The Jeep Wrangler has long been one of America’s resale-value champions, regularly retaining far more of its original price than the average SUV. According to iSeeCars, a new Wrangler loses about 32 percent of its value after five years, meaning it retains roughly 68 percent of its MSRP, substantially outperforming the average SUV.
Even so, a handful of SUVs perform even better in specific resale studies, particularly Toyota’s most sought-after hybrid and body-on-frame models. Using U.S.-based resale value data from iSeeCars and other recognized industry analyses, this list highlights eight SUVs that hold their value even better than the Jeep Wrangler.
Also Read: 10 SUVs That Changed the Automotive Industry Forever
1. Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid (RAV4 Prime)
When discussing resale value, very few SUVs can match what the Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid has accomplished. Known as the RAV4 Prime in many model years, this plug-in hybrid consistently ranks at or near the top of industry depreciation studies.
iSeeCars estimates that it retains approximately 70 percent of its original value after five years, surpassing the Jeep Wrangler’s roughly 68 percent retention. That difference may appear small on paper, but it represents thousands of dollars in retained value for owners who eventually sell or trade in their vehicles.
Several factors contribute to this remarkable performance. Toyota has earned a reputation for long-term reliability, and the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid combines that reputation with exceptional fuel efficiency and genuine electric-only driving capability.
Owners can complete many daily commutes without using gasoline while still enjoying the convenience of a conventional hybrid powertrain for longer trips.
Demand has also remained unusually strong. Production has often struggled to keep pace with buyer interest, helping used examples command premium prices. Because supply remains relatively limited, depreciation has stayed remarkably low compared with most mainstream SUVs.
Performance further strengthens its appeal. With more than 300 horsepower, the RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid accelerates much faster than many compact SUVs while still delivering excellent EPA fuel economy. Buyers are essentially getting sports-sedan acceleration combined with crossover practicality and hybrid efficiency.
For shoppers thinking beyond the purchase price, resale value can significantly reduce total ownership costs. The Toyota RAV4 Plug-in Hybrid demonstrates that paying more upfront for advanced technology can sometimes result in lower long-term ownership expenses because the vehicle retains such a high percentage of its original value.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four with dual electric motors
- Torque: 288 lb-ft (combined system)
- Horsepower: 302 hp
- Length: 180.9 inches
- Width: 73.0 inches
2. Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner has built one of the strongest resale reputations in the automotive industry by following a simple formula: durability, proven engineering, and consistent demand.
Unlike many crossover SUVs that prioritize on-road comfort, the 4Runner remains a traditional body-on-frame SUV designed for towing, trail driving, and long service life. Those characteristics have made it one of the safest vehicles to buy from a depreciation standpoint.
Independent resale studies consistently place the 4Runner ahead of the Jeep Wrangler in retained value.
Edmunds found the 2023 Toyota 4Runner retained approximately 83 percent of its value after three years, leading the midsize SUV segment, while broader depreciation studies from iSeeCars continue to rank it among the strongest value-retaining SUVs in America.
One reason is longevity. It is common to find well-maintained 4Runners exceeding 200,000 miles, and many owners report substantially higher mileage with routine maintenance. That reputation gives used buyers confidence, allowing sellers to command premium prices even after years of ownership.
The SUV also benefits from a loyal customer base. Off-road enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and families all value its rugged construction and dependable four-wheel-drive capability. Limited availability during periods of high demand has further strengthened resale prices.
Toyota’s latest generation modernizes the cabin and introduces improved technology while preserving the rugged characteristics that made the model successful. Buyers looking for an SUV capable of lasting well beyond a decade continue to seek out used 4Runners, helping depreciation remain exceptionally low.
Although the Jeep Wrangler remains one of the strongest performers in resale value, the Toyota 4Runner has repeatedly demonstrated that it can preserve an even greater percentage of its original purchase price, making it one of the smartest long-term investments in the SUV market.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four
- Torque: 317 lb-ft
- Horsepower: 278 hp
- Length: 194.9 inches
- Width: 77.9 inches
3. Toyota Land Cruiser
Resale value is often driven by more than reliability alone. Brand reputation, production volume, long-term durability, and sustained buyer demand all influence how much a vehicle is worth years after purchase.
The Toyota Land Cruiser has excelled in every one of those categories for decades. Although it returned to the U.S. market with a new generation, its reputation was already firmly established through generations of dependable service and exceptional longevity.
Industry resale studies consistently rank the Land Cruiser among the best value-retaining SUVs in America. Its depreciation is kept low because demand for used examples remains strong while supply is relatively limited. Buyers know they are purchasing a vehicle engineered for hundreds of thousands of miles, and that confidence translates directly into higher resale prices.
Another advantage is versatility. The Land Cruiser serves equally well as a family SUV, a long-distance touring vehicle, and a capable off-roader. Unlike many luxury SUVs that lose value rapidly because of expensive maintenance and aging technology, the Land Cruiser maintains a reputation for durability that helps protect resale value long after the warranty expires.
The hybrid powertrain introduced on the latest model adds another layer of appeal. It provides significantly more torque than previous naturally aspirated engines while improving fuel economy, making the SUV more attractive to buyers who want capability without sacrificing efficiency.
The Jeep Wrangler remains one of America’s strongest resale performers, but the Land Cruiser benefits from an unusually loyal customer base and a history of limited availability. Those factors continue to support high used-market prices, making it one of the safest SUV purchases for buyers concerned about long-term depreciation.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four hybrid
- Torque: 465 lb-ft
- Horsepower: 326 hp
- Length: 193.8 inches
- Width: 78.0 inches
4. Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The Toyota Highlander Hybrid proves that exceptional resale value is not limited to rugged off-road SUVs. As one of America’s best-selling three-row family vehicles, it has consistently demonstrated remarkably low depreciation thanks to Toyota’s reliability record, excellent fuel economy, and broad appeal among used-vehicle shoppers.
According to industry depreciation studies, the Highlander Hybrid regularly finishes near the top of its class for retained value after five years. While many three-row crossovers lose value quickly because of heavy fleet sales or declining demand, the Highlander Hybrid has avoided that trend.
Buyers searching the used market often place it high on their shopping lists because it combines low operating costs with a strong reputation for long-term dependability.
Fuel savings play an important role. EPA ratings of up to 35 mpg combined are outstanding for a midsize SUV capable of seating up to eight passengers.
Even after several years of ownership, buyers recognize the long-term financial benefits of the hybrid system, helping maintain stronger resale prices than many gasoline-only competitors.
The Highlander Hybrid also offers a comfortable ride, a well-designed cabin, and Toyota Safety Sense driver-assistance technologies as standard equipment. Families value these characteristics because they reduce ownership costs while providing practical everyday transportation.
Another factor supporting resale value is Toyota’s hybrid reputation. Decades of experience with electrified powertrains have given buyers confidence in the durability of the battery system and related components. That confidence keeps demand for used Highlander Hybrids consistently high.
When depreciation is viewed as part of total ownership cost, the Highlander Hybrid stands out as one of the smartest family SUVs available. Its combination of reliability, efficiency, and strong market demand enables it to retain value better than the Jeep Wrangler in many resale analyses.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.5-liter naturally aspirated inline-four hybrid
- Torque: 175 lb-ft (gas engine)
- Horsepower: 243 hp (combined system)
- Length: 194.9 inches
- Width: 76.0 inches
5. Lexus GX
Luxury SUVs typically experience steep depreciation during their first few years, making the Lexus GX an exception. Despite wearing a premium badge, the GX consistently ranks among the strongest resale performers in the U.S. market.
Its combination of Toyota-engineered durability, genuine off-road capability, and limited supply has helped it retain an unusually high percentage of its original value, often placing it ahead of the Jeep Wrangler in long-term resale studies.
The latest generation builds on that reputation with a body-on-frame platform shared with the Toyota Land Cruiser. Buyers receive a rugged SUV that is equally comfortable towing a trailer, navigating rough trails, or transporting a family in everyday traffic. That versatility broadens its appeal in both the new and used markets.
Demand remains another key reason depreciation stays low. Lexus has historically sold fewer GX models than many competing luxury SUVs, preventing the used market from becoming saturated.
Buyers searching for a dependable luxury SUV frequently discover that clean, well-maintained GX models command surprisingly strong prices, even after several years of ownership.
Long-term reliability also contributes significantly. Lexus consistently ranks near the top of dependability studies, and the GX benefits from
a reputation for lasting well beyond 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Used-vehicle shoppers are often willing to pay a premium because they expect lower repair costs than many European luxury competitors.
The redesigned interior, modern infotainment system, and advanced safety technology have expanded the SUV’s appeal while preserving the durability that built its reputation. For buyers focused on minimizing depreciation, the Lexus GX demonstrates that a luxury SUV can remain an excellent financial decision long after leaving the dealership.
Specifications
- Engine: 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6
- Torque: 479 lb-ft
- Horsepower: 349 hp
- Length: 197.0 inches
- Width: 78.3 inches
6. Toyota Sequoia
Full-size SUVs often lose value quickly because of their higher purchase prices, but the Toyota Sequoia has consistently resisted that trend. Strong demand, Toyota’s reputation for reliability, and limited production numbers have helped the Sequoia remain one of the best value-retaining large SUVs in America.
Industry resale studies regularly place it near the top of the full-size SUV segment and ahead of the Jeep Wrangler in percentage of value retained.
The latest Sequoia benefits from Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, delivering substantial torque for towing while improving fuel economy compared with the previous V8-powered generation. Buyers searching for a capable family SUV that can also tow heavy trailers continue to drive strong demand in both the new and used markets.
Resale value is further supported by the vehicle’s longevity. Many older Sequoias remain on the road with well over 200,000 miles, reinforcing buyer confidence in the model’s durability. That reputation encourages used shoppers to pay higher prices than they might for similarly aged competitors.
Another strength is practicality. The Sequoia offers three rows of seating, generous towing capability, and a comprehensive suite of Toyota Safety Sense driver-assistance features. Families who need space without sacrificing dependability often place it high on their shopping lists, helping maintain strong resale prices.
The used market also benefits from relatively limited availability. Toyota does not produce the Sequoia in the same volumes as many competing full-size SUVs, allowing demand to remain strong.
Combined with excellent reliability and proven ownership costs, the Sequoia continues to be one of the safest large SUV purchases for buyers who want to preserve as much of their investment as possible.
Specifications
- Engine: 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 hybrid
- Torque: 583 lb-ft
- Horsepower: 437 hp
- Length: 208.1 inches
- Width: 79.8 inches
7. Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid
Compact hybrid SUVs rarely generate the excitement associated with rugged off-road models, yet the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid has quietly become one of the strongest performers when it comes to protecting its value.
Although it is newer to the market than many vehicles on this list, industry analysts point to Toyota’s long-established hybrid reputation, consistently high demand, and limited supply as major reasons why depreciation has remained exceptionally low.
Those factors have positioned it among the SUVs that can outperform the Jeep Wrangler in retained value over time.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid appeals to a broad audience. It combines compact dimensions that are easy to maneuver in urban environments with the practicality of a crossover and the fuel savings of Toyota’s proven hybrid system.
EPA fuel economy ratings of up to 42 mpg combined also reduce ownership costs, making used examples especially attractive as fuel prices fluctuate.
Toyota Safety Sense comes standard, adding adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, automatic emergency braking, and several other driver assistance technologies without requiring expensive option packages. Buyers shopping the used market often prioritize these features, helping maintain resale prices.
Reliability is another important advantage. Toyota hybrids have demonstrated excellent durability for more than two decades, giving second and third owners confidence that the battery and hybrid components are likely to provide years of dependable service.
That confidence directly influences resale value because buyers are willing to pay more for vehicles they believe will require fewer unexpected repairs.
The Jeep Wrangler remains a resale benchmark, particularly among off-road SUVs, but the Corolla Cross Hybrid benefits from exceptionally broad market appeal. Families, commuters, and retirees all compete for well-maintained used examples, creating demand that supports stronger long-term value retention.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four hybrid
- Torque: 139 lb-ft (gas engine)
- Horsepower: 196 hp (combined system)
- Length: 176.1 inches
- Width: 71.9 inches
8. Honda CR-V Hybrid
The Honda CR-V has been one of America’s best-selling SUVs for decades, and the hybrid version has strengthened that reputation by combining outstanding practicality with excellent fuel economy.
Resale studies consistently rank the CR-V among the strongest value-retaining compact SUVs, and the hybrid model has performed particularly well thanks to increasing consumer demand for efficient family vehicles.
In several industry depreciation analyses, its retained value exceeds that of the Jeep Wrangler after comparable ownership periods.
One reason is its exceptionally broad appeal. Unlike specialized off-road vehicles, the CR-V Hybrid suits nearly every type of buyer. It offers generous passenger room, a spacious cargo area, a comfortable ride, and impressive fuel economy while maintaining the dependability that has become synonymous with Honda.
The hybrid powertrain delivers smooth acceleration and requires no charging, making it an easy transition for buyers moving from conventional gasoline vehicles. EPA estimates of up to 40 mpg combined help keep operating expenses low, increasing demand in both the new and used markets.
Honda Sensing also contributes to the vehicle’s desirability. Standard technologies such as collision mitigation braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and traffic sign recognition enhance everyday usability while helping the CR-V remain competitive for years after its original purchase.
Another factor supporting resale value is Honda’s long-standing reliability record. Well-maintained CR-Vs frequently accumulate high mileage with relatively low maintenance costs, making them attractive purchases even after several years of ownership. That sustained buyer confidence helps reduce depreciation.
While the Jeep Wrangler continues to be one of the industry’s resale leaders, the Honda CR-V Hybrid demonstrates that a practical, fuel-efficient family SUV can preserve an even greater percentage of its value through strong reliability, consistent demand, and low ownership costs.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four hybrid
- Torque: 247 lb-ft (combined system)
- Horsepower: 204 hp (combined system)
- Length: 184.8 inches
- Width: 73.5 inches
