Best Cars That Hold Their Value in 2025 (and Cost Least to Own)

By Jarod Clark — August 13, 2025

If you’re stretching to buy a car, the wrong choice can sink your budget—depreciation, maintenance, insurance, and even a “premium fuel only” requirement all add up. The right pick, though, keeps payments predictable and equity strong when it’s time to sell or trade.

This guide blends resale value, long-term reliability/longevity, and 5-year cost-to-own signals from trusted datasets so you can buy once and buy right. KBB’s 2025 Resale Awards put the average 5-year retained value at ~45% (meaning a $50k car is worth ~$22.5k in five years), so picking above-average models matters a lot. Kelley Blue Book | MediaRoom

How we judged “best value” (quick methodology)

• Resale value / depreciation: KBB 2025 Best Resale Value Awards and iSeeCars resale analyses. Kbb.com

• Longevity & reliability: iSeeCars’ 250k-mile study and 2025 reliability/dependability snapshots from Consumer Reports and J.D. Power. iSeeCarsConsumer ReportsJ.D. Power

• Ownership costs: AAA’s Your Driving Costs (fuel, maintenance, insurance, per-mile costs) + KBB Cost-to-Own resources. AAA NewsroomKbb.com

• Insurance variability: 2025 average rates by model (Bankrate data reported by Kiplinger). Kiplinger

• Fuel type: EPA/KBB guidance on octane (regular vs premium). Fuel EconomyKbb.com

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The short list: brands that win on value and cost to own

1) Toyota (and Lexus, with caveats)

• Why: Toyota dominates both resale and longevity lists; multiple models are 2–4× more likely than average to reach 250,000+ miles (Tundra, Sequoia, 4Runner, Tacoma, Prius/Highlander Hybrid). iSeeCars

• Resale standouts: 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra frequently show top resale performance.

• Fuel/insurance: Most Toyotas run on regular; hybrids cut fuel spend. Insurance is typically mid-pack to below-average on models like RAV4. Fuel EconomyKiplinger

• Lexus note: Ultra-reliable and often strong resale, but many Lexus turbo/performance trims recommend premium—know the fuel requirement before you buy (ES 350 is a common regular-fuel exception). Fuel Economy

Best bets if you’re stretching: Corolla/Corolla Hybrid, Camry/Camry Hybrid, RAV4/RAV4 Hybrid, Prius/Prime, Highlander Hybrid; on the used side, 4Runner/Tacoma hold value exceptionally well. iSeeCars

2) Honda (and Acura, selectively)

• Why: Honda ranks near the top for reliability and has several models with better-than-average 250k-mile odds (Accord, CR-V, Pilot, Ridgeline). iSeeCars

• Resale standouts: Accord and CR-V are consistent winners; Civic/Accord also earned 2025 KBB honors. Kelley Blue Book | MediaRoom

• Fuel/insurance: Mostly regular fuel; insurance on CR-V and Odyssey trends favorable vs. average. Fuel EconomyKiplinger

Best bets: Civic, Accord (incl. Hybrid), CR-V, Pilot, Ridgeline. iSeeCars

3) Subaru

• Why: Subaru sits at or near the top in Consumer Reports’ 2025 reliability rankings, and Outback/Forester often insure cheaply due to safety/repair costs. Consumer ReportsKiplinger

• Fuel/insurance: Regular fuel, many trims with great safety suites; Outback appears among the cheapest to insure in 2025. Fuel EconomyKiplinger

Best bets: Outback, Forester, Crosstrek.

4) Mazda

• Why: Strong reliability momentum and reasonable ownership costs; not as resale-dominant as Toyota/Honda, but CX-5/CX-50 and Mazda3 are smart value plays. Mazda CX-9 even makes the 250k list. iSeeCars

• Fuel: Predominantly regular. Fuel Economy

Best bets: CX-5, CX-50, Mazda3, (used) CX-9. iSeeCars

5) Select trucks/SUVs (know the trade-offs)

• Why: Trucks/SUVs often retain value best (Tacoma, 4Runner; also Suburban/Tahoe/Yukon families). But they cost more to fuel/insure and can depreciate fast if you over-equip. AAA Newsroom

• Fuel/insurance: Most use regular, but bigger engines consume more; insurance can rise with vehicle value and repair costs. Fuel EconomyAAA Newsroom

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Models that last the longest (data-driven picks)

Most likely to reach 250,000+ miles (top highlights):

• Toyota Tundra, Sequoia, 4Runner, Tacoma, Highlander Hybrid (top five slots in 2025 study).

• Honda Ridgeline (top 10).

• Chevy Suburban / Tahoe / Silverado 1500; GMC Yukon / Sierra 1500; Ford F-150; Honda Accord / CR-V; Toyota Camry / Prius.
  These models show 1.3×–4.2× better odds than average to hit 250k. iSeeCars

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Resale value leaders (2025 snapshot)

• KBB’s 2025 analysis: the average 5-year retained value is ~45%; top performers meaningfully exceed that. Category and model winners include many Toyotas (plus stalwarts like Wrangler, 911, and others). Use KBB’s lists to check the specific trim you’re eyeing. Kelley Blue Book | MediaRoomKbb.com

• iSeeCars’ resale work also confirms Toyota, Subaru, and certain SUVs/trucks as strong bets, while brand averages vary widely (e.g., Tesla brand-level resale has trailed leaders recently).

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Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): what most buyers underestimate

Depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance

AAA’s 2024 Your Driving Costs shows how costs stack up by segment. For 15k miles/year, compact SUVs and midsize sedans land near the sweet spot for combined fuel, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation—whereas half-ton pickups and some larger SUVs can push per-mile costs substantially higher. Hybrids often reduce fuel spend without huge maintenance penalties. AAA Newsroom

KBB’s Cost-to-Own tools let you compare model-specific 5-year costs (depreciation, fuel, maintenance/repairs, insurance, fees, finance). If you’re cross-shopping, run both models through that calculator. Kbb.com

Insurance (don’t sleep on it)

2025 data reported by Kiplinger (sourced from Bankrate) shows the cheapest models to insure include Subaru Outback, Jeep Wrangler, Ford Escape, Honda Odyssey, Nissan Rogue—useful targets if your budget is tight. Premiums vary by state/driver, but model choice moves the needle. Kiplinger

Fuel choice: Regular vs Premium matters

• Regular (87 octane) is fine for most engines.

• Premium (91–94 octane) is required or recommended for some turbo/performance engines—read the owner’s manual. Using a lower octane than required can hurt performance and even damage engines over time. Fuel EconomyKbb.com

• As of Aug 11, 2025, average U.S. prices: Regular $3.14/gal, Premium $3.98/gal—about $0.84/gal more for premium. That adds up fast at 12–15k miles/yr.

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Recommended picks by use case & budget

Goal: maximize resale + longevity while minimizing insurance/maintenance/fuel.

New (or nearly new) under $35k

• Toyota Corolla/Hybrid, Camry/Hybrid, RAV4/Hybrid — elite reliability, regular fuel, low running costs; strong resale. Consumer Reports

• Honda Civic, Accord (incl. Hybrid), CR-V — great reliability, strong resale, typically favorable insurance vs. average. Kelley Blue Book | MediaRoomKiplinger

• Subaru Outback/Forester — all-weather traction, high safety, often among the cheapest to insure. Kiplinger

• Mazda CX-5/CX-50 — solid reliability, regular fuel, good owner costs; not resale champs but strong all-rounders. iSeeCars

Used (3–6 years old) with best shot at 250k+

• Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, Tundra; Honda Ridgeline; Toyota Prius / Camry — proven longevity and resale resilience. Expect higher prices on 4Runner/Tacoma due to demand. iSeeCars

Family haulers

• Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Honda Pilot, Honda Odyssey — strong longevity signals, lower-than-expected insurance (Odyssey) in 2025 data, and good fuel outcomes (esp. hybrid). iSeeCarsKiplinger

If you’re truck-curious

• Toyota Tacoma/Tundra — best-in-class longevity/resale vs. peers; just model your fuel + insurance—pickups cost more to run than sedans/compact SUVs. iSeeCarsAAA Newsroom

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Buyer checklist (for stretched budgets)

1. Verify fuel: Confirm regular vs premium in the owner’s manual or EPA label. Avoid premium-required engines if you’re cost-sensitive. Fuel Economy

2. Run TCO: Use KBB’s 5-year Cost-to-Own for your exact trim + ZIP (insurance varies regionally). Kbb.com

3. Prioritize longevity leaders: If two cars are equal on price, choose the one with higher odds of reaching 250k miles—it usually pays you back at resale. iSeeCars

4. Insurance quote first: Get quotes on your top 2–3 VINs before signing—Subaru Outback/Wrangler/Escape/Odyssey/Rogue skew cheaper on average in 2025 data. Kiplinger

5. Avoid over-optioning: Fancy wheels, large infotainment, and niche packages increase repair/insurance costs and don’t always add resale value. KBB and AAA data show depreciation + insurance dominate many ownership budgets. Kbb.comAAA Newsroom

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Sources & further reading

• Resale / depreciation: KBB 2025 Best Resale Value Awards & mediaroom summary (avg 45% retained after 5 years). Kbb.comKelley Blue Book | MediaRoom

• Resale by brand/models: iSeeCars resale analyses.

• Longevity: iSeeCars “Longest-Lasting Cars to 250k+ Miles (2025).” iSeeCars

• Reliability/Dependability: Consumer Reports brand reliability 2025; J.D. Power 2025 VDS (Lexus overall, Buick mass-market). Consumer ReportsJ.D. Power

• Ownership costs: AAA Your Driving Costs 2024; KBB Cost-to-Own calculator. AAA NewsroomKbb.com

• Insurance: 2025 cheapest models to insure (Bankrate via Kiplinger). Kiplinger

• Fuel & octane: EPA Fuel Economy / Octane guidance; KBB gasoline guide. Fuel EconomyKbb.com

• Fuel prices (Aug 11, 2025): U.S. EIA weekly averages—Regular $3.14, Premium $3.983.

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Smart internal link ideas (for conversions)

• Car Loan Payment Calculator (primary CTA inside intro + sticky button).

• Affordability Calculator (“How much car can I afford?”).

• Biweekly vs Monthly Payments (show interest savings).

• Gas Cost Calculator (let users toggle premium vs regular and MPG).

• Insurance Cost Checklist (pre-quote worksheet).

Quick Comparison Table — Best Value Cars (2025)

* Resale Value Rank: Based on KBB & iSeeCars 2025 data.
** Longevity Rank: Based on iSeeCars 250k-mile study.

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How to use this table:

• If you want lowest ongoing costs, focus on Regular-fuel, low-insurance models with high TCO scores (e.g., Corolla, Camry, Outback).

• If you want highest resale, consider Toyota trucks/SUVs, but check the fuel & insurance impact in your area first.

• Always run both the Affordability Calculator and the Gas Cost Calculator before committing.