10 SUVs with the Best Resale Value

2016 Toyota 4Runner exterior front angle on road ・ Photo by Toyota

Experts agree that Americans are keeping their cars longer these days, but it’s still important to consider resale value when you’re buying a new SUV. Assessing the resale value of a new SUV is a bit of a guessing game because you never know what outside factors might crop up to affect the marketplace. A spike in gas prices can cause the value of big SUVs to plummet; the maturing and wider acceptance of new technology, like plug-in hybrids, can drive more traditional setups to lose value.

The common thread with our 10 SUVs with the Best Resale Value is that they’re all high-quality vehicles with class-leading features right out of the box, along with acclaimed exterior and interior designs that will age gracefully without becoming dated in short order. Here are 10 SUVs with the Best Resale Value, divided into vehicle genres.

2017 Honda HR-V – Subcompact Crossover

The subcompact crossover is one of the quickest-growing vehicle classes right now, and with good reason: These small, versatile vehicles combine some of the best aspects of a subcompact sedan with the versatility of an SUV. The 2017 Honda HR-V is one of the leading vehicles in its class, thanks to a swoopy exterior design, fun-to-drive character, and affordable price. On the resale market, it promises to attract buyers from both car drivers moving up to a crossover and from larger crossover owners seeking to downsize. Honda’s reputation for reliability won’t hurt, either.

Photo by Honda

2017 Subaru Forester – Compact Crossover

Subaru is on a roll, with popular, well-reviewed models up and down its model range driving record sales year after year. Now in its fourth generation, the 2017 Subaru Forester has a loyal following thanks to great versatility, with standard all-wheel drive and a great driving experience both on-road and off-road. The tall greenhouse gives the Forester a look more unique than the average competitor and used Foresters get snapped up quickly on the used market.

Photo by Subaru

2017 Toyota Highlander - Mid-Size Crossover

Toyota vehicles have a well-deserved reputation for long-term reliability, which contributes to the brand’s overall healthy resale value. The 2017 Toyota Highlander is in the heart of Toyota’s wide range of SUVs, with three-row utility and an extensive list of standard and available features. After starting life as a cute, smaller 4Runner, through three generations the Highlander has evolved into a popular three-row crossover that makes a great minivan alternative.

Photo by Toyota

2017 GMC Acadia – Full-Size Crossover

After making its debut during the dark days of 2008, the GMC Acadia has become recognized as a surprisingly versatile three-row crossover suv with the best passenger accommodations in the class. The 2017 GMC Acadia has benefitted from the first major makeover for the model line. Available in three models (Acadia, All Terrain, and Denali), the Acadia can be ordered as a basic people-mover, a capable soft-roader, or a blingy near-luxury mobile. Versatility and passenger-carrying prowess are features that don’t age – a fact that contributes to the Acadia’s strong resale value over time.

Photo by General Motors

2017 Chevrolet Tahoe – Full-Size SUV

The traditional full-size body-on-frame SUV fell out of favor a few years ago, but Chevrolet soldiered on with the Tahoe, continuing to refine and improve the SUV. The 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe is the best-handling example of the line so far and has a robust character that can’t be matched in any unibody crossover suv. Buyers who treasure truck-like towing and hauling ability along with the space to carry seven or more passengers in comfort tend to rely on the Tahoe (and General Motors stablemate, the GMC Yukon). There will always be buyers who need a capable tow vehicle, so the Tahoe retains excellent resale value, making it a smart buy.

Photo by Chevrolet

2017 Jeep Wrangler – Compact Off-Road SUV

The word “iconic” is overused when discussing vehicles, but it can be accurately applied to the 2017 Jeep Wrangler without concern. The Wrangler occupies a unique space in the automotive and SUV landscape as the only two-door off-road specialist currently produced by a major OEM. The Wrangler can trace its roots back to World War II, with continuous improvement leading to the current model. Wrangler owners are a passionate lot, and hold on to their babies as they customize and personalize them. A clean, well-cared-for stock Wrangler can command top dollar on the resale market, and that doesn’t show any signs of changing.

Photo by Jeep

2017 Toyota 4Runner – Mid-Size Off-Road SUV

While not as iconic as the Wrangler, the 4Runner occupies a niche all its own as one of the few remaining body-on-frame off-road capable SUVs. Former competitors like the Ford Explorer and the Nissan Pathfinder have migrated to crossover platforms, but the 4Runner soldiers on, currently in its fifth generation. Unlike the Wrangler, the 4Runner is as well-mannered a companion on the pavement as it is capable off-road, so it makes a great everyday driver without significant compromises. Used 4Runners of each generation have held their value well, and the current generation (2009 – present) has garnered fans who support a healthy resale market.

Photo by Toyota

2017 Lexus RX – Mid-Size Luxury 2-Row Crossover

The Lexus RX has been the best-selling luxury suv consistently since its launch in 1998. Now in its fourth generation (2016 – present), the 2017 Lexus RX is offered in RX, RX F Sport, and RX Hybrid models. Lexus dealers are proud to tell stories about owners who have traded RX for RX several times over. This kind of owner loyalty promotes resale value, especially when the vehicle in question is known for its smooth operation, stately design and demonstrated reliability. A note of avant-garde exterior design was introduced on the 2016 makeover with the Lexus spindle grille, but buyers have continued to spend their hard-earned dollars on the RX, even with this love-it-or-hate-it feature.

Photo by Lexus

2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport – Mid-Size Luxury 3-Row Crossover

Not only is the 2017 Land Rover Range Rover Sport one of the 10 SUVs with the Best Resale Value, but it's also one of the best vehicles on the market today. Riding on the same platform as the bigger Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport is the most dynamic and agile Land Rover vehicle built to date (and that’s saying something). Order up the SVR version, and it’s also the fastest Land Rover. If it were only about on-road performance, the Range Rover Sport would already be special, but add in the world-class off-roading capability that comes standard, and you’ve got a luxury crossover that people love to own. An ever-improving reputation for quality and durability has boosted resale values over the past few years, and that trend is likely to continue.

Photo by Jaguar Land Rover

2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class – Specialty Luxury SUV

When it comes to aspirational luxury suvs, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz G-Class leads the pack. Its boxy exterior defies current styling trends in favor of a timeless, military-inspired design. The big, rugged SUV is in-your-face on the outside, cushy and luxurious on the inside. Driving a Gelandewagen (the origin of the G-Class nomenclature) announces that you have arrived, and woe to the underling who gets in your way. The G-Class has been in continuous production for 35 years, making it one of the most durable vehicle lines of all time. The classic design and unique character of the G-Class have delivered strong resale value for years and promise to continue impressive performance in the future.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz