Top Cars With Best Resale Value in Australia | Smart Investment Picks

When Australians shop for a car, many focus on price, safety, features, or brand reputation. However, one crucial factor often overlooked is resale value. Cars are depreciating assets, but not all vehicles lose value at the same rate. Choosing a model with a strong resale reputation can save you thousands when you decide to sell or trade up.

In Australia, resale value is influenced by brand trust, demand in the used market, reliability, running costs, fuel efficiency, and popularity in specific regions. For instance, Toyota Hilux consistently dominates resale charts due to its ruggedness and demand across both city and rural areas. Similarly, hybrid models like the Toyota Corolla Hybrid are gaining popularity as fuel prices and environmental awareness shape buying decisions.

This blog takes a deep dive into the top vehicles in Australia with the strongest resale value in 2025 and beyond, helping you make an informed and financially smart choice.

Factors That Influence Car Resale Value

Before listing the top cars, it’s important to understand what drives resale strength:

• Brand Reputation: Brands like Toyota, Mazda, and Subaru are known for long-lasting reliability, boosting second-hand demand.
• Fuel Efficiency: With rising petrol costs, fuel-efficient and hybrid cars command stronger resale prices.
• Market Demand: Popular body types (SUVs, utes) generally hold value better than niche models.
• Maintenance Costs: Cars with affordable servicing and parts retain more buyers.
• Safety Ratings: Vehicles with strong ANCAP ratings appeal more in the used market.
• Fleet & Commercial Demand: Utes and work vehicles like the Hilux and Ranger remain hot property due to tradie demand.
• Technology & Features: Cars with modern infotainment, safety tech, and connectivity features stay relevant longer.

Best Cars With High Resale Value in Australia

Toyota Hilux

The Toyota Hilux is Australia’s best-selling ute for decades. Known for toughness, durability, and strong demand in both urban and rural markets, the Hilux dominates the resale charts.

• Why it holds value: Reliability, 4x4 capability, and brand trust.
• Popular variants: Hilux SR5 and Rugged X.
• Used market trend: Even 5-year-old Hilux models retain up to 65–70% of their original value.

Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series & 200/300 Series

The LandCruiser is legendary in Australia, especially in rural and outback regions. Farmers, adventurers, and mining companies keep demand high.

• Why it holds value: Unmatched durability, towing power, and off-road capability.
• Popular variants: 70 Series GXL, 200 Series Sahara, and newer 300 Series GX.
• Resale edge: Extremely high demand, with waiting lists pushing used prices up.

Toyota Corolla & Corolla Hybrid

The Toyota Corolla remains a household name for reliability and affordability. The hybrid version is increasingly popular due to fuel efficiency.

• Why it holds value: Cheap to run, low maintenance, strong Toyota reputation.
• Best picks: Corolla Hybrid hatch or sedan.
• Resale insight: Holds around 60–65% value after 3 years, higher for hybrids.

Mazda CX-5

Australia’s most popular mid-size SUV, the Mazda CX-5, blends style, performance, and practicality.

• Why it holds value: Broad appeal across families, city drivers, and retirees.
• Standout features: Premium design, fuel efficiency, and safety tech.
• Used trend: Retains 55–65% of its original value after 3 years.

Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester continues to shine with its reputation for safety, AWD confidence, and family practicality.

• Why it holds value: High ANCAP safety ratings, AWD standard, loyal Subaru following.
• Best variants: Forester Hybrid and Forester Sport.
• Resale edge: Particularly strong in regional areas where AWD is valued.

Toyota RAV4 & RAV4 Hybrid

The Toyota RAV4, especially the hybrid, is one of Australia’s hottest-selling SUVs. Waiting lists often push up resale prices.

• Why it holds value: Fuel efficiency, hybrid demand, Toyota reliability.
• Top choice: RAV4 Cruiser Hybrid.
• Resale note: Retains more than 65% value after 3 years, sometimes more than 70%.

Ford Ranger

As the main competitor to Hilux, the Ford Ranger has massive demand from tradies, adventurers, and fleet buyers.

• Why it holds value: Strong 4x4 performance, towing capacity, and technology.
• Popular trims: Ranger Wildtrak, Ranger Raptor.
• Resale strength: Used Ranger demand pushes up resale across Australia.

Kia Sportage & Hyundai Tucson

Both the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson have closed the gap with Japanese rivals thanks to long warranties and improved reliability.

• Why they hold value: Strong warranty (up to 7 years), modern design, growing demand.
• Resale market: Hold better value than earlier generations, particularly post-2020 models.

Tesla Model 3

Electric vehicles are gaining traction, and the Tesla Model 3 stands out for holding its value better than most EVs.

• Why it holds value: EV leader status, software updates, growing EV demand.
• Resale factor: Retains around 60% after 3 years, stronger than many petrol rivals.

Isuzu D-MAX

The Isuzu D-MAX has become a ute favorite, combining reliability, affordability, and 4x4 power.

• Why it holds value: Trusted diesel engine, towing strength, lower cost than Hilux/Ranger.
• Resale trend: Very strong in regional markets.

Best Body Types for Resale in Australia

• Utes: Consistently top resale lists (Hilux, Ranger, D-MAX).
• SUVs: Mid-size SUVs like CX-5, RAV4, Forester dominate demand.
• Hybrids/EVs: Corolla Hybrid, RAV4 Hybrid, Tesla Model 3 show growing strength.
• Luxury Cars: Some high-end brands like Lexus hold better value than European rivals due to reliability.

Tips for Maximizing Your Car’s Resale Value

• Keep service history complete – buyers pay more for well-documented maintenance.
• Maintain condition – clean interiors and minor cosmetic fixes boost appeal.
• Avoid unpopular colours – white, silver, and grey sell fastest in the used market.
• Choose popular trims – mid-spec models often resell better than bare-bones or overly expensive variants.
• Sell at the right time – demand peaks before EOFY sales and before new models launch.

Conclusion: Smart Investment Picks

Choosing a car is more than finding what drives well today—it’s about planning for tomorrow’s resale. In Australia, models like the Toyota Hilux, LandCruiser, RAV4 Hybrid, Mazda CX-5, and Ford Ranger consistently deliver strong returns. As EVs and hybrids rise, cars like the Tesla Model 3 and Toyota Corolla Hybrid are proving that sustainability and value can go hand-in-hand.

By investing in one of these smart picks, you’re not only getting a reliable and enjoyable ride but also protecting your financial future when it’s time to sell.