Truck vs SUV Resale Value — Which Holds Value Better?

If resale value is a priority in your next vehicle purchase, the data is clear: trucks hold their value significantly better than SUVs on average. But the story is more nuanced than that top-line comparison suggests. Let's break down exactly what the numbers show and what they mean for your buying decision.

The Numbers: Trucks vs SUVs

Why Trucks Hold Value Better

Trucks dominate the resale value rankings for several reasons that have remained consistent over decades:

• Practical utility that doesn't age — a truck's ability to tow and haul doesn't become obsolete the way infotainment technology does.
• Commercial demand — trucks have a built-in commercial buyer base (contractors, farmers, small business owners) that maintains demand even during economic downturns when consumer discretionary buying slows.
• Lower production relative to demand — manufacturers can't infinitely scale truck production, which keeps supply/demand dynamics favorable for used prices.
• Brand loyalty — truck buyers are among the most loyal in the automotive industry, with Ford F-Series, Chevy Silverado, and Ram 1500 owners typically buying the same brand repeatedly.

The SUV Exception: The Jeep Wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is the major exception to the truck-beats-SUV rule. At -28% over five years, the Wrangler matches or beats most trucks in resale value. Its loyal enthusiast community, iconic design, and off-road capability create demand characteristics more similar to trucks than typical SUVs.

Similarly, the Toyota 4Runner (-28%) and Land Cruiser (-22%) punch well above the SUV category average, driven by the same factors that make Toyota trucks retain value — reliability reputation and strong enthusiast demand.

The Worst-Performing SUVs

At the other extreme, three-row family SUVs from mainstream brands — the Ford Expedition (-60%), Chevrolet Tahoe (-46%), and similar large SUVs — depreciate much faster than trucks despite similar price points. These vehicles are bought primarily for family transportation needs that are served equally well by newer models, which limits used market demand.

What Should You Buy?

If resale value is your primary concern, a Toyota Tacoma or Toyota Tundra offers the best combination of excellent depreciation performance and practical utility. If you need SUV capability, the Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Wrangler are the standout choices.

If you need a three-row family SUV, the Toyota Highlander (-42%) and Kia Telluride (-38%) perform significantly better than segment average. Avoid the Ford Expedition and Chevrolet Suburban/Tahoe if minimizing depreciation is important — these large SUVs lose significantly more value than alternatives.