These Cars Are the Smartest Investments: Vehicles with the Best Resale Value in 2025

Some vehicles defy normal depreciation trends and can be considered the best car investments 2025 has to offer. While the typical new vehicle is worth only about 42% of its original price after five years, a select few retain 55–65% (or more) of their value. These cars that depreciate the least include trucks, SUVs, and sports cars that consistently show up on any car depreciation comparison chart for holding exceptionally strong resale. They appeal to buyers seeking used cars that retain value, as well as those who want to own a new model without worrying too much about future depreciation.

Whether you’re researching vehicles that hold their value for a daily driver or trying to determine which cars retain value best in the long run, this list spans various segments. It features full-size pickups, compact SUVs, high-performance coupes, and even a hybrid that defies old misconceptions. Each model combines desirable attributes—like brand reputation, reliability, and demand—that keep them among the cars with best resale value well past their fifth birthday.

1. Ford Bronco

The revived Ford Bronco stands out as one of the top resale value vehicles in today’s market. After returning to dealerships with an off-road design and iconic heritage, it soared in popularity, attracting buyers eager for a Jeep Wrangler alternative. Even two or three years later, used Bronco prices hold up impressively well, often hovering far above the average 42% residual rate. Sky-high demand and ongoing limited availability mean it ranks among the cars with lowest depreciation rate for adventure-loving drivers.

Its off-road reputation and classic nameplate grant it instant credibility, pushing the Bronco to the forefront of best vehicles for resale lists. Critics note that owners frequently recover two-thirds or more of their initial purchase cost after five years, reinforcing the Bronco’s spot on any car brands that hold value over time report. If you crave a rugged SUV that stays valuable in the secondary market, the Bronco’s performance speaks for itself.

2. Toyota Tacoma 

The Toyota Tacoma is repeatedly named among the cars that last the longest, cementing its place as a mid-size truck with stellar longevity. Its reliability track record and consistent off-road capability keep used prices strong, putting it among the best 5-year resale value cars in any pickup comparison (retaining about 85% in Canada). With a tough build and practical design, it appeals equally to tradespeople and weekend explorers, so the market for secondhand Tacomas remains consistently hot.

Owners report that Tacomas frequently outperform the industry average, retaining well over half of their sticker price. This dependable midsize pickup therefore appears on many “which cars retain value best” lists, right alongside some larger trucks that also stand out for solid resale. The Tacoma’s loyal following further drives up used demand, giving it a prime position on top resale vehicles in 2025 charts. If you want a smaller pickup that’s both rugged and value-packed, the Tacoma remains a no-brainer.

3. Mercedes-Benz G-Class 

The G-Class (often called the G-Wagon) embodies luxury and capability, making it an outlier among high-end models that typically depreciate rapidly. Unlike many premium SUVs, the G-Class often lands in the 60% retention bracket after five years, earning recognition on car depreciation comparison chart lists for surpassing the norms of its segment. Limited production and strong global demand ensure that used G-Wagons fetch a premium, placing it among cars that depreciate the least within the luxury realm.

Brand cachet certainly helps. Mercedes’ blend of off-road toughness and high-end appointments gives the G-Class near-iconic status. It has a dedicated fanbase drawn to its timeless design and rugged underpinnings, meaning resale values hardly budge, even as newer updates arrive. Those shopping for long-term value cars who also crave status find the G-Class an appealing choice, proving that some ultra-luxury SUVs can also be considered best vehicles for resale over the years.

4. Toyota Tundra 

Full-size pickup loyalty runs deep, and the Toyota Tundra claims a devoted following thanks to rock-solid dependability. It’s a consistent feature on lists of best car investments 2025, given how well it retains resale value compared to many domestic competitors. The Tundra’s unwavering reliability, powerful V8 options, and brand reputation make it a staple for truck buyers who want a high-mileage workhorse that also performs well at trade-in.

Alongside other Toyota models, the Tundra showcases why car brands that hold value over time often start with a “T.” Demand from used-truck shoppers keeps depreciation minimal, often hovering closer to 60% retention after five years. This means Tundra owners see solid offers when upgrading or selling, placing the truck firmly in the cars with best resale value after 3 years category—and even at five years. If you need a capable full-size pickup that won’t hemorrhage value, the Tundra stands out.

5. Toyota GR Supra

Reintroduced by Toyota with a splash, the GR Supra secures a respectable spot on any top resale vehicles in 2025 list. Skeptics initially questioned its joint development with BMW, but the Supra’s robust performance and low production numbers have kept it among the best vehicles for resale in the sports coupe realm. Enthusiasts covet it for its heritage, while its relative rarity attracts collectors seeking cars that retain value best over time, (the retention value is 57%).

Toyota’s well-earned reputation for durability doesn’t hurt, either. Even with BMW-sourced components, the GR Supra enjoys strong buyer confidence, defying claims that it might depreciate faster than other Japanese sports cars. Whether you admire the Supra’s driving dynamics or its future collectible potential, it’s a prime candidate for those seeking performance that won’t depreciate heavily.

6. Toyota Prius 

Hybrids once carried a misconception of fast depreciation, but the Toyota Prius overturns that notion with about 55.3% retained value after five years. With strong fuel economy and reliability, the Prius appeals to used-car buyers eager to save on gas while avoiding mechanical surprises. This stable demand keeps it ahead of the industry average, placing the Prius in the spotlight of low rankings of car depreciation.

Even with newer hybrid and EV competitors emerging, the Prius still holds its own, having earned decades of trust from buyers. Many see it as the go-to solution for long-haul commuting, thanks to minimal maintenance costs and top-notch mileage. That’s how it makes the cut on “best 5-year resale value cars” tallies for environmentally conscious drivers. If you’re seeking used cars that retain value and sip fuel, the Prius consistently delivers on both fronts.

7. Toyota 4Runner 

Few midsize SUVs hold value like the Toyota 4Runner, boasting around 54.6% retention after five years. Its old-school body-on-frame design and steadfast reliability keep it a favorite of adventurers and families alike, resulting in a lively secondhand market. Owners often hang onto their 4Runners for years, contributing to fewer models for sale and naturally higher resale prices.

Even when pitted against crossovers with more modern features, the 4Runner’s off-road prowess and strong brand reputation make it a mainstay for those researching “which cars retain value best” in the SUV arena. Buyers appreciate that used 4Runners still resemble new ones, as Toyota doesn’t frequently overhaul the design. By bridging the gap between daily driver comfort and backcountry capability, the 4Runner cements low depreciation trends into year five and beyond.

8. Porsche 718 Cayman 

Porsche sports cars almost always beat depreciation odds, and the 718 Cayman is no exception at around 54.2% five-year retention. Limited production and the Porsche badge attract performance enthusiasts, solidifying higher used prices than other luxury brands. This formula ensures the Cayman consistently ranks among the best vehicles for resale in the premium sports segment.

Drivers who crave precision handling and refined power often consider the 718 Cayman a gateway to Porsche ownership, boosting its secondhand demand. It also benefits from brand-wide accolades: the 911 famously leads in minimal depreciation, and the Cayman follows closely in that wake. For those wanting an upscale coupe with strong legacy and minimal depreciation, the Cayman stands out on “car brands that hold value over time” lists, proof that not all luxury sports models succumb to steep drops once the novelty fades.

9. Ford Maverick 

A compact pickup with a hybrid base engine, the Ford Maverick emerged as a newcomer that captured massive interest. With about 54.0% of its worth intact at five years, it has surprisingly outperformed conventional expectations for a budget-friendly truck. Strong initial demand and inadequate supply combined to keep used Mavericks priced near MSRP, elevating it to the status of cars that depreciate the least in the compact truck category.

This success stems partly from the Maverick pioneering a previously underserved niche. Buyers who want truck versatility but dislike bulky full-size models have flocked to it. That interest generates waitlists for new orders, so those seeking immediate ownership often pay top dollar for a lightly used example. 

10. Honda Civic 

The Honda Civic shines as one of the cars with the lowest depreciation rate in the compact segment, retaining an impressive ~72% of its original value after five years—meaning a mere 28% depreciation hit. Such a figure is remarkable for a non-luxury car, especially when many sedans lag behind SUVs and trucks in resale. Consistent reliability, excellent fuel economy, and broad market appeal drive the Civic’s strong used pricing.

This car’s multi-decade legacy reinforces public confidence, making it an evergreen choice for students, commuters, and small families who all appreciate its low running costs. Even amid shifting consumer preferences toward crossovers, the Civic’s proven track record ensures it remains on “best 5-year resale value cars” lists. For anyone who wants a practical yet financially sound sedan or hatchback, the Civic stands apart as a prime example of cars that depreciate the least, year after year.

FAQ’s

Q1: Which vehicles hold their value best in 2025?‍

Trucks, off-road SUVs, and sports cars rank highest. The Ford Bronco, Toyota Tacoma, and Corvette often retain 60% or more after five years.

Q2: Do luxury or sports models ever have strong resale?‍

Yes, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Chevy Corvette buck the norm. Limited production and strong fan followings keep their values high.

Q3: Why do Toyota trucks like the Tacoma and Tundra stand out?‍

They’re known for reliability and balanced supply, boosting used demand. Both routinely surpass the industry’s average five-year retention rate.

Q4: Which EV holds value better than most?‍

The Tesla Model 3 typically keeps around 47–48%. That’s far above the average for other electric vehicles, which usually drop faster.

Q5: Any sedan that can match these trucks and SUVs?‍

The Honda Civic can retain roughly 72% over five years. It’s a rare compact car that competes with top resale performers.

Which Vehicles Really Go the Distance

Whether you favor sports cars, pickup trucks, or dependable hybrids, certain vehicles routinely emerge as cars with best resale value, staying far above the industry’s 42% five-year average. Models like the Ford Bronco, Toyota Tacoma, and Chevy Corvette appeal to enthusiasts who value performance and reliability, while the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic continue to impress practical buyers who want minimal depreciation. Looking at a car depreciation comparison chart, it’s clear that brand reputation, limited supply, and proven reliability help these vehicles maintain robust values.

Anyone determined to pick vehicles that hold their value should focus on factors like overall demand, scarcity, and a track record for longevity. The best approach is matching a model’s strengths—be it off-road ruggedness, fuel efficiency, or luxury status—with personal priorities. By zeroing in on the cars that depreciate the least over five years or more, you not only enjoy a rewarding ownership experience but also keep your options open for a stronger trade-in when it’s time to move on.