2026 Brand Depreciation Rankings
Car brands that hold their value best in 2026
Some badges hold value far better than others. This ranks brands by their average five-year depreciation across every model with a complete five-year cohort — a lineup-level view drawn from observed used-car listings, not manufacturer claims.
Best value retention
Toyota
18.9% avg five-year loss · 6 models
Fastest average depreciation
Chevrolet
35.5% avg five-year loss · 3 models
2026 brand resale value ranking
| # | Brand | Avg 5-yr depreciation | Avg retained | Models |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Toyota | 18.9% | 81.1% | 6 |
| 2 | Honda | 25.3% | 74.7% | 5 |
| 3 | Subaru | 26.5% | 73.5% | 3 |
| 4 | Ford | 29.0% | 71.0% | 5 |
| 5 | Kia | 29.9% | 70.1% | 3 |
| 6 | Nissan | 32.7% | 67.3% | 3 |
| 7 | Hyundai | 35.0% | 65.0% | 3 |
| 8 | Chevrolet | 35.5% | 64.5% | 3 |
Brand averages weight every ranked model equally and include only brands with at least three models in the current five-year cohort. Model-level results vary widely within a brand — always compare the specific vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which car brand holds its value best in 2026?
Across the 8 brands with enough ranked models in the current CarResaleValue dataset, Toyota has the strongest average five-year retention, keeping about 81.1% of original value (a 18.9% average loss) across 6 models. Individual models within any brand still vary widely, so compare the specific vehicle you are shopping.
How is the brand resale ranking calculated?
We take every current-market model with a complete five-year cohort, compute its mileage-adjusted five-year depreciation from observed used-car listings, and average those figures per brand. Only brands with at least three ranked models are included, so a single model cannot decide a brand's position. It is a lineup average, not a rating of any one model.