Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox has been a solid seller, but too many fleet and rental sales have hurt its long-term value. Oversupply in the used car market is creating stiff competition, and upcoming redesigns make older versions less appealing. Buyers will have no shortage of newer, more efficient compact SUVs to choose from. Industry experts forecast a 42 percent value loss by 2026, making the Equinox one of the least profitable vehicles to own for long-term resale value.
Ram 1500 Classic
The Ram 1500 Classic was once a smart budget option for truck buyers, but it has been overshadowed by newer, more advanced competitors. Its older design and limited technology are beginning to show their age. While it remains popular among fleet buyers, private resale demand has slowed. By 2026, depreciation is expected to reach around 40 percent as consumers favor the updated Ram 1500 and other modern trucks that offer greater towing power, fuel efficiency, and comfort features.
Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima has been a reliable daily driver for years, but the resale market tells a different story. The popularity of crossovers and SUVs is pushing sedans like the Altima out of favor, and used models are piling up at dealerships. With plenty of low-mileage lease returns flooding the market, experts predict depreciation as high as 45 percent by 2026. Drivers who bought recently could see values drop much faster than they expect, especially compared to smaller SUVs.
Volkswagen Passat
With Volkswagen discontinuing the Passat in North America, resale values are falling quickly. While some discontinued models gain collectible status, the Passat is not expected to follow that path. Limited demand, uncertain parts availability, and shifting consumer preferences are all contributing to steep value losses. By 2026, used Passats could lose more than 45 percent of their original value. Volkswagen is moving buyers toward its ID electric models, which leaves this traditional sedan with little future appeal.
Chevrolet Malibu
Once a staple of the midsize sedan category, the Chevrolet Malibu has struggled to stay relevant in a world dominated by SUVs. Chevrolet has hinted that the model’s future may be limited, and low consumer demand has already started to drag down resale prices. Analysts believe depreciation could reach 50 percent by the end of 2026. Buyers seeking long-term value are turning to other vehicles, while automakers shift investments toward electric and hybrid options instead of traditional sedans.
Jeep Cherokee
The Jeep Cherokee once had a reputation for toughness and versatility, but newer competition has made it less appealing. Outdated design elements and reliability issues are causing resale values to tumble. Jeep is also redirecting its focus to electric SUVs, leaving older gas-powered models behind. Analysts expect depreciation close to 40 percent by 2026. Drivers who bought recent versions may find trade-in offers disappointing as the model fades from the brand’s priority lineup in the coming years.
Kia Forte
The Kia Forte’s main selling point has always been affordability, but that advantage fades quickly when it comes time to resell. The compact sedan market continues to shrink, and many buyers now prefer small crossovers. Even though Kia’s reliability reputation has improved, resale values for the Forte are dropping faster than average. Analysts predict a 45 percent decline by 2026, driven by oversupply and shifting consumer interest toward more practical and higher-riding vehicles with better long-term versatility.
Ford Escape
The Ford Escape is a familiar name in compact SUVs, but the market has caught up. A wave of redesigned competitors has made the Escape’s aging features and modest reliability ratings harder to overlook. Ford has shifted its attention to the Bronco Sport and its expanding EV lineup, leaving the Escape less desirable. Depreciation could reach 40 percent by 2026, as buyers seek fresher alternatives with more technology and better fuel efficiency in the small SUV segment.
Mitsubishi Mirage
The Mitsubishi Mirage may be one of the cheapest new cars available, but it is also one of the fastest to lose value. Its weak engine, limited safety features, and dated design make it a tough sell on the used market. Analysts predict depreciation approaching 60 percent by 2026. The Mirage’s low initial price attracts first-time buyers, but owners are often disappointed when they realize how little the car is worth after only a few years of ownership.
Hyundai Sonata
The Hyundai Sonata has been a long-standing player in the midsize sedan market, but declining interest in sedans overall is affecting its value. Despite its sleek design and modern features, resale prices have dropped due to the flood of competing SUVs. Hyundai’s focus on electric vehicles like the Ioniq 6 has also shifted attention away from this model. By 2026, experts expect depreciation near 45 percent, with used buyers gravitating toward hybrid options instead of gas-powered sedans.
GMC Terrain
The GMC Terrain occupies a crowded segment filled with strong competitors that offer better value for the money. Buyers often find similar features in less expensive compact SUVs, which hurts the Terrain’s resale potential. Reliability scores have been mixed, and many buyers prefer newer electric or hybrid alternatives. Depreciation is projected to hit around 43 percent by 2026, making the Terrain one of GMC’s weaker performers when it comes to long-term value retention in the small SUV category.
Toyota Mirai
The Toyota Mirai was designed to showcase hydrogen technology, but it remains impractical for most drivers due to the lack of fueling stations. The vehicle is mostly confined to California markets, and resale demand outside that region is nearly nonexistent. With limited adoption of hydrogen infrastructure, analysts predict a staggering 60 percent drop in value by 2026. The Mirai may be technologically interesting, but for most buyers, it represents one of the steepest financial losses in the auto market.
Infiniti Q50
The Infiniti Q50 struggles to maintain its place among modern luxury sedans. Its design has barely changed in years, and rivals like BMW and Lexus offer more up-to-date technology and stronger resale histories. High ownership costs and a shrinking customer base are accelerating depreciation. By 2026, the Q50 is expected to lose roughly 45 percent of its value. Without a significant refresh or an electrified replacement, Infiniti’s aging sedan is unlikely to recover its former market position.
Buick Envision
The Buick Envision was intended to bridge the gap between mainstream and luxury vehicles, but it has struggled to capture consistent buyers. Competing models from Lexus, Acura, and BMW offer stronger resale histories and broader brand appeal. The Envision’s value continues to slide as the market shifts toward electric and hybrid SUVs. Analysts forecast depreciation around 44 percent by 2026. Buick may soon focus its efforts on fully electric crossovers, leaving current Envision owners with lower-than-expected resale prices.
Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf helped introduce electric driving to the mainstream, but newer EVs have left it behind. Its limited range and slow charging speeds make it less attractive to today’s used buyers. As EV technology advances rapidly, the Leaf’s older battery systems are losing relevance. Resale values are expected to decline by more than 50 percent by 2026, especially for early models. Even with a loyal fan base, the Leaf’s outdated technology puts it at a financial disadvantage.
Chrysler 300
The Chrysler 300 has been around for decades, but its era is ending. With production wrapping up, the large sedan is losing market traction. Its heavy design and aging engine options make it less appealing to modern drivers focused on efficiency. The 300 is expected to depreciate around 45 percent by 2026. While some owners appreciate its bold styling, most buyers are looking elsewhere. Without fresh updates or new features, the 300’s resale value will continue to slide.
Honda Insight
The Honda Insight earned early praise for fuel efficiency, but the hybrid segment has become more competitive. Honda has discontinued the model, and most buyers now prefer the Accord Hybrid or other larger options. Without ongoing support or updates, used Insights are losing relevance quickly. Depreciation is estimated at 40 to 50 percent by 2026. While the Insight remains reliable, its resale outlook is weak because automakers and consumers alike are focusing on next-generation hybrid and electric vehicles.
Subaru Legacy
The Subaru Legacy offers strong all-wheel drive and a comfortable ride, but it suffers from being a traditional sedan in an SUV-focused market. Sales have declined for several years, and even loyal Subaru fans are moving toward the Outback or Forester. Analysts predict the Legacy will lose about 38 percent of its value by 2026. While it remains dependable, its limited demand on the used market will keep prices soft as consumer preferences continue to favor crossovers and wagons.
(Early Models)
The Volkswagen ID.4 was an early attempt at a mainstream electric SUV, but first-generation models are quickly becoming outdated. With software updates and improved range in newer versions, early ID.4 owners are seeing resale prices drop. Buyers are hesitant to purchase used EVs without the latest charging features. Depreciation could exceed 45 percent by 2026, particularly as competition in the electric SUV segment increases. Early adopters are learning that rapid EV progress can make older models lose value quickly.
Tesla Model S (Pre-2023 Models)
Even the Tesla Model S, once the most advanced luxury EV on the road, is not immune to steep depreciation. Rapid improvements in range, performance, and design have made older models less desirable. With battery degradation and high maintenance costs for early versions, resale values are declining faster than expected. Analysts estimate up to 50 percent depreciation by 2026. The Model S remains impressive, but newer technology and cheaper alternatives are eroding its once-dominant position in the used EV market.
