When most people buy a truck, they think about power, towing capacity, and comfort. What many overlook is how much of their investment they will actually recover when it’s time to sell. Depreciation is quietly one of the most expensive parts of vehicle ownership, yet it rarely gets the attention it deserves.
In March 2026, Kelley Blue Book released its 24th annual Best Resale Value Awards. Toyota claimed the top spot for Best Resale Value Brand for the sixth consecutive year, boasting an average resale value of 53%. That number means Toyota vehicles collectively hold more than half their original value after five years on the road.
Both the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra were included in the prestigious KBB Top 10 Best Resale Value list for 2026, placing them in the same category as elite models such as the Porsche 911 and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. This recognition highlights that Toyota trucks are not only highly capable but also strong financial investments that hold their value exceptionally well.
The average 2026 model-year vehicle retains only 45% of its value after five years, meaning a $50,000 vehicle falls to about $22,500. Toyota trucks consistently beat this industry average by a significant margin. For buyers who care about the total cost of ownership, the Tacoma and Tundra stand in a class of their own.
This achievement is not a one-time fluke or a lucky streak. This year marks Toyota’s 10th Best Resale Value Brand win, having previously captured the same honors in 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. That kind of consistency reflects a deeply embedded quality across the entire lineup.
Why the Tacoma Continues to Dominate Resale Value
The Toyota Tacoma’s grip on the midsize truck segment is nothing short of remarkable. For 21 consecutive years, the Toyota Tacoma has dominated the midsize pickup segment in the United States, thanks to its blend of reliability, off-road prowess, and value. That longevity in sales directly feeds into its strong retained value. When millions of buyers want a truck year after year, used examples simply do not sit on lots for long.
Over the course of five years, the Toyota Tacoma depreciates by only 22% and holds a five-year resale value of approximately $34,806. Compare that to the industry average depreciation of nearly 55%, and the gap becomes staggering. Tacoma owners essentially lose far less money per mile driven than owners of almost any competing midsize truck.
The Tacoma earned the category win for Midsize Pickup Truck in the 2026 KBB Best Resale Value Awards. It beat out competitors, including the Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and Nissan Frontier. Buyers who choose the Tacoma are not just getting a capable off-road machine. They are making a financially sound decision that pays off at every stage of ownership.
The fourth-generation Tacoma, introduced for the 2024 model year, brought fresh powertrains and modern technology while keeping the formula that made the truck legendary.
Its twin-turbocharged four-cylinder engine and available hybrid powertrain gave buyers more choices without sacrificing the dependability that defines the nameplate.
Strong build quality and consistently low repair costs ensure that used Tacomas remain attractive to a broad pool of buyers. That demand keeps prices firm and depreciation low for every owner in the chain.
Even after five years, a used Tacoma is often worth more than similar trucks, and buyers trust Toyota for long-term reliability, which keeps resale prices strong.
This creates a self-reinforcing cycle. High demand creates strong prices. Strong prices encourage more buyers to choose the Tacoma. And more buyers choosing the Tacoma ensures that the used market remains deep and competitive.
The Tundra’s Full-Size Muscle and Financial Sense
The Toyota Tundra has long played a quieter game in the full-size truck segment. Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado dominate raw sales numbers, but the Tundra quietly outperforms both in the resale value department. That distinction matters enormously for buyers who view their truck purchase as a long-term financial decision rather than just a lifestyle choice.
The 2026 Toyota Tundra depreciates just 28.7% after five years, compared to 42.5% for the average full-size pickup. That 13.8 percentage point difference translates into thousands of real dollars when it is time to trade in or sell. On a $60,000 Tundra, that gap could mean retaining over $8,000 more in value than a typical full-size competitor.
The Tundra’s twin-turbocharged V6 engine, which replaced the old V8 when the third generation launched, initially drew skepticism from truck traditionalists.
Over time, however, that engine proved itself both powerful and durable. Paired with the available hybrid iForce MAX system, it delivers over 400 horsepower while improving fuel efficiency. That combination of performance and efficiency has only strengthened buyer confidence in the Tundra over time.
Tundras routinely surpass 200,000 miles without major failures, with that longevity stemming from specific engineering decisions Toyota makes during design and manufacturing.
Those same engineering choices directly affect how these trucks are valued years after purchase. A truck that buyers trust to run reliably for a decade commands a premium on the used market. The Tundra earns that premium consistently and predictably.
What This Means for Smart Truck Buyers
Choosing a truck based solely on sticker price is a shortsighted approach to a major purchase. The real cost of ownership includes insurance, fuel, maintenance, and most significantly, depreciation.
Depreciation can be the single largest expense a vehicle owner will incur, and the difference between vehicles can amount to hundreds or even thousands of dollars over the first years of ownership. This is the financial reality that the KBB awards help buyers understand every year.
When both the Tacoma and Tundra appear on the same Top 10 Resale Value list, Toyota makes a powerful statement. No other manufacturer placed two trucks on that list in 2026.
That breadth of coverage, from the midsize class to the full-size segment, means Toyota truck buyers at every level benefit from the same exceptional retained value. Whether you are a contractor who depends on a Tundra for daily hauling or an adventurer who relies on a Tacoma for weekend trails, your investment is protected far more than a rival brand would offer.
Higher retained value can strengthen lease offers, support trade-in values, and give shoppers another reason to choose Toyota in a market where affordability remains a top concern.
In an era of raised vehicle prices and tighter household budgets, owning a truck that holds its value is not just a preference. It is a practical necessity. The Toyota Tacoma and Tundra deliver on that promise, year after year, without exception.
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