Best Cars Under $20,000 by Resale Value (Least Depreciation)

Of the 58 cars under $20,000 VINdown tracks, the average holds about 52% of its value after five years. The Nissan Rogue Sport leads at 81% retained, while the Nissan Kicks depreciates hardest at 15%. Ranked best-to-worst by five-year resale value:

1. Nissan Rogue Sport — 81% retained, from $19,995 new
2. Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen — 80% retained, from $18,590 new
3. Nissan Leaf — 79% retained, from $19,748 new
4. Kia Forte5 — 78% retained, from $13,988 new
5. Hyundai Santa Fe Sport — 74% retained, from $18,985 new
6. Lincoln MKC — 73% retained, from $17,900 new
7. Kia Optima Hybrid — 72% retained, from $18,170 new
8. Kia Soul — 71% retained, from $18,459 new
9. Toyota Prius c — 69% retained, from $17,032 new
10. Ford C-Max Hybrid — 67% retained, from $16,990 new

cars at other budgets:

• Under $30,000
• Under $40,000
• Under $50,000