Car depreciation is one of the biggest hidden costs of ownership, quietly eroding a vehicle’s value long after the excitement of buying new wears off. While some models manage to hold onto a large portion of their original price, others lose value at a shocking rate within just a few years. After five years on the road, the gap between the best and worst performers can amount to tens of thousands of dollars.
The reasons behind steep depreciation vary widely. Luxury badges don’t always guarantee long-term value, and certain performance models suffer from high running costs that scare off secondhand buyers. Rapid redesigns, poor reliability reputations, and oversupply in the used market can all accelerate how quickly a vehicle’s price drops.
Understanding which cars depreciate the most can help buyers avoid costly mistakes, or take advantage of bargains in the used market. These five models stand out for losing the largest share of their original value after five years, making them cautionary tales for new-car shoppers and potential gold mines for secondhand buyers.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, such as the EPA, Kelley Blue Book, RepairPal, and J.D. Power. Depreciation data was sourced from CarEdge.
New cars are so expensive that a six-figure salary barely cuts it
The modern car market is leaving average buyers behind.
Toyota Mirai
Depreciation after 5 years: 84%
The Mirai is an extremely unique sedan, being one of the only real options on the market that runs on hydrogen. It is also unique in that it is only sold in California. This is because of the extremely limited infrastructure out there for hydrogen refueling. This uniqueness works against the Mirai on the used market, where it depreciates faster than any other car out there.
Performance and efficiency
- Base Trim Engine
-
EV
- Base Trim Transmission
-
Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
182 HP
- Base Trim Torque
-
221 lb.-ft.
- Base Trim Fuel Economy Equivalent (city/highway/combined)
-
76/71/74 mpge
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lithium ion (Li-ion)
- Make
-
Toyota
- Model
-
Mirai
The Mirai operates like a traditional EV, but instead of drawing from a regular battery, it gets its power from hydrogen cells. This means that refueling is faster and simpler than charging a traditional EV, if you can actually find a hydrogen refueling station anywhere near you that is. Toyota’s sedan rides well and is surprisingly athletic, but it is pretty sluggish. Ultimately, it feels more like a marketing tool rather than a car you’d actually want to own.
Pros
- Plush interior
- Handles reasonably well
- 400-mile range
Cons
- Super expensive
- Only available on the West Coast
- Slow for an electric vehicle
Maserati Levante
Depreciation after 5 years: 79%
Maserati has a pretty horrendous reputation in the United States. Their poor reliability, outdated interiors, and low-rent touchpoints make them a really hard sell. Models like the Levante prove this point pretty easily, offering a cramped interior loaded with cheap plastic. Combine all this with a six-figure starting price, and you have a recipe for disaster, which is why they perform so poorly on the used market.
Performance and efficiency
- Base Trim Engine
-
3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
345 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
369 lb-ft @ 1750 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
16/22 MPG
- Make
-
Maserati
- Model
-
Levante
- Segment
-
Midsize Luxury SUV
The Levante was discontinued after the 2024 model year, but even back then it felt about a decade behind its core rivals. Not only was its interior not up to snuff, but its performance was also below par relative to what you’d expect from a six-figure performance SUV. While it is reasonably quick, rivals are faster and more engaging, and the suspension is far too stiff.
Pros
- Great curb appeal
- Engines sound fantastic
- Great power from the V-8 Trofeo
Cons
- Way too expensive for what it is
- Cramped interior
- Cheap interior components detract from its upscale positioning
Forget the Camry—this used German luxury sedan costs less
For less than a loaded Camry, you can snag this sporty German luxury sedan and turn heads everywhere.
Maserati Grecale
Depreciation after 5 years: 79%
The Grecale was introduced for the 2023 model year, slotting in underneath the larger Levante. It does feel like a much more complete luxury car, positioned to do battle with top trims of the Porsche Macan. Unfortunately, any improvements made here were lost on buyers who still view Maserati in a poor light. However, there might be a case to be made for getting a slightly used model at a huge discount here.
Performance and efficiency
- Base Trim Engine
-
Nettuno 3L ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
-
ZF 8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
523 HP @6500 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
457 lb.-ft. @ 3000 RPM
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lead acid battery
- Make
-
Maserati
- Model
-
Grecale
- Segment
-
Compact Luxury SUV
Every Grecale comes with a twin-turbocharged V-6 under the hood, putting down an impressive 386 horsepower. Things like an air-spring suspension system and an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential help make the Grecale feel pretty refined. It is quick off the line and handles pretty well, but rivals like the Macan still come out ahead when it comes to engagement thanks to the Maserati’s numb steering.
Pros
- Super plush interior
- Looks and sounds fantastic
- The balance of ride quality and handling is superb
Cons
- Still far too expensive compared to rivals
- Number steering detracts from the fun
- Back seat isn’t the most spacious
Land Rover Range Rover
Depreciation after 5 years: 74%
In other markets, the Range Rover is considered to be the height of status. While there are pretty major concerns about their reliability and build quality, their status as an icon is enough to carry them. In the United States, they don’t quite have the same amount of clout, with many other options being seen as equally or more prestigious. Thus, used buyers are far less willing to pay for something they know is super unreliable.
Performance and efficiency
- Base Trim Engine
-
3L I6 Hybrid
- Base Trim Transmission
-
ZF 8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
395 HP @5500 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
-
406 lb.-ft. @ 2000 RPM
- Base Trim Fuel Economy (city/highway/combined)
-
19/24/21 MPG
- Base Trim Battery Type
-
Lithium ion (Li-ion)
- Make
-
Land Rover
- Model
-
Range Rover
The Range Rover comes in a number of different forms, with a number of different powertrain setups. Performance isn’t really a weak spot in any iteration of the SUV, though, with all of them coming with ample power and advanced four-wheel drive systems that make them genuinely capable off-road. However, few Range Rover owners are ever likely to find out how capable it is.
Pros
- Downright opulent cabin
- Plenty of powerful powertrains to choose from
- Genuine off-road prowess
Cons
- Third row is pretty cramped
- You’re not going to risk off-roading a six-figure SUV
- Prices go up to nearly $250,000
Forget depreciation: This affordable sports car refuses to lose value
Proof that excitement and strong resale can coexist.
2026 Maserati Quattroporte
Depreciation after 5 years: 72%
Unfortunately, Maserati makes its third appearance on this list with the Quattroporte. Like the Levante, this four-door super sedan was discontinued after the 2024 model year. Also like the Levante, the Quattroporte demanded a ridiculous price for a car that ultimately felt subpar compared to what else was on the market. This means you can find used models for the price of a new camry now, instead of the $140,000 it demanded new.
Performance and efficiency
- Base Trim Engine
-
3.0L Twin-Turbo V6 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
8-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
All-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
424 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
428 lb-ft @ 2250 rpm
- Fuel Economy
-
17/25 MPG
- Make
-
Maserati
- Model
-
Quattroporte
- Segment
-
Full-Size Luxury Sedan
This featured a twin-turbo V-6 that made an absurd amount of power. In 2024, Maserati dropped the optional twin-turbo V-8, but previous model years offered the raucous powertrain on top trims. The Quattroporte was a driver-focused luxury car that delivered a sonorous exhaust note, tight handling, and well-weighted steering. Unfortunately, there were just other super sedans that could do the same for much less money.
Pros
- One of the nicest looking sedans ever built
- Quick off the line
- Fantastic levels of driving engagement
Cons
- Price is just far too high
- Rivals feel far more luxurious inside
- Latest models don’t come with the V-8
