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How was the residual value determined?

For this review, we looked at cars that were sold new in 2020, which means they are now about five years old, with mileage between 75,000 and 100,000 kilometers. That’s an average intensity of use of about 15,000 to 20,000 kilometers per year, as you often see among private drivers. We only included common models. So no convertibles, rare sports cars, vintage cars or extremely expensive models, but popular hatchbacks, family cars, SUVs and station wagons that were sold in good numbers.

For each model, we looked at the original new prices in the second half of 2020 and the current trade-in value in 2025. Based on this, we determined the value retention as a percentage of the original price. Finally, we also provide the average selling price in the used car market in 2025.

The cars are ranked according to the percentage of value retention. Thereby you can clearly see that compact models, hybrids and models with a strong reputation for reliability retain their value remarkably well.

Cars that hold their value most after five years

1. Toyota Yaris Hybrid – value retention 66%.

The Toyota Yaris Hybrid has been a popular choice for years because of its fuel-efficient powertrain, reliability and low maintenance costs. They are also in demand on the used car market, especially with the hybrid drive (85 kW (116 hp)) that is economical and city-friendly.

New price in 2020: 23,000 euros, trade-in value in 2025: 15,200 euros, occasion price 2025: about 18,000 euros.

2. Volkswagen T-Roc – value retention 64%.

The T-Roc, Volkswagen’s compact SUV, is doing well thanks to its tough looks, fine handling and strong residual value. Especially the versions with the 1.5 TSI (110 kW (150 hp)) are popular.

New price in 2020: 31,000 euros, trade-in value in 2025: 19,800 euros, occasion price 2025: about 22,000 euros.

3. Toyota Corolla Touring Sports Hybrid – value retention 63%.

TheToyota Corolla with hybrid powertrain (103 kW (140 hp)) is not only economical, but also practical. The station wagon variant is popular with families as well as business drivers.

New price in 2020: 30,000 euros, trade-in value in 2025: 18,900 euros, occasion price 2025: about 21,500 euros.

4. Mazda CX-5 – value retention 61%.

The Mazda CX-5 combines classy looks with reliable engineering. The atmospheric Skyactiv-G gasoline engine (121 kW (165 hp)) remains popular for its smoothness.

New price in 2020: 37,000 euros, trade-in value in 2025: 22,600 euros, occasion price 2025: about 25,000 euros.

5. Škoda Octavia Combi – value retention 60%.

The Octavia is popular with families and lease drivers. Certainly the Combi with 1.5 TSI (110 kW (150 hp)) scores well in ease of use and space. The value remains solid.

New price in 2020: 30,500 euros, trade-in value in 2025: 18,300 euros, occasion price 2025: about 20,500 euros.

6. Honda Jazz Hybrid – value retention 59%.

The Honda Jazz Hybrid is a compact, spacious and reliable hybrid (80 kW (109 hp)). Its Magic Seats, higher seating position and remarkably practical layout make it popular among older buyers and city drivers.

New price in 2020: 24,000 euros, trade-in value in 2025: 14,200 euros, occasion price 2025: about 16,500 euros.

7. BMW 1 Series (F40) – value retention 57%.

The BMW 1 Series with 118i engine (100 kW (136 hp)) is doing well despite the switch to front-wheel drive in this generation. Design, handling and badge help with residual value.

New price in 2020: 34,000 euros, trade-in value in 2025: 19,400 euros, occasion price 2025: about 21,500 euros.

8. Kia Niro Hybrid – value retention 56%.

The previous generation Kia Niro is still popular. Reliable hybrid technology (104 kW (141 hp)), low consumption costs and a practical body make it desirable.

New price in 2020: 30,000 euros, trade-in value in 2025: 16,800 euros, occasion price 2025: about 19,000 euros

9. Audi Q2 – value retention 55%.

Audi’s Q2, compact premium SUV, has a somewhat smaller target market, but is stylish and well finished. The 30 TFSI (81 kW (110 hp)) is the most common.

New price in 2020: 35,000 euros, trade-in value in 2025: 19,250 euros, occasion price 2025: about 21,500 euros.

10. Dacia Duster – value retention 54%.

The Dacia Duster is competitively priced and retains its value surprisingly well due to low depreciation. The 1.0 TCe (74 kW (100 hp)) on LPG or gasoline is especially popular.

New price in 2020: 20,000 euros, trade-in value in 2025: 10,800 euros, occasion price 2025: about 12,500 euros.

What stands out about this top 10?

• Hybrid models score well – Toyota, Honda and Kia are proving that hybrids hold their value well. This is due in part to their lower running costs and their popularity with “economy thinkers,” but of course also to their proven reliability.
• Compact SUVs retain value – SUVs remain sought after in the used car market. Certainly compact models such as the Volkswagen T-Roc, Audi Q2 and Mazda CX-5 are doing well. They combine a higher seating position with practicality.
• Premium brands do not always do better – although BMW and Audi do score well, they do not score better than the best hybrids in terms of value retention. Depreciation in euros is often higher with premium brands due to their higher purchase price, even though the percentage remains pretty stable.
• Reliability pays off – cars with a strong reputation for reliability – Toyota, Mazda, Honda – retain their value better. Used car buyers prefer security to extreme luxury or performance.

Choosing wisely pays off

Those who look not only at comfort, performance and appearance when buying a new car, but also at resale value, can save quite a bit. The resale value of a car can save thousands of euros after five years. Models like the Toyota Yaris Hybrid and Volkswagen T-Roc prove that even in the compact segment you can make good choices that retain their value extremely well.

Want to buy a new car with an eye on future trade-in value? Then an economical, reliable and practical hybrid or compact SUV is almost always the right choice. For those looking for a five-year-old used car: these models may be slightly more expensive than others, but they also offer more security and lower depreciation in the years to come.