Skip to main content
2021 Ford F-150 on top of a hill

Avoid These Pickups With Unreasonably High Depreciation Rates

Buying a new pickup truck is not a cheap endeavor. In fact, odds are that you’re going to spend a significant amount on that shiny new truck of yours. Chances are, then, that you would prefer to buy a pickup that’s able to hold its value. Which, let’s be honest, makes total sense.  Unfortunately, not …

Buying a new pickup truck is not a cheap endeavor. In fact, odds are that you’re going to spend a significant amount on that shiny new truck of yours. Chances are, then, that you would prefer to buy a pickup that’s able to hold its value. Which, let’s be honest, makes total sense. 

Unfortunately, not all trucks are known for holding their value over a five-year period. While some trucks are certainly able to do so, others depreciate at a higher rate than average. According to iSeecars, which analyzed data collected from 7.7 million new and used car sales in 2015, the average five-year depreciation rate for light-duty pickups is 44.1%.

With that percentage in mind, you’re probably going to want to steer clear of pickups that have higher than average depreciation rates.  Fortunately, we’re here to tell you what those trucks are.

2021 Ford F-150 on top of a hill
2021 Ford F-150 | Ford

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a pickup that misses the mark

At first glance, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 might seem like a great truck. It’s available with a variety of different engines under the hood and can tow up to 13,300-pounds. Unfortunately, what this truck doesn’t have going for it is its high depreciation rate. While the average five-year depreciation rate for light-duty pickup trucks is 44.1%, iSee Cars reports that the Chevy Silverado 1500 depreciates 45.2% after five years. 

2021 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss
2021 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss | Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Colorado pickup struggles when it comes to resale value

Much like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, the Chevrolet Colorado is a pickup that struggles to hold its value beyond the five year mark. In fact, according to iSee Cars, you can expect the Chevy Colorado to depreciate approximately 46.0% after five years of ownership. 

2021 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 pickup driving
2021 Chevrolet Colorado Z71 | Chevrolet

Avoid the GMC Sierra 1500 if you want a truck that holds its value

Avoid the GMC Sierra 1500 if you’re a stickler for resale value too. iSee Cars reports that based on its findings, you can expect the GMC Sierra 1500 to depreciate 46.1% over five years, which is a slightly higher depreciation rate than that of the Colorado’s. But that’s not the only reason to avoid the GMC Sierra 1500. According to Consumer Reports, this year’s model also struggles with reliability. 

2021 GMC Sierra Denali parked
2021 GMC Sierra Denali | GMC

The Nissan Titan depreciates at a higher rate than average

And if you’re thinking about buying a Nissan Titan? Well, you’re going to want to think again. According to iSee Cars’ data, the Nissan Titan depreciates 46.9% over five years, which is a much higher rate of depreciation than average. That’s not the only reason to avoid the Nissan Titan either. Much like the GMC Sierra 1500, the Titan has earned some disappointing reliability ratings from Consumer Reports

A 2021 Nissan Titan pickup navigates a steep hill
2021 Nissan Titan Pickup | Nissan Motor Corporation

iSee Cars says the Ford F-150 struggles to hold its value

I know. The Ford F-150 depreciates faster than the average truck?! How could that be? But according to iSee Cars’ data, it is true. In fact, based on the data analyzed by iSee Cars, you can expect a new Ford F-150 to depreciate 47.3% over five years of ownership.

2021 Ford F-150 driving down a country road
2021 Ford F-150 Pickup | Ford

The Ram 1500 boasts the highest depreciation rate among light-duty pickups

As for the truck with the worst depreciation rate? That honor goes to the Ram 1500, which according to iSee Cars, will depreciate 49.3% over five years of ownership. Compare that to the segment average of 44.1% and that figure is extremely disappointing. 

A silver 2021 Ram 1500 Laramie pickup truck parked on wet asphalt at the foot of a cliff
2021 Ram 1500 Laramie | Stellantis