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Subaru has consistently been among the best car brands with the highest resale value. I cover the Japanese automaker's resale values annually, and a new report from CarEdge says that Subaru is the top car brand for resale value after 3, 5, and 7 years. Which Subaru model is the best? 

The Subaru Forester is ranked the best for resale value.

According to CarEdge, the Forester is the top-ranked Subaru model with a 91.74 percent 5-year residual value. The Subaru Outback is the next best Subaru model with an 87.55% 5-year residual value. Here are the top five Subaru model's 5-year residual value ranking. 

1. Subaru Forester 91.74%
2. Subaru Outback 87.55% 
3. Subaru Legacy 86.74% 
4. Subaru Crosstrek 85.90%
5. Subaru Impreza 85.00%

My Take

The 2024 Subaru Forester is the best Subaru model right now. That could change, but in 2024, the Forester compact SUV will be a smart choice for customers. 

There are two significant reasons. 

1. The fifth-generation Forester is in the last year of its life cycle. Because all the "bugs" have been fixed, it's the most reliable Subaru model in the lineup. According to Consumer Reports (by subscription), it's one of the ten most reliable models you can buy this year.

Consumer Reports 10 Most Reliable Cars - It’s The Subaru Forester Again @DenisFlierl @AllSubaru @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #subaruforesterhttps://t.co/X57o5JPmiY
— Subaru Report (@SubaruReport) November 29, 2023

2. The Subaru Forester is the hardest-to-find new Subaru model this year. If you can order one now, it will remain the highest resale value model in three to five years. You can trade it in on a next-generation Forester model and get the highest trade-in.  

How does the Subaru brand compare with other automakers?

The Best Car Brands for Resale Value After 5 Years

1. Subaru
2. Mazda
3. Ram
4. Volkswagen
5. Honda 
6. Toyota
7. Mitsubishi
8. Dodge
9. Kia
10. Jeep

10 Car Brands With The Best Resale Value, Why Subaru Gets The Top Spot @SubaruReport @torquenewsauto#subaru #forester #outback #subaruforesterhttps://t.co/1le9VJKP37
— Denis Flierl (@DenisFlierl) January 29, 2024

What does CarEdge say about Subaru?

Subaru ranks first (#1) in retained value after 3, 5, and 7 years of ownership. 

What is the best model year for used car shoppers?

2022 is their top pick for the best-used model year value for Subaru vehicles. 

"With 2022 models, you would only pay, on average, 100 percent of the price as new, with 100 percent of the vehicle's useful life remaining. The 2021 and 2020 model years are also attractive for the Subaru models, providing a relatively good value."

After covering Subaru values for over 12 years, I've found that all Subaru models have consistently high residual values from year to year.

How does Subaru do it?

Subaru keeps inventory levels low, and they don't mass market their vehicles to commercial companies or rental car agencies. 

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this 2024 Subaru Forester story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

• The 3 New Highly Anticipated Redesigned Subaru Models And What's Next
• The Surprising Shift That's Taking Place At Subaru Of America Now
• Subaru’s Safest Car According To A New U.S. News Report, But It’s Been Discontinued

Watch 2024 Subaru Forester: The Best Subaru?

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: main image Competition Subaru