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Ranked: Cars That Hold and Lose Their Value the Most
Visual Capitalist ^ | 09/07/2026 | Bruno Venditti

Posted on 09/08/2026 7:38:23 AM PDT by SeekAndFind

Key Takeaways

Five-year depreciation varies dramatically by model, with a spread of more than 50 percentage points between the best and worst performers in this ranking.

This graphic ranks cars with the highest and lowest five-year depreciation in 2026, based on data from iSeeCars. The automotive research firm analyzed more than 950,000 five-year-old used vehicles sold between March 2025 and February 2026, with prices adjusted to 2026 dollars.

The study compares each vehicle’s average used price with its original manufacturer’s suggested retail price, or MSRP. Lower depreciation means a vehicle retained a larger share of its original purchase price.

Porsche Sports Cars Hold Their Value Best

The Porsche 718 Cayman stands out as the strongest performer, depreciating by just 9.6% over five years.

That works out to an average decline of only $6,988 from its original MSRP of approximately $72,800. The Porsche 911 follows at 11.1%, while the Chevrolet Corvette ranks third at 18.7%.

RankModelAvg 5-Year DepreciationAvg $ Difference from MSRP
1Porsche 718 Cayman9.6%$6,988
2Porsche 91111.1%$15,533
3Chevrolet Corvette18.7%$13,365
4Toyota Tacoma19.9%$6,426
5Toyota Tundra21.2%$8,746
6Honda Civic22.9%$5,828
7Subaru BRZ23.7%$8,489
8Toyota GR Supra24.0%$13,963
9Toyota RAV4 Hybrid25.2%$7,731
10Toyota Corolla Hatchback25.5%$6,220
11Toyota 4Runner25.5%$10,697
12Lexus RC 300/35026.6%$12,674
13Ford Mustang26.8%$9,205
14Toyota Corolla27.6%$6,328
15Toyota Sienna28.5%$11,530

Sports cars take four of the top seven spots, with the Porsche 718 Cayman and 911 joined by the Chevrolet Corvette and Subaru BRZ. The results show that some enthusiast models can retain value far better than the broader market despite their relatively high purchase prices.

Toyota Models Dominate the Low-Depreciation Rankings

Known for its long-standing reputation for vehicle reliability, Toyota has a particularly strong showing among models that hold their value.

The Tacoma and Tundra rank fourth and fifth, depreciating 19.9% and 21.2%, respectively. Toyota’s seven entries span pickups, SUVs, compact cars, and a minivan, suggesting that the brand’s resale strength extends well beyond a single model or vehicle category.

EVs and Luxury Vehicles Lose Value Fastest

At the other end of the ranking, the Nissan LEAF has the highest five-year depreciation at 63.1%. The Volkswagen ID.4 follows at 62.1%, while the Tesla Model S loses 62.0%.

RankModelAvg 5-Year DepreciationAvg $ Difference from MSRP
1Nissan LEAF63.1%$17,743
2INFINITI QX8062.8%$52,631
3Volkswagen ID.462.1%$28,010
4Tesla Model S62.0%$58,907
5Land Rover Range Rover61.7%$69,856
6BMW 7 Series61.6%$61,141
7Tesla Model X61.2%$61,216
8Ford Mustang Mach-E60.8%$22,976
9BMW 5 Series (hybrid)59.5%$44,921
10INFINITI QX6058.3%$30,099
11Land Rover Range Rover Sport58.3%$45,272
12Audi Q5 (hybrid)58.2%$34,063
13Land Rover Discovery57.9%$34,878
14Tesla Model Y57.8%$26,020
15Audi A8 L57.6%$54,824

Six EVs rank among the 15 fastest-depreciating vehicles: the Nissan LEAF, Volkswagen ID.4, Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Tesla Model Y.

Older EVs can face resale pressure as newer models offer improvements in range, charging speeds, and technology, while changes in new-vehicle pricing can also affect used values.

A newer EV may therefore be more competitive than a five-year-old model on range, charging performance, or software.

Luxury vehicles also feature prominently. The Land Rover Range Rover loses 61.7% of its value, equal to an average decline of $69,856 from MSRP, the largest dollar loss among the models shown. The BMW 7 Series, INFINITI QX80, and Range Rover Sport also post steep declines.

Learn More on the Voronoi App

To learn more about this topic, check out this graphic on the cheapest car brands to own and maintain.


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Society; Travel
KEYWORDS: automobile; cars; value
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To: SeekAndFind

This is why I lease.


21 posted on 09/08/2026 8:06:48 AM PDT by Orosius
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To: 1Old Pro

I went from 2009 Toyota Tacoma to a 2018 Jeep Wrangler.

I love my Jeep and it’s a blast to drive but the quality drop off from the Tacoma is stark to say the least.

Also, as I understand it, any Wrangler built after 2019 isn’t worth having.


22 posted on 09/08/2026 8:08:53 AM PDT by V_TWIN (America....so great even the people that hate it won't leave!)
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To: PGR88

Consumer Reports still puts out its annual auto survey. That is a survey of their subscribers. It used to be about 600K responders. So it is a fairly accurate poll.

Jeep, Land Rover and Jaguar are almost always at the bottom for quality/problems. Porsche, Lexus, Subaru, Toyota and Honda are almost always on top. Yet, what surprises me are the people that continue to purchase these vehicles in large numbers.

Mercedes used to make great vehicles. However, their quality has really fallen in the last thirty years. BMW makes great cars initially, but they are very expensive to maintain as they get older.

Mazda is typically rated as some of the least expensive cars to maintain. KIA because of their ten year powertrain warranty are typically the least expensive IF you buy them new. The repairs they need tend to be very minor.

Chevy and Ford have improved, but they are still tend to be middle of the road. Buick tend to be near the higher end typically. Maybe it because everyone driving a Buick is over 70.


23 posted on 09/08/2026 8:09:44 AM PDT by woodbutcher1963
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To: SeekAndFind

Surprised the Toyota Camry is not on the list.


24 posted on 09/08/2026 8:12:14 AM PDT by tired&retired (Blessings )
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To: PGR88
My friends in auto sales and repair tell me to avoid ALL Jeep cars

That seems to be true of Jeep Wranglers made after 2006. My 2005 Jeep Wrangler two door Unlimited still runs like a champ with the old style 6 cylinder engine and it is holding it's value very well, I get offers all the time and I could sell it for almost what I paid for it new, $23,000.

25 posted on 09/08/2026 8:12:15 AM PDT by Inyo-Mono
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To: SeekAndFind

Any EV: 99%:


26 posted on 09/08/2026 8:16:24 AM PDT by Signalman (When your enemy is digging himself a hole, don't take away his shovel.)
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To: V_TWIN

Yep, Jeep and Tacoma are two different cars for sure with different purposes. I sense the Tacoma is going downhill, much like the BMW 3 series, one a perennial top 10 on car and drivers list but no more.


27 posted on 09/08/2026 8:16:51 AM PDT by 1Old Pro
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To: woodbutcher1963

My driver’s side turn signal went out on my 2016 Ford Transit Passenger Wagon recently during a cross country drive.

I stopped at the Ford dealership to have the bulb replaced. They told me it was the Body Control Module (BCM) and the cost to replace it was over $4,000. No thanks... Ford has a better idea, $4,000 to fix a turn signal.


28 posted on 09/08/2026 8:17:18 AM PDT by tired&retired (Blessings )
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To: 1Old Pro

Many, if not most American cars are junk.

~~~

I drive a 10 year old domestic vehicle that I have put 185,000 miles on that has not needed any mechanical work done on it besides brakes, tires, oil changes and radiator flush, EXCEPT for a water pump that was actually covered under warranty.
Not junk. I have zero regrets.


29 posted on 09/08/2026 8:19:37 AM PDT by z3n (Kakistocracy)
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To: Inyo-Mono
old style 6 cylinder engine

yep, tried and true

30 posted on 09/08/2026 8:20:42 AM PDT by 1Old Pro
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To: Signalman
Any EV: 99%:

The only "good" EV is a bike

31 posted on 09/08/2026 8:21:37 AM PDT by 1Old Pro
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To: SeekAndFind

This is why it’s impossible to find a deal on a used Toyota Tacoma.


32 posted on 09/08/2026 8:21:42 AM PDT by misterdarcey (Abandon all nuance, ye who enter here.)
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To: SeekAndFind

They didn’t account for the fact that pre-emmission control and pre-spyware cars are now priceless.


33 posted on 09/08/2026 8:22:42 AM PDT by fruser1
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To: tired&retired

Me too. Camrys hold their value.


34 posted on 09/08/2026 8:26:16 AM PDT by TTFlyer (Lenin: that by the infliction of terror, a well-organized minority can conquer a nation.)
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To: NorthMountain
You might want to research that statement. It's not accurate ...

You are saying Japanese cars are designed in America? Maybe some of the styling, but the drivetrain, suspension, controls, components and design for manufacturability I doubt. Support that or don't waste my time.

35 posted on 09/08/2026 8:27:02 AM PDT by Carry_Okie (Stupidity is an acquired trait, requiring many years of careful practice)
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To: Greg123456
My Ford Focus is probably the best car I’ve ever had.

We had a 2014 Focus and it was a very good car, until the clutch went. That cost a bundle it should not have.

36 posted on 09/08/2026 8:28:26 AM PDT by Carry_Okie (Stupidity is an acquired trait, requiring many years of careful practice)
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To: woodbutcher1963

Starting next year Tacos will be made in Texas.


37 posted on 09/08/2026 8:34:54 AM PDT by central_va (I won't be reconstructed and I do not give a damn)
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To: Carry_Okie
Maybe some of the styling,

This is called "moving the goalposts".

If you don't want to do your own research, that's a "you" problem.

Have a nice day.

38 posted on 09/08/2026 8:37:29 AM PDT by NorthMountain (... the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed)
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To: NorthMountain
his is called "moving the goalposts".

No it's not. What make Japanese cars superior is not styling. Turn off the projector. I gave you a list clarifying the reason for the distinction. Your original reply was the misdirection.

39 posted on 09/08/2026 8:40:53 AM PDT by Carry_Okie (Stupidity is an acquired trait, requiring many years of careful practice)
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To: SeekAndFind

The Colonel’s Wife is undecided among a Lexus R hybrid (certified pre-owned) A Honda CR-V hybrid and a Toyota RAV4. I’m thinking the extra 10 grand for the Lexus is a lot to spend just for a name. Comments?


40 posted on 09/08/2026 8:41:25 AM PDT by jagusafr
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