Car Depreciation by Year (2026)
How much value does a car lose each year?
A typical car keeps about 82% of its new price after one year, 68% after three and 57% after five. That is the median of 79 popular models, comparing each trim with the same trim new, from 547,483 cars for sale on November 9, 2026.
cars · November 9, 2026
Value kept by age, median model
| Age | Model year | Value kept | Middle half of models | Models |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | 2025 | 82% | 77%–85% | 89 |
| 2 years | 2024 | 74% | 69%–79% | 81 |
| 3 years | 2023 | 68% | 62%–72% | 79 |
| 4 years | 2022 | 61% | 56%–66% | 75 |
| 5 years | 2021 | 57% | 51%–61% | 72 |
| 6 years | 2020 | 51% | 46%–57% | 61 |
| 7 years | 2019 | 47% | 40%–53% | 54 |
| 8 years | 2018 | 41% | 34%–47% | 45 |
The first year costs the most
The first year takes 18% of the price. After that a car loses about 6 points of its new price a year. On a $45,000 car that is about $8,500 in year one, then about $3,000 a year.
Buying a car two or three years old lets the first owner absorb the steepest part of the curve, while the car is often still under its original warranty.
Some cars lose value much faster than others
After three years, the middle half of models keep between 62% and 72%. Affordable compact cars and pickups sit at the top; luxury SUVs and sedans at the bottom. A new generation can also knock the previous one down in one step.
See cars that hold their value best, cars that lose value fastest and how a new generation affects used prices.
By model: Toyota Tacoma, Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford F-150, Jeep Wrangler, Chevrolet Tahoe, Cadillac Escalade, Toyota 4Runner, Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, BMW X5, Ram 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Ford Bronco, Subaru Outback, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Toyota Tundra, Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Corolla.
About the data
We compared asking prices for cars listed for sale in the U.S. on November 9, 2026, one listing per car. "New" is the median asking price of new 2026 models. For each older model year we used cars with about 12,000 miles a year for their age (for example 27,000–45,000 miles for a 2023). We compared every trim with the same trim new and averaged the trims, weighted by the number of cars, so a shift in trim mix does not look like depreciation. Typical asking prices in the tables are the median of all trims at that age.
This is a snapshot of today's prices by age, not one car followed over time. A car you buy now can lose value faster or slower, especially if a new generation arrives. Asking prices are before negotiation, taxes and fees. New cars often sell below sticker, so the real first-year loss can be smaller than shown. We left out modified cars and prices that were clearly not a full asking price.
Questions
How much does a car depreciate per year?
About 18% in the first year, then about 6 points of the new price each year after. A typical car keeps 68% after three years and 57% after five.
How much is a 3-year-old car worth?
About 68% of the same car new, for the median of 79 models. The middle half range from 62% to 72%.
How much is a 5-year-old car worth?
About 57% of the same car new (middle half: 51%–61%).
When does a car lose the most value?
In the first year: about 18% of the price. Later years cost about 6 points each.