Car Depreciation by Brand 2026: Which Names Keep Their Value
Toyota, Honda, and Subaru lose 35–40% over five years while BMW and Mercedes shed 50–60% — and depreciation is usually the biggest ownership cost of all.
By The VehCalc Editorial Team · July 2026 · reviewed against official sources
Why depreciation is the real boss
Depreciation is the largest single cost of ownership, bigger than fuel, insurance, and maintenance combined. A car that loses 35% over five years costs $7,000 less in lost value than one that drops 55% on the same $35,000 sticker. When you shop resale, you are really shopping your future loss.
The value retainers
Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds 2026 data put Toyota at about 37% five-year depreciation, Honda at 38%, Subaru at 39%, and Mazda at 41%. Reliability, broad demand, and strong used markets keep them high. Toyota hybrids — Prius, Camry Hybrid — can beat 30% thanks to fuel savings buyers will pay for used.
The value losers
| Brand | 5-yr depreciation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| BMW | ~52% | High repair cost, tech churn |
| Mercedes-Benz | ~54% | Steep new discounts, costly upkeep |
| Audi | ~50% | Lease-heavy, soft used demand |
| Chrysler/Dodge | ~48% | Weak demand, reliability marks |
Body style changes the curve
Trucks and SUVs — F-150, Silverado, 4Runner — hold value best of any category because work buyers keep demand high. EVs are mixed: Tesla resists depreciation better than most, but several newer EV brands have dropped fast as tech and incentives shifted.
How to protect your own resale
Buy a proven model in a popular trim and a neutral color, keep mileage under 12,000 a year, and keep every service record. A documented maintenance history and unmodified body earn more at trade-in than a heavily personalized car nobody else wants.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average car depreciation rate per year?+
Which car brand has the best resale value?+
Do luxury cars depreciate faster?+
What is the most depreciating car?+
How can I check my car’s depreciation?+
Estimate the market value of a used car based on make, model, year, mileage, and condition. Get private party and trade-in values.
Related guides
Negative Equity Car Loan: How to Climb Out of Being Upside-Down
Negative equity means you owe more than the car is worth — often $3,000–$10,000. Extra principal payments, waiting out first-year depreciation, or a smart trade-in are the exits.
Lease Residual Value 2026: The Number That Sets Your Payment and Buyout
Residual value is the lessor’s bet on what the car is worth at lease end, usually 55–65% of MSRP for a 3-year lease. A high residual means a lower payment and a cheaper buyout if values hold.
Old Car Depreciation: What Your 10-Year-Old Car Is Really Worth
After 10 years most cars retain 30–40% of their original value; trucks and a few brands beat that, while some luxury names fall to 30% or below.