A car’s true cost isn’t just the sticker price. It’s how much value it holds after the miles pile up. In 2026, with prices still high and demand shifting quickly, resale value is more important than ever. If you’re buying a car today, you want to know it’s not going to drain your wallet when it’s time to sell or trade in.
This guide breaks down the top-performing vehicles for resale value in 2026. We’re not just guessing — this list is built using depreciation forecasts, brand history, consumer demand, and third-party valuation data from sources like Kelley Blue Book, iSeeCars, Edmunds, and J.D. Power.
Whether you’re shopping for a compact commuter, rugged SUV, work-ready truck, or tech-forward EV, these are the 2026 models that give back when you’re ready to move on.
Why Resale Value Matters
When you buy a new car, it immediately loses value. That’s just the reality of depreciation. But some models lose far less than others. Here’s why that matters:
Trade-in value can cover more of your next purchase
Leasing? Higher resale means lower monthly payments
Lower depreciation improves total cost of ownership
Strong resale signals long-term reliability and demand
If you hold your car for three to five years, a high resale value can save you thousands.
How We Ranked the Best Resale Value Cars
This list is based on:
3-year and 5-year depreciation data
Historical resale performance by model
Demand in used vehicle markets
Fleet sales vs retail (fleet-heavy models often lose value faster)
Vehicle segment trends
Real-world pricing behavior on trade-ins and private sales
We broke it down by category to help you compare the best options for your needs.
Best Compact Cars for Resale Value in 2026
-
Toyota Corolla
Five-Year Depreciation: 30 percent
Average Resale Value After 5 Years: 70 percent
Starting Price: $23,000
Why it Holds Value: Toyota’s most consistent performer, the Corolla combines low maintenance costs, strong brand trust, and high used demand. Hybrids hold even better.
-
Honda Civic
Five-Year Depreciation: 32 percent
Average Resale Value After 5 Years: 68 percent
Starting Price: $25,000
Why it Holds Value: Sharp design, reliable powertrains, and huge fan loyalty. Sport trims and Si models sell especially well used.
-
Mazda 3
Five-Year Depreciation: 34 percent
Average Resale Value After 5 Years: 66 percent
Starting Price: $26,000
Why it Holds Value: Stylish, fun to drive, and built with care. Mazda buyers keep them longer, and second owners often pay a premium.
Best Midsize Cars for Resale Value in 2026
-
Toyota Camry
Five-Year Depreciation: 29 percent
Resale Value: 71 percent
Starting Price: $28,000
Why it Holds Value: Camry hybrids and four-cylinder trims are among the most sought-after used sedans in America.
-
Honda Accord
Five-Year Depreciation: 31 percent
Resale Value: 69 percent
Starting Price: $30,000
Why it Holds Value: Accord’s hybrid trims are hot in the used market, and demand remains high across all configurations.
-
Subaru Legacy
Five-Year Depreciation: 35 percent
Resale Value: 65 percent
Starting Price: $27,000
Why it Holds Value: All-wheel drive and solid reliability keep resale strong, especially in colder states.
Best Luxury Cars for Resale Value in 2026
-
Lexus ES 300h
Five-Year Depreciation: 36 percent
Resale Value: 64 percent
Starting Price: $46,000
Why it Holds Value: A quiet, smooth luxury hybrid that outlasts most competitors. Lexus resale remains top-tier.
-
Acura TLX
Five-Year Depreciation: 38 percent
Resale Value: 62 percent
Starting Price: $44,000
Why it Holds Value: The TLX undercuts German rivals and still delivers performance, style, and long-term value.
-
BMW 3 Series (Gas and Hybrid)
Five-Year Depreciation: 42 percent
Resale Value: 58 percent
Starting Price: $45,000
Why it Holds Value: Strong enthusiast demand and fleet-friendly status keep the 3 Series on the radar.
Best Compact SUVs for Resale Value in 2026
-
Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Five-Year Depreciation: 28 percent
Resale Value: 72 percent
Starting Price: $34,000
Why it Holds Value: Fuel efficiency, Toyota reliability, and huge buyer demand. One of the safest bets for resale.
-
Honda CR-V Hybrid
Five-Year Depreciation: 30 percent
Resale Value: 70 percent
Starting Price: $35,000
Why it Holds Value: Strong build, excellent MPG, and minimal issues over time.
-
Subaru Crosstrek
Five-Year Depreciation: 32 percent
Resale Value: 68 percent
Starting Price: $29,000
Why it Holds Value: Great AWD system, outdoor-friendly design, and a loyal customer base.
Best Midsize SUVs for Resale Value in 2026
-
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Five-Year Depreciation: 27 percent
Resale Value: 73 percent
Starting Price: $43,000
Why it Holds Value: Hybrid tech, three-row seating, and unbeatable resale. One of the strongest performers year after year.
-
Lexus RX 350h
Five-Year Depreciation: 29 percent
Resale Value: 71 percent
Starting Price: $55,000
Why it Holds Value: Luxury buyers love the RX for long-term ease and comfort — used models barely sit on lots.
-
Kia Telluride
Five-Year Depreciation: 33 percent
Resale Value: 67 percent
Starting Price: $39,000
Why it Holds Value: High quality, high demand, and strong reputation. Especially valuable in higher trims.
Best Full-Size SUVs for Resale Value in 2026
-
Toyota Sequoia Hybrid
Five-Year Depreciation: 31 percent
Resale Value: 69 percent
Starting Price: $65,000
Why it Holds Value: Newer redesign, hybrid-only power, and strong towing ability make this a top long-term value SUV.
-
Chevrolet Tahoe
Five-Year Depreciation: 35 percent
Resale Value: 65 percent
Starting Price: $60,000
Why it Holds Value: Always in demand for families, fleets, and towing. Resale stays strong year after year.
-
Ford Expedition
Five-Year Depreciation: 37 percent
Resale Value: 63 percent
Starting Price: $61,000
Why it Holds Value: Large, capable, and often sold in high trims that hold better on resale.
Best Pickup Trucks for Resale Value in 2026
-
Toyota Tacoma
Five-Year Depreciation: 22 percent
Resale Value: 78 percent
Starting Price: $36,000
Why it Holds Value: One of the lowest-depreciating vehicles ever. New hybrid trims add even more appeal.
-
Ford Maverick Hybrid
Five-Year Depreciation: 24 percent
Resale Value: 76 percent
Starting Price: $27,000
Why it Holds Value: Affordable, efficient, and nearly impossible to find used for under MSRP.
-
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Five-Year Depreciation: 35 percent
Resale Value: 65 percent
Starting Price: $40,000
Why it Holds Value: Strong demand and wide appeal across work and personal use markets.
Best Electric Vehicles for Resale Value in 2026
-
Tesla Model 3
Five-Year Depreciation: 34 percent
Resale Value: 66 percent
Starting Price: $42,000
Why it Holds Value: Brand loyalty, over-the-air updates, and low maintenance costs give it an edge.
-
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Five-Year Depreciation: 38 percent
Resale Value: 62 percent
Starting Price: $45,000
Why it Holds Value: Rapid charging, futuristic design, and a strong used EV market.
-
Rivian R1S
Five-Year Depreciation: 35 percent
Resale Value: 65 percent
Starting Price: $78,000
Why it Holds Value: Adventure appeal, scarcity, and luxury-quality construction.
Highest Resale Value by Category
Compact Car: Toyota Corolla
Midsize Sedan: Toyota Camry
Luxury Sedan: Lexus ES 300h
Compact SUV: Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Midsize SUV: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
Full-Size SUV: Toyota Sequoia
Pickup Truck: Toyota Tacoma
Electric Vehicle: Tesla Model 3
Tips for Maximizing Resale Value
Choose trims with strong demand — hybrids, AWD, and mid-level tech packages often sell best
Stick with popular colors — silver, white, black, and gray are safest
Maintain service records — clean history boosts trade-in value
Avoid excessive customization — aftermarket wheels or body kits can hurt resale
Sell at the right time — don’t wait until market shifts or major redesigns
Keep mileage below benchmarks — 30K, 60K, and 100K mile thresholds matter
Final Thoughts
The best cars for resale in 2026 aren’t just vehicles — they’re financial strategies. Choosing a car that holds its value can save you thousands over the life of your ownership and give you more options when it’s time to sell or upgrade.
From budget sedans to full-size trucks and EVs, the models listed here consistently deliver strong resale across multiple markets. If you care about return on investment as much as driving experience, these are the vehicles worth your attention.
For more expert advice, resale trends, and full model breakdowns, keep reading BidForAutos.com — where smarter buyers stay in the driver’s seat.
