If you’re looking to buy a new car, it’s essential to think about the long game. Prices are high and new cars notoriously start losing value the instant they leave the lot.
So you’re wise to think about this big investment in terms of both what you can afford now and of what your new ride will be worth a few years down the road.
In the context of leased cars, that future worth is known as residual value, and it’s an indicator of both affordability and long-term resale value.
J.D. Power recently released its 2026 ALG Residual Value Awards, analyzing 300 models to find which vehicles are most likely to hold the highest percentage of their manufacturer’s suggested retail price after a three-year lease.
“ALG” stands for “Automotive Lease Guide,” but residual values can help guide you in selecting a car model that holds its value well regardless of whether you buy or lease it.
The analysis included a number of factors for calculating a vehicle’s residual value, including the following:
- Mileage and condition
- Features and pricing
- Vehicle execution
- Used supply
- Market strategy
- Seasonality
- Macroeconomic factors
If you want to make a smart buy that retains its value, following are the models you should be watching based on J.D. Power’s study. If you end up buying a car, make sure to shop around for car insurance.
Top passenger cars
While SUVs and trucks dominate the road, some traditional cars still offer excellent value retention in specific niches. Here are the 2026 models projected to hold their value best:
- Compact car: Honda Civic
- Compact premium car: BMW 3 Series, BMW 4 Series and Cadillac CT4 (Tie)
- Compact premium sporty car: Toyota GR Supra
- Midsize car: Toyota Camry
- Sporty car: Toyota GR86
- Midsize premium car: Audi A6
- Midsize premium sporty car: Chevrolet Corvette
- Small premium car: Acura Integra
- Large premium car: Mercedes-Benz AMG GT 4-DOOR
Top SUVs and vans
Utility vehicles are the bread and butter of the American auto market. If you’re looking for a family hauler that can maintain its worth, check out these models:
- Small SUV: Subaru Crosstrek
- Compact SUV: Jeep Wrangler
- Midsize SUV: Ford Bronco
- Large SUV: Toyota Sequoia
- Small premium SUV: BMW X1
- Compact premium SUV: Lexus NX
- Midsize premium SUV: Lexus RX
- Large premium SUV: Lexus LX
- Minivan: Kia Carnival
- Commercial van: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
Top trucks
In the competitive truck market, these models are the most promising investments, according to J.D. Power’s analysis.
- Midsize pickup: Toyota Tacoma
- Large light-duty pickup: Toyota Tundra
- Large heavy-duty pickup: Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD
Top electric vehicles
EVs are facing a volatile resale environment, but these models lead their segments.
- Premium electric car: Tesla Model 3
- Premium electric SUV: Tesla Model Y
- Electric SUV: Subaru Solterra
- Electric truck: Tesla Cybertruck
