Buying and selling a car is a significant financial undertaking, and the vehicle’s resale value plays a critical role in the overall cost of ownership. A car that depreciates rapidly can lead to financial losses through a lower trade-in value or owing more than the car is worth if you have a long-term loan. Therefore, selecting a car with solid resale value can translate to substantial savings in the long run. Kelley Blue Book’s (KBB) annual Best Resale Value Awards make it easier for consumers to identify vehicles that offer true long-term value.
The 2025 awards encompass several categories:
- 10 Best Overall Resale Values of 2025
- 2025 Best Resale Value SUVs
- 2025 Best Resale Value Cars
- 2025 Best Resale Value Trucks, EVs, and Minivan
- 2025 Best Resale Value Brands
10 Best Overall Resale Values of 2025
Beyond segment-specific winners, KBB’s Best Resale Value Awards highlight the ten individual vehicles 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 requirements for inclusion are very high. These vehicles retain their value significantly better than the vast majority of other models.
While the average new vehicle will be worth roughly 44.6% of its initial sticker price after five years (60 months), the vehicles featured in the top ten will return an average of almost 58% to their owners. Considering a vehicle with an MSRP of $35,000, that difference represents a significant savings of over $4,500 across a five-year ownership cycle. Getting more money back when you sell a vehicle can allow for a larger down payment and subsequently lower monthly payments when you purchase your next one, leading to more financial flexibility.
Choosing a car with a strong resale value can lead to more savings compared to chasing after large rebates and other incentives. Here is KBB’s list of the 10 best overall resale values for 2025:
2025 Best Resale Value: SUVs
Here are the SUVs recognized for their strong resale value in 2025:
2025 Best Resale Value: Cars
Here’s a look at the cars securing top resale value:
2025 Best Resale Value: Trucks, EVs, Minivan
Here are the top performers in the truck, EV, and minivan segments:
2025 Best Resale Value: Brands
- Best Brand: Toyota – Toyota has won the Best Brand title for the eighth time in nine years, securing seven category wins.
- Best Luxury Brand: Lexus – Lexus is also a repeat winner and took home six category wins in 2025.
Understanding Resale Value
Resale value represents the projected market value of a car, truck, or SUV when it comes time to sell. This is the value you can, in theory, expect to receive for your vehicle when you decide to sell or trade it in.
KBB determines these values using projections from the Kelley Blue Book Official Residual Value Guide. The residual values reflect the expertise of experienced automotive analysts who evaluate data from statistical models based on millions of transactions. Vehicles gaining the highest five-year residual values, expressed as a percentage of their original MSRP, receive these awards. Low-volume vehicles are excluded from the pool, except in the electric, luxury, and sports car categories.
Does Resale Value Really Matter?
Yes, choosing a vehicle with strong resale value is a great way to reduce overall vehicle expenses and have peace of mind. A vehicle with a high resale value will be worth more when you decide to trade or sell it. This is particularly beneficial in uncertain economic times, where saving money whenever possible is crucial. Kelley Blue Book provides valuable resources, backed by nearly a century of expertise, to assist consumers in making informed decisions about their vehicle purchases.
Kelley Blue Book’s Best Resale Value Awards recognize the brands and vehicles that best retain their value. KBB has a deep well of expertise determining vehicle valuations through a combination of comprehensive data that includes vehicle specifications, sales volume, economic conditions, and auction results. This information helps estimate depreciation and is available to consumers for free on their site helping them to find the car that best meets their budget and transportation needs. Dealers, lenders, and even private parties use KBB’s data when determining trade-in value, setting lease rates, and establishing purchase prices. The Best Resale Value Awards go to the products and brands with the lowest depreciation rate during the first 60 months of ownership.
