Not all cars depreciate at the same rate, and some brands are far better than others at holding their value over time. Whether you’re buying new or planning to trade in down the line, resale value is a key factor that can save (or cost) you thousands.
Certain automakers have built reputations for durability, quality, and strong brand loyalty, all traits that help their vehicles retain value better than competitors. These brands consistently outperform rivals in resale rankings, making them smart choices for buyers who think long-term.
If you want your next car to be a better investment, choosing one from a brand known for strong resale value is a smart move. In this guide, we break down the car brands that deliver the best long-term value, based on current market trends and industry data. Here’s which automakers are leading the pack and why it matters.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed, Kelley Blue Book, and CarEdge. Brands are ranked based on the average resale value of their vehicles after five years, from worst to best.

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10
Audi
Average 5-Year Resale Value: 54.4%
Audi is the other luxury brand that you should consider if depreciation is a large concern to you. They are the best ranking luxury brand when it comes to residual values after five years. This German brand delivers a good middle ground between its main rivals, BMW and Mercedes, offering high levels of luxury and good levels of fun without going overboard in either department.
Models That Hold Their Value Best
- RS Q8 – 68%
- RS 6 Avant – 67.8%
- S4 – 64.7%
- A4 Allroad – 62.6%
- Q3 – 62.1%
Audi has a lot of models that hold their value really well and a lot that don’t, so it’s important to look at the big picture here. The RS Q8 is clearly a desirable model, offering Lamborghini Urus performance at a fraction of the cost. Another clear win for the brand is their investment in wagons, a niche segment that does pretty well on the second-hand market.
9
Hyundai
Average 5-Year Resale Value: 54.6%
Hyundai ranks next on the list, and it isn’t hard to see why. Hyundai’s stable is filled with value. Alongside their range of affordable gas-only models, they have also started to make a splash in the EV realm with their IONIQ range. While their public reputation isn’t at an all-time high, we see this changing over time.
Models That Hold Their Value Best
- Venue – 69%
- Kona – 57.2%
- Ioniq 5 – 56.2%
- Tucson – 53.8%
- Palisade – 52%
Small SUVs seem to be the way to go if you’re looking for Hyundais that will offer the best return on investment. This includes their small electric hatchback on stilts, the Ioniq 5. Their subcompact Venue especially stands out, as the 11th best vehicle you can buy if residual value after five years is your highest priority.

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8
Mitsubishi
Average 5-Year Resale Value: 55.4%
Front 3/4 shot of a 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
This Japanese automaker has seen its fair share of ups and downs in the last couple of years, particularly in the United States, with only a few models left on offer. Their lineup is a bit of a mixed bag, with some miserable economy options and unispired crossovers sitting alongside one or two interesting SUVs.
Models That Hold Their Value Best
- Mirage – 62.8%
- Mirage G4 – 59.6%
- Outlander Sport – 53%
- Eclipse Cross – 52.2%
- Outlander – 50%
As mentioned above, Mitsubishi’s lineup is fairly small at the moment. This helps them when it comes to this list as there aren’t any outlying models that depreciate very quickly. Unfortunately, their most uninspiring models, the Mirage and the Outlander Sport, hold their value the best, while their best models, the Eclipse Cross and Outlander, depreciate the most.
7
GMC
Average 5-Year Resale Value: 56.6%
GMC is a quintessential American brand, with a big focus on powerful and capable trucks and SUVs. The brand essentially consists of a number of rebadged Chevrolets, costing slightly more but coming with unique styling and a couple of additional features to set them apart.
Models That Hold Their Value Best
- Sierra 3500 HD – 72.3%
- Canyon – 64.1%
- Savana – 63.4%
- Sierra 2500 HD – 61.2%
- Hummer EV – 58.1%
GMC doesn’t have the largest lineup of vehicles, but a lot of them hold their value pretty well on the used market. Interestingly, the Heavy Duty Sierras hold their value much better than the regular 1500, which retains 48 percent of its value in five years. In our opinion, the mid-size Canyon is easily the best value model on the above list. The new electric Hummer does quite well too.
6
FIAT
Average 5-Year Resale Value: 57.1%
This is an entry that surprises even us, with FIAT having such a small presence in the U.S. at the moment. The only new car you can currently buy from the brand is the 500e. City cars are not the most popular models in the States, despite this resale values remain relatively high.
Models That Hold Their Value Best
The only model in Fiats stable right now is the 500e electric hatchback. It is a four-seat, two-door car with a perky powertrain and unique and interesting styling. However, its cramped interior and low range mean it doesn’t excalty stand out, which is why it is interesting that it does so well on the used market.
5
Subaru
Average 5-Year Resale Value: 58.9%
In our minds, Subaru is currently one of the most underrated automakers. The two things that make Subaru vehicles so desirable are their reliability and their practicality, two things that are super important to the average consumer. They may not be as raucous as they once were, but they still offer a couple of fun models as well.
Models That Hold Their Value Best
- Impreza – 68.1%
- Forester – 66%
- WRX – 64.5%
- Crosstrek – 63.4%
- Outback – 59.6%
The Subarus that hold their value the best are surprising by any means. From the long-running Impreza hatchback to the affordable, value-packed Crosstrek, every model easily makes a case for itself. The brand’s strong record for reliability in recent times definitely also helps models hold on to their value.

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4
Mazda
Average 5-Year Resale Value: 60.4%
The current lineup of Mazda vehicles seems to be able to do it all. They offer great exterior styling, comfortable and upscale interiors, and driving dynamics better than most mainstream vehicles. From the small MX-5 sports car to the three-row CX-90, there isn’t a model made by Mazda that we wouldn’t recommend.
Models That Hold Their Value Best
- CX-30 – 62.4%
- Mazda3 – 62.1%
- CX-50 – 60.3%
- CX-90 – 60.3%
- CX-5 – 58.2%
As well as being one of the most upscale mainstream brands on the market, Mazda has a pretty good track record for reliability. Whether you’re looking for a fun little car to throw around like the Mazda3 hatch or a sensible family SUV like the CX-90, you know you’re getting something sturdy that will last you a long time.
3
Honda
Average 5-Year Resale Value: 60.7%
The only brand that possibly has a better reputation than Honda for reliability is Toyota, which is a big reason why their cars are so desirable. Honda has built its reputation by delivering affordable vehicles that come fully-kitted from the word go.
Models That Hold Their Value Best
- Civic – 69.2%
- HR-V – 68.4%
- CR-V – 67%
- Ridgeline – 63.2%
- Accord – 62.9%
The only vehicle on this list that is a bit of a surprise is this Ridgeline pickup truck. That isn’t becuase we think it’s bad, but simply because it isn’t nearly as popular as its rivals. Everything else, however, embodies Honda’s ethos of simple and affordable transportation.
2
Ram
Average 5-Year Resale Value: 62%
Part of the Stellantis group, Ram focuses on pickup trucks and vans, with the former being their main specialty. In our opinion, the Ram 1500 is one of the best pickup trucks you can buy today, offering exceptional capability while remaining comfortable. Their heavy-duty trucks are pretty impressive as well.
Models That Hold Their Value Best
- 2500 – 65.6%
- 3500 – 65.6%
- ProMaster – 61.7%
- 1500 – 56.6%
The sheer volume of 1500s on the used market is likely what draws its value down a little over time. Despite this, it still ranks higher than a lot of vehicles when it comes to depreciation. The ProMaster van and heavy-duty pickups from the automaker do much better.

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1
Toyota
Average 5-Year Resale Value: 63.6%
Surprising nobody, Toyota tops this list. Whether you’re looking for a tough and tumble pickup truck or a precise sports car, or anything in between for that matter, Toyota’s wide lineup means they have exactly what you want. Their reputation for low maintenance costs and high reliability scores also works in their favor.
Models That Hold Their Value Best
- Corolla – 81.1%
- 4Runner – 75.1%
- Tacoma – 72%
- Tundra – 70.9%
- GR Corolla – 70%
When it comes to models that hold their value the best, every facet of Toyota’s lineup is well represented. Both the mid-size Tacoma and full-size Tundra rank exceptionally high. The 4Runner, a favorite of off-road enthusiasts, also hangs on to value well thanks to its sturdiness. The simple and efficient Corolla takes top spot, but we’re more impressed with how little the GR variant depreciates.
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