Kelley Blue Book's 2025 Best Resale Value Awards
In the automotive industry, the significance of a vehicle's resale value cannot be overstated. Kelley Blue Book, a trusted resource in the sector, has recently unveiled the 2025 winners of their esteemed Best Resale Value Awards, which are crucial for both existing and prospective car owners.
Understanding Resale Value
The phrase "your new car loses value the moment you drive it off the dealer's lot" is more than just a saying; it is a reality that impacts most car buyers. Depreciation is one of the most significant expenses associated with vehicle ownership, often leading to disappointment when it comes time to sell or trade in. For many drivers, understanding how different car models depreciate can mean the difference of thousands of dollars over time. The 2025 award winners highlight those vehicles that are projected to retain their value best, offering savvy buyers a way to maximize their investment.
2025 Award Highlights
Kelley Blue Book has announced the 2025 winners for their 23rd annual Best Resale Value Awards, recognizing the brands and models that are likely to deliver the highest retained value after five years of ownership.
Top Brands Recognized
- - Best Resale Value Brand: Toyota
- - Best Resale Value Luxury Brand: Lexus
These brands not only maintain their reputation for reliability but also exhibit strong demand in the resale market.
Best Resale Value by Vehicle Category
The awards encompass a wide range of vehicle categories, ensuring that buyers from various segments can find options that maintain their value. Here are some notable mentions:
- - Compact Car: Honda Civic
- - Off-Road SUV/Crossover: Toyota 4Runner
- - Midsize Car: Honda Accord
- - Luxury Midsize Car: Lexus ES
- - Electric Car: Tesla Model 3
- - Sport Pickup Truck: Ford Maverick
These models have been recognized for their anticipated market performance, suggesting that they will retain 53% or more of their MSRP after five years, which is considerably higher than the average vehicle, expected to hold just about 45% of its original value.
The Implications of Resale Value
Many new car buyers may be unaware that depreciation can often be their largest expense during the initial years of ownership. For instance, a vehicle with an MSRP of $50,000 may only be worth around $22,500 after five years. Conversely, vehicles featured on Kelley Blue Book's Top 10 for Best Resale Value are projected to fare substantially better, allowing owners to recoup more of their investment when the time comes to sell or trade.
Kelley Blue Book’s methodology takes into account various factors, including historical trends in resale values, current market conditions, and projected future performance. Each winning model is evaluated to determine its ability to retain value relative to its initial MSRP.
Why Resale Value Matters
For consumers, understanding the resale value of potential car purchases can lead to smarter financial decisions. Naturally, vehicles with historically lower depreciation—often surrounded by high consumer interest—tend to hold their value better.
Furthermore, as electric vehicles and new technologies grow in popularity, it is interesting to note how traditional manufacturers like Toyota and their luxury counterpart Lexus have started to dominate the list, even as newer electric vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 make their mark.
Conclusion
Kelley Blue Book's Best Resale Value Awards shed light on the vehicles that offer buyers the best potential return on their initial investment. With the announced winners for 2025, prospective buyers now have a valuable resource at their fingertips. Understanding these insights not only prepares buyers for a more stable investment but also encourages a more informed shopping experience. To view the complete list and gain further information on each category, visit
Kelley Blue Book's website.