Cars That Hold Value Best in 2026 (Resale and Residual Value Guide)

Cars that hold their value best cost more upfront but save money when you sell or trade them later. In 2026, brands like Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Subaru and Tesla are repeatedly highlighted in resale and residual value rankings for keeping depreciation low.

Why resale value matters

Resale value is a big part of your true cost of ownership. If a car loses value slowly, you recover more of your money when you sell it, even if the purchase price was slightly higher. High resale value usually reflects strong reliability, brand reputation, and consistent demand in the used car market.

Depreciation can vary dramatically between models; some lose half their value in five years, while others retain well over 50% of their original price.

Brands and models known for strong resale in 2026

Analyses of 2026 resale and residual value rankings show clear patterns.

• Toyota
  • Repeatedly leads mainstream brands for resale; models like Camry, Corolla, RAV4, Highlander, Tacoma and Tundra have some of the strongest projected residual values.
• Lexus
  • Tops many luxury categories, with models like the Lexus NX, UX and LX earning residual value awards.
• Honda and Subaru
  • Honda Civic, Accord and CR‑V, plus Subaru Forester and WRX, often appear on “hold value best” lists due to reliability and loyal owner bases.
• Tesla
  • Tesla vehicles, particularly Model Y and Model X, have been shown in studies to retain a high percentage of their value compared to many other EVs.

Independent residual value awards for 2026 show Toyota and Tesla taking overall brand titles, with multiple segment‑winning models.

Read more : Best used cars to buy in USA 2026

Vehicle types that usually hold value best

Certain vehicle types tend to hold value better than others.

• Trucks and body‑on‑frame SUVs
  • Pickups like Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Tundra and Ford Ranger and many body‑on‑frame SUVs usually depreciate more slowly, particularly when used for work or towing.
• Popular compact and midsize SUVs
  • High‑demand models (for example RAV4, CR‑V, some Lexus crossovers) keep values stronger because families and commuters constantly look for them used.
• Well‑known hybrids
  • Hybrids from brands with good reliability records, such as Toyota and Honda, are often cited as strong value holders thanks to fuel savings and durability.

Niche luxury sedans and low‑demand large cars generally depreciate faster, even if they are expensive when new.

How to choose a car that will hold value

To pick a car that will hold value well into the future:

• Prioritize brands and models with proven reliability and strong resale rankings.
• Focus on popular segments (compact SUVs, midsize sedans, capable trucks) with broad demand.
• Avoid unusual trims or colors that may be harder to resell.
• Check 3‑, 5‑ and 7‑year depreciation data for specific models before buying.

By combining resale‑value data with a solid used‑car inspection and maintenance history, you can buy vehicles that not only serve you well now but also return more of your money later.

Read more : Best used cars to buy in USA 2026