Estimate your car's value after 5 years by vehicle category. See how trucks, luxury, economy, and EV models depreciate differently.
Different vehicle categories depreciate at vastly different rates over five years. A pickup truck might retain 60–70% of its value while a luxury sedan could lose 55–65%. This 5-year car depreciation calculator lets you select a vehicle category and see the projected value at each year through year five.
Understanding category-specific depreciation is essential when deciding between vehicle types. A $50,000 truck that retains $35,000 after five years effectively costs $15,000 in depreciation, while a $50,000 luxury sedan retaining only $20,000 costs $30,000 — double the depreciation expense.
This tool uses industry-average depreciation curves for each vehicle type. Real-world values depend on brand, condition, mileage, and market demand, but these averages provide a reliable baseline for planning.
Whether you drive a compact sedan, a full-size SUV, or a pickup truck, accurate 5-year car depreciation figures help you plan smarter and avoid costly surprises at the pump or dealership. Use this tool regularly to track changes over time and adjust your transportation budget accordingly.
Vehicle category is one of the biggest factors in depreciation. Before choosing between a sedan, SUV, truck, or EV, you should know how each type holds its value. This calculator provides category-specific projections so you can factor depreciation into your buying decision. Results update instantly as you adjust inputs, making it easy to explore different scenarios and find the best option for your driving needs and budget.
Value at Year N = Previous Year Value × (1 − Category Rate) Category rates vary by type: Economy: 18%, 14%, 13%, 10%, 9% Midsize Sedan: 22%, 15%, 14%, 10%, 9% Truck/SUV: 15%, 12%, 10%, 8%, 7% Luxury: 25%, 18%, 15%, 12%, 10% Electric Vehicle: 27%, 18%, 14%, 10%, 8%
Result: $27,923 after 5 years
A $45,000 truck depreciates to $38,250 (year 1), $33,660 (year 2), $30,294 (year 3), $27,870 (year 4), and $25,919 (year 5) — retaining about 58% of its original value. Much better than a luxury vehicle which would retain only about 39%.
Vehicle type is one of the strongest predictors of depreciation. Trucks and SUVs benefit from consistent demand, durability reputation, and utility value. Economy cars depreciate moderately due to their practical appeal. Luxury vehicles face rapid depreciation from technology obsolescence and high ownership costs.
Electric vehicles initially suffered extreme depreciation due to range anxiety, battery degradation concerns, and rapidly improving technology. However, as EVs become mainstream and battery longevity improves, depreciation rates are normalizing. Tesla models have led this trend with strong resale values.
When comparing a $45,000 truck to a $45,000 luxury sedan, the truck's superior value retention effectively gives you $10,000+ more in resale equity at year 5. Factor this into your total cost of ownership to make a truly informed decision.
Trucks and body-on-frame SUVs consistently retain the most value. The Toyota Tacoma, Jeep Wrangler, and Toyota 4Runner are perennial leaders, often retaining 60–70% of their value after 5 years.
Early EVs depreciated rapidly (30%+ in year 1) due to battery concerns and rapid technology changes. However, popular models like Tesla Model 3/Y have improved significantly, and EV depreciation is trending closer to conventional vehicles.
Luxury brands release frequent updates with new technology, making older models feel dated quickly. Additionally, high maintenance costs and expiring warranties reduce used-market appeal. Some luxury vehicles lose 60%+ of value in 5 years.
They provide a reasonable baseline but individual models vary significantly. A Toyota Camry will depreciate less than a Nissan Altima despite both being midsize sedans. Brand reputation, reliability, and demand drive individual differences.
Slightly. Neutral colors (white, black, silver, gray) are easier to resell and may retain 1–3% more value. Unusual colors like orange or purple can narrow the buyer pool and lead to slightly faster depreciation.
Absolutely. Depreciation is often the largest cost of ownership, exceeding fuel, insurance, and maintenance combined. A car that costs $5,000 less to buy but depreciates $8,000 more is actually the more expensive choice.