Resale Without the Sting: Subaru Holds Its Value Better Than Most

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Subaru is one of the strongest mainstream brands when it comes to retained value after five years of ownership. Citing data from CarEdge and iSeeCars, analysts note that the brand's cars depreciate more slowly than most rivals — though for used-car shoppers that also translates into higher prices on the secondary market.

According to CarEdge, Subaru holds onto 61.2% of its original value on average after five years. Among mass-market brands, only Toyota does better, at 64.9%. Honda sits just behind at 60.5%. Mazda scored 59.7%, while Mini and Ram tie at 59.5%. By comparison, Chevrolet retains 51.6%, and Chrysler and Dodge land at the bottom of the list at around 38%.

iSeeCars puts the numbers slightly differently, but the takeaway is much the same. Toyota again leads the mainstream pack with a residual value of 69.6%, Honda takes second at 66.1%, and Subaru comes third at 65.5%. Even so, the brand still comfortably outpaces Mazda, Ford, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi and Hyundai.

Among Subaru's own models, the BRZ sports coupe is the clear value champion. iSeeCars says it keeps 76.1% of its worth after five years, and CarEdge lands on nearly the same figure — 76.4%. From there the rankings split: CarEdge places the Impreza second, followed by the WRX, Crosstrek and Forester. iSeeCars has the Crosstrek in second, ahead of the Impreza, WRX and Forester.