Today’s high auto prices make resale value critical. These models have the best potential of keeping their value.
Kristin Kurens
Editor & Writer With Over 14 Years Experience in Publishing
January 26, 2026 • Advertising Disclosure
If you’re looking to buy a new car, it’s essential to think about the long game. Prices are high and new cars notoriously start losing value the instant they leave the lot.
So you’re wise to think about this big investment in terms of both what you can afford now and of what your new ride will be worth a few years down the road.
In the context of leased cars, that future worth is known as residual value, and it’s an indicator of both affordability and long-term resale value.
J.D. Power recently released its 2026 ALG Residual Value Awards, analyzing 300 models to find which vehicles are most likely to hold the highest percentage of their manufacturer’s suggested retail price after a three-year lease.
“ALG” stands for “Automotive Lease Guide,” but residual values can help guide you in selecting a car model that holds its value well regardless of whether you buy or lease it.
The analysis included a number of factors for calculating a vehicle’s residual value, including the following:
If you want to make a smart buy that retains its value, following are the models you should be watching based on J.D. Power’s study. If you end up buying a car, make sure to shop around for car insurance.
While SUVs and trucks dominate the road, some traditional cars still offer excellent value retention in specific niches. Here are the 2026 models projected to hold their value best:
Utility vehicles are the bread and butter of the American auto market. If you’re looking for a family hauler that can maintain its worth, check out these models:
In the competitive truck market, these models are the most promising investments, according to J.D. Power’s analysis.
EVs are facing a volatile resale environment, but these models lead their segments.
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