5-Year Depreciation: Trucks vs Sedans
Full-size trucks consistently rank among the best-depreciating vehicles in America while traditional sedans rank among the worst. The difference is more than 15 percentage points over 5 years on comparable-price vehicles -- translating to $5,000-$10,000 in real dollar difference at trade-in time. Here is the analysis that explains why America is shifting to trucks financially, not just stylistically.
5-year depreciation cost comparison -- trucks vs sedans vs luxury
| Vehicle | New Price | 5-Year Est. Resale | 5-Year Depreciation | Cost Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F-150 (XLT) | $45,000 | $26,100 (58%) | $18,900 | $3,780/yr |
| Toyota Camry (LE) | $28,400 | $13,600 (48%) | $14,800 | $2,960/yr |
| BMW 3 Series | $44,000 | $19,800 (45%) | $24,200 | $4,840/yr |
| Honda Civic | $24,000 | $12,720 (53%) | $11,280 | $2,256/yr |
| Chevy Silverado 1500 | $43,000 | $24,510 (57%) | $18,490 | $3,698/yr |
| Mercedes C-Class | $48,000 | $19,200 (40%) | $28,800 | $5,760/yr |
Trucks maintain higher resale value because they serve dual purposes: personal transportation AND work vehicle. This broader demand base -- contractors, farmers, small business owners, outdoor recreation enthusiasts -- prevents the dramatic value collapse seen in vehicles with narrower appeal. The Ford F-150 is the best-selling vehicle in the US largely because buyers have internalized this value retention.
Why Trucks Hold Value Better
- Full-size trucks maintain 55-65% of value after 5 years vs 45-55% for comparable sedans
- Work truck demand provides a price floor that personal-use-only sedans lack
- Fuel efficiency gap is narrowing -- modern truck MPG is competitive with older sedans
- Sedans win on total cost when fuel savings offset higher depreciation (for high-mileage drivers)
- Crossover SUVs occupy a middle ground -- better depreciation than sedans, slightly worse than trucks
When Sedans Win on Total Cost of Ownership
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