There’s an undeniable thrill that comes with purchasing a brand-new pickup truck—the captivating new car scent, the pristine paintwork, the immaculate cabin, and the powerful hum of a factory-fresh engine. This excitement, however, often comes hand-in-hand with the less glamorous reality of depreciation, an unavoidable aspect of new vehicle ownership. Industry estimates suggest that a new car can lose approximately 9% of its original value the moment it leaves the dealer lot, and this decline continues throughout the first year. By the fifth year of ownership, Kelley Blue Book indicates that the average new vehicle retains only about 44.6% of its original purchase value.
For those not planning to keep their vehicle for the very long haul, this significant depreciation can translate into a substantial financial hit when it eventually comes time to sell or trade in. The good news, however, shines brightly for pickup truck enthusiasts and buyers. Among the 17 pickup models currently available on the market, an impressive 13 models outperform the average five-year resale value by at least three percentage points, with some even exceeding it by as much as 20 percentage points. In the competitive and often high-dollar world of trucks, particularly the full-size variants, opting for a model with superior resale value can result in meaningful long-term savings.
Understanding these dynamics is paramount, especially when making such a significant investment. This comprehensive guide is designed to assist you in making an informed decision, ensuring you maximize your potential resale value. We delve into a curated list of top-performing trucks, pulling out calculators and scrutinizing the data to present you with the insights needed before you pull the trigger on your next new truck purchase. We begin our journey by exploring the initial selection of these value-retaining powerhouses, dissecting what makes them stand out in a crowded market.
1. **GMC Sierra 1500: 47.1%**The GMC Sierra 1500, even with its often-noted price premium compared to its mechanically identical sibling, the Chevrolet Silverado, demonstrates a commendable ability to outperform the overall average five-year resale value by a notable margin. Its 47.1% retention rate places it firmly among the trucks that savvy buyers should consider. It’s important to recognize, however, that this figure is primarily based on crew cab configurations, within which there can be a broad spectrum of variations that influence the final resale outcome.
The versatility of the Sierra 1500 lineup is extensive. At the more accessible end, the relatively straightforward Pro trimline carries an entry price of approximately $45,000, offering robust capability without excessive frills. Moving up the ladder, the lavish Sierra 1500 Denali Ultimate stands as a testament to luxury in a pickup, with a fully loaded price tag that can exceed twice that of the Pro trim. This premium investment in the Denali Ultimate secures a potent 420-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 powertrain, advanced Super Cruise hands-free driving technology, and a sumptuously appointed cabin.
For those who find the $100,000 price point a bit steep, GMC provides a diverse array of powertrain choices for the Sierra, mirroring Chevrolet’s offerings. These include an efficient 2.7-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a reliable 5.3-liter V8, and a capable 3.0-liter turbodiesel inline-6. When properly equipped, the Sierra boasts an impressive towing capacity of 13,200 pounds. Furthermore, all models are equipped with a modern 13.4-inch central display featuring wireless smartphone mirroring, which significantly contributes to its sustained desirability on the resale market for years to come.
2. **Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 47.3%**Nudging out its corporate counterpart by a slim margin of just two-tenths of a percentage point in the five-year resale value metric, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 showcases its strength not only as a high-value truck but also as Chevrolet’s current best-selling vehicle. This strong market presence often translates directly into sustained demand in the used vehicle arena, contributing to its excellent value retention. For buyers, this means a reliable investment that holds its worth.
It is worth noting the significant distinction between the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) Silverado 1500 and its fully-electric sibling. Similar to other battery-powered pickups such as the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian’s R1T, the Silverado EV underperforms significantly in the five-year resale metric, registering a figure of just 32.2% according to KBB. This stark contrast underscores the importance of specifying the ICE model when discussing strong resale potential. The current Silverado 1500, part of the fourth generation introduced in 2019, remains a solid all-around truck.
These versatile full-size pickups offer a range of configurations to suit various needs, including regular, extended, or crew cab body styles. The Silverado’s maximum tow rating stands at 100 pounds higher than that of the Sierra, further enhancing its appeal for demanding tasks. Like the GMC truck, Chevrolet offers a robust off-roading setup in the form of the ZR2 for those requiring serious capability. This variant features advanced spool-valve dampers from Multimatic, robust off-road tires, and muscular styling, making it a powerful and desirable option particularly for the overlanding community in the coming years.
3. **Chevrolet Colorado: 48.3%**Much like its larger sibling, the Silverado, the Chevrolet Colorado midsize pickup offers a diverse array of configurations, effectively catering to a wide spectrum of consumer needs. From the practical, worksite-oriented WT model to the well-appointed LT, the rugged Trail Boss, and the formidable ZR2, there’s a Colorado designed for nearly every application. Impressively, this midsize truck manages to surpass the Silverado in five-year resale values, according to KBB, indicating its strong market position and enduring appeal.
The Colorado, however, presents a more streamlined approach to its offerings in terms of body style and powertrain. Chevrolet exclusively sells its midsize truck with a crew cab configuration, simplifying choices for buyers. Under the hood, the powertrain is standardized across the lineup: a potent 2.7-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine, generating a stout 310 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, sending power to the rear wheels, and like all body-on-frame trucks in this segment, it can be fitted with traditional four-wheel drive for enhanced capability.
Pricing for the 2025 Colorado starts at $33,595, offering an accessible entry point into the midsize truck market. However, for those seeking the ultimate in off-road prowess, tacking on the five-figure Bison Edition package to a loaded ZR2 model can push the price beyond $65,000. In fairness, the Colorado ZR2 Bison is a truly formidable machine, meticulously engineered to compete with rivals such as the Tacoma Trailhunter and Gladiator Rubicon. It achieves this with its massive 35-inch all-terrain tires, sophisticated Multimatic dampers, and a high-riding suspension, ensuring it holds its value as a serious contender.
4. **Hyundai Santa Cruz: 51.3%**The Hyundai Santa Cruz occupies a distinctive niche, straddling the line between a traditional pickup truck and a more refined crossover, complete with a functional cargo bed. Regardless of how one chooses to classify it, the Santa Cruz consistently maintains a high resale value, making it an intriguing option for buyers. This unique positioning and strong value retention are key indicators of its success in attracting a specific segment of the market that appreciates both utility and car-like driving dynamics.
Sharing a platform with the popular Hyundai Tucson crossover, the Santa Cruz benefits from unibody construction, a departure from the body-on-frame design typical of traditional pickups. This architectural choice translates into a notably smoother and more comfortable ride compared to trucks like the Ford Ranger. However, this design also comes with a compromise in towing capacity, rated at 5,000 pounds, which is lower than the Ford Ranger’s 7,500-pound rating. While its bed cannot quite accommodate a full sheet of plywood between the wheel wells, the length can be extended to 75 inches with the tailgate lowered.
A notable advantage of the Santa Cruz, in line with Hyundai’s brand offerings, is its inclusion of three years of complimentary maintenance. This benefit adds tangible value for owners and is a factor that can contribute to overall ownership satisfaction and, indirectly, resale appeal. For those desiring maximum performance, the optional turbocharged inline-four engine delivers a robust 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing a spirited driving experience that further distinguishes this crossover-pickup hybrid.
5. **Ford F-150: 51.5%**Although the Ford F-150 may have recently relinquished its long-held title as America’s best-selling vehicle, it undeniably remains a formidable performer in the used truck market. It commands a robust 51.5% residual value after five years, according to Kelley Blue Book, solidifying its position as a wise investment for many. It is crucial to remember that these resale values are estimates, specifically for a crew cab model, and can vary significantly based on the actual configuration and trim level chosen by the buyer.
The breadth of the F-150 lineup is vast, presenting a wide range of options that directly influence its value retention. For example, a two-door F-150 XL with steel wheels and a starting sticker price of $38,810 is a world apart from a four-door Platinum Plus, which boasts a staggering list of premium features and an entry price of $89,240. Regardless of the trim, the F-150 equipped with an internal combustion engine (ICE) demonstrates significantly better value retention than its battery-powered counterpart, the F-150 Lightning, which holds just 40.6% of its value after five years.
Among the numerous 2025 F-150 variants, a compelling recommendation for optimal value and capability is the PowerBoost trimline, featuring the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine. This powertrain delivers an impressive 430 horsepower and 570 lb-ft of torque, ensuring strong performance for both work and recreation. Additionally, these F-150s can be fitted with a highly practical 7.2-kilowatt onboard generator, capable of powering two 120-volt outlets and one 240-volt receptacle directly in the truck bed, making it an exceptionally versatile tool for job sites or outdoor adventures.
6. **GMC Canyon: 52.3%**The midsize GMC Canyon distinguishes itself by retaining an additional 4% of its original value over a five-year period compared to its mechanically similar twin, the Chevrolet Colorado. This superior value retention underscores the market’s perception of the GMC brand, which often comes with a higher bottom line, reflecting its premium positioning. While calculating whether the initial upcharge justifies the long-term value on a specific model requires individual assessment, the Canyon unequivocally stands out as a strong contender within the invigorated midsize truck segment.
Every Canyon model comes equipped with the same “TurboMax” engine found in the Colorado, ensuring ample power across the lineup. This standardized powertrain simplifies the buying decision in terms of performance expectations. Beyond the engine, other notable standard features include a fully digital gauge cluster, a modern 11.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, integrated Google built-in services, and seamless wireless smartphone integration, all contributing to a sophisticated and connected cabin experience.
Unlike the Colorado, the Canyon offers a serious level of luxury in its Denali specification, which significantly elevates the interior experience. The Denali trim brings with it fancy leather upholstery, a convenient head-up display, and stylish 20-inch rims, with a starting price of $52,000. For those with a penchant for off-roading, the Canyon takes a page from the Colorado ZR2’s playbook with its AT4 model. Replete with Multimatic DSSV dampers and the requisite aggressive styling, the $45,700 Canyon AT4 presents a more palatable price point, especially when considering its strong value retention, knowing that it should maintain at least half its value down the road.
