2022 Vehicles With Best Resale Value

With current vehicle inventories running low, buying a new car today often means high price tags and long wait times. Thankfully, you can take some of the sting out by investing in a ride with great resale value. Kelley Blue Book helps narrow the search with its Best Resale Value Awards. This year’s contenders include more than a few familiar faces, but at least one new addition has us surprised – as does one notable exclusion.

Resale value simply refers to what your vehicle will be worth when you try to sell or trade it in later on. Remember, a vehicle depreciates as soon as you drive it off the lot. When shopping, KBB advises you consider how much of the vehicle’s original value it will still hold in five years. It’s worth noting that while vehicles with high resale values might cost you more upfront, they ultimately pay off in the long run.

KBB Best Resale Value Awards

More than just a click-worthy title, KBB’s list of vehicles with the best resale value is an actual award the company gives out every year. Today, we’ll focus just on the overall top 10, but KBB also offers more detailed breakdowns for individual segments of passenger cars, trucks, and SUVs.

KBB projects that the 10 vehicles on this list will retain the highest percentage of their original MSRP – holding their value better than 95% of all other models. “While the average new vehicle will be worth about 40% of its original sticker price after 60 months, these 10 vehicles will return an average of more than 59% to their owners’ pockets,” explains the company.

So, without further ado…

2022 Top 10 Vehicles With Best Resale Value

1. Toyota Tundra

With an impressive five-year resale value of 70.2%, the Toyota Tundra takes top honors this year by a long shot. Redesigned for the 2022 model year, the full-sizer shows off rugged new exterior styling – as well as an all-new multi-link rear suspension and new 389-hp twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine. The TRD PRO returns to the lineup for this third generation, too, though it only comes with a hybrid powertrain dubbed i-FORCE MAX. Since the system churns out 437-hp and a whopping 583 lb.-ft. of torque, we doubt there will be many complaints.

With a smooth and powerful driving experience, 17.6% increase in towing capacity over the previous generation, and a clever truck bed that vows to be ding- and scratch-resistant, the Toyota Tundra has a lot to offer truck buyers. Looks like now it can add “superior resale value” to the list, as well.

2. GMC Sierra

The GMC Sierra takes second place for retaining an estimated 60.8% of its resale value after five years. Sporting a refresh for 2022, the Sierra gets a little front-end nip-tuck to its exterior styling that we think helps better distinguish the model as Chevy’s Uptown Cousin. This high(er)-class attitude carries over to the interior, where shoppers will find some tailored digital and electronic upgrades. Two new trims join the lineup, as well: the fancy Sierra Denali Ultimate and the luxury off-roader, AT4X.

Perhaps most notable for 2022 is that the new Sierra will be the latest GMC to offer Super Cruise. This advanced hands-free driver assistance technology can be used on more than 200,000 miles of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada, and (under certain conditions) can manage speed, steering, and even towing.

3. Toyota Tacoma

Riding right on the Sierra’s heels with a 60.6% five-year resale value is the Toyota Tacoma. Despite growing competition in the mid-size segment, the plucky Taco continues to lead sales by a very wide margin. And with striking good looks, natural off-road prowess, and respectable performance from its optional V-6, it’s easy to see why. The Tacoma is a solid little workhorse, both on and off the beaten path.

The fact that virtually nothing is new on the mid-size hauler for 2022 – save for a height bump and some minor, optional visual updates – makes it even more impressive that the model nabbed the #3 resale value spot.

4. Ford Maverick (tie)

Here’s a fresh face, and one we’re happy to see. Delivering the first standard full-hybrid pickup in America, the new Ford Maverick brings back tiny in a big way. The compact hauler grabbed attention with its attractive styling, accessible size, and budget-friendly price tag – and has yet to let go. It’s nice to see a particularly affordable option stand to deliver such good resale value, which KBB estimates to be 59.5% after five years.

5. Chevrolet Corvette (tie)

Matching the Ford Maverick with a 59.5% resale value, the Chevy Corvette needs no introduction. America’s sports car has captured hearts ‘round the world since its inception in 1953. And, sure, it mostly captured dads’ hearts, but generally speaking, dads are a group to whom things like “resale value” rank high – right alongside “marketable college degree” and “frugal thermostat management.”

The performance icon doesn’t see many changes for 2022. There is a new fuel pump and fuel injectors, a few new colors, and a new optional low-profile rear spoiler. Chevy also added a limited-edition Corvette Stingray IMSA GTLM Championship appearance package in honor of the C8.R race car’s inaugural season. The important bit remains the same, however – a 490-hp 6.2-liter V-8 engine that lives behind the passenger compartment and will sling you from 0-60 in 2.9 seconds.

6. Toyota 4Runner

Ringing in with a 58.6% five-year resale value is a particular favorite here at The Engine Block. The Toyota 4Runner is rugged, reliable, and handsome. We’ve gone so far as to call it the George Clooney of SUVs, and we stand by that assessment.

While this generation may be getting a little long in the tooth (13 years), the 4Runner continues to impress drivers with its sturdy build and stout engine. This is an off-roader for off-roaders, with few refinements to gum up the agenda – which is to get actual mud on the tires.

Not much is new for 2022, save for a new TRD Sport model and new LED high-beams across the lineup. That, combined with its true rugged nature (not just PR speak), certainly impresses us with its ability to still nab a best resale value award.

7. Tesla Model X

Despite EVs generally depreciating faster than their ICE counterparts, the Tesla Model X boasts an impressive 57.6% five-year resale value. The unique luxury vehicle certainly stands out with its “Falcon Wing” doors and minimalist, tech-savvy dash. But it’s more likely the excellent 348-mile range, jaw-dropping 1,020 horsepower and face-melting 0-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds that really ensures this electric beauty will continue to turn heads on the used market.

8. Ford F-Series

America’s best-selling truck for 45 years nabs the #8 spot. In addition to winning pretty much all the popularity awards, the Ford F-150 recently ranked third in J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study. It also picked up a best certified pre-owned award from Vincentric for having the lowest operating, fuel, insurance, and total ownership costs in its class – a pleasant surprise when you consider how well it also holds its value after 5 years: 57.3% as estimated by KBB.

For 2022, the Ford F-150 gains a new Black Appearance package, Bed Utility package, and color option. More exciting, however, is the addition of the new all-electric F-150 Lightning. Deliveries for the electric pickup just started in May, so time will tell if the company can leverage the ICE version’s status and brand loyalty to deliver another winner.

9. Ford Ranger

Following its full-size sibling is the Ford Ranger, with a five-year resale value of 56.7%. Now in its third year of sales, the junior Ford is sitting pretty as the #2 mid-size pickup in America. A surprising accomplishment, since Ford actually recycled a Ranger design it had been selling in foreign markets for roughly a decade, rather than create an all-new truck. That said, the old-but-new mid-sizer still offers solid value and capability in an attractive package – and that redesign we so sorely want is set to arrive next year, along with a Ranger Raptor model.

10. Jeep Gladiator

Were you expecting to see a different Jeep round out this list? Us too. While the Gladiator and Wrangler shared space on the Top 10 list last year, this year the Seven-Slot SUV was not only left off the master list but also the SUV list. Regardless, its pickup sibling is holding on tight, since it holds about 56.1% of its resale value after five years.

With solid axles, standard 4WD, a locking front differential, 33-inch tires, great approach and departure angles, and the ability to blow off the roof, doors, and fold down the windshield, the Gladiator really knows its audience: Wrangler enthusiasts in search of a truck bed.

Preserving Resale Value… No Matter What You Drive

It’s fitting that we end with the Jeep Gladiator – a vehicle that’s essentially begging to be customized. Generally speaking, if you want to preserve the greatest resale value for your vehicle, aftermarket customization is off the table. As an aftermarket blog, this breaks our heart, but it’s a sad fact of life. While customization shows off your individual style, and in many cases improves a vehicle’s capability and performance, it also can limit potential buyers.

Thankfully, many aftermarket manufacturers have found workarounds for this by developing bolt-on or snap-on accessories. These items can easily be removed when a lease is up or a vehicle is ready for trade-in.

Coast to Coast International, or CCI, is one of those manufacturers.

CCI restyling accessories – which includes items like accent trim, mirror covers, grille overlays, wheel skins and body side molding – allow vehicle owners to freshen up the look of their ride and add a little personality beyond OE design. But they also help to cover minor cosmetic damage, such as paint scratches, curbed wheels, or faded factory grilles. In some cases, applying a restyling accessory – like CCI wheel skins – before any damage occurs can actually help nip any chips, dings, or corrosion in the bud.

The best part though? These affordable add-ons literally install in minutes. The simple snap-on installation means you can change your accessories as quickly as you change your mood.

Learn more about CCI restyling accessories at https://www.coast2coastinternational.com/. And, in the meantime, practice some of these solid vehicle maintenance tips to help minimize car depreciation.