Cars That Hold Their Value (and Why)

Updated September 2026 · 5 min read

Depreciation is usually the largest cost of owning a car, so the model you choose matters as much as the deal you negotiate. Trucks and a handful of reliable, in-demand SUVs and sedans hold value best; luxury cars and many electric vehicles fall fastest.

What drives resale value

• Demand: trucks and practical SUVs stay desirable, especially in regions that use them.
• Reliability and repair costs: models with a reputation for lasting and cheap parts keep value.
• Supply: limited trims and constrained production can support prices.
• Running costs: thrifty, popular models attract used buyers.

What falls fastest

Luxury sedans lose a large share of their value early because maintenance and parts are costly and buyers fear them used. Many EVs have depreciated quickly as ranges and technology improve each year, though some hold up better than others.

How to pick a car that resells well

• Check predicted resale before you buy, not after.
• Choose mainstream trims and neutral colors - odd options narrow the buyer pool.
• Keep every service record; a documented history adds real value at resale.
• Avoid heavy modification, which usually hurts value.

Model the depreciation curve for any car with the car depreciation calculator, and see the full ownership cost with the ownership calculator.

Rough five-year loss by segment

As a planning guide, a mainstream full-size truck might keep around half to two-thirds of its value after five years, a popular compact SUV a little under half, an average sedan around 40%, and a large luxury sedan closer to a third. These are broad figures - trim, mileage and condition move them a lot - but the ranking is stable: utility and reliability hold value, prestige and complexity lose it.

Frequently asked questions

Do trucks really hold their value?

Generally yes - full-size trucks and body-on-frame SUVs have some of the strongest resale of any segment.

Do electric cars hold their value?

Results are mixed. Some hold up reasonably well, but many have depreciated quickly as newer models offer more range.