Depreciation is a big part of owning and operating a vehicle, especially if you prefer late models. The average new 2019 vehicle retains only a bit more than a third of its value after 60 months (five years out). So besides price and interest rate, it’s wise to consider resale values when shopping for your ideal car, SUV, or truck.
For 2019 we’re focusing on Kelly Blue Book (KBB) surveys and awards. They’ve been establishing used vehicle values for over 90 years. Rankings are based on the percentage of retained value — the typical used price versus the MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested resale price) when purchased new.
The average vehicle retains only 39% of that sticker price, but those in the KBB top ratings average 55%, so it’s well worth paying 10-15% more. For 2019 trucks and SUVs dominate — for the first time there’s no cars in the top slots!
Best 2019 Makes
Toyota comes in as the clear winner in the Kelly Blue Book 2019 Best Resale Value Awards with their Tacoma, Tundra, and 4Runner as well as big winners in other categories. That puts them on top for 3 years in a row.
As for luxury brands, Porsche also comes in on at top for 3 consecutive years with their sedans, SUVs, and crossovers. In particular the Porsche 911, Panamera, 718 Boxter, 718 Cayman, Macan, and Cayenne.
Best Models Overall
Here’s the lineup of the 10 leaders over all categories, each model ordered by the percent of its value after three years.
| Rank | Model | Retained Value 3 Years | Retained Value 5 Years |
| 1 | Toyota Tacoma, a legendary rough workhorse. | 69% | 62% |
| 2 | Off-road rugged Jeep Wrangler. | 67% | 58% |
| 3 | Toyota Tundra, a well-rounded full-size pickup. | 67% | 57% |
| 4 | Toyota 4Runner, thanks to its loyal owners. | 66% | 56% |
| 5 | Porsche Macan, tech loaded and a great driving experience. | 65% | 50% |
| 6 | GMC Sierra, another legend. | 62% | 57% |
| 7 | Honda Ridgeline – truck-like but with SUV amenities. | 62% | 51% |
| 8 | Chevrolet Silverado, the 2nd best selling vehicle in the US. | 60% | 54% |
| 9 | Chevrolet Colorado with best-in-class towing capacity and an available diesel engine. | 59% | 51% |
| 10 | Ford F-Series, including the F-150, the US #1 best-selling and Kelly Blue Book best-buy pickup 5 years row. | 58% | 51% |
Depreciation is highest in the first year, but these top-ten average loose 21% of their resale value over the first 3 years then 27% for the next two years.
Other leaders in resale value include the Dodge Challenger, Chevrolet Camaro, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Accord.
Special Categories
Here are the top values in specific categories.
- Sedans and Coupes — Toyota leads the pack with their Avalon, Camry, Corolla, and Yaris
- Hatchbacks — Toyota wins again with the Corolla hatchback..
- Hybrids and Electric — Toyota dominates with the Prius, Prius c, and Prius Prime along with hybrid versions of their Avalon, Camry, Highlander, and RAV4.
- Compact SUVs and Crossovers — The winners here are the budget-friendly Honda HR-V, loaded with driver assistance features, as well as the Toyota C-HR and Mazda CX-3.
- SUVs and Crossovers — Again Toyota leads with the 4Runner, Highlander, Land Cruiser, RAV4, and Wequoia.
- Pickups — Tacoma and Tundra
- Minivans — Sienna
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