The Long and Winding Road

SUVs have come a long way since they were but an afterthought niche catering to a relatively small group of off-road enthusiasts, pragmatic and outdoorsy folks, or people who were seeking an alternative to pickup trucks. Along with the rise in their popularity and sales, the market is also witnessing an ever-increasing number of used SUVs for sale. A lot of folks who simply decide to go the “used car” route and forgo the depreciation associated with a new car purchase are scouring online sources and dealer inventories for that perfect used SUV. But which used SUV has the best resale value? Based on our research, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has the best resale value for an SUV.

Research Before the Search

Considering the remarkable number of makes, models and trim levels that are available out there, the savvy shopper should be mindful of several factors when it comes to searching for a used SUV, and not the least of which is the resale value. It would, therefore, be very helpful to be aware of what SUV has the best resale value and why. Armed with this in-depth information, a shopper is much more likely to make an intelligent used SUV purchase versus an emotional or spur-of-the-moment one, which may have regrettable consequences down the road.

At no time in the past have there been as many new and used SUVs for sale. The genre has simply elbowed its way onto the spotlight in the American and worldwide automotive landscape. SUVs and Crossovers have come a long way from the crude and simple implements that would help get you and your passengers to places other vehicles couldn’t get to. They have been transformed into indispensable everyday-mobiles that no soccer/hockey mom or dad could live without, as well as performing dutifully on family camping trips and even ripping 11-second quarter-mile times at the dragstrip. Fortified, feature-enhanced, and festooned with the latest technological advances and creature comforts, they are more in demand than ever before. Ironically, that also means there is a greater supply of these vehicles available, and that only benefits the consumer at large with better selection and ostensibly, more competitive pricing.

All Things Considered

The resale value should always be among the factors that would need to be considered when purchasing a car/SUV, new or used. Although it may not rank as the most important consideration for most people, it is always prudent to look ahead at how much of your hard-earned money you would be able to recoup once you have decided to move on. Beyond that, the resale value of an SUV is a sort of barometer of its overall popularity, reliability, and affordability on the used market. With that in mind, the resale value of any vehicle is affected by many factors, including characteristics specific to any one vehicle or general brand and model-related factors.

First and foremost, the make and model of a vehicle is of paramount importance when it comes to its resale value as it determines its desirability and track record in the marketplace. Subjective Items such as the mileage and the specific mechanical, interior and exterior condition of the vehicle, the color, as well as the drivetrain certainly play a part in this formula, and whether any aftermarket parts installed or additional modifications have been performed on that specific vehicle. Naturally, any accidents that the vehicle may have been involved in or any title issues would adversely affect the resale value of that particular vehicle.

More Than A Number

Bearing in mind the factors that affect the resale value, we would now like to focus on which SUV’s have the highest resale value and command the most money on the used market. Obviously, individual vehicle characteristics would play a large role in the exact amount a vehicle can command on the used market, but these ten vehicles have been garnering the most money as a percentage of their new car price to rank among the best-performing SUV’s when it comes to resale value after five years, according to the Automotive research firm iSeeCars.com:

• 10– Subaru Outback, 50.1% depreciation: Subaru’s popular Outback “soft-roader” remains en vogue with many folks who swear by its quality and standard All-Wheel-Drive.
• 9– Toyota Land Cruiser: 48.6% depreciation: Toyota reliability in a boxy, go-anywhere SUV that has been around for a long time. The Land Cruiser has a large and enthusiastic fan base that keeps its used prices steady.
• 8– Mercedes-Benz G-Class (AMG): 45.9%- Speaking of boxy, the Mercedes G-Class line of SUVs, in fire-breathing AMG guise, makes the Land Cruiser appear downright swoopy. But the SUV is still super popular among a certain swath of the population despite its eye-popping price.
• 7– Mercedes-Benz G-Class: 45.2% depreciation. The G-Class’ more “ordinary” and non-fortified brethren ranks still higher in its resale value. If you want to be noticed driving an SUV, this may be the ride for you- and you won’t lose a whole lot when you trade it in for that electric GMC Hummer down the road.
• 6– Honda CR-V: 44.9% depreciation. Honda’s super-popular crossover has been around for a long time, and in the process, has gained many fans for its reliable and fuel-sipping ways. It also excels in the resale department, holding its value over five years despite its ubiquity.
• 5– Toyota Highlander: 44.6% depreciation. Toyota’s midsize people-pleasing SUV offers a lot for the money, including the brand’s famous reliability and 3rd-row seating while being a good-looking and strong performer in the segment despite its harsh ride.
• 4– Toyota RAV4: 44.6% depreciation: The RAV4 nameplate has always had a strong resale value (much like many Toyota models). The previous generation of this compact SUV is still quite popular for many smaller families because of its thriftiness at the pump and relatively large interior for the class. The current RAV4, redesigned for 2019, is a huge improvement over the previous model, but this has not affected the popularity or severely dented the used prices for the old model.
• 3– Toyota 4Runner: 36.5% depreciation: The iconic body-on-frame SUV from Toyota has been traversing our roads for more than 35 years now, and its popularity, size, and technology has grown with every generation. Despite its high price, the 4Runner represents a strong value for the used SUV shopper out there and is one of the best performing SUVs in terms of resale value.
• 2– Jeep Wrangler: 31.5% depreciation. The legendary Jeep Wrangler is the original off-roader and represents an American institution on par with Coca Cola, Levi’s 501’s, and fireworks on the 4th of July. The soft top, go-anywhere machine represents a certain freedom that comes from bucking tradition with a convertible SUV that can take you to the remotest campsite while looking dapper enough for a night on the town. Based on its amazing resale value, used SUV consumers tend to strongly agree.
• 1– Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: 30% depreciation. This boxy, brawny and bold 4-door convertible SUV backs up its extroverted looks by providing more than just adequate power and roominess. It also makes a statement about its mission: a fun machine able to take all of your requests and turn them into rock climbing, beach-stomping and cargo-hauling wind-in-the-hair kind of fun. Don’t believe us? Just look at the resale prices: they’re as high as the Rubicon trail for which one of its models is named.

Today, customers can indulge in their SUV fantasies or fulfill their cargo and people hauling needs with a dizzying array of used SUVs and crossovers that are available at prices to fit any budget. But looking beyond the obvious, and considering often-overlooked facets such as resale values will empower your decision-making abilities before signing on that dotted line. Caveat emptor indeed!