Compare depreciation curves across vehicle categories: trucks, luxury, economy, SUV, and EV. See which types hold value best.
Not all vehicles depreciate at the same rate. The type of vehicle you buy has an enormous impact on how quickly it loses value. Trucks and SUVs consistently hold value better than sedans, while luxury vehicles often experience the steepest declines.
This calculator lets you enter a purchase price and see how that same amount plays out across multiple vehicle categories simultaneously. Side-by-side comparison reveals just how much vehicle choice matters for long-term value retention.
Depreciation differences between categories can amount to tens of thousands of dollars over a vehicle's life. A $50,000 truck might be worth $30,000 after five years while a $50,000 luxury sedan could be worth only $20,000. This tool makes those differences crystal clear.
Whether you drive a compact sedan, a full-size SUV, or a pickup truck, accurate car depreciation by category 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.
If you're deciding between vehicle types, depreciation should be a major factor in your decision. This calculator shows you exactly how much more you'll lose in value by choosing one category over another, helping you make a decision that considers long-term financial impact. 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.
Each category has its own depreciation curve: Economy: 18%, 14%, 13%, 10%, 9% per year Midsize: 22%, 15%, 14%, 10%, 9% Truck/SUV: 15%, 12%, 10%, 8%, 7% Luxury: 25%, 18%, 15%, 12%, 10% EV: 27%, 18%, 14%, 10%, 8%
Result: Range: $29,893 (Truck) to $18,792 (Luxury)
At $50,000, a Truck/SUV retains $29,893 (60%), Economy holds $26,181 (52%), Midsize keeps $23,161 (46%), an EV retains $22,277 (45%), and Luxury drops to $18,792 (38%). The difference between Truck and Luxury is $11,101.
Vehicle depreciation ranges widely across categories. At one extreme, trucks and SUVs retain 55–65% of value after 5 years. At the other, luxury vehicles may retain only 35–45%. Understanding this spectrum helps you predict your car's future value and total cost of ownership.
Two vehicles with the same $40,000 price tag can cost very different amounts after depreciation. The truck retains $24,000 in value; the luxury sedan retains only $15,000. That $9,000 difference is a hidden cost that doesn't show up in monthly payments.
If you plan to keep a car for 5+ years or trade it in regularly, choose a high-retention category. If you love luxury vehicles, consider buying 2–3 years used when the steepest depreciation has already occurred. EV buyers should research specific model retention rates, as they vary more than any other category.
Trucks and body-on-frame SUVs consistently retain the most value. They benefit from high demand, utility value, and strong brand loyalty. Models like the Toyota Tacoma and Jeep Wrangler lead all vehicles in value retention.
Luxury brands update frequently with new technology, making older models feel dated. High maintenance costs after warranty expiration and a buyer base that prefers new models both drive faster depreciation.
It can be. A 3-year-old luxury sedan may cost 40–50% less than new while still being a relatively modern vehicle. However, factor in potentially higher maintenance and repair costs.
Early EVs depreciated extremely fast due to rapid tech improvements and range anxiety. As EVs mature, popular models are retaining value much better. Tesla Model 3 and Model Y now depreciate at rates similar to mainstream vehicles.
Significantly. Within the truck category, a Toyota Tacoma might retain 70% of its value while a less popular truck retains only 50%. These category averages are starting points; specific model research is also important.
As your car depreciates, its replacement value drops, which generally lowers comprehensive and collision insurance premiums. However, this also means your insurance payout is lower if the car is totaled.