A US analytics firm tracked how quickly vehicles in the country’s used-car market lose value, aiming to identify models that shed value the fastest. The study spotlights three clear leaders in depreciation among well-known models.
Leading the pack is the Nissan Leaf, which shows a pronounced decline in resale value, dropping about 49% over three years. The electric-vehicle segment remains relatively young, and rapid tech progress, shifting consumer tastes, and evolving resale channels can quickly render older configurations less competitive. This dynamic helps explain why the Leaf can relinquish a sizable portion of its original price after three years. Still, the Leaf also holds a strong reputation as one of the best-selling electric cars in history, with real-world range improving over time. Across model years, the battery range expanded from roughly 117 km to about 364 km, reflecting ongoing gains in efficiency and battery technology.
Second on the depreciation list is the Range Rover, with around a 44% drop over the same period. This lineage is a storied four-wheel-drive icon that debuted in 1970 and has evolved through five generations. Starting from a higher initial price tag—typically in the six-figure range—the model experiences a substantial decline when purchased used. A blend of luxury appeal, brand prestige, and rising maintenance costs can influence resale value, yet these vehicles continue to attract buyers who seek capability and status in one package.
Third is the Altima, showing roughly a 42% depreciation. The Altima is a mid-sized sedan that has been part of Nissan’s lineup since 1992 and has become one of the brand’s best-selling models. For buyers focused on long-term budgeting, a used Altima can present a more economical option compared with rivals such as the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, thanks to its mix of reliability, comfort, and affordable parts and upkeep. The broader market also notes that mid-size sedans in this category can experience sharper depreciation when newer generations or redesigned competitors enter the scene.
The list of the ten models with the fastest depreciation also includes:
- Kia Sorento – 41%
- Tesla Model S – 40%
- Porsche Cayenne – 40%
- Jeep Cherokee – 39%
- Kia Telluride – 38%
- Acura MDX – 37%
- Jeep Grand Cherokee – 37%
For the calculations, data from the CarEdge depreciation calculator was used. This tool estimates how much the average purchase price of each model declines over the first three years, based on an assumed annual mileage of about 20,000 kilometers. The methodology helps buyers understand typical ownership costs, including how quickly different models shed value as wear accrues, features evolve, and consumer demand shifts. In practice, these depreciation figures can influence decisions about financing, insurance, and overall total cost of ownership, particularly for buyers weighing the appeal of new versus used vehicles in the North American market. (CarEdge depreciation calculator, attribution)