How Subaru’s Resale Value Stacks Up Against the Competition

Subaru’s reputation for bulletproof reliability—ranked just behind Toyota in Consumer Reports’ latest dependability study—translates directly into some of the strongest resale values in the mainstream segment. According to CarEdge’s analysis, Subaru ranks second among mainstream brands for 5-year residual value, sitting at 61.2% and sandwiched between Toyota (64.9%) and Honda (60.5%). When cross-referenced with iSeeCars data, Subaru’s 5-year retained value climbs to 65.5%, still placing it in the top three mainstream brands behind Toyota (69.6%) and Honda (66.1%).

The brand’s consistent performance across both datasets underscores its appeal in the used market, though it also means buyers face higher entry prices for lightly used Subarus. Among non-premium brands, only Subaru, Toyota, and Honda clear the 60% threshold in CarEdge’s rankings, with Mazda narrowly missing at 59.7%. Mini and Ram tie at 59.5%, while GMC sits at 56.5%.

The gap widens further down the list, with Fiat (52.0%), Hyundai (52.0%), and Chevrolet (51.6%) rounding out the top 10. At the bottom, Chrysler (38.4%) and Dodge (38.2%) anchor the list, reflecting broader reliability issues plaguing American brands. Model-level data reveals even starker contrasts within Subaru’s lineup.

The BRZ sports coupe dominates resale performance, with both CarEdge (76.4%) and iSeeCars (76.1%) pegging its 5-year retained value near 76%. Kelley Blue Book’s estimate for a 2026 BRZ is notably lower at 50.9%, highlighting discrepancies between valuation models. Beyond the BRZ, the rest of Subaru’s range clusters tightly.

CarEdge ranks the Impreza at 69.1%, followed by the WRX (67.1%), Crosstrek (66.3%), and Forester (64.7%). iSeeCars’ figures flip the script slightly: Crosstrek leads at 71.2%, with the Impreza at 70.9%, WRX at 70.2%, and Forester at 67.5%. The Forester also claims the lowest insurance costs among the group. While the BRZ’s halo effect skews Subaru’s averages upward, the brand’s broader lineup—excluding the newer electric models—still outperforms most rivals in long-term value retention.