- Depreciation is how quickly a new car reduces in value over time.
- The vehicles that hold the most value are trucks and SUVs.
- Toyota and Porsche are two brands that depreciate slowly.
Buying a new car is exciting, it’s also a major expense. It’s crucial that buyers take into account the financial impact of spending, on average, $45,000. One of the most important considerations is the rate at which the value of your car will drop as it gets older. In fact, your brand new vehicle is worth considerably less the moment you drive it off the dealer lot.
You probably already know that a car is not an investment, per se. With very rare exceptions, the value of your vehicle is never going to increase. It’s only going to drop with every mile you drive. If you want to retain as much value as you can, consider buying one of these 12 models. They hold their value better than most of the competition. There’s something for every driver here, from luxury SUVs to pickup trucks and compact cars.
Why Does Depreciation Matter?
Depreciation is important when it comes to reselling or trading in your car. The average vehicle lost 40.1% of its value in 2021. However, some models depreciate much slower than this. A range of factors other than time impact how quickly an automobile loses value, including:
- Popularity: Cars in high demand retain more value.
- Reputation: Cars with a reputation for longevity depreciate slower.
- Mileage: Higher mileage equals more depreciation.
- Condition: Scratches and dents impact value.
- Color: Neutral colored cars tend to depreciate slower.
Let’s take a look at which 2022 models hold the most value, using information from iSeeCars and Kelley Blue Book.
Shutterstock12. Jeep Wrangler
With a price starting at $29,725 and slow depreciation, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler is excellent value for anyone prioritizing an off-road experience. Its retro, boxy aesthetic offers a convertible experience, adding a sense of glamor to your trail-conquering experience. It comes with an infotainment system and an eight-speaker stereo as standard.
The Rubicon and Sahara models have been upgraded compared to 2021, with standard premium audio systems and 8.4-inch touchscreens. The five-inch touchscreens of the 2021 Sport and Sport S trims have been upgraded to seven-inch screens. What’s more, all 2022 Wranglers now come with a HEPA particulate cabin filter.
Source: Jeep11. Porsche 911
The starting price of a 2022 Porsche 911 is $101,200, but it has a reputation that helps it hold its value. Cruise control, an anti-theft system, and keyless start come as standard with all models.
One of the biggest upgrades compared to the 2021 911 collection is the Porsche Communication Management system. With a huge 10.9-inch touchscreen, it commands entertainment, comfort, navigation, and communication.
Another upgrade is the possibility to equip your Targa, Carrera, or Turbo model with Remote ParkAssist. This tool lets you safely pull in and out of a parking space with your smartphone while standing outside.
Source: Porsche10. Toyota Tundra
The 2022 Toyota Tundra is a full-size pick-up truck that drops value slower than most cars, with an attractive starting price of $35,950. Standard models come with dynamic cruise control and a crash-preventing system with pedestrian detection.
The Tundra has a more modern exterior design and a more comfortable interior. It features an extended 6.5-foot bed compared to the 2021 Tundra. It boasts an enhanced infotainment system, with a computer that’s five times faster than the previous year. There’s also the added option of a hybrid engine, combining a V6 engine with an electric motor, allowing you to reach higher speeds economically.
Source: Toyota9. Ford Mustang
The MSRP for the 2022 Ford Mustang hasn’t been released yet, but the starting price for the 2021 model is $27,205. Regardless, the Mustang is almost always a slow-depreciating brand. Whether you call it a muscle car or a pony car, its value for money is undeniable.
No one expects the 2022 Mustang to evolve much from its predecessor. After all, the next generation model isn’t due for release until 2023. That said, there are some interesting advancements. The four old paint colors have been banished, with seven shiny new ones taking their place. Ford is also promising three sultry new trims too, including the Stealth and Ice White Appearance packages.
Source: Ford8. Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
If you’re looking for a mid-engine sports car that retains its value, look no further than the 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. Prices start at $62,195. Standard 2022 Stingray models have rear-wheel drive, ABS and traction control, and 19-inch front and 20-inch rear silver aluminum wheels.
There have been some impressive updates compared to the 2021 Stingray. For starters, there’s an upgraded fuel economy system and refined engine capabilities. The injection system delivers lower emissions and greater stability, yet it operates at a higher pressure. There’s also an optional new front splitter and a low-profile rear spoiler for non-Z51 models.
Source: Chevrolet7. Porsche Macan
The starting price for a 2022 Porsche Macan is $54,900. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a slow-depreciating car that’s fun to drive. It features a 10.9-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, and heated front seats as standard.
Some of the most impressive advancements from the 2021 Macan are on the inside of the car. There are climate management controls to help you carefully manage the internal temperature of the car, an analog clock, and a large infotainment screen.
Performance-wise, there’s a slightly more powerful engine, and it reaches 60 mph 0.3 seconds faster than the previous model.
Source: Porsche6. Toyota Camry
With an attractive starting price of $25,295, the midsize 2022 Toyota Camry is an accessible sedan to suit most budgets. If you’re looking for an affordable family car that depreciates slower than average, it’s a solid investment. It comes with Toyota Entune 3.0 as standard, which lets you link your smartphone to the car’s infotainment system.
Compared to the 2021 Camry, you’ll find there are some minor changes that still make a difference. The new Camry LE and SE come with dual-zone climate control, which means you and your passenger can enjoy ideal temperatures in your respective seats.
Shutterstock5. Dodge Challenger
The price of the 2022 Dodge Challenger muscle car starts at $30,075. It’s yet another one of the new cars that doesn’t lose its value as quickly as other models. You can connect your smartphone to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay in the infotainment system, which comes with a seven-inch touchscreen.
Compared to the 2021 model, the 2022 Challenger features an enhanced alarm system (optional on some trims, but standard with others). Other than this upgrade, there’s the option for a new Jailbreak Package for the SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody, which costs an extra $995.
Source: Dodge/Stellantis4. Subaru Impreza
The starting price of the 2022 Subaru Impreza is $18,795. For an all-wheel drive compact car, it loses its value much slower than average. As standard, it has a rear-vision camera and driver assist technology for safety. It also boasts a multimedia system that allows you to connect your Android or Apple smartphone. You can choose between a sedan or five-door hatchback.
The only real change from the 2021 Impreza is a pretty new color, Sapphire Blue Pearl. Aside from deleting the Limited trim from the sedan model (but not the hatchback), everything is basically the same. Even the starting price remains the same.
Source: Subaru3. Lexus LS 500
As one of the slowest depreciating new cars on the market, spending $76,000 on the 2022 Lexus LS is a good investment. It has a navigation system, power mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity, and a premium sound system as standard. Rear AC and seat-massage are optional extras you can add for an additional feeling of luxury.
Compared to the 2021 model, there are some minor changes in the 2022 LS. One of the most notable is that Lexus’ enhanced safety features come with all models as standard. What’s more, the driver and passenger have extra control options for the infotainment system.
Source: Lexus2. Tesla Model X
Despite the starting price being $110,490, Kelley Blue Book reports that Tesla’s Model X is the slowest depreciating electric car on the market. This SUV seats up to seven and has an engine that can rival any sports car. It speeds from 0-to-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds.
With a new futuristic steering wheel and an enormous 17-inch infotainment screen, sitting in this car makes you feel like the future is here. Even backseat riders have their own eight-inch display to keep them entertained during car rides. There are no major changes between the 2021 and 2022 Tesla X.
Source: Tesla1. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
When it comes to luxury SUVs, the Mercedes G-Class is one of the most iconic names on the market. It commands a hefty starting price of $131,750. Lucky for savvy buyers, it’s also one of the new cars that loses its value the slowest. It has tons of cargo room, an anti-theft system, remote engine start, and compact spare tire as standard.
One of the biggest differentiators between the 2021 and 2022 G-Wagons is fuel economy, which is significantly better on the newer model. This means you’ll save some cash at the gas station and your luxury SUV is more eco-friendly.
Source: Mercedes
