In the United States, pickup trucks are more than just workhorses they’re part of the cultural fabric. Whether hauling equipment for construction, towing a camper for family trips, or simply being the daily driver in rural areas, pickups play a crucial role in both utility and lifestyle.
Because of their popularity, trucks are often priced higher than sedans or SUVs, both at the dealership and in the used market.
However, not all pickups retain their value equally. Some models are notorious for depreciating quickly, while others hold strong resale value even after years of use.
For many buyers, purchasing a truck is a long-term investment, and resale value is a key factor to consider. Trucks that hold their value tend to have strong reliability records, high demand, and a reputation for durability.
On the other hand, those that plummet often struggle with quality issues, limited demand, or costly upkeep. Let’s break down five pickups that keep their resale value high versus five that lose it quickly.
Pickups That Hold Resale Value
If you’re buying a pickup, chances are you’re thinking long-term, and that means resale value matters just as much as towing capacity or horsepower.
Some trucks hold their worth like gold, while others lose value the second you drive off the lot. In this article, we’ll break down the pickups that not only get the job done today but also pay you back years down the road when it’s time to sell or trade in.
1. Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma has been a resale value champion for years. Known for its bulletproof reliability, off-road capability, and loyal fan base, the Tacoma maintains strong demand in both the new and used markets.
Unlike many trucks, a well-kept Tacoma can sell for close to its original purchase price even after several years of ownership.
Part of this stems from Toyota’s reputation for long-lasting engines and simple maintenance needs. Buyers know they’re getting a dependable truck, whether it’s a base SR model or the rugged TRD Pro.
The 2020 Toyota Tacoma may compete with other mid-size pickups on paper, but what really gives it an edge are its Toyota heritage and off-road credibility, which carry a level of prestige that few rivals can match.
Known affectionately as the “Taco,” it has built a cult-like following among off-road enthusiasts, while its smaller size and reputation for reliability have made it a popular alternative to bulkier options like the full-size Toyota Tundra. That said, the Tacoma is far from flawless.
The cabin feels cramped and overly utilitarian with rubberized finishes, and its aging engines and sluggish automatic transmission leave it feeling behind the curve compared to more modern competitors.
Still, the Tacoma does stand out by offering more standard driver-assistance features than any other mid-size truck, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across all trims to simplify the infotainment experience.
For buyers who prioritize durability, trail capability, and long-term dependability over refinement, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma remains a rugged and versatile choice that continues to hold strong appeal.
For 2020, Toyota rolled out several updates to the Tacoma that improve both its style and technology. Exterior changes include a freshened grille design, new wheel options, redesigned taillights, and LED headlights available on certain trims.
Inside, the Tacoma gained a power-adjustable driver’s seat, larger touchscreens with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, and an optional camera system capable of providing either a 360-degree view or an underbody perspective to spot obstacles on the trail.
The TRD Pro trim benefits the most from these updates, gaining the latest technology along with re-tuned shocks, lighter wheels, and the exclusive Army Green paint option. Pricing for the Tacoma ranges widely depending on trim, starting at $27,225 for the SR model and topping out at $45,135 for the TRD Pro.
While the entry-level price is accessible, the TRD Off-Road trim is widely recommended as the best value thanks to its standard four-wheel drive and trail-ready features.
Under the hood, the Tacoma offers two engines, but the base four-cylinder is significantly underpowered and not worth choosing. The optional V-6, on the other hand, provides better performance and enough towing muscle for most buyers, though it too struggles when paired with the automatic transmission. The six-speed manual allows the V-6 to shine more naturally.
Trim levels are designed with different buyers in mind: the TRD Sport and Limited are better suited to city driving, while the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims are geared toward serious trail use. None of them are particularly fast, but what the Tacoma lacks in outright speed it makes up for in capability.
Ride quality and handling are not class-leading, but the truck is confident and composed when tackling rough roads and trails.
The Limited trim offers the smoothest and most refined ride for daily use, while the TRD Pro takes the opposite approach, with its lifted suspension, heavy-duty shocks, and aggressive off-road tires making it one of the most trail-ready trucks in the class.
After testing the updated TRD Pro out west, it proved itself as one of the best off-roaders available, though its rugged setup makes it less enjoyable for everyday driving.
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2. Toyota Tundra
The full-size Toyota Tundra might not outsell the Ford F-150 or Chevrolet Silverado, but it has something those trucks don’t always match: long-term dependability and slow depreciation.
Tundra models are sought after in the used market because of Toyota’s track record for durability, and because they often come standard with features competitors only offer as add-ons.
Even with fewer engine choices and an older design compared to Detroit rivals, the Tundra’s resale value remains strong. Buyers are willing to pay extra for peace of mind, making this truck a smart purchase for those who want to maximize future resale potential.
3. Ford F-150
As the best-selling vehicle in America for over four decades, the Ford F-150 naturally holds its value well. Demand for this truck is always high, and that carries over into the used market.
While resale value varies depending on trim and configuration, certain models like the F-150 Lariat and Platinum often command higher prices.
The introduction of aluminum body panels in 2015 also helped reduce weight and improve efficiency, a feature that continues to make newer used F-150s attractive to buyers.
Add in Ford’s wide variety of engine options, including the popular EcoBoost, and you have a truck that rarely sits long on a dealership’s lot.
4. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Chevy’s Silverado 1500 is another strong performer when it comes to resale value, especially in higher trims like the LTZ and High Country.
Silverado buyers appreciate the truck’s balance of comfort and towing strength, which helps keep demand steady in the used market. Fleet buyers also often seek out used Silverados, which adds to resale stability.
While it doesn’t quite match the Toyota Tacoma in holding value percentage-wise, it still outperforms many competitors. For those looking for an American-made truck that will still fetch a solid price years down the line, the Silverado remains a strong bet.
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5. GMC Sierra 1500
Closely related to the Chevrolet Silverado, the GMC Sierra 1500 benefits from many of the same qualities but with a premium edge. GMC markets itself as the more upscale brand, and used buyers respond accordingly.
Trims like the Sierra Denali, with luxury-like features, often bring in higher resale prices than comparable Silverados.
Resale value also remains strong because buyers see GMC as a blend of work-ready durability and comfort, making it popular with those who use their truck for both business and family.
Choosing between the GMC Sierra 1500 and its near-identical twin, the Chevrolet Silverado, often comes down to a matter of styling preference. Both trucks deliver the same extensive menu of configurations, with options for cab size, bed length, engine choice, towing capacity, and interior appointments.
The Sierra’s engine lineup consists of four main choices: a base turbocharged four-cylinder, a 5.3-liter V-8, a 6.2-liter V-8, and a torque-heavy Duramax diesel capable of towing up to 13,300 pounds. Buyers can select between a single cab, double cab, or four-door crew cab, paired with bed lengths ranging from 5.8 feet to 8.2 feet, and four-wheel drive is available on all body styles.
GMC leans on its Denali and Denali Ultimate trims to court buyers seeking a touch of luxury in their pickup, and while those trims carry premium pricing, they still undercut the rival Ram 1500.
When comparing strengths, the Sierra edges out the Ram in maximum towing capacity by 450 pounds, but the Ram counters with a smoother ride and a more upscale interior, which are among the reasons it has repeatedly earned a 10Best award while the Sierra has not.
For 2025, GMC introduces only minor updates to the Sierra 1500, such as new 22-inch wheels, with the truck otherwise carrying over from the 2024 model year. This generation has been around since 2019, with a refresh arriving in 2022, and GMC has yet to announce any major redesign plans.
Pricing for the 2025 Sierra starts at $39,145 for the base Pro trim and climbs all the way to $86,890 for the fully loaded Denali Ultimate. In between, the lineup includes the SLE at $49,645, the recommended Elevation trim at $51,345, the SLT at $57,095, the AT4 at $67,995, the Denali at $68,090, and the off-road-focused AT4X at $80,595.
The Elevation model stands out as the sweet spot, offering a balance of price and features while also adding a desirable appearance package. Buyers can further tailor the truck with their choice of cab style and bed length, and four-wheel drive is available for an additional cost.
Under the hood, the Sierra 1500 offers four different engines, two transmissions, and the choice between rear- and four-wheel drive. The base 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 310 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Moving up, buyers can opt for the familiar 5.3-liter V-8 with 355 horsepower or the 6.2-liter V-8 with 420 horsepower. A 3.0-liter Duramax diesel six-cylinder brings 305 horsepower and 495 pound-feet of torque, making it the torque champ of the lineup.
These three engines are mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. The Sierra can also be equipped with adaptive dampers and wheels as large as 22 inches, but in its standard form, the ride quality remains rougher than that of the Ram 1500, even if the truck impresses with its sharp steering and limited body roll.
While it doesn’t match the extreme off-road capability of the Ford F-150 Raptor, the Sierra does offer two dedicated off-road trims. For buyers who want to take it even further, the AT4X AEV package layers on serious off-road gear such as a steel front bumper with a winch, AEV 18-inch wheels, and steel rock sliders, making the Sierra a formidable option for tackling rough terrain.
Pickups That Plummet in Resale Value
Trucks are often seen as safe investments, but not every pickup holds its value over time. Some lose thousands the moment they leave the dealership and continue to sink faster than their rivals.
In this article, we’ll look at the pickups that hit hard on resale value, so you’ll know which ones to think twice about before signing on the dotted line.
1. Nissan Titan
The Nissan Titan has struggled in the US market for years, and resale values reflect that. Despite offering V8 power and a decent feature set, the Titan never quite captured the loyalty that Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota enjoy.
Its limited trim options and smaller dealer network also make it less appealing on the used market. Buyers often skip over Titans for more familiar choices, leading to quicker depreciation.
Nissan even discontinued the Titan in certain markets, further reducing demand. For those concerned about future resale, this truck is a risky buy.
When it comes to full-size pickups, the 2024 Nissan Titan has a hard time staying in the conversation. This isn’t because the half-ton truck lacks comfort or power, the Titan’s interior is supremely comfortable, and its standard 400-hp V-8 delivers plenty of muscle.
The problem lies in its inability to keep pace with competitors in key areas, all while facing an uphill battle against domestic brands that dominate the U.S. truck market.
The Titan falls short in towing capacity, offers fewer affordable base trims, and lacks the luxury appointments and cutting-edge technology that rival trucks provide.
For 2024, the biggest update to the Titan lineup isn’t the new Bronze Edition package, but the removal of the entry-level S model. With the Titan’s work-oriented base trim gone, the starting price climbs by more than $5000.
The SV now serves as the entry point and is the only trim that can be paired with the Bronze Edition package for an additional $2980.
That appearance upgrade adds bronze 20-inch wheels, a black grille surround, a black center bumper section, and a bed-mounted sport bar. Still, the news overshadowing everything else is Nissan’s decision to sunset the Titan altogether in mid-2024.
Pricing for the 2024 Titan starts at $48,700 and tops out at $62,370 depending on trim and configuration. The lineup consists of the SV at $48,700, the off-road-focused PRO-4X at $56,510, and the range-topping Platinum Reserve at $62,370.
Without the old S model, the most cost-effective choice is the SV crew cab with rear-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive can be added for extra capability.
Powertrain choices are simple with the Titan: every model comes with the same 5.6-liter V-8 paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. This engine produces 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, offering strong acceleration that’s on par with rivals’ V-8s and capable braking performance.
However, refinement is where the Titan struggles. Its ride and handling lack the polish of trucks like the Ram 1500, though the Pro-4X trim swaps the standard suspension for a more rugged off-road setup.
While those shocks improve trail capability, they also make the ride feel stiffer than competitors with similar systems. The Titan and its heavy-duty sibling, the Titan XD, share cabs and certain components but ride on different chassis and suspensions, with the Titan tailored more toward light-duty use.
Despite its power and durability, the Titan ultimately can’t deliver the same balance of capability, technology, and comfort that rivals have perfected, leaving it a step behind in a fiercely competitive segment.
2. Ram 1500
The Ram 1500 is well-regarded for its comfortable ride and upscale interior, but its resale value lags behind rivals. Part of the issue comes from Ram’s past reliability concerns, which have left some used buyers wary.
While recent models have improved significantly in quality, perception matters in resale. Additionally, because Ram often offers deep discounts and incentives on new models, used trucks depreciate faster since buyers can get competitive deals brand new.
Unless it’s a highly optioned trim like the Rebel or Limited, Ram 1500s typically lose value quicker than Ford or Toyota competitors.
3. Ford Ranger
Although Ford reintroduced the Ranger to the US market in 2019, it hasn’t been able to build the same resale reputation as the Tacoma.
Demand is decent, but used prices drop faster compared to Toyota’s mid-size offering. Some of this stems from limited trim availability and the fact that the Ranger doesn’t have the long track record of durability in the US market that the Tacoma boasts.
Until the Ranger proves itself with more years of consistent performance, it remains a truck that depreciates more quickly than its competitors.
4. Chevrolet Colorado
The Chevrolet Colorado has fans who appreciate its balance of size and power, but it still struggles to hold value compared to Toyota’s Tacoma.
Reliability ratings have been inconsistent, and while the truck offers versatility, used buyers tend to see it as less durable than rivals.
Diesel versions also suffer from higher repair costs, further hurting resale. For many used truck shoppers, paying extra for a Tacoma feels safer, leaving the Colorado to depreciate faster.
Mid-size pickups like the 2025 Chevrolet Colorado are no longer viewed as compromises for those who couldn’t justify a full-size truck. Instead, they’ve carved out their own identity by blending capability, performance, and practicality in a more manageable package.
The Colorado exemplifies that shift with a standard 310-hp turbocharged 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic, offering serious muscle in a mid-size footprint.
A recent redesign modernized the cabin, and for 2025, Chevy adds minor upgrades and standard equipment across trims. With towing capacity up to 7700 pounds and configurations ranging from rear- to all-wheel drive, the Colorado has the versatility to pull double duty as both workhorse and weekend escape vehicle.
For 2025, Chevy simplified the Colorado lineup by dropping the lower-output engine, making the most powerful version of the 2.7-liter turbo-four standard across all trims.
Other updates include a new Midnight Edition, fresh paint options like Reef Blue Metallic and Sunrise Orange, and feature reshuffling throughout the lineup.
The WT and Trail Boss now come standard with a sliding rear window, rear defroster, and cruise control, while the Advanced Trailering package is included on the Trail Boss and Z71. The off-road flagship ZR2 receives perforated leather seats with ventilation, a heated steering wheel, and wireless charging.
5. GMC Canyon
Like its sibling, the Chevrolet Colorado, the GMC Canyon faces similar resale struggles. While GMC positions the Canyon as the more upscale mid-size truck, its depreciation rate doesn’t reflect premium strength.
Used buyers often skip the Canyon in favor of larger, more popular trucks like the Sierra or Silverado. Reliability concerns, combined with lower demand, contribute to quicker value loss. Unless bought at a steep discount new, the Canyon typically doesn’t return strong resale numbers.
For US buyers, resale value can make a massive difference when choosing a pickup truck.
Models like the Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra, Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra consistently prove to be smart investments thanks to their strong reputations and ongoing demand.
On the other hand, trucks like the Nissan Titan, Ram 1500, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon struggle to keep pace, often leaving owners with bigger depreciation hits.
The bottom line? If you’re looking for a truck that won’t just serve you well during ownership but also return strong value down the road, sticking with proven models is your best bet.
Reliability, demand, and brand reputation all play a role in whether a truck holds or loses value, and making the right choice now can save you thousands when it’s time to sell or trade in.
