Depreciation is one of the most significant hidden costs when purchasing a new vehicle, especially for SUVs, which tend to lose value faster than regular cars. Understanding how much you can expect to get back when selling your SUV is crucial for making an informed purchase.
Certain SUV models depreciate quickly, meaning owners may not recoup much of their investment when it’s time to sell. On the other hand, some SUVs maintain their value better, offering more financial return in the used car market.
To help guide buyers, data has been collected to identify the SUVs with the best resale value. By analyzing depreciation over a five-year period, the vehicles with the slowest depreciation are highlighted.
This information also includes the best time to sell an SUV to maximize return on investment, allowing owners to make smarter decisions when it comes time to part ways with their vehicle.
1. Lexus RX 350
The Lexus RX 350 holds a strong five-year residual value of 61.3%. Known for its reliability and comfort, it stands out as the only luxury SUV on this list. The RX is often praised for its high build quality and smooth ride, though it may not be as sporty as some of its competitors.
The vehicle’s value depreciation is consistent, with the largest drop occurring in the first five years. Its long-term resale value makes it an excellent choice for those looking for a dependable and upscale used SUV. After five years, depreciation slows down significantly, ensuring good resale prospects.
2. Mazda CX-5
With a five-year residual value of 61.8%, the Mazda CX-5 is one of the most stylish and well-rounded compact SUVs. Mazda’s reputation for quality and innovation is evident in the CX-5, which features an athletic chassis and a comfortable, upscale interior. Depreciation is steady, with about 38% of its value lost after five years.
The CX-5 offers a balanced approach to design and driving experience. Although it doesn’t maintain value as well as some other models, it still fares better than many in the compact SUV segment, with slow value loss post-five years.
3. Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is a mid-size, three-row SUV with a five-year residual value of 62.8%. It offers a spacious interior and a practical design that is ideal for families. While it might not be the most exciting SUV in terms of performance, it excels in comfort and reliability.
The Pilot’s depreciation follows a steady path, with the largest drop occurring in the first few years. After five years, the depreciation stabilizes. Despite losing value more quickly in the early years, the Honda Pilot is a great choice for those needing a reliable family vehicle with good long-term resale potential.
4. Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander, with a five-year residual value of 64.7%, stands out for its balance of efficiency, safety, and interior space. It’s a family-friendly SUV with a reputation for dependability, making it a popular choice. The Highlander’s depreciation is relatively slow, with only a 23% loss in the first three years.
It continues to hold its value well over the next five years, making it a smart investment for those looking for an SUV with good resale prospects. However, after ten years, the value drops more steeply. It’s an excellent choice for those prioritizing reliability.
5. Toyota Sequoia
With a five-year residual value of 66.1%, the Toyota Sequoia is a full-size SUV with impressive off-road capabilities. It’s equipped with a powerful engine and ample interior space, making it ideal for larger families or those who need significant towing capacity.
The Sequoia’s depreciation is rapid in the first few years, losing 18% of its value in just the first three years. However, its resale value stabilizes after five years, though it continues to lose value more quickly in the long run. If you plan to trade it in within the first few years, you’ll retain a better value.
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6. Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is a symbol of rugged off-road capability, with a five-year residual value of 66.3%. Known for its unique design and thrilling driving experience, it’s less about luxury and more about adventure.
Despite initial depreciation, with the first two years seeing a sharp drop, the Wrangler maintains a steady value loss afterward.
It holds its value better than many other SUVs in the long term, and if you decide to sell after four years, it will retain about 71% of its value. This makes the Wrangler a great investment for those who love outdoor adventures.
7. Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester, with a five-year residual value of 67.6%, is a compact SUV with a reputation for a smooth ride and a quiet cabin. Its off-road capabilities, combined with practicality and spaciousness, make it a popular choice for families.
The Forester depreciates the most in the first few years, losing 27% of its value by the third year. After that, its value loss stabilizes but remains significant after five years. Subaru owners tend to keep their vehicles for longer, so the Forester offers a relatively strong long-term resale value, though it’s best to sell it within the first five years.
8. Subaru Crosstrek
With a five-year residual value of 68.2%, the Subaru Crosstrek is a compact SUV designed for adventure. Its rugged build and off-road capabilities are enhanced by the Wilderness package, making it a perfect vehicle for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Crosstrek has some of the lowest depreciation rates, with a minimal value loss of 25% in the first three years. As time goes on, the depreciation rate gradually increases, but it remains much lower than that of many competitors.
With its affordable price and longevity, the Crosstrek holds its value very well, making it an excellent choice for adventure seekers.
9. Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V, with a five-year residual value of 72.9%, is a subcompact SUV known for its affordability and comfortable interior. It has a slower depreciation rate compared to many other vehicles, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a vehicle that maintains its value over time.
In its first two years, the HR-V loses 21% of its value, but after that, depreciation significantly slows. The HR-V is a solid investment, with minimal depreciation through the years, offering great resale value even after ten years. It’s a great option for those wanting reliable and affordable transportation.
10. Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness
The Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness stands out for its off-road enhancements and rugged design, making it an ideal choice for those seeking adventure. With a five-year residual value of 68.2%, it offers excellent resale potential.
The value of the Crosstrek drops steadily in the first few years, but it maintains its value well compared to other vehicles in its segment. After five years, the depreciation slows down, making it a good choice for long-term ownership.
With off-road capabilities and a reputation for reliability, the Crosstrek Wilderness holds strong appeal for buyers looking for a versatile SUV.
When selecting an SUV, understanding how depreciation impacts its resale value can guide you in making a financially wise decision. Certain models, like the Honda HR-V and Subaru Crosstrek, are excellent choices for those looking to retain value over time.
These vehicles see a slower depreciation rate, providing a better return on investment. The Toyota Sequoia and Lexus RX 350 are also solid options, offering strong long-term resale value despite higher depreciation in the first few years.
Timing your sale, along with choosing the right model, allows you to maximize the return when you decide to part ways with your SUV.
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