Surging Used-Price Trends in Premium Crossovers and SUVs Across North America
In recent years, price growth has outpaced expectations more than depreciation. Premium crossovers and SUVs show steep gains even on the secondary market. A vehicle bought new in 2019 can now carry a price tag that is 40 percent higher or more, depending on the model and condition. This trend reflects strong demand, limited new-vehicle supply, and the premium segment’s enduring appeal among buyers who seek comfort, performance, and advanced technology.
These observations come from industry analyses that track residual value and market liquidity. Premium crossovers, in particular, have seen a tightening supply in several markets, with some models no longer produced domestically or officially imported. The resulting scarcity helps sustain higher asking prices for well-maintained examples in the used-car market, especially in well-served regions across Canada and the United States. As a result, owners of liquid, high-end SUVs and crossovers often prefer to hold onto their vehicles rather than sell, as the resale value can exceed the total cost of replacing them with new models that would command much higher sticker prices.
It should be noted that sanctions, import restrictions, and brand-specific distribution changes have complicated the purchase landscape for certain models. Buyers in 2023 faced fewer options from traditional leaders in the premium segment, with brands that historically topped sales among the most affected by these market shifts. The resulting liquidity of premium vehicles remains high in many cases due to perceived reliability and the sophisticated equipment commonly found in these models, which supports their continued desirability and resale strength.
Among compact premium crossovers, models that have shown strong resale performance include several well-known names from European brands, as well as competitive offerings from other manufacturers. In the broader luxury SUV category, several models stand out for their quick turnover on the used-vehicle market, demonstrating robust demand from buyers who value luxury, capability, and prestige. In larger luxury SUV classes, certain flagship models maintain liquidity thanks to their reputation, power, and expansive feature sets. This dynamic underscores a persistent trend: premium crossovers and SUVs retain value more effectively than many other segments, even when new-vehicle inventories are constrained and purchase channels are restricted.
Dealers and consumers alike can benefit from understanding these patterns, as they influence pricing strategies, trade-in expectations, and the overall cost of ownership for premium vehicles in Canada and the United States. While the exact depreciation curve varies by model, trim, mileage, and maintenance history, the overarching message remains clear: the premium SUV market demonstrates resilience, with used examples often outperforming many other segments in terms of retained value and saleability.