Used car prices are sliding downhill fast. What was once a hot market is now cooling off, with the average used vehicle price dropping from nearly $29,000 in 2023 to around $25,000 in mid-2025. But in the middle of this market freefall, something unusual is happening – certain cars aren’t following the trend. In fact, they’re going up in value.
These aren’t exotic sports cars or limited-run collector vehicles. They’re everyday trucks, SUVs, and sedans that buyers trust, crave, and are willing to pay top dollar for – even as the rest of the used car market sinks.
Here are 13 used cars that are quietly rising in value, and why they might just be the smartest automotive investments right now.
1. Toyota RAV4 (Especially the Hybrid and Prime)
The Toyota RAV4 isn’t just popular – it’s become a juggernaut. In 2023 alone, nearly half a million RAV4s were sold in the U.S., overtaking even longtime leaders like the Ford F-150. The Hybrid model especially is holding its value like a rock, keeping about 75% of its worth after just three years.
Plug-in hybrid versions like the RAV4 Prime are even harder to find, often selling for close to their original price. While prices are settling slightly from the post-pandemic surge, used RAV4s are still in high demand. It’s one of the few SUVs where buying used feels like a smart financial move.
2. Lexus GX 460
Here’s a sleeper hit. The Lexus GX 460 is climbing in value, especially the 2014–2019 models. When the GX got a facelift in 2022, it actually made the older versions more desirable, not less. Off-road fans love the truck-like platform, especially when equipped with KDSS suspension. These SUVs have embarrassed more than a few built-up Jeeps on the trails.
What’s even crazier is the reliability. Less than 0.3% of these vehicles experience engine trouble before 150,000 miles. That’s practically bulletproof, and why clean GXs are getting scooped up fast, often within 45 days of listing.
3. Honda CR-V
The CR-V is the kind of vehicle people buy once and keep forever. From 2017–2019, it was the top-selling SUV in the country, and its used value proves it. A 2019 CR-V EX that originally cost $29,000 can still go for more than $23,000 today – a drop of just 20–25% over five years.
The 1.5L turbo engine delivers solid performance with impressive fuel economy – 28 mpg city and 34 highway. Add in Honda’s top-tier safety system (Honda Sensing) and top crash test scores, and you’ve got an SUV that checks all the boxes for long-term resale.
4. Ram 1500 (Especially Rebel and TRX Trims)
Americans love their trucks, and the Ram 1500 is right up there with the best of them. While most pickups drop in value quickly, high-trim Ram 1500s like the Rebel and TRX are bucking that trend. Rebels retain 35% more value than base trims, and the TRX? That’s still going for over sticker in many cases.
Why? Premium interiors, rugged styling, and off-road credibility make these trucks desirable to both urban drivers and trail junkies alike. If you can find a Longhorn or Limited with all the bells and whistles, expect to pay a premium, and expect it to sell quickly.
5. Toyota Tacoma
The Tacoma isn’t just tough – it’s legendary. Used models routinely pass the 200,000-mile mark without breaking a sweat, and that kind of reputation fuels demand. A 2016 TRD Pro, for example, can still pull in over $33,000. That’s shocking for a vehicle nearly a decade old.
Tacoma’s secret? Consistency. Its design hasn’t changed much, which makes older models feel just as current as newer ones. Combine that with a truck that’s known to hit a million miles (yes, really), and you’ve got one of the safest bets in the used market.
6. Mazda CX-5
Here’s a surprise: the Mazda CX-5 is quietly outperforming its competition in value retention. A 2021 Touring model is only about $7,000 behind the price of a new 2025 version. That’s a depreciation rate of just 25%, compared to over 50% for rivals like the Ford Escape.
Buyers love the turbocharged 2.5L models and the upscale trims like the Signature, which come with Napa leather and sell much faster than base versions. And those SkyActiv engines? They’re proving to be incredibly reliable, often reaching 250,000 miles with basic care.
7. Ford F-150
The F-150 is basically America on wheels. It’s been the bestselling vehicle in the U.S. for decades, and even with recent competition from the Toyota RAV4, it remains a force in the used market. That popularity helps it hold value year after year.
A 2020 F-150 Lariat, depending on condition, can fetch anywhere between $17,000 and $66,000. Add in one of the more powerful engines, like the 3.5L EcoBoost or the 5.0L V8, and you’re looking at a truck that keeps its resale strong while doing just about everything you ask of it.
8. Toyota Land Cruiser
This one’s not just holding value – it’s becoming a collector’s item. After Toyota pulled the Land Cruiser from the U.S. market in 2021, used prices jumped. A 2016 model? Still over $46,000, easily.
The 5.7L V8 might drink gas like a teenager chugs soda, but it lasts forever. Many Land Cruisers pass the 500,000-mile mark, and their reputation for world-class toughness keeps demand high, even with sky-high fuel prices.
9. Honda Civic
The Civic continues to punch above its weight. From 2016–2021, both the sedan and hatchback versions held value like champs. Even with 50,000 miles on the odometer, certain Civic models sell close to what they cost new.
Sport Touring hatchbacks and Si trims are especially popular, and the turbo engines have a strong track record. It’s also one of the few economy cars that performance fans still get excited about, thanks in part to the halo effect of the Civic Type R.
10. Subaru Outback
If you live anywhere with mountains, you already know the Subaru Outback is king. Used values are strong, especially in places like Colorado and Utah, where you’ll often pay $2,000–$3,000 more than in flatter states.
The 2.4L turbo models introduced in 2020 are especially hot right now. Subaru loyalty plays a role too; 97% of Outbacks sold in the last decade are still on the road. That’s not just reliability – that’s practically immortal.
11. Toyota Prius
Don’t laugh, the Prius is a resale monster. Keeping 62% of its value after 5 years is no joke, especially for a sedan. Part of the reason? Rideshare drivers. Uber and Lyft scooped up thousands of them, creating a shortage that’s still affecting used prices.
Even better, the newer Priuses (2016–2022) with Apple CarPlay are selling quickly, often in just over two weeks. And if you’re worried about battery life, don’t be. Over 90% of 2015 models are still running on their original batteries today.
12. Kia Telluride
The Telluride stunned the world when it came out. Even luxury SUVs had to step aside. Used models – especially trims like the Nightfall Edition – sell quickly and hold up better than most three-row SUVs.
In its first few years, demand was so high people were paying over MSRP just to get one. While prices may cool slightly as new models hit the lots, Telluride resale value remains among the best in class.
13. Toyota 4Runner
Rounding out the list is another Toyota legend. The 4Runner is one of the last true body-on-frame SUVs, and it shows. With over 60% value retention after five years, this thing is a resale beast.
Buyers love its rugged build, off-road capability, and the fact that Toyota hasn’t changed it much over the years. Like the Tacoma, it ages well, both mechanically and visually. That makes it especially desirable in snowy, muddy, or mountainous regions.
What Do All These Cars Have in Common?
It’s no coincidence that most of the vehicles on this list come from Toyota, Honda, and Subaru. These brands have built reputations for reliability, simplicity, and long-term value that go beyond flashy tech or wild redesigns. People trust them. And trust is the real currency in the used car market.
When others are buying based on trends, smart buyers are looking at longevity and resale value. These 13 cars prove that just because the market is dipping doesn’t mean your wallet has to suffer. In fact, if you choose the right model, your car might even go up in value.
And that’s a rare kind of upside, especially in 2025.
Raised in a small Arizona town, Kevin grew up surrounded by rugged desert landscapes and a family of hunters. His background in competitive shooting and firearms training has made him an authority on self-defense and gun safety. A certified firearms instructor, Kevin teaches others how to properly handle and maintain their weapons, whether for hunting, home defense, or survival situations. His writing focuses on responsible gun ownership, marksmanship, and the role of firearms in personal preparedness.