The 9 New Cars With Lowest Depreciation And Subaru’s 2 Hot Picks

When Less is More.  

You want the most from your new car purchase, and buying a model that depreciates the least is when less is more of what you want. A report from iSeeCars reveals the top nine models that depreciate the least and hold their value the best. Subaru, known for retaining the best value, has two top picks for shoppers. Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru BRZ.

Before I reveal what sets the Subaru Crosstrek and BRZ apart, U.S. News went further and ranked the nine models and how much they changed in value over the first five years. This is the typical time frame for 60 months of financing, which is a common period for car loans, and when that final loan payment is made. 

U.S. News says, "Some cars fare better in this area than others, and you might be surprised. We certainly were." 

This element of surprise adds an intriguing twist to the ranking.

If you are looking to prioritize value in your new car purchase, the most recent study of cars that hold and lose value from iSeeCars, a reputable automotive research firm, from which I base this report, is a good resource for shoppers. 

The study also shows that as of 2023, cars generally hold value better than in 2019. U.S. News says that average depreciation went from 50% to 38.8% over a vehicle's first five years on the road.

However, it's important to note that these values can fluctuate over time. I will keep you updated on any changes in value. 

I've listed the new 2024 model-year vehicles with the slowest depreciation. 

• Toyota Corolla - Five-Year Depreciation: 24.5% | Change in Value: -$5,800
• Subaru Crosstrek - Five-Year Depreciation: 24.5% | Change in Value: -$7,214
• Chevrolet Camaro - Five-Year Depreciation: 24.2% | Change in Value: -$10,161
• Subaru BRZ - Five-Year Depreciation: 23.4% | Change in Value: -$8,114
• Honda Civic - Five-Year Depreciation: 21.5% | Change in Value: -$5,817
• Jeep Wrangler - Five-Year Depreciation: 20.8% | Change in Value: -$8,951
• Toyota Tacoma - Five-Year Depreciation: 20.4% | Change in Value: -$8,359
• Porsche Cayman - Five-Year Depreciation: 17.6% | Change in Value: -$13,372
• Porsche 911 - Five-Year Depreciation: 9.3% | Change in Value: -$18,094

What does U.S. News say about the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek?

"The Subaru Crosstrek is fully redesigned for the 2024 model year and snags a spot just outside the top of our subcompact crossover rankings. This Subaru offers great value, propelled largely by its standard all-wheel drive, which means that even on the used market, it's still a great choice for an all-weather commuter or family car compared to the masses of front-wheel-drive competitors."

"The Crosstrek is spacious and comfortable, with tons of technology and safety features. Unsurprisingly, it holds on to its competitive value very well."

Read my recent Crosstrek report, "The Crosstrek Wilderness Takes Subaru To Another Level Of Hot," here. 

What does U.S. News say about the 2024 Subaru BRZ?

"If you've been looking for an excuse to buy a top-ranked affordable sports car, consider this an endorsement. The Subaru BRZ is a fantastic value as a new model, and it remains a great value over its first five years."

  What about the Toyota GR86?

U.S. News says, "The BRZ is a cousin of the Toyota GR86. Although the Toyota version fails to achieve similar impressive value retention."

If you're looking for the lowest-cost, rear-wheel-drive two-door coupe that keeps its value, you should buy the Subaru BRZ, not the Toyota GR86. U.S. News says, "It's basic, but in a good way, and you're not paying for things you don't need."

Read my report on the GR86 Vs. BRZ, "Consumer Reports Says the Toyota GR86 Is the Worst New Car Deal Right Now, What About Subaru BRZ?" here.

If you are checking out small SUVs, here is the Crosstrek pricing.

The Crosstrek is available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trim levels. The base model starts at $26,540.

The 2024 Crosstrek Premium starts at $28,085, Sport ($30,935), and Limited ($32,440). Wilderness costs $33,540. It's important to note that these prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,345), which are standard across all models. 

Read my Crosstrek Wilderness pricing and model guide report here. 

What is the BRZ pricing?

The BRZ Premium with a 6-speed manual gearbox has a starting price of $31,315. BRZ Limited (6-speed manual) has a starting MSRP of $33,815. The Limited with an automatic transmission starts at $34,765. The new BRZ tS MSRP starts at $36,465. Prices include destination and delivery fees ($1,120). 

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru