The incredible range of automobiles in today’s car market includes anything from luxury sports cars to rugged trucks and versatile SUVs. But one constant remains: depreciation. Regardless of price, age, or condition, a car’s value immediately begins decreasing the moment you drive it off the lot.
Fortunately, however, many models hold their value surprisingly well. From trucks, hybrids, and compact SUVs to select sports cars and even some economy cars, many cars can retain a significant portion of their original price even after years of use.
In fact, iSeeCars reports that while luxury cars typically lose 50% of their value in just five years, some sports cars defy this trend. This could make your dream of owning a luxury sports car a more financially sound investment than you initially thought.
To identify cars with the greatest long-term resale value, we analyzed data from iSeeCars’ report on the Top 25 Cars That Hold Their Value the Best. This report looked at over 1.1 million used cars (model year 2018) sold between November 2022 and October 2023, considering inflation to ensure accurate comparisons. Cars were ranked based on how much value they retained compared to their original MSRP.
The report highlights that due to supply issues during the pandemic, cars are holding their value better in 2023 compared to 2019 (pre-pandemic). The overall five-year depreciation rate has significantly improved, dropping from 49.6% in 2019 to 38.8% in 2023.
Why This Matters
Not only is buying a car a significant investment but owning a car takes a toll on your bank account. So, getting the most out of your purchase is crucial. Researching models known for their strong resale value can give you a greater understanding and help you make informed decisions when you buy a car. Understanding which cars depreciate slower can save you thousands of dollars in the long run, allowing you to enjoy a higher return on your investment when you eventually trade in or sell your car.
Here are cars that hold their value better than any other in America:
25. Subaru Impreza (sedan)
The Subaru Impreza (sedan) is a compact sedan. Originally priced at around $25,748 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 27.8% (or $7,158) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $18,590.
24. Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks is a subcompact SUV. Originally priced at around $23,855 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 27.5% (or $6,560) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $17,295.
23. Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette is a luxury sports car. Originally priced at around $82,589 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 27.5% (or $22,712) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $59,877.
22. Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV. Originally priced at around $47,982 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 27.4% (or $13,147) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $34,835.
21. Hyundai Accent
The Hyundai Accent is a subcompact sedan. Originally priced at around $19,536 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 27.4% (or $5,353) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $14,183.
20. Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is a compact SUV. Originally priced at around $32,566 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 27.2% (or $8,858) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $23,708.
19. Chevrolet Spark
The Chevrolet Spark is a subcompact hatchback. Originally priced at around $17,985 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 26.6% (or $4,784) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $13,201.
18. Kia Rio
The Kia Rio is a subcompact sedan. Originally priced at around $18,856 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 26.3% (or $4,959) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $13,897.
17. Subaru Impreza (wagon)
The Subaru Impreza (wagon) is a compact car. Originally priced at around $26,439 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 26.2% (or $6,927) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $19,512.
16. Honda HR-V
The Honda HR-V is a subcompact crossover SUV. Originally priced at around $27,931 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 26.2% (or $7,318) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $20,613.
15. Porsche 911 (convertible)
The Porsche 911 (convertible) is a luxury sports car. Originally priced at around $162,412 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 26.0% (or $42,227) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $120,185.
14. Kia Rio 5-Door
The Kia Rio 5-Door is a subcompact hatchback. Originally priced at around $19,403 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 25.8% (or $5,006) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $14,397.
13. Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck. Originally priced at around $49,7555 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 25.3% (or $12,588) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $37,167.
12. Porsche 718 Boxster
The Porsche 718 Boxster is a luxury sports car. Originally priced at around $80,542 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 25.1% (or $20,216) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $60,326.
11. Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is a sports car. Originally priced at around $40,959 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 24.5% (or $10,035) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $30,924.
- Five-year change in value: -24.5% (-$10,035)
- Average 2018 MSRP, inflation adjusted: $40,959
- Average current value: $30,924
- Type: Sports car
10. Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is a compact sedan. Originally priced at around $23,673 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 24.5% (or $5,800) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $17,873.
9. Subaru Crosstrek
The Subaru Crosstrek is a subcompact SUV. Originally priced at around $29,445 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 24.5% (or $7,214) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $22,231.
8. Toyota C-HR
The Toyota C-HR is a subcompact crossover SUV. Originally priced at around $27,426 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 24.4% (or $6,692) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $20,734.
7. Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro is a sports car. Originally priced at around $41,988 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 24.2% (or $10,161) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $31,827.
6. Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is a sports car. Originally priced at around $34,675 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 23.4% (or $8,114) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $26,561.
5. Honda Civic (sedan/hatchback)
The Honda Civic (sedan/hatchback) is a compact. Originally priced at around $27,056 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 21.5% (or $5,817) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $21,239.
4. Jeep Wrangler/Wrangler Unlimited
The Jeep Wrangler/Wrangler Unlimited is a compact SUV. Originally priced at around $43,034 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 20.8% (or $8,951) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $34,083.
3. Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma is a compact pickup truck. Originally priced at around $40,975 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 20.4% (or $8,359) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $32,616.
2. Porsche 718 Cayman
The Porsche 718 Cayman is a luxury sports car. Originally priced at around $75,977 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 17.6% (or $13,372) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $62,605.
1. Porsche 911 (coupe)
The Porsche 911 (coupe) is a luxury sports car. Originally priced at around $194,559 (adjusted for inflation), the average 2018 model has lost 9.3% (or $18,094) of its value over the past five years. Its current average value is about $176,465.
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