10 Cars That Don't Lose Much Value After 1 Year Of Ownership (2024)

New cars are becoming more and more expensive with every passing year. Despite all the new features and offerings out there on the market, it's common knowledge that cars depreciate quickly the second you drive them off the showroom floor. Knowing that your investment isn’t going to net you much return can be a daunting feeling.

However, there are ways to minimize your losses. Not every car is built equally, and some simply depreciate much slower than others. Some cars even lose close to half of their value in a single year. Beyond the obvious, such as taking care of your car and ensuring it's regularly maintained, buying the right car can save you tons when it comes time to resell.

We’ve uncovered some of the cars that depreciate the least over the first year of ownership. This list isn’t only populated with cheap run-arounds, and you may be surprised at the quality. If you want a car that will save you tons in terms of cost of ownership, look no further than this list.

15 2023 Chevrolet Camaro

Depreciation After One Year: 10%

A study by iSeeCars placed the Chevrolet Camaro in seventh place among the top 25 vehicles with the smallest 5-year average depreciation. This is good news for anyone who invested in one, especially the upgraded trims, as the love for American muscle cars isn't yet gone. The Camaro's depreciation is well below the average depreciation of all passenger cars, with a modern Camaro typically losing around 17-percent of its value after the first five years.

Depreciation

While its initial depreciation may scare some buyers, what is most impressive is its slowed rate after that. Many cars tend to depreciate in larger chunks as time goes on, though the Camaro seems to hold much of its value by the five-year mark.

14 Toyota Tacoma

Depreciation After One Year: 9.5%

The Toyota Tacoma is the epitome of practicality. It is not only a decent value when bought new, it's also very durable and poses an even better bargain when slightly used. One of the biggest factors contributing to the Taco's slower-than-average depreciation rates is its quality and reliability. The robust construction and well-built components make the Tacoma a pickup for the long-haul, which is why folks tend to desire them.

Depreciation

The Tacoma is able to hold its value well through the first three years. However, at around the five-year mark, buyers will be met with a 34-percent loss in value. That said, the Tacoma is still a hearty, rugged vehicle, regardless of how much it's worth after you've owned it. And, with modern Toyota backing the build, the owner will truly feel and experience the value of not only the pickup, but one of the most reliable manufacturers.

13 Honda Civic

Depreciation After One Year: 9%

When practicality meets athletic ability and bargain prices, it's bound to resonate with a wider public across multiple generations. No model better epitomizes this sentiment than the loyal Honda Civic. A staple in the Japanese giant's line-up since the 1970s, the Civic has seen 11 generations over more than five decades and hasn't lost its corner of the market yet. In fact, many Honda Civic owners, like Toyota Corolla owners, keep the vehicle in the family for multiple generations.

Depreciation

The Civic ages like fine wine, in that it only depreciates 16-percent during the first five years. The design is modern-sleek with an ever-present aura of sport, while the cabin wows onlookers with the gorgeous honeycomb A/C vents and contemporary tech, both standard and optional. Performance-wise, there are multiple powertrains, including a hybrid setup, to appease your motoring preference, with each able to put a smile on your face when you step on the gas - another perk that comes standard on the Civic.

12 Toyota Corolla

Depreciation After One Year: 5.8%

Joining the list is the humble Toyota Corolla, a sedan that has seen numerous generations and just as many beloved models. Like the Honda Civic, the Toyota Corolla is a household name. This is thanks to the practicality, bargain price, and ease-of-use. It's literally the car for everyone - an identity it fleshes out with upgraded trims, optional perks, and an inherently modern sleekness. Not to mention, multiple eco-friendly trims are available, with Toyota's latest, and greatest, hybrid tech at the helm.

Depreciation

While the Corolla loses 30-percent of its value by the five-year mark, its low starting MSRP means the loss isn't as impactful as a more expensive model. Simply put, 30-percent of the Corolla's value is about $5,000. This means that you can be more confident when negotiating and when reselling, as you won't get burned too badly. That said, the Corolla's package includes modern tech, amenities, and assist functions, many of them standard. Performance varies depending on trim and powertrain choice. While not as rowdy as the Corollas of old, the modern Corolla is just as popular, even if for different reasons.

11 Porsche 911

Depreciation After One Year: 5%

The Porsche 911 isn't an easily attainable vehicle, as its MSRP usually prices well into the six-figure range for newer models. However, if you do happen to land a 911, know that its depreciation rates are on the rewarding side, in that the 911 holds its value better than most high-end sports cars. Thanks to a few factors aligning, i.e. COVID, supply shortages, etc., the 911 has even found itself appreciating in some cases, likely due to the rarity of the high-trim 911 models, including the GT3.

Depreciation

While definitely not "depreciation-proof", the 911 is an investment that will keep you satisfied up until you decide to sell or upgrade - granted you'd never want to part with a 911. The performance of the 911 alone is something Porsche has made legendary with intuitive design and advanced, race-bred machinery. The appearance and cabin appointments are also just as notorious as the blistering performance, with the 911 being dressed in premium material, which contours around contemporary tech and character accents.

10 2024 Mazda CX-5

Depreciation After One Year: 4%

Mazda’s CX-5 has sat near the top of the compact SUV segment for as long as it's been in its second generation, which is a good couple of years. It may be aging slightly, but it was so far ahead of the pack to begin with that its rivals are only now beginning to catch up. On top of being great value, you also won't lose too much of your investment over the first couple of years.

Depreciation

The CX-5 holds its value best in its first three years. Over your first year of ownership, it will only lose four percent of what it cost when new. Once you’ve owned it for three years, it will have lost a total of ten percent of its value, and 25 percent by its fifth year.

9 2024 Golf GTI

Depreciation After One Year: 3%

Hot hatchbacks are becoming an increasing rarity in the States. Volkswagen’s Golf GTI is part of a dying breed, but it is truly special. Despite its rarity and its performance chops, it holds its value pretty well.

Depreciation

After a single year of ownership, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf GTI will have only lost three percent of its value, which is impressive for a performance car. After three years, it loses 13 percent of its value and after five years it loses 28 percent. If you're looking for an affordable performance car that will be easy on the wallet, there are few options better than the GTI.

8 2024 Chevrolet Tahoe

Depreciation After One Year: 3%

If you’re looking for a full-size SUV, then it's likely that the Chevy Tahoe is on your list of options. Its spacious third row and its standard V-8 engine make it super attractive. On top of this, it holds its value pretty well. It is also one of the most reliable large SUVs that you can buy today.

Depreciation

The Tahoe actually has a strange value trend. It holds its value decently for the first year, sitting at three percent depreciation, then loses a ton in its second year. After this, it plateaus, with it losing 25 percent of its value after three years and 33 percent after five years. Regardless, there are few full-size SUVs that manage to hold their value this well.

7 2024 Chevrolet Blazer

Depreciation After One Year: 3%

The Chevrolet Blazer sits firmly in the midsize SUV category, a segment that is becoming more and more crowded by the day. It has incredible curb appeal and features sporty and athletic handling. Alongside its great resale value, these are all good reasons to consider the 2024 Blazer.

Depreciation

The 2024 Blazer has a pretty steady rate of depreciation. When you buy one from new, it’ll only lose three percent of its value in your first year of ownership. After three years, the Blazer will have lost 20 percent of its value and 35 percent by its fifth year.

6 2024 Ford Ranger

Depreciation After One Year: 3%

If you’re surprised to see Ford’s midsize pickup truck on this list, you aren’t alone. In fact, it’s the only pickup truck to make this list. Now in its fifth generation, the Ranger is fresh with a bunch of new features, but the same old reliable capability, all while being able to hold its value. You will also save money when filling up, considering the Ranger is the most fuel-efficient midsize pickup you can buy.

Depreciation

The Ford Ranger holds its value well over its first couple of years of ownership. In its first year, it only loses three percent of its value. In its third year of ownership, the Ranger only loses 12 percent. In its fifth year, it drops off a bit, losing 24 percent of its value.

5 2023 Kia Rio

Depreciation After One Year: 2%

The Kia Rio wasn’t renewed for the 2024 model year. We’ve still included it on this list as you can still pretty easily pick up a new 2023 model close to MSRP. The little car can be had as either a sedan or hatchback and offers some great features at a bargain price. The hatchback model is the version that holds its value the best. The Rio also sits among some of the most reliable cars you can get in 2024.

Depreciation

The Rio 5-Door can be had for a brilliantly low price. This becomes even more impressive considering it only loses two percent of its value in its first year. It loses 13 percent in its third year and 28 percent in its fifth year. Over five years, the Kia Rio only loses around $5,000 worth of value, which is pretty impressive.

4 2024 Jeep Wrangler

Depreciation After One Year: 2%

Off-roading enthusiasts will be thrilled to see the Jeep Wrangler on this list. The Wrangler is one of the most legendary off-road vehicles to ever exist, and offers near unmatched capability. Despite being rough and tumble, it manages to depreciate at a surprisingly slow rate.

Depreciation

If you want a dedicated off-road vehicle that is going to hold its value over its lifetime, then there isn’t a better option than the Wrangler. It only loses two percent of its value in its first year of ownership. Its depreciation is slow and steady from there, with it losing 12 percent in year three and 22 percent in year five.

3 2024 GMC Acadia

Depreciation After One Year: 2%

GMC’s Acadia has been brought back for the 2024 model year for an all-new generation. It tackles the third-row midsize segment and does so with gusto. Its updated look and powertrain help it fight against its modern rivals. It also manages to hold on to its value incredibly well in its first year of ownership. CarBuzz goes into more detail about what features on the new Acadia you can expect.

Depreciation

The three-row midsize Acadia only loses two percent of its value in its first year. After this, though, it depreciates a little faster than some of the other cars on this list. In its third year, it will have lost 16 percent of its value, which will become 30 percent in its fifth year.

2 2024 Subaru Forester

Depreciation After One Year: 1%

Tied for first on this list is the Subaru Forester, losing only one percent of its value in its first year of ownership. If you’re looking for a midsize SUV with tons of cargo space that can handle tougher weather conditions, then you aren’t going to get much better than the Subaru Forester. A new model is also just around the corner, which may be worth waiting for.

Depreciation

If you plan to own a car for five years before moving on to the next model, then the Forester is a brilliant proposition. Its value curve remains impressively flat over its first five years. Over three years, it only loses eight percent of its value and by year five it loses 22 percent.

1 Chevrolet Traverse

Depreciation After One Year: 1%

The third Chevrolet to make it onto this list, the Traverse ties for first place by only losing one percent of its value in its first year of ownership. The 2024 Traverse represents the start of a new generation, and for those looking for a spacious cabin and serious off-road capability, it's perfect.

Depreciation

While its initial depreciation is pretty low, the Traverse loses the most value out of any car on this list over five years. In year three, a Traverse will have lost 12 percent of its value, which is still pretty good. However, by the fifth year of ownership, you would have lost a whopping 39 percent of your investment.