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Cars that hold their value best in 2026: seven models with the strongest residual values

Updated 7 cars in this ranking

Depreciation is usually the biggest single cost of owning a new car, and it varies more between models than fuel or insurance. In October 2026 the German magazine Auto Bild and the valuation company JD Power Schwacke published their annual Wertmeister ranking. It names, for each class, the model whose best version keeps the highest share of its list price after 36 months and 60,000 km. The figures are Schwacke's forecasts of dealer buying prices in Germany. The seven class winners below have a 1cars model page and are ranked by that residual value.

Two patterns stand out. Cheap cars with a clear price advantage hold value as well as expensive ones: the seven-seat Dacia Jogger keeps 65.2 per cent, slightly more than a Porsche 911. Electric cars are catching up, led by the BMW iX3 at 57.7 per cent. The best electric saloons and small cars still stay near 51 per cent. A strong residual value does not mean a car is trouble-free, so each entry also names its weak points. How depreciation works, and how to reduce it, is explained in our guide car depreciation explained.

Quick picks

  • Highest residual value here: Dacia Jogger – 65.2 per cent.
  • Best sports car: Porsche 911 – 64.9 per cent for the Carrera T.
  • Best SUV: Toyota RAV4 – 61.0 per cent for the plug-in hybrid.
  • Best electric car: BMW iX3 – 57.7 per cent.
ModelClass (Wertmeister 2026)Best versionResidual value after 3 years / 60,000 km
Dacia JoggerVanTCe 110 Extreme, seven seats65.2%
Porsche 911Sports carCarrera T, 290 kW (394 PS)64.9%
Toyota RAV4Compact SUV2.5 Plug-in Hybrid AWD-i Teamplayer61.0%
BMW iX3Electric SUViX3 4057.7%
BMW 5 SeriesUpper mid-size540d xDrive saloon54.5%
Audi A3CompactSportback 110 kW (150 PS) S line54.3%
Audi A6 e-tronElectric carA6 Avant e-tron 210 kW (286 PS)51.4%

For the cost of a whole ownership period, including fuel, insurance and servicing, see the cheapest cars to run.

  1. 1. Dacia Jogger I

    Highest residual value here

    Production years
    2021–present
    Body type
    Station wagon
    Fuel
    Petrol, Hybrid, LPG / CNG
    Power output
    74–116 kW (101–158 PS)

    The Jogger won the van class of Wertmeister 2026 with a forecast of 65.2 per cent of its list price after three years and 60,000 km, the second-best result of all classes. The valued version is the seven-seat TCe 110 Extreme, listed by ADAC at €22,090 in Germany. Auto Bild explains the result with the low price for seven seats, which keeps demand for used examples high. Because the list price is low, the euro amount lost is also small. The drawbacks: Euro NCAP gave the Jogger one star, and ADAC recorded alternator and starter-battery breakdowns on 2022–2023 cars.

    Pros

    • 65.2 per cent residual value forecast
    • Seven seats from about €22,000
    • Small loss in euros

    Cons

    • One-star Euro NCAP rating

    Spec sheet: Dacia Jogger I Hybrid 155 116 kW (158 PS)

    Full review: Dacia Jogger I

  2. 2. Porsche 911 992

    Best sports car for value

    Production years
    2019–present
    Body type
    Coupe, Convertible
    Fuel
    Petrol, Hybrid
    Power output
    290–523 kW (394–711 PS)

    The 911 won the sports car class with 64.9 per cent. The best version is the Carrera T of the facelifted 992 generation, launched from 2024, whose 3.0-litre flat-six has 290 kW (394 PS). Auto Bild notes that the Carrera T with a manual gearbox is a particularly sought-after variant, and the 911's long, continuous model history supports demand on the used market. The 992 generation itself has been on sale since 2019. The drawbacks: a high purchase price, so even a strong percentage means a large sum in euros, and only the right specification keeps the top value.

    Pros

    • 64.9 per cent residual value forecast
    • Manual Carrera T in high demand
    • Long model continuity

    Cons

    • High purchase price, so the euro loss is still large

    Spec sheet: Porsche 911 992 Carrera (992.2) 290 kW (394 PS)

    Full review: Porsche 911 992

  3. 3. Toyota RAV4

    Best SUV for value

    Production years
    1994–present
    Body type
    SUV, Convertible
    Fuel
    Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid, Plug-in hybrid
    Power output
    91–225 kW (124–306 PS)

    The RAV4 won the compact SUV class with 61.0 per cent, for the 2.5 Plug-in Hybrid AWD-i in Teamplayer trim. Auto Bild credits strong brand image and technical continuity. The figure shows that a plug-in hybrid can hold value as well as a conventional car. The drawbacks: ADAC's breakdown statistics are weak for this model, with 53.7 breakdowns per 1,000 cars for 2020 registrations and 51.7 for 2019, mostly flat starter batteries, so a used RAV4 should be checked carefully.

    Pros

    • 61.0 per cent residual value forecast
    • Plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive
    • Strong used demand

    Cons

    • High ADAC breakdown rates for 2017–2021 cars

    Spec sheet: Toyota RAV4 XA60 2.5 Hybrid FWD 135 kW (184 PS)

    Full review: Toyota RAV4

  4. 4. BMW iX3

    Best electric car for value

    Production years
    2020–present
    Body type
    SUV
    Fuel
    Electric
    Power output
    210–345 kW (286–469 PS)

    The new iX3 of BMW's Neue Klasse won the class for compact to large electric SUVs with 57.7 per cent, the best result of any electric car in Wertmeister 2026. The valued version is the iX3 40, which ADAC lists from €63,400 in Germany with 235 kW (320 PS), an 82.6 kWh battery, 645 km of WLTP range and DC charging at up to 300 kW. Auto Bild links the forecast to range, charging speed, efficiency and trust in the brand. The drawbacks: the high entry price, and the forecast rests on a model that has been on sale only since 2026.

    Pros

    • 57.7 per cent, best electric result
    • 645 km WLTP for the iX3 40
    • 300 kW DC charging

    Cons

    • From €63,400 in Germany (2026)

    Spec sheet: BMW iX3 NA5 50 xDrive 345 kW (469 PS)

    Full review: BMW iX3

  5. 5. BMW 5 Series G60

    Best executive car for value

    Production years
    2023–present
    Body type
    Sedan, Station wagon
    Fuel
    Petrol, Diesel, Plug-in hybrid, Electric
    Power output
    145–535 kW (197–727 PS)

    In the upper mid-size class the 5 Series won with 54.5 per cent, and the strongest version is a diesel: the 540d xDrive saloon, from €71,900 according to Auto Bild. The class was open to all drive types, and according to Auto Bild the diesel came out ahead of petrol and electric versions. The current G60 generation has been built since 2023 and received five stars from Euro NCAP in 2023. The drawbacks: 54.5 per cent of a high list price still means a large loss in euros, and the winning version is an expensive six-cylinder.

    Pros

    • 54.5 per cent residual value forecast
    • Five-star Euro NCAP (2023)
    • Diesel and all-wheel drive

    Cons

    • From €71,900, so the euro loss is large

    Spec sheet: BMW 5 Series G60 530e 220 kW (299 PS)

    Full review: BMW 5 Series G60

  6. 6. Audi A3 8Y

    Best compact car for value

    Production years
    2020–present
    Body type
    Sedan, Hatchback
    Fuel
    Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
    Power output
    85–110 kW (116–150 PS)

    The A3 won the compact class with 54.3 per cent for the Sportback with 110 kW (150 PS) in S line trim. Auto Bild points to the wide choice of A3 versions on the used market, which helps buyers find the specification they want and keeps prices firm. The current 8Y generation has been built since 2020, and Euro NCAP gave it five stars in 2025. A mid-range petrol in a sporty trim is a typical example of a version that sells easily second hand. The drawbacks: the forecast applies to one popular specification, and the residual value is almost 11 points below the Jogger's.

    Pros

    • 54.3 per cent residual value forecast
    • Five-star Euro NCAP (2025)
    • Large choice of used versions

    Cons

    • Almost 11 points below the Jogger

    Spec sheet: Audi A3 8Y Sportback 30 TDI 85 kW (116 PS)

    Full review: Audi A3 8Y

  7. 7. Audi A6 e-tron I

    Best electric saloon or estate

    Production years
    2024–present
    Body type
    Sedan, Liftback, Station wagon
    Fuel
    Electric
    Power output
    210–315 kW (286–428 PS)

    The A6 e-tron won the class for compact to large electric cars, which excludes SUVs, with 51.4 per cent for the A6 Avant e-tron with 210 kW (286 PS). Auto Bild cites a WLTP range of over 600 km for that version, and Wikipedia lists 720 km for the long-range rear-drive Avant. The battery has 100 kWh gross and charges at up to 270 kW DC. The result shows that an electric estate can hold value close to that of the best combustion cars. The drawbacks: 51.4 per cent is the lowest figure in this list, and the forecast covers only three years of a long battery life.

    Pros

    • Best-value electric estate in Wertmeister 2026
    • Over 600 km WLTP (210 kW Avant)
    • 270 kW DC charging

    Cons

    • 51.4 per cent, the lowest here

    Spec sheet: Audi A6 e-tron I A6 Sportback e-tron 210 kW (286 PS)

    Full review: Audi A6 e-tron I

How we chose

Selection. The list uses the class winners of the Wertmeister 2026 ranking by Auto Bild and JD Power Schwacke (published 15 October 2026). Four winners have no 1cars model page and are not ranked here, although they hold value as well. The overall winner is the Mercedes-Benz G-Class G 450 d with 69.5 per cent. The others are the Dacia Sandero Stepway (61.9 per cent), the BMW 420d Coupé (54.5 per cent) and the Mini Aceman (51.4 per cent).

Method of the source. Schwacke forecasts the dealer buying price of each version after 36 months and 60,000 km in Germany. For each class it first removed the top and bottom 10 per cent of versions by performance. It then took each model's best version by its average forecast for May, June and July 2026, as a share of the list price. The model with the highest share became the class winner. Only winners are published, so models that came second are not known.

Other data. Prices, power and range figures come from Auto Bild, the ADAC Autokatalog and Wikipedia; breakdown figures come from the ADAC Pannenstatistik model pages. The ranking is by forecast residual value; real selling prices depend on condition, mileage, equipment and the market at the time of sale. Before buying any used car, check the car's history.

Frequently asked questions

Which car holds its value best in 2026?

In the Wertmeister 2026 forecast by Auto Bild and JD Power Schwacke, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class G 450 d keeps the most, 69.5 per cent of its list price after three years and 60,000 km. Among the cars ranked here, the Dacia Jogger leads with 65.2 per cent.

Do electric cars lose value faster?

The best electric models are still a little behind the leading petrol, diesel and hybrid cars. The BMW iX3 40 is forecast to keep 57.7 per cent; the Mini Aceman and the Audi A6 Avant e-tron, both 51.4 per cent, are the other electric class winners.

Why does a cheap Dacia hold its value so well?

According to Auto Bild, the Jogger's seven seats at an entry price of about €22,000 create strong demand for used examples. Low list prices also mean there is less value to lose in the first place.

Does a high residual value mean a car is reliable?

No. Residual value reflects demand on the used market. The Toyota RAV4, for example, keeps 61.0 per cent, but ADAC's breakdown statistics recorded 53.7 breakdowns per 1,000 cars for 2020 registrations, mostly flat starter batteries.

Which version of a model holds value best?

It varies. Schwacke's winners include a manual Porsche 911 Carrera T, a six-cylinder diesel BMW 540d xDrive and a plug-in hybrid RAV4, so the best-selling version is not always the one that keeps the most value.

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