1. Acura RLX: Acura’s luxury model, known for its comfort, peppy V-6 engine, and great mileage in the sport hybrid trim. However, its features are considered a step below its competitors from Jaguar, Mercedes, and BMW. Depreciation in the SF area over five years is 69.4 percent, compared to the average depreciation for all vehicles at 49.6 percent.
2. Chevrolet Volt: Chevy’s attempt at a Prius killer received mostly positive reviews, but production ended in February after nine years. The plug-in hybrid didn’t catch on with Chevy drivers, and competition from the all-electric Bolt made it even less popular. The Volt depreciates 69.6 percent over five years in the Bay Area, making it available at a significant discount as a used car. Average depreciation for all vehicles is 49.6 percent.
3. BMW i3: If you own a BMW i3 and plan to sell it, don’t expect much. After five years, this electric car loses 72.7 percent of its value in the Bay Area. The average depreciation for all vehicles is 49.6 percent.
4. Nissan Leaf: Considered one of the cheapest used cars for getting around town, the Nissan Leaf experiences the highest depreciation over five years in the San Francisco metro area, with an average of 73.9 percent. This makes it a great bargain for buyers. Average depreciation for all vehicles is 49.6 percent.
5. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: Despite not-so-glowing repair records, Jeeps, particularly the Unlimited model, hold their value well. The Unlimited depreciates an average of 29.8 percent over five years in the Bay Area, compared to the average depreciation for all vehicles at 49.6 percent.
6. Subaru Impreza WRX: The WRX is a popular choice in the Bay Area for its precise handling, turbo-charged performance, and all-wheel drive. Subaru’s reputation for reliability also adds to its appeal. The average Bay Area depreciation for the Impreza WRX over five years is 29.8 percent, while the average depreciation for all vehicles is 49.6 percent.
7. Toyota Tundra: Despite Madison Bumgarner’s loyalty to the Ford F-150, the Toyota Tundra proves itself in holding its value among full-size trucks. Despite a stiff ride and poor fuel economy, Tundras only lose an average of 28.4 percent of their value over five years in the Bay Area, compared to the average depreciation for all vehicles at 49.6 percent.
8. Jeep Wrangler: Despite its drawbacks like poor mileage, a hard ride, noise, and reliability issues, the Wrangler remains popular, especially for off-roading enthusiasts. It experiences an average Bay Area depreciation of 25 percent over five years, better than the national average of 31.5 percent.
These rankings are based on iSeeCars.com’s analysis of more than 7.7 million new and used car sales, highlighting the models that depreciate the most and least after five years. Luxury vehicles and electric cars tend to experience higher depreciation rates, while Toyota trucks and Jeep Wranglers hold their value well.