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Does the term commitment send you running for the hills? Are you afraid of anything that requires your time and energy for several years? Whether buying a house, marriage, or buying your next vehicle, you want an escape. One of the best ways to escape the high cost of some SUVs is to find an SUV with the best resale value.

SUVs with the best resale value help you get your money back

A red 2023 Jeep Wrangler small SUV is driving through water.
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler | Jeep

The old joke is that vehicles lose half their value once you drive them off the lot. In some cases, this is still partially true. After the first three to five years of ownership, models like the Cadillac Escalade ESV, Infiniti QX80, Lincoln Navigator, and Ford Expedition depreciate at least 50% or more.

Thankfully, there are still many options to help you avoid losing too much value and retain your escape plan when you get tired of your SUV. Here are five that protect your escape plan:

Lexus NX 350 – 66% 5-Year Resale Value

A front view of the 2023 Lexus NX 350h
2023 Lexus NX 350h | Lexus

The Lexus NX 350 checks off many boxes in the luxury SUV class. This compact Lexus SUV is safe, reliable, and depreciates slowly. The NX 350 is on the smaller side of its class, but the retained value will pay off down the road. The average compact luxury SUV loses 45.8% of its value. The Lexus NX 350 retains its value much better than the BMW X4, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Porsche Macan, Land Rover Range Rover Evoque, and Land Rover Defender.

Toyota C-HR – 69.1% 5-Year Resale Value

Front view of red 2022 Toyota C-HR, J.D. Power most reliable SUV, was just killed
2022 Toyota C-HR | Toyota

It’s a wonder why Toyota stopped making the subcompact C-HR. This little SUV has the best resale value in its class, it’s one of the most reliable and fits well on city streets. The average depreciation for a subcompact crossover SUV is 56.9%, according to iSeeCars. This little Toyota SUV beats the Corolla Cross and RAV4 for resale value. The only model in this class to retain more value than the C-HR is the Subaru Crosstrek.

Subaru Crosstrek – 69.8% 5-Year Resale Value

2024 Subaru Crosstrek
2024 Subaru Crosstrek | Jeenah Moon/Bloomberg via Getty Images

As mentioned, this small Subaru SUV is the only model in the subcompact crossover SUV class to best the Toyota C-HR. The low depreciation rate places the Crosstrek at a 10.1% higher value than the average subcompact SUV. The Crosstrek is the best SUV in its class, leading the way in a category with market stalwarts like the Honda HR-V and Mazda CX-3.

Toyota 4Runner – 75.3% 5-Year Resale Value

A red 2021 Toyota 4Runner is an example of one of the best used Toyota 4Runner model years
2021 Toyota 4Runner | Toyota USA

 The runner-up among SUVs with the best resale value is the Toyota 4Runner. This body-on-frame Toyota SUV is rugged and capable. The 4Runner is one of the most reliable vehicles in the entire market. This SUV has a value that is 20.8% higher than the average midsize SUV. The closest rivals in terms of retained value are the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Toyota Highlander, and Subaru Ascent.

Jeep Wrangler – 91.1% 5-Year Resale Value

A red Jeep Wrangler shows its winter performance by climbing up a mountainside covered in snow.
2019 Jeep Wrangler | Jeep, Stellantis

On-road comfort doesn’t mean a thing when discussing one of the best SUVs in the entire market. The Jeep Wrangler tops the charts as the SUV with the best resale value. After five years, this Jeep SUV only loses 8.9% of its original value. The Wrangler lineup includes gas-powered and PHEV models, offering several great options. The Jeep Wrangler provides a much better depreciation rate than the Toyota RAV4, Toyota Venza, Subaru Forester, Subaru Outback, Mazda CX-5, and Toyota Corolla Cross.

Could one of these value-protecting SUVs meet your needs while satisfying your fear of commitment?

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