New cars are depreciating assets, no matter how you look at it. However, smart car buyers can minimize depreciation by selecting a vehicle with a high residual value, AKA resale value, should you ever decide to sell. Here are the top ten cars under $40,000 with the best resale value after five years. Don’t forget to check out the best resale values for new cars under $30,000.

1. Nissan Frontier

Starting MSRP: $32,020 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $40,871
5-Year Residual: 88.6%

Why it’s great: The Nissan Frontier stands out in the midsize truck segment with 310-horsepower, responsive driving, build flexibility, and unmatched resale value. The Frontier comes standard with a 5.0-foot bed, and for those needing more cargo space, there’s an optional 6.0-foot bed—something the competition doesn’t offer. Although it doesn’t tow as much as the Toyota Tacoma, the Frontier compensates with a lower cost and the best resale value among midsize trucks.

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2. Toyota Tacoma

Starting MSRP: $32,995 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $46,407
5-Year Residual: 88.0%

Why it’s great: The Toyota Tacoma is praised by nearly everyone who drives it for its exceptional durability and practicality. In 2024, the Tacoma remains a standout in the midsize truck market, offering an updated exterior and a greatly modernized interior. The new design enhances both its rugged appeal and comfort, which can be tough to balance. One of the most significant updates for 2024 is the availability of a hybrid powertrain, providing better fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. Compared to larger truck competitors, the Tacoma is more likely to be found closer to the $40,000 price point. The Tacoma is one of the trucks that has the best resale value, year after year.

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3. Honda Pilot

Starting MSRP: $38,485 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $49,221
5-Year Residual: 86.0%

Why it’s great: The 2024 Honda Pilot is a top choice for families, thanks to its spacious three-row cabin. In a market crowded with mid-size SUVs, the Pilot distinguishes itself with practicality and versatility. Under the hood, the Pilot features a robust 285-horsepower V-6 engine paired with a smooth 10-speed automatic transmission. While front-wheel drive is standard, all-wheel drive is available for those who need it. For adventurous families, the Pilot offers the TrailSport model, which includes higher ground clearance, all-terrain tires, and even skid plates. With a 5-year residual value of 86.0%, the Honda Pilot has one of the best resale values of any SUV today.

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4. Mazda MX-5 Miata

Starting MSRP: $30,170 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $34,745
5-Year Residual: 85.8%

Why it’s great: The Mazda MX-5 Miata is cherished as the most affordable true sports car, delivering an exhilarating driving experience without a hefty price tag. Under the hood, it boasts a 181-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, providing ample power to make every drive a thrill. Known for its lightweight construction and superb handling, the Miata offers a responsive and engaging ride that appeals to enthusiasts on a budget. With such a high resale value, the Mazda Miata is a good choice for sports car lovers who prefer to upgrade to the latest and greatest. 

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5. GMC Canyon

Starting MSRP: $37,595 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $48,760
5-Year Residual: 85.3%

Why it’s great: The GMC Canyon combines power and capability in a mid-size package. Under the hood, the Canyon features a robust 310-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which lends to a segment-leading towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. Its excellent resale value further enhances its appeal.

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6. Chevrolet Colorado

Starting MSRP: $31,095 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $42,112
5-Year Residual: 84.0%

Why it’s great: Chevrolet’s companion to the Canyon, the mid-sized Colorado, is a well-equipped truck with a great resale value. Powered by a turbocharged 2.7-liter engine, the Colorado is suitably powered for most tasks. The Colorado features a four-door cab with a five-foot bed and can be equipped with either rear- or four-wheel drive. With a maximum towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds, the Colorado is one of the most capable trucks in its class. 

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7. Honda Odyssey

Starting MSRP: $39,635 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $45,395
5-Year Residual: 83.6%

Why it’s great: The eight-seater Odyssey showcases Honda’s commitment to family haulers with a quick V-6 engine, a refined ride, solid handling, and more room than 99% of families even need. The Odyssey’s innovative Magic Slide seat system allows for versatile second-row seat configurations. The third-row seats can be stowed into the floor to expand cargo capacity. While it may not have as many high-tech features as rivals, it beats them outright as the van with the best resale value in 2024. 

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8. Subaru Outback

Starting MSRP: $30,240 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $39,573
5-Year Residual: 83.2%

Why it’s great: The Subaru Outback combines the best of both worlds with its SUV-like styling and car-like ride, making it a versatile choice for a variety of driving needs. Every Outback comes with all-wheel drive, ensuring excellent traction and stability in various driving conditions. While the cabin provides decent comfort and functionality, it stops short of luxury, focusing instead on practicality and durability. The Subaru Outback’s combination of versatility and reliability makes it a standout choice for those seeking an all-weather car with excellent retail value.

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9. Honda CR-V

Starting MSRP: $30,850 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $37,286
5-Year Residual: 83.0%

Why it’s great: The Honda CR-V is a perennial favorite in the compact SUV segment, known for its reliability and affordable pricing. The CR-V’s spacious interior and cargo capacity make it an ideal choice for families looking for a no-frills crossover. On the downside, the CR-V is so popular that it can be tough to negotiate. Fear not, the CarEdge Concierge team can help with that. 

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10. Mazda CX-5

Starting MSRP: $30,720 (including destination fees)
Average Selling Price in 2024: $34,141
5-Year Residual: 82.7%

Why it’s great: Although newer competitors have emerged, the CX-5 continues to impress with its superb handling and refined interior. Under the hood, the CX-5 features a 187-horsepower with standard all-wheel drive. For those seeking more power, the optional 256-horsepower turbocharged 2.5-liter engine is the way to go. While the CX-5 sacrifices some cargo space for its stylish design, the cabin exudes luxury and comfort, making it a pleasure to drive and ride in. Despite its age (7 years on the market), the CX-5 continues to impress and attract more fans. With a 5-year residual value of 82.7%, you can stress less should you need to upgrade from this workhorse in the future.

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There’s a Better Way to Buy

Finding a car that holds its value well is a smart financial decision. The Nissan Frontier, Toyota Tacoma, Honda Pilot, and other models listed here offer robust features, great driving experiences, and notably, the best resale values. Looking for more DIY car buying tools? Check out CarEdge Insights for behind-the-scenes access!

Tired of car shopping hassles? Let us do it for you with our CarEdge Concierge service. Our experts can find the perfect vehicle for your needs, negotiate the best price, and handle all the details, saving you time and money. Learn more about CarEdge Concierge, the #1 car buying service in America.