Top used cars that retain value include Porsche 911, Toyota Tacoma, Ford Maverick, Honda Civic, Chevrolet Corvette, Toyota hybrids, and Toyota SUVs. Data shows Porsche five‑year retention near 83% for coupes and Tacoma roughly 73.7% at five years. Ford Maverick and Corvette post strong resale metrics, while Toyota and Honda hybrids and SUVs offer consistent depreciation resistance. Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class and select AMG models also hold value. Continue for model‑specific figures and buying strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Toyota trucks and SUVs (Tacoma, 4Runner, RAV4) consistently retain value due to reliability, strong demand, and limited supply.
- Luxury performance models like the Porsche 911 and Mercedes G‑Class keep high resale, especially well‑maintained, low‑mileage examples.
- Compact cars and hybrids (Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla/ Camry Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid) offer excellent long‑term retention and low ownership costs.
- Affordable compact trucks (Ford Maverick) and mid‑engine sports cars (Chevrolet Corvette) show above‑average five‑year retention in their segments.
- Prioritize documented service history, low mileage, desirable trims/options, and market timing to maximize used‑car resale value.
Porsche 911: The King of Retained Value
Often regarded as the benchmark for performance-car resale, the Porsche 911 demonstrably outperforms both its segment and the wider market: five-year depreciation for a new 911 is just 17% (resale ~$99,633) versus 31.8% for luxury sports cars, 30.1% for coupes, and 45.5% for the overall market.
Data-driven buyers find strong generation stability: 991.1 and 991.2 show 2–3% annual declines, 992 around 4% annually, while older 997/996 models are bottomed out with upside potential. Body style premiums are evident—coupe variants retain ~83% at five years versus cabriolet 73.7%—and Turbo/GT3 follow comparable trajectories. Recent mid‑2024 softness suggests tactical patience; community-minded owners value the 2020 and slightly older 992s for balanced depreciation and cohesion. Newer hybrid coupe examples also demonstrate notably low depreciation, reflecting strong market demand for electrified performance and a 19.3% five-year resale profile. Market movement has been led by declines in 992 prices, especially since mid-2024. I recommend buyers prioritize documented maintenance and low mileage to help preserve value, since service history can meaningfully boost resale appeal.
Toyota Tacoma and Its Unmatched Resale Strength
Consistently commanding above‑segment residuals, the Toyota Tacoma demonstrates exceptional resale strength—retaining over 82% of its original value after three years (list $33,700, avg. $27,880) and roughly 73.7% at five years ($23,289), far outperforming midsize pickup (five‑year loss 34.3%), all‑pickup (38.8%) and overall market averages (45.5%). The Tacoma’s data-driven appeal rests on proven long term reliability and persistent off road desirability, with five‑year depreciation near 26.3% and seven‑year at 34.2%. Ranked in the top 10% for depreciation resistance, it benefits from durable engineering, brand trust, and crossover demand from work and adventure buyers. Emerging fourth‑generation concerns and recalls temper expectations, but overall market momentum sustains pricing and community confidence. Recent analysis of over 15 million vehicles confirms the Tacoma’s depreciation performance relative to segment and market averages. The 2023 Access Cab specifically has shown about a 21% depreciation over the last two years, illustrating current market movement. Toyota models consistently lead resale rankings due to reputation for quality.
Ford Maverick: Compact Truck, Big Value
The Ford Maverick has quickly established itself as a compact pickup that delivers exceptional resale strength, earning Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Award three years running (2022–2024) and topping the compact pickup segment in 2025; its 2025 model is projected to retain 53.2% of MSRP after five years (2024 model estimated at 54%), outperforming the compact category’s average depreciation (37.7% at five years) and the broader market (45.5%). The Maverick’s strong demand, frequent above-MSRP sales, and KBB Best Buy awards (2024–2025) reinforce its market position. Buyers seeking community and confidence value the Maverick’s fuel efficiency and cargo versatility, its 64.29% four-year retention, and 65.6% average resale percentage, signaling dependable long-term ownership and peer-backed desirability. Kelley Blue Book’s awards are based on rigorous projections from the Official Residual Value Guide. Additionally, iSeeCars data shows a 5-year depreciation around 36.9%, further underscoring the Maverick’s resale strength. The CarEdge depreciation summary indicates a typical 5-year retention that supports this trend, with an illustrative 5-year resale value of $21,967 .
Honda Civic: Reliability That Keeps Value High
Regularly outperforming its compact peers, the Honda Civic posts markedly lower depreciation—27.9%–31% at five years versus the segment average of 35.2%—and holds 72.1% residual value after five years.
The Civic’s data-driven appeal centers on long term reliability and predictable depreciation: 3‑year loss of 17.1%, 7‑year at 38.6%, and 10‑year 53.8%—all better than category averages.
Owners benefit from owner maintenance economies, with 2‑year used models saving $5,364 and Si variants retaining strong resale.
Fuel efficiency and interior durability reinforce steady demand, producing gradual value decline rather than steep drops.
Community-minded buyers find reassurance in 94% five‑year value retention versus rivals, confirming the Civic as a pragmatic, value-preserving compact choice.
iSeeCars analyzed over 15 million vehicles to determine depreciation and resale value.
Chevrolet Corvette and Sports Car Resilience
Often highlighted for its category dominance, the Chevrolet Corvette combines award-winning resale performance with quantifiable retention metrics that outpace typical sports cars: multiple Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value honors across model years, a projected 61% five-year retention for the 2025 Stingray, and a 49.5% five-year hold for the 2021 model.
The Corvette’s resale dominance is supported by consistent KBB recognition, Top 10 Cars placement, and projected retention well above the 44.6% industry average.
Mid engine dynamics deliver supercar handling and everyday usability, reinforcing buyer demand and resilient residuals across coupe and convertible formats.
Even with pandemic-era price peaks and subsequent normalization, the Corvette outperforms most peers, fostering community confidence and shared pride among value-conscious enthusiasts.
Toyota 4runner: Durable SUV With Strong Resale
Consistently outperforming midsize-SUV norms, the Toyota 4Runner posts markedly stronger resale: five-year depreciation typically ranges 19–30% versus a category average near 50%.
Data-driven comparisons cite CarEdge (25% decline, $46,648 resale from $62,114) and iSeeCars (30.1%, $28,498), with alternative estimates showing just 19% loss.
Three- to ten-year curves demonstrate steady long term resale, with seven-year declines of 32–41% and ten-year retention above 44%.
Trim-level outcomes favor TRD Pro and Limited variants.
Durability and a loyal community reinforce demand; well-maintained, low-mileage units remain dependable for a decade.
Lower ownership costs, strong reliability scores and proven off road durability position the 4Runner as a persuasive choice for buyers seeking communal reassurance and asset resilience.
Hybrid Leaders: Toyota Models That Hold Value
Frequently leading the hybrid market, Toyota’s hybrid lineup delivers measurable value retention backed by fuel efficiency and reliability data.
Toyota models—Prius, Corolla, RAV4, Camry—consistently outpace competitors: the 2021 Prius retains nearly 70% after three years, illustrating Prius longevity that drives strong resale demand.
Corolla affordability is evident in a lowest starting hybrid price and 65.9% five-year retention, pairing economy with dependable resale.
RAV4 Hybrid tops five-year resale charts, combining AWD, low maintenance costs, and modern tech to reduce depreciation.
Camry Hybrid posts high value-retention scores (8.5/10) supported by 45–55 MPG and low ownership costs.
SUVs and Crossovers That Maintain Their Worth
Typically, SUVs and crossovers with the strongest resale combine proven reliability, limited supply, and brand cachet—Toyota 4Runner (60% five‑year resale) and Tacoma (64.1% overall) exemplify this, while Ford Bronco (57%) and Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class (56.6%) show demand across price tiers; compact leaders like Honda CR‑V (54.4%) and Toyota RAV4 (53.9%, with three‑year averages near $28,876) further demonstrate that models with low depreciation and high demand deliver superior long‑term value.
Data-driven buyers favor models where long term maintenance costs are predictable and market seasonality creates buying windows; examples include Hyundai Venue’s 69% five‑year retention and RAV4’s tight 31‑day supply, which sustain resale premiums and community confidence.
Electric Vehicle Depreciation Trends to Watch
As electric vehicle resale patterns evolve, data show EVs shed value faster than internal-combustion counterparts—averaging roughly 49.1% depreciation at five years across 1.1 million sales and often losing 50–60% by year three—driven primarily by battery degradation concerns, high replacement costs, rapid tech obsolescence, and lost new‑buyer incentives; however, improving battery longevity, stronger demand for mainstream brands like Tesla and Volkswagen, and expanding charging infrastructure are narrowing the gap and creating identifiable opportunities for buyers and fleet managers to mitigate long‑term value loss.
Analysts note EVs can depreciate about 10% more than market average; better battery warranties, broader charging infrastructure, and brand reputation now materially improve resale forecasts and create community-aligned buying strategies.
Luxury Standouts: Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Other Holdovers
Why does the Mercedes‑Benz G‑Class stand out as a luxury holdover in the used market? Data shows the G‑Class retains 60.2% of original value after five years, with used averages near $143,091—an extraordinary premium reflecting its iconic silhouette and sustained celebrity appeal.
The G 550 posts a 47.12% five‑year residual ($70,397) and first‑year depreciation of $51,244, maintaining 65.70% of purchase price. Buyers seeking belonging to an exclusive cohort favor two‑to four‑year models for optimal savings—two‑year G 550s offer roughly $53,007 less than new.
Other Mercedes high‑retention models include the AMG GT (59.3% five‑year) and CLE (57.4%). Reliability and brand scores (4.4/5, 8.2/10) further justify the persuasive value proposition.
References
- https://www.edmunds.com/sell-car/best-resale-value-cars.html
- https://www.kbb.com/awards/best-resale-value-cars-trucks-suvs/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Hp9hYi-GUI
- https://www.iseecars.com/cars-that-hold-their-value-study
- https://caredge.com/ranks/depreciation
- https://www.iseecars.com/car/porsche-911/resale-value
- https://octoclassic.com/blog/the-porsche-911-carrera-market-a-shift-in-depreciation-trends
- https://carbuzz.com/do-porsches-hold-their-value-2025/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR1zEwyBJWU
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOzYgZ0PxP0
