Buying an SUV isn’t just about horsepower, tech, or off-road capability. If you care about your money, resale value should be high on your list.
Why? Because most vehicles lose value the moment you drive them off the lot. But not all of them. Some SUVs hold their value better than others — thanks to brand loyalty, reliability, market demand, fuel economy, and long-term cost of ownership.
In this guide, we’ve ranked the 20 SUVs with the best projected resale value in 2026, using industry insights, historical data, depreciation trends, and resale rankings from sources like Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds, iSeeCars, and real-world sales behavior.
These are the SUVs that smart buyers hold onto — and that still pull high prices years later.
Why Resale Value Matters in 2026
With more buyers keeping vehicles longer, resale value has a direct effect on:
- Trade-in value when upgrading
- Lease-end value and equity
- Insurance gap coverage
- Overall cost of ownership
A vehicle that holds 60% of its value after 5 years saves you thousands more than one that drops to 40%.
How We Ranked These SUVs
Resale value is influenced by:
- 3–5 year depreciation rate
- Mileage and reliability records
- Brand perception
- Demand in used markets
- Fleet use or oversupply (which can hurt resale)
This list includes a balance of gas, hybrid, and electric SUVs across sizes and price points.
The 20 Best SUVs for Resale Value in 2026
1. Toyota 4Runner
5-Year Resale Value: ~68%
Why it holds value: Legendary reliability, rugged build, and off-road reputation. Buyers actively seek used models, and Toyota rarely changes the design, which keeps older models relevant.
Starting Price: $42,000
Best For: Adventure-seekers, off-roaders, and long-term owners
2. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
5-Year Resale Value: ~66%
Why it holds value: One of the few SUVs that feels custom and collectible. High trim diversity, aftermarket appeal, and strong community loyalty drive up used prices.
Starting Price: $41,000
Best For: Trail lovers and Jeep loyalists
3. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
5-Year Resale Value: ~64%
Why it holds value: Exceptional fuel economy, long-term reliability, and Toyota’s bulletproof hybrid reputation.
Starting Price: $33,000
Best For: Commuters, eco-conscious families
4. Subaru Outback
5-Year Resale Value: ~63%
Why it holds value: Strong AWD system, loyal buyer base, and low cost of ownership. Loved in cold-weather regions.
Starting Price: $32,000
Best For: Rural buyers, mountain towns, dog owners
5. Toyota Highlander
5-Year Resale Value: ~62%
Why it holds value: It’s the gold standard for three-row reliability, especially in hybrid trims. Always in demand.
Starting Price: $39,000
Best For: Families needing a dependable SUV with long-term value
6. Honda CR-V Hybrid
5-Year Resale Value: ~61%
Why it holds value: Strong reputation for efficiency and refinement. Newer hybrid trims are proving to retain value better than gas-only CR-Vs.
Starting Price: $34,000
Best For: Commuters, empty nesters
7. Lexus GX
5-Year Resale Value: ~60%
Why it holds value: True body-on-frame luxury SUV that rarely changes and is built like a tank. Great global demand for used GXs.
Starting Price: $63,000
Best For: Off-road luxury buyers and overland enthusiasts
8. Honda Passport
5-Year Resale Value: ~60%
Why it holds value: Understated, rugged, and reliable. Buyers often overlook it — but used models fetch excellent prices thanks to Honda’s reputation.
Starting Price: $42,000
Best For: Active families and outdoorsy drivers
9. Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
5-Year Resale Value: ~59%
Why it holds value: Newer model, but hybrid version expected to mirror Highlander’s success. Massive interior space and Toyota branding help a lot.
Starting Price: $45,000
Best For: Growing families
10. Mazda CX-50
5-Year Resale Value: ~58%
Why it holds value: Premium design, AWD, and low-volume exclusivity help CX-50 retain more value than the CX-5.
Starting Price: $33,000
Best For: Design-focused buyers, lifestyle crossover shoppers
11. Kia Telluride
5-Year Resale Value: ~58%
Why it holds value: One of the most awarded three-row SUVs in recent years. Still hard to find used. Well-equipped even in base trims.
Starting Price: $37,000
Best For: Families who want style and value
12. Hyundai Palisade
5-Year Resale Value: ~57%
Why it holds value: Shares platform with Telluride, slightly more upscale. Reliable, in-demand, and known for generous features.
Starting Price: $38,000
Best For: Comfort seekers, tech-focused families
13. Ford Bronco (2 and 4-Door)
5-Year Resale Value: ~57%
Why it holds value: Off-road credibility, high customization, and limited supply in some trims. Similar to Wrangler in appeal.
Starting Price: $41,000
Best For: Drivers who want to stand out
14. Lexus RX Hybrid
5-Year Resale Value: ~56%
Why it holds value: Luxury hybrid with long-standing demand in used markets. Efficient, quiet, and stylish.
Starting Price: $50,000
Best For: Luxury buyers who still think about resale
15. Toyota Venza
5-Year Resale Value: ~56%
Why it holds value: Hybrid-only SUV with upscale features. Quiet and practical, though often overlooked.
Starting Price: $37,000
Best For: Suburban couples, retirees
16. Subaru Forester
5-Year Resale Value: ~55%
Why it holds value: Strong winter appeal and reliable AWD system. Even older Foresters are still in demand.
Starting Price: $31,000
Best For: Snowbelt drivers, rural regions
17. Tesla Model Y
5-Year Resale Value: ~55%
Why it holds value: EV tax credit boost, over-the-air updates, and strong used demand. Battery degradation remains relatively low.
Starting Price: $47,000
Best For: Early adopters who also think long-term
18. Chevrolet Tahoe
5-Year Resale Value: ~54%
Why it holds value: Big V8 power, family hauling, and fleet desirability. Always in demand for towing and passenger capacity.
Starting Price: $58,000
Best For: Towing, large families, and business use
19. Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid
5-Year Resale Value: ~53%
Why it holds value: Hybrid efficiency, redesigned appeal, and excellent warranty coverage add to buyer confidence.
Starting Price: $39,000
Best For: Two-row hybrid seekers with space needs
20. Nissan Pathfinder
5-Year Resale Value: ~52%
Why it holds value: Modern design and decent power. Pathfinders are popular in the used fleet and family hauler market.
Starting Price: $39,000
Best For: Cost-conscious large SUV buyers
SUV Resale Value by Segment
| Segment | Top SUV (2026) | 5-Year Resale Value |
| Compact Hybrid | Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | ~64% |
| Midsize Gas | Toyota 4Runner | ~68% |
| Luxury | Lexus GX | ~60% |
| EV | Tesla Model Y | ~55% |
| Three-Row Hybrid | Toyota Grand Highlander | ~59% |
| Off-Road | Jeep Wrangler Unlimited | ~66% |
Key Takeaways for Smart SUV Buyers
- Toyota dominates. RAV4, 4Runner, Highlander, and hybrids all retain value thanks to brand trust.
- Hybrids are climbing fast. They now hold value better than some gas-only models.
- Off-road SUVs don’t depreciate fast. Wrangler, 4Runner, and Bronco have lasting demand.
- Luxury hybrids (Lexus) outperform most gas luxury models.
- Don’t chase the newest nameplate. Stick with proven platforms to protect resale.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, smart buyers know that what you keep is as important as what you pay. The best SUVs aren’t just about comfort or style — they’re about how much value they’ll still have 3 to 5 years down the road.
If you plan to sell, trade, or simply keep your SUV for the long haul, every model in this list offers a smarter investment.
For the latest comparisons, market insights, and trusted vehicle reviews, stick with BidForAutos.com. We track what matters most — and resale is money in your pocket.
