Some SUVs are made to lose you money quickly as soon as you drive off the forecourt. Luxury SUVs and many performance SUVs are renowned for losing their value quickly, largely due to their demanding maintenance schedules, high-cost parts, expensive labor rates, and finicky relationship with reliability, with models like the Dodge Durango losing up to 61.7 percent of its value in the first three years.
Of course, this is a general overview; we do see some collectible SUVs (like the G-Wagen, classic Defenders, and old-school Broncos) hold their value very well thanks to their iconic status, but hardy, mainstream SUVs tend to hold their value a lot better. This year, the auto market’s famously dependable and value-retaining SUV models are continuing to deliver in terms of low depreciation rates and the opportunity to see some of your money back after seven years of ownership. So, we are going to take a look at the best models for estimated long-term resale value.
To give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including JD Power, Fueleconomy.gov, Car Edge, and Kelley Blue Book.
2025 Toyota RAV4
Estimated Average Seven-Year Residual Value: 55.6 Percent

- Base Trim Engine
-
2.5L Dynamic Force I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
203 HP @6600 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
184 lb.-ft. @ 5000 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
27/35/30 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
-
Toyota
- Model
-
RAV4
You may not be surprised to see the Toyota RAV4 on the list of SUVs with the best resale value after seven years; it is almost synonymous with holding its value and providing a lot of miles with proper maintenance. According to Car Edge, on average, the Toyota RAV4 holds on to 55.6 percent of its residual value over seven years of ownership, while it also lands in the top 20 value-retaining SUVs over three and five years as well.
This year’s iteration is available in four gas-engine trims: the LE, the XLE, the XLE Premium, and the Limited. Prices start at a relatively low $29,800 for the base LE trim and stretch up to $38,105 for the XLE Premium. If you were to buy a new RAV4 LE at its MSRP of $29,800, in seven years (if trends continue, and you keep on top of maintenance), you could be able to sell it for around $16,800.
This year’s base trim gets you an eight-inch touchscreen running Toyota Audio Multimedia, LED Projector headlights, Sport, Eco, and Normal drive modes, a 203-horsepower inline-four under the hood, and a maximum cargo capacity of 69.8 cubic feet. The XLE adds dual-zone climate control, blind-spot monitoring, and an eight-way driver’s seat with lumbar support; the XLE Premium comes equipped with luxury touches such as Sof-Tex-trimmed seats, 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, and a height-adjustable power liftgate, while the Limited is made for the most comfort and luxe additions.
It comes equipped with heated and ventilated seats, a 10.5-inch touchscreen, a JBL audio rig, a hands-free liftgate, and a panoramic view monitor. It is quite clearly a step up from the base trim, and while it costs a fair amount more at build, you still benefit from the decent average seven-year value retention. If you were to buy the new RAV4 Limited at its MSRP of $38,105, in seven years, you could get as much as $21,186 of your money back.
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2025 Toyota Land Cruiser
Estimated Average Seven-Year Residual Value: 58.3 Percent

- Base Trim Engine
-
2.4L Turbo Hybrid
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Four-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
22/25/23 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
-
Toyota
- Model
-
Land Cruiser
- Segment
-
Full-Size SUV
Even though the 2025 Land Cruiser has only been given a RepairPal reliability score of 2.5 out of 5, making it one of the least reliable full-size SUVs they keep tabs on, we know that everyone has had a lot of different experiences with their models. Regardless of this, it still holds its value exceptionally well.
After seven years of ownership, if you drive 13,500 miles a year, don’t crash it, and keep up with the maintenance, you could see around 58.3 percent of your money back. That means, if you buy a 2025 Land Cruiser for its MSRP of $56,700, you could sell it for around $33,000. There is only one powertrain option for this year’s Land Cruiser, but it is a widely used model across the Toyota lineup, and ensures that the legendary Land Cruiser nameplate can still live up to its rock-hard reputation.
2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Specs
|
Engine |
2.4-Liter Turbocharged i-FORCE MAX Inline-Four Hybrid |
|
Transmission |
Eight-Speed Automatic |
|
Horsepower |
326 Horsepower |
|
Torque |
465 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
Four-Wheel Drive |
|
0–60 MPH |
8.2 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
105 MPH |
|
Towing Capacity |
6,000 LBS |
|
Payload Capacity |
1,280 LBS |
While a lot of purists may disagree, the Land Cruiser is still well-suited for off-road life, but blended with everyday usability. Yes, the V8 was dropped in 2021, but the i-FORCE MAX inline-four hybrid still packs a relatively good punch and can get the job done in a slightly more fuel-frugal fashion compared to its older counterparts (you get around 23 combined mpg).
With about 8″ of ground clearance and large chunky tires, it’s no Porsche 911, but that’s just physics. You can haul up to 6,000 pounds, which covers most weekend warriors and families with a camper. The full-time four-wheel-drive system is nice, and with a few buttons, you are ready to crawl up the side of a mountain.
– Hot Cars Driven Review by Bradley Hasemeyer
The ’25 Land Cruiser also still comes equipped with some decent goodies for the trails in the shape of center and locking diffs, a two-speed transfer case, the Stabilizer Disconnect mechanism, which gives you better wheel articulation when it is engaged, and the Multi-Terrain Select system. In essence, you are still well taken care of in the wilderness.
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2025 Toyota Grand Highlander
Estimated Average Seven-Year Residual Value: 58.7 Percent

- Base Trim Engine
-
2.4L I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
265 HP @6000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
310 lb.-ft. @ 1700 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
21/28/24 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
-
Toyota
- Model
-
Grand Highlander
Between buying a 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser and a Toyota Grand Highlander, the percentage of your money you could get back in seven years is negligible. But what isn’t negligible is the difference in starting prices. The 2025 Grand Highlander has a starting price of $40,860, so some $16,000 less than a new Land Cruiser. According to Car Edge, the Grand Highlander hangs on to 58.7 percent of its value after seven years, so you could end up selling it for just shy of $24,000.
With the Grand Highlander, you still get some decent off-roading guts, thanks to optional AWD, Multi-Terrain Select, an optional 360-degree view camera, a decent ground clearance of eight inches, and a towing capacity of between 3,500 and 5,000 pounds. But, where the Grand Highlander may trump the Land Cruiser is in on-road comfort and options.
As standard, the 2025 Grand Highlander comes equipped with a 265-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four, which can achieve a combined mpg rating of 24 mpg (FWD models), but you can also choose a hybrid mill if you opt for the $44,210 Grand Highlander Hybrid. The hybrid variant boasts a 2.5-liter hybrid inline-four mated to a CVT, which is good for 245 horsepower, and can achieve a far better combined mpg rating of 36 mpg (EPA estimate).
You get tri-zone climate control as standard; there are three rows of seating with oodles of room (front: 41.7 inches/second row: 39.5 inches/third row: 33.5 inches); there is 97.5 cubic feet of storage room when you have the rear seats folded down, and available adaptive suspension gives it a more car-like ride on the road compared to some of its more off-road specialized brethren.
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2025 Toyota RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
Estimated Average Seven-Year Residual Value: 58.7 Percent

- Base Trim Engine
-
Dynamic Force Hybrid
- Base Trim Transmission
-
CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
177 HP @6000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
165 lb.-ft. @ 3600 RPM
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
-
Toyota
- Model
-
RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid
If this year’s gas-engine RAV4 wasn’t quite enough, the RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid ups things a bit. It can not only save you a bit more of the vehicle’s value down the line, but also (depending on how you drive) money on gas. The RAV4 Plug-In Hybrid (formerly known as the RAV4 Prime) is equipped with a 302-horsepower/165-pound-feet 2.5-liter Dynamic Force inline-four mated to two electric motors.
The hybrid system allows you to drive for an estimated 42 miles in all-electric mode; 0–60 mph times are clocked at 5.5 seconds; it can achieve a combined mpg rating of 38 mpg (or 94 MPGe with everything taken into consideration), and you still get the 69.8 cubic feet of storage space as you do in the gas RAV4.
Starting prices for the plug-in variant start at $44,815, so quite a bit more than the sub-$30,000 starting price for its gas-engine cousin, but instead of it costing you $1,550 a year on gas, as it would in the regular RAV4, it will only cost you $950 (on average) for gas and electricity. This means that, on average, you could save $3,750 on gas bills over five years compared to the average modern vehicle, all while still getting a lot of versatility, reliability, and comfort. If you were to buy the cheapest of the two trim levels (SE: $44,815/XSE: $48,685), in seven years, you could get back as much as $26,000 of your money after selling it.
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2025 Toyota Corolla Cross
Estimated Average Seven-Year Residual Value: 58.7 Percent

- Base Trim Engine
-
2L Dynamic Force I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
10-speed automatic/CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
169 HP @6600 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
151 lb.-ft. @ 4400 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
31/33/32 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
-
Toyota
- Model
-
Corolla Cross
Available at a starting price of just $24,135 for the gas-engine model and $28,495 for the hybrid model, the 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross carries on the relatively new model line’s useful blend of reliability and versatility. Owners who have left a review on Kelley Blue Book have given both models an overall score of 4.1 out of 5, which includes a reliability score of 4.3 out of 5 and a comfort score of 4.2 out of 5.
2025 Toyota Corolla Cross And Corolla Cross Hybrid Specs
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Inline-Four |
2.0-Liter Inline-Four Hybrid |
|
Transmission |
CVT |
CVT |
|
Horsepower |
169 Horsepower |
196 Horsepower |
|
Torque |
151 LB-FT |
200 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive |
All-Wheel Drive |
|
0–60 MPH |
9.3 Seconds |
7.3 Seconds – 8 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
112 MPH |
112 MPH |
|
Towing Capacity |
1,500 LBS |
1,500 LBS |
|
Payload Capacity |
1,165 LBS |
1,170 LBS |
Both models boast city-friendly dimensions, with the slightly smaller non-hybrid Corolla Cross measuring in at 175.6 inches (L) x 71.9 inches (W) x 63.8 inches (H) and the Corolla Cross hybrid measuring in at 176.8 inches (L) x 71.9 inches (W) x 64.8 inches (H), while both offer up decent cargo capacity with the rear seats folded down (Corolla Cross Hybrid: 61.8 cubic feet/Corolla Cross: 66.8 cubic feet).
Every model of the Corolla Cross (both variants) comes equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, which includes Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, radar cruise control, and pedestrian detection. The inside is well-equipped for its price point, with heated front seats, available SofTex trim, wireless phone charging, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat, while tech is taken care of by an eight-inch touchscreen that runs Toyota Audio Multimedia.
The big differences, aside from the powertrain, are that the hybrid variants come equipped with all-wheel drive as standard, while it is an optional extra for the gas-engine models; the trim levels are different, with the Corolla Cross available as the L, the LE, and the LXE, while the Cross Hybrid is available as the S, the SE, the Nightshade, and the XSE, and some of the high-end features found in the Corolla Cross Hybrid Nightshade (the blacked-out trim, the unique wheels, and interior touches) are exclusive just to the top-tier hybrid model.
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2025 Honda CR-V
Estimated Average Seven-Year Residual Value: 58.9 Percent

- Base Trim Engine
-
1.5L I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
190 HP @6000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
179 lb.-ft. @ 1700 RPM
In what has become typical Honda fashion, the 2025 Honda CR-V blends everyday usability with decent features across all trims and relatively fuel-frugal engine choices. Starting prices for this year’s CR-V start at $30,100 for the entry-level LX trim, prices rise to $32,350 for the EX trim, it will cost you $34,560 for the Sport Hybrid, the EX-L will set you back $35,000, the Sport-L Hybrid costs $37,650, and the top-tier Sport Touring Hybrid costs $41,400.
There are two engines to choose from this year: a 1.5-liter VTEC turbocharged inline-four that pushes out 190 horsepower, or a more frugal 204-horsepower 2.0-liter hybrid inline-four that can achieve a combined mpg rating of 37 mpg when paired with the available AWD system or 40 combined mpg when paired with FWD.
What makes the CR-V a useful SUV to own, aside from its value retention, decent engine options, and renowned reliability, is its usefulness and comfort for everyday driving. It boasts 41.3 inches of front legroom, 41 inches of rear legroom, a maximum cargo capacity of 76.5 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down, and 60/40 split-fold rear seats.
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2025 Subaru Crosstrek
Estimated Average Seven-Year Residual Value: 60.4 Percent

- Base Trim Engine
-
2L H-4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
152 HP @6000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
145 lb.-ft. @ 4000 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
27/34/29 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
-
Subaru
- Model
-
Crosstrek
Designed as a rugged and dependable compact SUV, the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek is well-equipped for both off-road and city life. Measuring in at 176.4 inches (L) x 70.9 inches (W) x 62.8 inches (H), it is well-suited for small roads, while the standard-fit Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system makes it formidable off the asphalt.
You can jack the Crosstrek up to a maximum ground clearance of 9.3 inches (trim dependent); Dual-Function X-MODE with Hill Descent Control, which adjusts engine outputs and how the AWD system behaves in slippery conditions, is available, and you can choose from two seldom-seen engine configurations.
2025 Subaru Crosstrek Performance Specs
|
Engine |
2.0-Liter Flat-Four |
2.5-Liter Flat-Four |
|
Transmission |
CVT |
CVT |
|
Horsepower |
152 Horsepower |
182 Horsepower |
|
Torque |
145 LB-FT |
178 LB-FT |
|
Driveline |
All-Wheel Drive |
All-Wheel Drive |
|
0–60 MPH |
9.1 Seconds |
Approx. 8 Seconds |
|
Top Speed |
120 MPH |
120 MPH |
|
Towing Capacity |
1,500 LBS |
1,500 LBS – 3,500 LBS |
|
Payload Capacity |
900 LBS |
Unverified |
All models come equipped with Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which is packed with safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Pre-Collision Braking, so you and your family are well taken care of on the road. The STARLINK multimedia rig gets you Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and an available 11.6-inch touchscreen, while a comfortable amount of legroom over both rows (42.9 inches in the front and 38 inches in the rear) makes it a comfortable everyday compact SUV.
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2025 Nissan Kicks
Estimated Average Seven-Year Residual Value: 62.7 Percent

- Base Trim Engine
-
2.0-liter four-cylinder
- Base Trim Transmission
-
CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
141 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
140 lb-ft
- Make
-
Nissan
- Model
-
Kicks
- 0-60 MPH
-
9.0 Seconds
- Segment
-
Subcompact SUV
This year’s Nissan Kicks hits the affordable SUV market with a full redesign, boasting more power under the hood, better tech, and more space in the cabin. The previous MY’s 122-horsepower 1.6-liter engine has been replaced with a more powerful 2.0-liter inline-four that is good for 141 horsepower, while the engine’s pairing with Nissan’s Xtronic CVT gives you a relatively smooth ride. This year, for the first time in the Kick’s history, it is also available with all-wheel drive.
Inside, cargo space has been upped to 30 cubic feet behind the rear seats and nearly 60 cubic feet of maximum cargo space with the seats folded down. Comfort has also been improved with the addition of Nissan’s Zero Gravity seats in the SV and SR trims, while tech gets a boost with the base S trim coming equipped with a seven-inch touchscreen and Nissan Safety Shield 360 as standard. The SV and SR trims are available with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen and more luxe features such as a panoramic moonroof.
Pricing is in line with what we expect from Nissan, and the new Kicks is available from $21,830 for the base S trim. The mid-tier SV trim has a starting price of $23,680, and the top-end SR trim is still very reasonably priced at $26,180.
Buying a $21,830 2025 Nissan Kicks this year could mean that in seven years, you could sell it for around $13,700; the $23,800 SV trim could sell for around $14,800, and the $26,180 SR grade could sell for around $16,400 after the same period.
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2025 Honda HR-V
Estimated Average Seven-Year Residual Value: 63.9 Percent

- Base Trim Engine
-
2L I4 ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
CVT
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Front-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
158 HP @6500 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
138 lb.-ft. @ 4200 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
26/32/28 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
-
Honda
- Model
-
HR-V
Boasting an overall JD Power rating of 82 out of 100 and a RepairPal reliability rating of 5 out of 5, it is no surprise that the Honda HR-V holds on to its value so well. Starting prices for the compact crossover are low at $25,400, and across the board, it is well-equipped.
There are three trims available: the LX, the Sport, and the EX-L, and each of them comes equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-four good for 158 horsepower and 138 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent through a CVT, and you can choose from either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive for some added grip.
Even the base trim is set up for everyday comfort and convenience; it boasts a seven-inch touchscreen, automatic climate control, LED headlights, and the Honda Sensing safety suite. The Sport trim gives you a bit more of a premium feel with heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote engine start, and 18-inch gloss black alloys, while the top-tier EX-L gets you leather-trimmed seats, dual-zone auto climate control, a larger nine-inch touchscreen, a power moonroof, and ambient lighting.
The starting price for the top trim is still just sub-$30,000 at $29,500, and for that, you do get a lot of bang for your buck. If you were to opt for the top trim with no added extras, in seven years, you could potentially sell it (if the current trend continues) for approximately $18,850.
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2025 Toyota 4Runner
Estimated Average Seven-Year Residual Value: 67.7 Percent

- Make
-
Toyota
- Model
-
4Runner
- Segment
-
Midsize SUV
It may come as little surprise that a Toyota model holds first position for the SUV with the best long-term value retention. As we’ve found, Toyota models are synonymous with holding their value. With an average seven-year depreciation rate of just 32.3 percent, the Toyota 4Runner is a living legend among SUV lovers, and this year’s iteration looks to carry on its infamous mud-munching capabilities and all-around hardiness. Starting prices are reasonable at $41,270, while the plethora of different grades, including:
- 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5: $41,270
- 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport: $47,750
- 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport Premium: $53,110
- 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road. MSRP: $49,690
- 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium: $55,470
- 2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited: $55,900
- 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road i-FORCE MAX: $52,490
- 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium i-FORCE MAX: $58,270
- 2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited i-FORCE MAX: $60,700
- 2025 Toyota 4Runner Platinum: $63,360
- 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro: $67,400
- 2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter: $67,400
There are two engine options for this year’s lineup: a 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four that can kick out 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, and the more powerful i-FORCE MAX 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four, which is good for 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. As the name suggests, the i-FORCE mill is available for the grades with the i-FORCE MAX suffix, but is also equipped in the high-end Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trims.
The 4Runner continues to be one of the best off-road models on the market, and it is still built to be taken nearly anywhere, with the TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims acting as the zenith of what is available this year. Both grades feature a Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism, which increases suspension flex and wheel articulation; the TRD Pro boasts FOX QS3 bypass shocks with remote reservoirs paired with 33-inch Toyo all-terrain tires, and the Trailhunter is built for a different type of rough stuff (namely, overlanding), with Old Man Emu forged monotube shocks.
In TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims, specifically, the 4Runner has been engineered and equipped to go where the pavement ends. With added ground clearance, 33-inch off-road tires stuffed into wider fenders, multi-positional dampers, and more, the factory-fitted off-roaders are ready for any manner of adventuring.
Hot Cars Review of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner by Seyth Miersma
Even some of the ‘lower’ trims come well-equipped for adventuring, with the TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium both coming equipped with an electronic locking rear diff, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. Underbody protection, rock rails, and a low-profile air intake are also available for added off-road guts, and show the SUV community that .
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