Is “America’s favorite truck” too popular to hold its value? See the F-150’s depreciation numbers
The Ford F-150 is the best-selling truck in the U.S., but does that popularity hurt its resale value? New data suggests the F-150 depreciates more than the average pickup, meaning buyers may lose more money over time compared to competitors like the Toyota Tacoma or Chevy Silverado. But it’s darn close to those competitors, and it depreciates much less than the average non-truck vehicles.
The F-150 depreciates slightly faster than the average truck
According to iSeeCars, the average pickup loses 34.8% of its value after five years. The F-150 depreciates 36.0%, making it one of the worst performers in the truck segment. It holds value better than the Ram 1500 (40.6%) and Nissan Titan (43.2%), but lags behind the Toyota Tundra (25.3%) and Chevrolet Colorado (30.2%).
CarEdge data is even less forgiving. It estimates the F-150 loses 51% of its value in five years, leaving it worth $30,245 from an average original price of $61,927. That’s a significant drop for a truck with a reputation for reliability and demand.
Why does the F-150 depreciate faster?
The F-150’s massive sales numbers mean there’s always a steady supply of used models, reducing resale values. “Half-ton pick-ups hold their value extremely well, and the F-150 is no exception,” according to CarEdge. But when comparing trucks side by side, the F-150 still trails key competitors.
Another issue is incentives and fleet sales. Ford sells large numbers of F-150s to rental companies and work fleets, flooding the used market with high-mileage models. Trucks like the Toyota Tacoma (20.4% depreciation) don’t face this issue as much, making them more desirable as used vehicles.
Is the F-150 still a smart buy?
If you plan to keep your truck long-term, depreciation may not matter as much. But for buyers who trade in after a few years, the F-150’s rapid value drop could cost thousands compared to certain rivals.
Should buyers look elsewhere? That depends on priorities. If resale value is a top concern, the Toyota Tundra or Chevrolet Colorado may be smarter choices. But if you want America’s best-selling truck, just be ready for a bigger hit when it’s time to trade in.
