If you’re considering purchasing a new car as we move into 2025, you’re likely factoring in the initial purchase price as well as the long-term ownership costs.
However, have you also taken depreciation rates into account? A vehicle that maintains its value well can be a fantastic trade-in when you’re ready to buy another car.
J.D. Power recently published its 2025 best resale ratings. Using these rankings, it was highlighted which models you should consider if preserving resale value is a priority for you.
2025 Acura Integra
When it comes to small premium cars, the Acura Integra leads the pack in terms of resale value. The vehicle has a starting price of $30,447.
Based on J.D. Power’s depreciation forecast, which predicts how much value a vehicle is expected to lose over time, the Integra earned an impressive score of 81 out of 100 over the next three years.
The 2025 Acura Integra, Acura’s smallest and most affordable model in its lineup, brings back a beloved nameplate from the brand’s history and pairs it with what is essentially an upgraded Honda Civic hatchback.
While the Integra shares its foundational structure with the Civic, it distinguishes itself with unique powertrain and suspension tuning as well as a variety of premium features.
Under the hood, the Integra is powered by a 200-hp turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, the same one found in the Civic Si, and it is paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
For those who prefer not to operate a manual, a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is available as an option—something not offered with the Civic Si.
2025 Audi Q3
If you’re on the lookout for a small premium SUV, the Audi Q3 should be on your radar, as it ranks highly for maintaining its value over time.
The Audi Q3 has a starting price of $37,400, and in addition to its affordability, it offers great highway fuel efficiency of between 28 to 29 mpg.
Moreover, it received strong scores for quality and reliability, making it an attractive choice for potential buyers.
The Audi Q3 serves as the entry-level option in Audi’s SUV lineup, and in some ways, it lives up to the expectations set by its iconic four-ring badge.
However, there are aspects where it might leave drivers contemplating whether they should have opted for the Q5 or another, higher-end Audi crossover—or even a different small luxury SUV altogether.
The Q3 showcases certain distinctive Audi traits that set it apart. Its exterior design is understated but tastefully refined, reflecting the brand’s minimalist sophistication.
Inside the cabin, the Q3 offers impressive digital displays that pair seamlessly with a sleek, modern design aesthetic.
The rear seating area stands out for being relatively spacious, especially when considering the SUV’s compact exterior footprint.
Prospective buyers will likely find the Q3’s aesthetic appeal and its well-thought-out packaging to be its strongest selling points, rather than its driving performance.
While its small size contributes to nimble handling, the ride quality can feel overly bouncy, which detracts from the luxurious driving experience that buyers might expect from a small luxury SUV.
2025 Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler holds the top spot for compact SUVs in terms of retaining value over time. The starting price is $33,990, making it a strong contender for those focused on resale value.
Why choose this SUV? As Car and Driver puts it, “It is its reputation for off-roading distilled, improved over the years with the availability of things like power windows and air conditioning—and now even decent infotainment—but retaining the look, character, and capability that date back to its inception as part of the WWII war effort.”
For the 2025 model year, Jeep is removing the eight-speed automatic paired with the V-6 engine from its options lineup.
This means the six-speed manual transmission will now be the sole pairing option for that engine combination. The six-speed manual remains standard on the Sport, Sport S, Willys, and Rubicon trims.
Additionally, Jeep has discontinued the standard, powerful Rubicon 392 V-8 model from its offerings. However, the Rubicon 392 Final Edition remains available and will continue production for at least another year.
2025 Cadillac CT5
The Cadillac CT5 ranks as the midsize premium car with the best ability to retain its value over time.
The vehicle earned high marks for its overall quality, reliability, and the experience offered at its dealerships. You can purchase a Cadillac CT5 starting at $44,186.
The Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing remains the reigning leader among premium sports sedans, solidifying its position as a repeat winner.
The 2025 model extends this impressive streak, marking its fourth appearance. Alongside the Corvette, the CT5-V Blackwing represents the pinnacle of General Motors’ engineering expertise.
This mid-size luxury sedan combines supercharged, gas-powered excitement with sharp handling and a thrilling driving experience—all while maintaining the appearance of a sleek, conventional four-door.
Under its stylish hood lies a powerful 668-hp V-8 engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission and equipped with one of the industry’s most advanced traction control systems.
The rear-wheel-drive CT5-V Blackwing offers an electrifying drive that feels more alive and engaging than competitors like the BMW M5 or the previous-generation Mercedes-AMG E63, and as a bonus, it comes at a significantly lower price point than either of those alternatives.
2025 BMW Z4
If you’re looking for a sporty premium car that maintains its value, the BMW Z4 is an excellent choice.
This vehicle combines luxury appeal with daily-driver practicality. The Z4 starts at a base price of $55,225.
The BMW Z4 offers a well-balanced blend of style, comfort, and poise, making it an enjoyable choice as both a compact grand tourer and a daily-driver convertible.
It’s clear that this roadster was designed with top-down driving in mind; the chassis remains impressively rigid, and the cabin stays relatively quiet and composed even when the roof is stowed.
Practicality isn’t forgotten either—the Z4 boasts a spacious trunk and respectable fuel economy for a vehicle in this category. However, the addition of BMW’s latest infotainment system would significantly enhance its user experience by making it more intuitive and accessible.
The Z4’s most notable drawback is that it doesn’t deliver as much sportiness as its styling and specifications might imply. While the Z4 handles curves gracefully, as expected from a BMW, its performance isn’t as thrilling as some might anticipate.
Its sleek, well-defined bodywork is the most exciting element about the car. While this design will appeal to some buyers, competitors in the same segment offer more engaging driving experiences at similar price points, putting the Z4’s market positioning into question.