When it comes to buying and selling a car, resale value is hugely important. A new car that loses its value faster than its rivals can cost you money in lower trade-in value or the possibility of owing more than it may be worth in a long-term loan. That’s why choosing a vehicle with solid resale value can save you much more money in the long run. Our annual Best Resale Value Awards make it easier to find true long-term value.
The awards:
• 10 Best Overall Resale Values of 2025
• 2025 Best Resale Value Trucks, EVs, Minivan
• 2025 Best Resale Value Brands
10 Best Overall Resale Values of 2025
In addition to segment winners, Kelley Blue Book’s annual Best Resale Value Awards recognizes the 10 individual vehicles that are projected to retain the highest percentage of their original manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). This list represents the best of the best, and the threshold for this honor is high.
These vehicles retain their value better than 95% of all other models. While the average new vehicle will be worth about 44.6% of its original sticker price after 60 months, these 10 vehicles will return an average of almost 58% to their owners’ pockets. For a $35,000 vehicle, that works out to a meaningful difference of more than $4,500 over a 5-year buy-own-sell ownership cycle. Recouping more money when you sell a vehicle can mean a bigger down payment and lower monthly payments on your next one. Imagine having an extra $4,500 to put down on your next vehicle. That’s why choosing a car with good resale value can often save you more money in the long run than chasing big rebates and other incentives.
Here is Kelley Blue Book’s list of the 10 best overall resale values of 2025.
Best Resale Value Top 10 for 2025
2025 Best Resale Value: SUVs
2025 Best Resale Value: Cars
2025 Best Resale Value: Trucks, EVs, Minivan
2025 Best Resale Value: Brands
What is resale value?
At some point, you may want to sell your car. Resale value is the predicted market value of your car, truck, or SUV when it comes time to sell.
How does Kelley Blue Book determine which cars have the best resale value?
Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards are based on projections from the Kelley Blue Book Official Residual Value Guide. Kelley Blue Book Residual Values are established by experienced automotive analysts who review the output from statistical models built upon millions of transactions. Vehicles that earn the highest 5-year residual values, expressed as a percentage of their original manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), are selected for these prestigious awards. Low-volume vehicles are excluded from award consideration, except in the electric, luxury, and sports car categories.
Does resale value really matter?
Yes. Choosing the right model brings peace of mind that you’ve made the right decision. If a vehicle has a strong resale value, it will be worth more when it comes time to trade. This is a great way to reduce your overall vehicle expenses, something we can all use in these uncertain times.
About the Best Resale Value Awards
Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards are annual recognitions that go to the brands and vehicles that do the best job retaining value.
Kelley Blue Book’s stock-in-trade is vehicle valuation. We have nearly 100 years of experience determining what cars are worth. With a comprehensive data set that includes vehicle specifications, trims, sales volume, economic conditions, and auction results, Kelley Blue Book can predict and track vehicle depreciation. That information is free, and offering it on our site is a useful tool in helping you decide on the right vehicle to meet your pocketbook and transportation needs.
Dealers, lenders, and private parties also rely upon our car values when determining how much to take in trade, and setting lease rates and purchase prices. Vehicles with the lowest depreciation rate, as determined by our valuation team, underpin the Best Resale Value Awards. This recognition goes to the products and brands demonstrating the highest retained value during the first 60 months of ownership.