Cars That Hold Value Better Than Average

In the U.S., some cars hold value better than average—trucks, reliable brands, and high-demand models. Here's which segments and brands tend to hold value and how to use resale when you buy.

TL;DR Trucks and body-on-frame SUVs, Toyota and Honda, and high-demand models (e.g., certain hybrids) often hold value better than average. Use resale when comparing total cost of ownership—not just sticker. See depreciation and total cost at autopremo.com.

What "Hold Value Better" Means

Hold value better = the car loses a smaller percentage of its value over time (e.g., 5 years) than the average car. So a $35,000 car that's worth $20,000 after 5 years (43% retained) holds value better than a $35,000 car worth $15,000 (43% lost vs 57% lost). Lower depreciation = lower total cost of ownership—all else equal. Model depreciation for any car at autopremo.com.

Cars That Typically Hold Value Better (US)

Trucks and body-on-frame SUVs

Full-size pickups (e.g., Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado, Ram 1500, Toyota Tundra) and body-on-frame SUVs (e.g., Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Wrangler) often retain 50–60%+ of value after 5 years. Demand is high, supply is limited in some segments, and they're built for long life. So they tend to hold value better than many sedans and crossovers.

Toyota and Honda

Toyota and Honda consistently rank among the best for resale in the U.S.—reliability, demand, and brand perception. Models like Camry, Corolla, RAV4, CR-V, Accord, Civic often retain 50–55%+ after 5 years. Not every trim or year is equal—check specific model and year with autopremo.com.

High-demand hybrids and efficient models

Certain hybrids (e.g., Toyota Prius, RAV4 Hybrid) and high-MPG models can hold value well—fuel economy and reliability support demand. EVs can be mixed; early-year EVs often depreciated faster; some newer models may hold better. Check specific model and year.

Niche and limited supply

Models with limited supply or strong enthusiast demand (e.g., some sports cars, certain trims) can hold value better than mass-market sedans. Depends on model and market.

Compare depreciation across models at autopremo.com.

Cars That Typically Don't Hold Value as Well

• Luxury sedans (heavy incentives, strong competition—often 40–50% retained after 5 years or less).
• Niche or low-demand models (low resale demand).
• Cars with poor reliability or recall history (buyers discount risk).
• Some EVs in early years (rapid tech change, battery concern—varies by model and year).

Use autopremo.com to see how a specific car holds value—don't rely only on segment averages.

How to Use "Hold Value" When Buying

1. Factor resale into total cost

A car that holds value better has lower depreciation cost over 5 years—so total cost of ownership can be lower even if the sticker is higher. Use autopremo.com total cost of ownership to compare cars—not just payment or sticker.

2. If you plan to sell or trade in a few years

Choose models that hold value better so you're not underwater and so you get more at trade-in or sale. Use autopremo.com depreciation calculator to see projected value at 3, 5, or 7 years.

3. Don't overpay for "resale"

A car that holds value well is only a good deal if you're not overpaying upfront. Compare purchase price to market (comps, OTD) with autopremo.com price checker. Resale helps total cost—it doesn't justify overpaying today.

See depreciation and total cost at autopremo.com.

Your Hold-Value Checklist

• [ ] Resale/depreciation checked for the exact model and year—use autopremo.com
• [ ] Total cost of ownership compared (not just sticker)—use autopremo.com ownership cost
• [ ] Purchase price compared to market—don't overpay for "resale"—use autopremo.com price checker
• [ ] If selling in a few years: chose models that hold value better

Get depreciation and total cost at autopremo.com.

Bottom Line

Cars that hold value better than average in the U.S. often include trucks, Toyota and Honda, and high-demand hybrids. Use resale when comparing total cost of ownership—not just sticker. Autopremo.com gives you depreciation and total cost tools so you can see which cars hold value and how that affects what you pay over time.