© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Best Resale Values of 2020
For many Americans, a new car will be the second-largest purchase of their lives — next to owning a home. With the average transaction price of a new vehicle now exceeding $36,000, buyers find it even more important to know that their new purchase will retain its value for years to come. Although many vehicles depreciate considerably the moment they’re driven off a dealer’s lot, Kelley Blue Book says these cars, trucks and SUVs will retain their value better than all others in their respective categories. This year marks the 18th time Kelley Blue Book has determined winners for the annual Best Resale Value Awards. Prices listed are base MSRP with no optional equipment; expected value is based on KBB’s predicted resale value for a vehicle in average condition after five years of ownership.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Best Brand — Subaru
Subaru is clearly doing something right. With eleven years of record sales, the company known for its all-wheel-drive cars and crossovers has now been named the Best Resale Value brand for the fourth time over the last 10 years and fielded five category winners for 2020.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Best Luxury Brand — Porsche
Porsche has also been at the top for the last four years, maintaining its place as Best Luxury Brand. With three category winners in the Cayenne, Panamera and Macan — as well as a strong showing from the 911 — Porsche will likely be a tough competitor for years to come.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Best Compact Car — Subaru Impreza
Price: $18,695
Value in 5 years: 42.7% of MSRP — $7,983
After being edged out by the Honda Civic last year, the Impreza returns to the top spot in KBB’s Compact Car category for the 6th time in the last seven years. Subaru’s compact entry is available as a sedan or hatchback and was the first model built on Subaru’s all-new global platform. All Imprezas have a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter Boxer engine mated with Subaru’s full-time all-wheel-drive system. U.S. EPA ratings note this stylish, fuel-efficient small car achieves up to 38 mpg on the highway.
© Subaru of America
Best Mid-Size Car — Subaru Legacy
Price: $22,745
Value in 5 years: 37.9% of MSRP — $8,620
The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry may be among the most recognizable names in the family sedan market, but with a competitive starting price and the added security of standard all-wheel drive, the Subaru Legacy is atop the mid-size car category for the second year in a row. Legacy is all new for the 2020 model year with updated styling and improvements in handling, safety and crash protection. Subaru’s Eyesight Driver Assist Technology — which includes automatic emergency braking — is now standard on all Legacy variants.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Best Full-Size Car — Toyota Avalon
Price: $35,875
Value in 5 years: 35.1% of MSRP — $12,592
All new for the 2019 model year, the Avalon has styling intended to liven up this traditionally conservative sedan. Designed at the automaker’s CALTY studio in Michigan and built in Kentucky, the new Avalon shows Toyota’s commitment to the midsize sedan at a time when other manufacturers are abandoning sedans in favor of crossover SUVs. Available in a range of trim levels, the Avalon comes with the latest high-tech safety features as standard equipment. In addition to a powerful V6 powertrain, Avalon can be equipped with Toyota’s next-generation hybrid system providing an optimum mix of performance and efficiency.
© General Motors
Best Sports Car — Chevrolet Corvette
Price: $58,900
Value in 5 years: 54.9% of MSRP — $32,336
The new Corvette hasn’t even begun arriving in showrooms, yet this legendary sports car is already making great achievements. Recently named 2020 North American Car of the Year, the 8th-generation Corvette is expected to hold its value better than any other sports car. The mid-engine design of the 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray offers more performance, technology and luxury than previous generations. While there will likely be other power options in its future, the C8 Corvette currently sports the all-new LT2 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 495 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. No manual transmission will be offered — instead the engine gets teamed with a quick-shifting dual-clutch 8-speed automatic gearbox.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Best Entry-Level Luxury Car — Lexus ES
Price: $39,900
Value in 5 years: 37.9% of MSRP — $15,122
The best-selling sedan in the Lexus lineup, the ES entered its 7th generation with a complete redesign for the 2019 model year. Built on the brand’s new global platform, the new ES gets more interior space, fresh styling and improved driving dynamics. In addition to its luxurious interior, the ES is equipped with the latest communication and entertainment technologies that include Amazon Alexa connectivity as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (which is new for 2020). The ES also has the brand’s Safety System+ 2.0, which includes the latest in advanced safety features.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Best Luxury Car — Lexus GS
Price: $51,065
Value in 5 years: 31.2% of MSRP — $15,932
After its redesign a few years back, the GS was one of the first vehicles in the Lexus lineup to feature the brand’s large, bold grille. Outfitted as a luxury sport sedan, the GS offers three available powertrains ranging from a fuel-efficient turbocharged 2.0-liter engine to a powerful 5.0-liter V8 that produces 467 horsepower in the GS F. With the big V8, the GS F can sprint to 60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds, and the custom sport suspension and big Brembo brakes help drivers take proper control of all that power.
© Porsche Cars North America
Best High-End Luxury Car — Porsche Panamera
Price: $87,200
Value in 5 years: 35.0% of MSRP — $30,520
Reimagined for the 2017 model year, the Porsche Panamera gained a much more appealing design that improved its resale value enough to put it atop this luxury category. This 4-door sports car solidified its position after the Sport Turismo joined the lineup,. Panamera features a luxurious interior, the latest high-tech displays as well as the performance and driving dynamics expected of a Porsche. Panamera is available with a wide variety of powertrains including a hybrid V8 that generates 680 horsepower.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Best Hybrid Car — Toyota Prius Prime
Price: $27,750
Value in 5 years: 40.3% of MSRP — $11,183
Toyota put hybrid vehicles on the map with the Prius, and the plug-in Prius Prime is the latest in the range. The Prius Prime narrowly beat its hybrid siblings — Corolla Hybrid and Prius — for this top spot. One of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in America, the Prius Prime can travel up to 25 miles on electric power alone and is U.S. EPA rated at 54 mpg combined. For the 2020 model year, Toyota gives the Prius Prime 5-passenger seating as well as Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa connectivity.
© Tesla
Best Electric Vehicle — Tesla Model X
Price: $84,990
Value in 5 years: 44.0% of MSRP — $37,396
The first production electric SUV on the market, the Tesla Model X is both quick and efficient. Adaptive air suspension is standard; the Model X offers seating for seven, with access to the rear seat via top-hinged Falcon Wing doors. Thanks to the absence of an internal combustion engine, the Model X has a large front trunk in addition to a rear cargo area. Model X is available as Long Range or Performance, the latter boasting acceleration of zero to 60 mph in a mere 2.7 seconds, as well as a 305-mile range.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Best Subcompact SUV / Crossover — Subaru Crosstrek
Price: $22,145
Value in 5 years: 50.4% of MSRP — $11,161
Subaru introduced the next-generation Crosstrek a few years ago, built on an all-new platform that originally debuted with the Impreza. Crosstrek fits nicely into the Subaru lineup, featuring the familiar hexagonal grille, “hawk-eye” headlights, an impressive 8.7-inches of ground clearance and full-time all-wheel drive. Inside, the infotainment system features an 8.0-inch touchscreen display and Apple CarPlay / Android Auto connectivity. Subaru Eyesight, the brand’s advanced driver assist system, is now standard for all Crosstreks (except with manual transmission).
© Subaru of America
Best Compact SUV / Crossover — Subaru Forester
Price: $24,495
Value in 5 years: 45.5% of MSRP — $11,145
Subaru introduced an all-new Forester last year as the roomiest version ever offered with a 1.2-inch-longer wheelbase, more rear-seat legroom and more rear cargo capacity, as well as improvements in crash protection, comfort, quietness and driving dynamics. EyeSight driver-assist technology is standard, and Forester Touring debuted DriverFocus safety technology that can alert the driver to fatigue or potential distraction. Forester gets powered by an updated direct-injection 2.5-liter Boxer engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, sending power to Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system.
© Subaru of America
Best Mid-Size SUV / Crossover (2-Row) — Subaru Outback
Price: $26,645
Value in 5 years: 43.4% of MSRP — $11,564
One of the vehicles that helped define the crossover segment, the Outback is Subaru’s best-selling model and all new for the 2020 model year. Constructed on Subaru’s new global platform, the Outback features updated exterior styling, a vastly improved interior, updated powertrains and the latest version of EyeSight — Subaru’s suite of advanced safety technology. All Outbacks feature Subaru’s Symmetrical all-wheel drive with active torque vectoring, vehicle dynamics control, X-Mode with hill descent control and a generous 8.7-inches of ground clearance.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
Best Mid-Size SUV / Crossover (3-Row) — Toyota Highlander
Price: $34,600
Value in 5 years: 45.0% of MSRP — $15,570
Consistently one of the best-selling SUVs in America, the Toyota Highlander enters its fourth generation in the 2020 model year as the latest model to employ the Toyota New Global Architecture. With fresh styling inside and out, the Highlander is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 engine that produces a plentiful 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque — enough power to provide a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. Toyota also offers the Highlander Hybrid, which uses Toyota’s latest hybrid system: a high-efficiency 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine teamed with two electric motors for a combined output of 240 horsepower.
© General Motors
Best Full-Size SUV / Crossover — GMC Yukon
Price: $50,600
Value in 5 years: 40.2% of MSRP — $20,341
One of the largest SUVs on the road, the Yukon can accommodate up to nine occupants with enough extra space to carry all their stuff. With a big V8 engine, more than 8 inches of ground clearance, a locking rear differential and an automatic 4-wheel-drive system, the Yukon is certainly up to the task when it comes to leaving the pavement. GMC’s brawny SUV is available in a variety of trims including the top-level Denali, which features an elegant interior with perforated leather seats, burnished aluminum trim, genuine poplar woodgrain inlays and an advanced infotainment system with a high-end Bose Centerpoint surround-sound system.
© FCA US
Best Off-Road SUV / Crossover — Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Price: $31,795
Value in 5 years: 57.6% of MSRP — $18,314
An all-new Jeep Wrangler debuted a few years ago, and the iconic off roader continues to hold its value better than almost any other vehicle on the road, ranking No. 5 overall. The Wrangler offers a comfortable ride on pavement while boasting impressive off-road prowess. Offered in a range of trim levels, the Wrangler features two hardtops, a Sunrider soft-top and a Sky One-Touch power top. For even more open-air driving, the doors are removable and windshield can be folded down. Jeep now offers the Wrangler with an efficient diesel powertrain in addition to its gas-engine options.
© Volvo Cars North America
Best Luxury Subcompact SUV / Crossover – Volvo XC40
Price: $33,700
Value in 5 years: 34.6% of MSRP — $11,660
Last year Volvo bolstered its premium crossover lineup with the all-new XC40. Styling is similar to its larger siblings, most notably the signature “Thor’s Hammer” headlights. Even the base-level XC40 Momentum comes well equipped with leather seat trim, an 8-way power driver’s seat, automatic climate control, a rearview camera, a power tailgate and 18-inch alloy wheels. A 9-inch vertical touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 250-watt AM/FM/HD audio system with eight speakers and Bluetooth streaming are also standard on all XC40s.
© Porsche Cars North America
Best Luxury Compact SUV / Crossover — Porsche Macan
Price: $50,900
Value in 5 years: 40.5% of MSRP — $20,615
In a crowded luxury compact SUV market the Macan certainly stands out from that crowd. The second crossover in the current Porsche lineup, Macan is the brand’s best-selling model. Styled after the larger Cayenne, Macan still embodies all qualities expected from the iconic German sports car brand. Macan comes with full-time all-wheel drive and is available with various powertrains ranging from a 2.0-liter 252-horsepower 4-cylinder engine to a 434-horsepower V6 in the all-new 2020 Macan Turbo.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Best Luxury Mid-Size SUV / Crossover (2 Row) — Porsche Cayenne
Price: $66,800
Value in 5 years: 35.7% of MSRP — $23,848
One of the first high-performance SUVs when it came to market in 2003, the Cayenne promised to deliver the performance and handling expected from a Porsche. After more than 15 years, Porsche is still producing this high-performance SUV— which was all new for the 2019 model year. Designed more for pavement than mud, the Cayenne is available in a range of sporting variants including the 541-horsepower Cayenne Turbo as well as the powerful and efficient Cayenne E-Hybrid, both of which combine a luxurious, roomy interior with sportscar performance. For 2020 Porsche adds the Turbo S E-Hybrid, which has a total output of 670 horsepower.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
Best Luxury Mid-Size SUV / Crossover (3 Row) — Lexus GX
Price: $53,000
Value in 5 years: 43.0% of MSRP — $22,790
Many of today’s midsize utility vehicles — such as the Lexus RX — are crossovers based on car platforms, but the Lexus GX is a highly-capable off-road vehicle based on the same platform as the Toyota 4Runner. Utilizing truck-like body-on-frame construction, the GX 460 gets power from a 4.6-liter V8 engine that produces 301 horsepower and 329 lb-ft of torque with a full-time 4-wheel-drive system, advanced dynamic control systems and a 6,500-pound towing capacity. Despite exceptional off-road capability, the GX 460 features luxurious amenities inside, while the standard Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System delivers a smooth, comfortable ride outside.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Best Luxury Full-Size SUV / Crossover — Lexus LX
Price: $86,480
Value in 5 years: 43.0% of MSRP — $37,186
The largest vehicle in the Lexus lineup with a grille to match, the LX 570 is known for its luxurious amenities, although many consumers don’t realize the LX also offers extreme off-road capability. A lockable center differential and 2-speed transfer case are standard — as are crawl control, hill-start assist control, multi-terrain select and active height control that can raise ground clearance by up to 3 inches. Inside, the LX 570 has seating for eight in extremely luxurious surroundings that include a power-sliding second row and a power-folding third row.
© American Honda Motors
Best Minivan — Honda Odyssey
Price: $30,790
Value in 5 years: 39.4% of MSRP — $12,131
One of the most popular minivans on the market, the Odyssey held its value better than any other minivan for five of the last six years. This innovative people mover features a “Magic Slide” second-row seat system that offers multiple seating configurations and third-row access options. The center second-row seat can be removed, or the outboard seats can be moved laterally between five positions for third-row access. Odyssey is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine creating 280 horsepower. Advanced connectivity and entertainment features include CabinWatch, CabinTalk & streaming video with 4G LTE Wi-Fi.
© Toyota Motor Sales, USA
Best Midsize Pickup Truck — Toyota Tacoma
Price: $26,050
Value in 5 years: 60.6% of MSRP — $15,786
Not only is the Toyota Tacoma the most popular midsize truck on the market, it holds its value better than any other vehicle in America —as it has for the last six years. The Tacoma is available in several configurations with two cab styles, two bed lengths, five trim levels and a choice of 2WD or 4WD. For 2020 the Tacoma gets a new grille and wheel designs for most trim levels, as well as an upgraded audio system with a larger touchscreen and Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility.
© Toyota Motor Sales USA
Best Full-Size Pickup Truck — Toyota Tundra
Price: $33,575
Value in 5 years: 57.2% of MSRP — $19,205
Although the Tundra doesn’t come close in sales to American-brand full-size pickup offerings, this big truck is third overall when it comes to holding its value. Toyota’s full-size pickup truck can be configured in almost 50 different ways with multiple cabs, bed lengths, powertrains and trim levels. With trims ranging from the basic SR to the luxurious Platinum, Tundra offers impressive capability and Toyota’s reputation for reliability in a very tough truck market.
© General Motors
Best Full-Size Pickup Truck (Heavy Duty) — Chevrolet Silverado HD
Price: $34,100
Value in 5 years: 60.1% of MSRP — $20,494
When consumers move into the heavy-duty truck market, their choices narrow considerably; however, the Silverado HD once again retains its value better than the competition. All new for 2020, the Silverado HD features bold new styling, a range of updated features and more capability than ever before. Two powerful engines are available: a 401-horsepower 6.6-liter V8 and a Duramax 6.6-liter turbodiesel — the latter generating 445 horsepower and 910 lb-ft of torque. That big torque number is enough to increase maximum towing capacity to an incredible 35,500 pounds. The list of available features is long and includes a power-operated tailgate, 15 camera views, a head-up display and integrated side steps for easy access to the bed.
