soon as you drive it off the lot.
It’s a natural occurrence, especially as mileage accumulates and the vehicle experiences wear and tear over time.
However, not all cars depreciate equally or at the same pace. Some vehicles retain their value better because they are popular models with high demand or are relatively inexpensive to maintain.
In many cases, people’s perception of a brand’s quality also plays a significant role in preserving a car’s resale value. Sometimes, it’s a combination of both factors.
To identify the 10 cars with the best resale values, we referred to data. The analysis compared the typical price of each model at purchase to its resale value after five years.
The models with the smallest depreciation percentages made the list. Unsurprisingly, many of the most popular vehicles today are featured, but there are also a few unexpected entries.
1. Toyota RAV4
Price When New: $35,135
Resale Value After Five Years: $27,757
Five-Year Depreciation: 21.0 Percent
The Toyota RAV4 stands out as one of the most popular compact SUVs available today. It serves as an ideal suburban vehicle, excelling at daily commutes, family errands, and trips to the hardware store.
Its excellent fuel economy, low ownership costs, and higher-than-average resale value add to its appeal.
2. Toyota Highlander
Price When New: $45,959
Resale Value After Five Years: $36,496
Five-Year Depreciation: 20.6 Percent
As the larger counterpart to the RAV4, the Toyota Highlander shares many of the same attributes, including a comfortable ride and reliability.
Equipped with advanced safety features, the Highlander is a smooth performer in suburban settings and retains its value well.
3. Ram ProMaster
Price When New: $49,662
Resale Value After Five Years: $39,456
Five-Year Depreciation: 20.6 Percent
The Ram ProMaster cargo van offers various configurations, including different lengths and roof heights, to cater to diverse commercial needs.
Essentially a versatile box on wheels, it delivers solid payload and towing capabilities, making it a favorite in the work vehicle segment.
4. Chevrolet Express
Price When New: $48,772
Resale Value After Five Years: $39,218
Five-Year Depreciation: 19.6 Percent
Similar to the Ram ProMaster, the Chevrolet Express is a full-size van available in multiple configurations, primarily for commercial or passenger transport purposes.
Despite remaining largely unchanged for over two decades, it continues to serve as a reliable and effective workhorse.
5. Toyota 4Runner
Price When New: $55,260
Resale Value After Five Years: $44,562
Five-Year Depreciation: 19.4 Percent
The Toyota 4Runner is a traditional, truck-based SUV with rear-wheel or four-wheel drive.
Known for its off-road prowess, it remains one of the few options for adventurous drivers in the crossover-dominated era. This unique positioning contributes to its impressive resale value.
6. Mazda MX-5 Miata
Price When New: $34,688
Resale Value After Five Years: $27,976
Five-Year Depreciation: 19.4 Percent
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the world’s best-selling roadster and a joy to drive on winding roads.
Often kept as a secondary or tertiary car, many Miatas on the market have low mileage and are in excellent condition, which helps maintain their value.
7. Ford F-350 Super Duty
Price When New: $83,445
Resale Value After Five Years: $67,449
Five-Year Depreciation: 19.2 Percent
The Ford F-350 Super Duty is a powerhouse of a truck, boasting massive size, robust towing capabilities, and striking design. With options like dual rear wheels, it’s built for heavy-duty tasks.
Though pricey, its durability and utility ensure strong resale value in the used market.
8. Subaru Impreza
Price When New: $26,775
Resale Value After Five Years: $21,668
Five-Year Depreciation: 19.0 Percent
The Subaru Impreza offers excellent value, with its resale performance only slightly lower than that of its SUV sibling, the Crosstrek.
Available as a sedan or wagon, it comes standard with all-wheel drive, making it a popular choice in regions with challenging weather conditions.
9. Subaru Crosstrek
Price When New: $33,660
Resale Value After Five Years: $27,601
Five-Year Depreciation: 18.0 Percent
The Subaru Crosstrek shares much of its DNA with the Impreza but adds rugged body cladding and increased ground clearance, giving it a more SUV-like appeal.
Standard all-wheel drive enhances its versatility and contributes to its high resale value, especially in areas prone to snow.
10. Chevrolet Corvette
Price When New: $103,298
Resale Value After Five Years: $84,704
Five-Year Depreciation: 18.0 Percent
Nicknamed “America’s sports car,” the Chevrolet Corvette combines performance and style at a relatively affordable price compared to European sports cars.
Its current mid-engine design has only bolstered its popularity, and enthusiasts continue to keep demand—and resale values—high.
