2026 4Runner wins Best Resale Value Award 2026 by KBB

[Administrator]

2026 BEST RESALE VALUE: TOP 10 CARS
(alphabetical order)

Chevrolet Corvette
Ford Maverick
Ford Ranger
Mercedes Benz G-Class
Porsche 911
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota GR Supra
Toyota Sienna
Toyota Tacoma
Toyota Tundra

2026 BEST RESALE VALUE: BY VEHICLE CATEGORY
COMPACT CAR: Honda Civic	OFF-ROAD SUV: Toyota 4Runner
MIDSIZE CAR: Toyota Camry	SUBCOMPACT SUV: Honda HR-V
SPORTS CAR: Toyota GR Supra	COMPACT SUV: Honda CR-V
MINIVAN: Toyota Sienna	MIDSIZE SUV: Toyota Grand Highlander
LUXURY COMPACT CAR: Acura Integra	FULL-SIZE SUV: Toyota Sequoia
LUXURY MIDSIZE CAR: Mercedes-Benz E-Class	LUXURY SUBCOMPACT SUV: Lexus UX
HYBRID: Toyota Prius	LUXURY COMPACT SUV: Lexus NX
ELECTRIC CAR: Tesla Model 3	LUXURY MIDSIZE SUV: Lexus RX
LUXURY ELECTRIC CAR: Porsche Taycan	LUXURY FULL-SIZE SUV: Mercedes-Benz G-Class
ELECTRIC SUV: Rivian R1S	COMPACT PICKUP TRUCK: Ford Maverick
LUXURY ELECTRIC SUV: Cadillac VISTIQ	MIDSIZE PICKUP TRUCK: Toyota Tacoma
ELECTRIC TRUCK: Rivian R1T	FULL-SIZE PICKUP TRUCK: Toyota Tundra

2026 BEST RESALE VALUE: BRAND

Toyota 2026 BEST RESALE VALUE: LUXURY BRAND Lexus

Full announcement:

Kelley Blue Book Announces 2026 Best Resale Value Award Winners

ATLANTA, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- While most new-car shoppers understand that their vehicle will lose value over time, many would be shocked to learn that depreciation can be the single largest expense they will incur. Beyond that, the extent to which one car's resale value can vary in comparison to another can be staggering, often making the difference of hundreds-to-thousands of dollars over the first years of ownership. To help new-car buyers understand the importance of resale value so they can shop smart, Kelley Blue Book, a Cox Automotive brand, today announces the 2026 model-year brand, category and top 10 winners of the 24th annual Best Resale Value Awards, recognizing vehicles for their projected retained value through the initial five-year ownership period.

"For the sixth consecutive year, Toyota holds the top spot for Best Resale Value Brand, along with its sister company Lexus winning Best Resale Value: Luxury Brand for the fifth consecutive year," said Rheia Szymczyk, senior manager, valuation and analysis operations for Kelley Blue Book. "Toyota and Lexus continue to reign supreme with top average residual values, meaning their vehicles are projected to retain more of their original MSRP over the first five years of ownership in comparison to other mainstream and luxury brand averages, respectively. Kelley Blue Book's 2026 Best Resale Value: Brand winner Toyota boasts an overall resale value average of 53%, while the Best Resale Value: Luxury Brand winner Lexus features an overall resale value average of 47%."

This year marks the 10th Best Resale Value: Brand win for Toyota, which previously captured the same honors in 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. For 2026, Lexus celebrates its fifth consecutive win, and seventh time overall taking home the award for Best Resale Value: Luxury Brand.

2026 BEST RESALE VALUE: BRAND

Toyota 2026 BEST RESALE VALUE: LUXURY BRAND Lexus

2026 BEST RESALE VALUE: BY VEHICLE CATEGORY
COMPACT CAR: Honda Civic	OFF-ROAD SUV: Toyota 4Runner
MIDSIZE CAR: Toyota Camry	SUBCOMPACT SUV: Honda HR-V
SPORTS CAR: Toyota GR Supra	COMPACT SUV: Honda CR-V
MINIVAN: Toyota Sienna	MIDSIZE SUV: Toyota Grand Highlander
LUXURY COMPACT CAR: Acura Integra	FULL-SIZE SUV: Toyota Sequoia
LUXURY MIDSIZE CAR: Mercedes-Benz E-Class	LUXURY SUBCOMPACT SUV: Lexus UX
HYBRID: Toyota Prius	LUXURY COMPACT SUV: Lexus NX
ELECTRIC CAR: Tesla Model 3	LUXURY MIDSIZE SUV: Lexus RX
LUXURY ELECTRIC CAR: Porsche Taycan	LUXURY FULL-SIZE SUV: Mercedes-Benz G-Class
ELECTRIC SUV: Rivian R1S	COMPACT PICKUP TRUCK: Ford Maverick
LUXURY ELECTRIC SUV: Cadillac VISTIQ	MIDSIZE PICKUP TRUCK: Toyota Tacoma
ELECTRIC TRUCK: Rivian R1T	FULL-SIZE PICKUP TRUCK: Toyota Tundra

2026 BEST RESALE VALUE: TOP 10 CARS
Chevrolet Corvette	Toyota 4Runner
Ford Maverick	Toyota GR Supra
Ford Ranger	Toyota Sienna
Mercedes-Benz G-Class	Toyota Tacoma
Porsche 911	Toyota Tundra

(Residual values used for award calculations are based on the 2026 model-year vehicles that appear in the January/February 2026 Kelley Blue Book® Residual Value Guide. Top 10 models appear in alphabetical order).

Many new-car buyers do not realize that depreciation often is the greatest expense incurred by drivers during the first five years of vehicle ownership. An average 2026 model-year vehicle will only retain about 45% of its original value after a five-year ownership period, meaning a $50,000 new car today will only be worth somewhere close to $22,500 after five years. In comparison, all vehicles in Kelley Blue Book's Top 10 for Best Resale Value in 2026 are projected to retain around 55% or more of their MSRP after the initial five-year ownership period.

Resale value for new vehicles can vary greatly. Vehicles with average or below-average resale values generally are plentiful in the marketplace and easy to find, but certain vehicles are projected to hold their value better than others. While much of a vehicle's resale value is based on supply and demand, as well as current and projected future market conditions, vehicles that retain their value best typically are discounted the least and tend to generate high levels of consumer interest.

Now in its 24th year, 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 that review the output from statistical models built upon millions of transactions. Vehicles that earn the highest five-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.

Residual values reflect projected future auction values for vehicles in average condition with 75,000 miles at the end of a five-year lease or ownership period. Kelley Blue Book's residual values are used by manufacturers, banks, financial institutions and the automotive leasing industry. For more information about Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value Awards, visit https://www.kbb.com/awards/best-resale-value-cars-trucks-suvs.

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[4Everest]

It's cool that we're on the list (and thanks for sharing it), but... how can they even measure this?

 

[Joestac]

It's cool that we're on the list (and thanks for sharing it), but... how can they even measure this?

"(Residual values used for award calculations are based on the 2026 model-year vehicles that appear in the January/February 2026 Kelley Blue Book® Residual Value Guide. Top 10 models appear in alphabetical order)."

"Residual values reflect projected future auction values for vehicles in average condition with 75,000 miles at the end of a five-year lease or ownership period. Kelley Blue Book's residual values are used by manufacturers, banks, financial institutions and the automotive leasing industry. For more information about Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value Awards, visit https://www.kbb.com/awards/best-resale-value-cars-trucks-suvs."

In short, it is an educated guess based on previous data.

 

[JR1]

KBB puts my 25 TRD Sport premium with 9800 miles at 47,000. That’s quite a hit from 58,775. That’s over 15% in a year.

 

[sstarrx2]

The key here is don't pay too much to begin with! Resale takes less of a hit when you pay under invoice when you purchase the vehicle!

 

[drNick]

I wonder why the so called “Land Cruiser” is not on the list. I suppose because it is the less reliable, more expensive version of the 4Runner.

 

[drNick]

KBB puts my 25 TRD Sport premium with 9800 miles at 47,000. That’s quite a hit from 58,775. That’s over 15% in a year.

The first year the depreciation is the steepest. A good reason not buy a brand new car. However the 4Runner shines in a long run…

 

[TulameenGal]

I bought my first 4 Runner in 1991 for $22000. After the boys were done with hockey and both used it for their licenses in 2004 I traded her in for a car. Dealer gave me $19000 on the trade. Not bad for 13 years.

 

[Nodak]

KBB puts my 25 TRD Sport premium with 9800 miles at 47,000. That’s quite a hit from 58,775. That’s over 15% in a year.

historically toyota's resale wins long term vs most other vehicles. 1st year hit is always the most but as you add 2-5 years, the resale starts to win back the huge hit in the 1st year.

long term wise, most toyota vehicles will retain roughly between 60-70% of the original cost of a vehicle if purchases at msrp or closer to invoice (better)

depreciation is usually determined based on msrp of the vehicle or at invoice. for those that paid above those 2 price points lose more in depreciation since the projections dont take into account ADM.

for example (this is a rough estimation)

so if you paid 58,775 and your depreciation is roughly 30% over 5 yrs, you should hit around 41,142. yes you lost 50% of your depreciation the 1st year, but years 2-5 will be lower.

remember this is just rough back of the napkin numbers.


i mean if you look at my 2014 4R limited that i bought for 41k and after 120k miles and 12 yrs it still sold for 19k trade in.

thats only like 46% depreciation over 12 years.

i will take that over any domestics that lose that much in 5 yrs.

 

[drNick]

I don't think about the resale value too much. I take care of my vehicles and they pay me back by staying problem free for years. This 4Runner will probably stay in the family for 10+ years, so it will pay for itself and more. So far I am very happy with it.

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