ALG Residual Value Best Mainstream Brand – Subaru
Subaru just celebrated seven years of monthly sales records. Their lineup of vehicles includes all-wheel-drive compact cars, a midsize sedan, a wagon, and SUVs. The only vehicle they sell that’s not equipped with all-wheel drive is the 2019 Subaru BRZ sports coupe. The brand’s newest model is the Ascent 3-row SUV.
With its continually rising sales, Subaru is limited only by the number of cars they can produce. That relative scarcity and reputation for longevity also help their resale and residual values. Compared to most automakers, Subaru is a relatively small company.
ALG Residual Value Best Premium Brand – Land Rover
British automaker Land Rover produces a broad range of luxurious, off-road capable SUVs. They offer vehicles starting at $37,795 for the 2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport to the opulent 2019 Range Rover, which starts at $88,860 and climbs to well over $200,000.
One of Land Rover's keys to success in keeping residual values high is to not flood dealers with more vehicles than they can sell. Like Subaru, Land Rover is a pretty small carmaker whose most popular products are produced in small quantities, which keep both new and used car prices high.
The off-road performance offered by most Land Rovers is, in a word, legendary. Sophisticated four-wheel-drive systems matched with high-tech traction management systems allow the vehicles to go places that lesser SUVs fear to tread. In the past few years, Land Rover has introduced efficient diesel engines into some of their SUVs and plug-in hybrid powertrains into others.
Electric: 2019 Jaguar I-Pace
$69,500 | U.S. News Score 9.2/10
The 2019 Jaguar I-Pace is a battery-electric all-wheel-drive compact SUV with exhilarating performance and an EPA-estimated range of 240 miles. The I-Pace is the first of a number of performance-oriented electric vehicles designed to challenge models from Tesla. It can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
Charging the battery pack of the I-Pace is best done with a Level 2 240-volt charging station, which can recharge a fully depleted battery in about 10 hours, or a public DC fast charger which can fill it to 80 percent of capacity in about an hour.
As you would expect from a Jaguar, every I-Pace comes loaded with a host of comfort, infotainment, and advanced safety features. The base model includes synthetic leather upholstery, a panoramic glass roof, a dual-screen infotainment system, and a 12.3-inch customizable instrument panel display.
The I-Pace holds the top spot in our ranking of luxury compact SUVs.
Compact Car: 2019 Subaru Impreza
$18,595 | U.S. News Score 8.1/10
ALG awarded the 2019 Subaru Impreza with its Residual Value Award in the compact car class. It’s available in sedan and hatchback models with seating for five. In our ranking of compact cars, the Impreza holds a spot in the lower quarter of the list.
Every Impreza comes standard with all-wheel drive. Though engine power isn't terribly impressive, fuel economy is – especially for an all-wheel-drive vehicle. There's plenty of passenger space, and cargo space is good if you opt for the hatchback. Standard equipment includes a touch-screen infotainment system that supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Compact Utility: 2019 Subaru Forester
$24,295 | U.S. News Score 8.6/10
The 2019 Subaru Forester is completely redesigned for the new model year, gaining additional passenger room and a standard suite of advanced safety and driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist. All-wheel drive continues to be included on every Forester.
With a design that’s boxier than many rivals, the Forester has excellent passenger and cargo space, plus a low load floor that makes cargo loading easy. The new model is significantly quieter than the Forester it replaces. In our ranking of compact SUVs, the Forester earns a position just below the segment leaders.
Full-Size Car: 2019 Dodge Charger
$28,995 | U.S. News Score 7.9/10
Though the 2019 Dodge Charger is one of the oldest models in the segment and holds a spot near the bottom of our ranking of large cars, it retains its value very well. It earned the ALG Residual Value Award in their full-size segment.
The least powerful engine in the Charger pumps out an ample 292 horsepower. The options go up in power from there, with a supremely powerful 707-horsepower supercharged V8 in the Charger Hellcat. For 2019, Dodge has simplified the Charger lineup, dropping six of the previously available 12 trim levels.
Compared to class rivals, the aging Charger’s interior isn’t quite as plush and its trunk isn’t as large. It does, however, come standard with the excellent UConnect infotainment system, which supports both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Full-Size Pickup: 2019 Toyota Tundra
$31,420 | U.S. News Score: 7.3/10 (2018)
The Toyota Tundra (2018) holds its value incredibly well, according to ALG, and its impressive predicted reliability score in its U.S. News ranking is likely a big reason. It also includes standard safety features that are expensive options on most rivals, including automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
For 2019, Toyota offers the Tundra in extended and crew cab models, with a choice of two V8 engines and several trim levels. They include the opulent 1794 Edition and rugged TRD Pro. Compared to many full-size pickups, the Tundra is more expensive and less fuel-efficient, with a lower towing capacity than most. Toyota no longer offers a regular cab model of the Tundra.
Full-Size Utility: 2019 Toyota Sequoia
$48,700 | U.S. News Score 8.1/10
Another ALG Residual Value Award winner for Toyota is the 2019 Toyota Sequoia in their Full-Size SUV category. The Sequoia is one of the larger SUVs available with seating for as many as eight, a powerful V8 engine, and more standard safety tech than most rivals.
While the 2019 model does not yet have a predicted reliability score, the 2018 Toyota Sequoia is from the same generation. It earned an excellent score of 4.5 out of 5, meaning that you can expect to have far fewer problems with a Sequoia than you might on other vehicles.
In our ranking of large SUVs, the 2019 Sequoia earns a spot in the middle of the pack. Its design is dated compared to several class rivals, and its fuel economy is abysmal. Still, its interior is spacious, with plenty of room for both passengers and cargo.
Midsize Car: 2019 Honda Accord
$23,720 | U.S. News Score 9.0/10
Honda frequently offers excellent lease deals on the Accord, and one of the things that makes that possible is the car’s excellent residual value. The 2019 Honda Accord holds a spot near the top of our ultra-competitive ranking of midsize cars. It was redesigned for the 2018 model year.
Every Accord comes with Honda Sensing, a suite of driver assistance and safety features that includes automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control. Its drowsiness monitor can detect when you’re losing concentration and prompt you to take a break from driving.
Midsize Pickup: 2019 Toyota Tacoma
$25,550 | U.S. News Score 8.7/10
As many Toyota pickup owners will attest, trucks like the 2019 Toyota Tacoma have excellent reliability. Their thoughts are backed up by an almost perfect 4.5 out of 5 score for the 2018 Toyota Tacoma, which has seen few changes for the 2019 model year.
The 2019 Toyota Tacoma holds a spot near the top of our ranking of compact pickups.
Though the Tacoma has a lower towing capacity than some rivals, its payload capacity is excellent. When you equip it properly, its off-road prowess is outstanding. For 2019, there's a Tacoma TRD Pro trim available, giving the truck off-road abilities that can challenge specialized vehicles such as the 2019 Jeep Wrangler. If creature comforts are more your thing, opt for the Tacoma Limited, with leather seats, a JBL audio system, and navigation.
2-Row Midsize Utility: 2019 Subaru Outback
$26,345 | U.S. News Score 8.4/10
In some wintery parts of the country, you’d think that the 2019 Subaru Outback was the official car of the season. With standard all-wheel drive, a roomy interior, and their class-leading cargo capacity, the Outback is a versatile ride for outdoor enthusiasts.
For 2019, every Outback comes standard with the EyeSight suite of advanced safety and driver assistance systems. If you’re hauling a lot of cargo or passengers, you’ll want to opt for the much stronger six-cylinder engine, as the base four-cylinder engine can feel a bit anemic with a full load in the car.
With its reputation for capability and reliability, the Outback commands a high price on the used car market and earns a high residual value. In our ranking of wagons, the Outback holds a position in the middle of the pack.
3-Row Midsize Utility: 2019 Honda Pilot
$31,450 | U.S. News Score 8.4/10
The 2019 Honda Pilot does many things well – and few things wrong – earning a spot in the middle of the pack in our ranking of midsize SUVs. Depending on the configuration you choose, it can seat up to eight, while leaving enough cargo room for a grocery shopping trip.
In our ranking of midsize SUVs, the Pilot has a slot in the middle of the pack. While many 3-row midsize SUVs only have back rows suitable for kids, the last row of the Pilot is adult-friendly. For 2019, Honda includes the Honda Sensing suite of safety and driver assistance features as standard equipment.
Minivan: 2019 Honda Odyssey
$30,090 | U.S. News Score 9.0/10
While the ability of the 2019 Honda Odyssey to hold its value isn’t a good thing if you are looking for a low price on the used car market, it’s a great thing when you lease a new one. Its high residual value makes an excellent vehicle to lease.
The 2019 Odyssey is the top-rated vehicle in our ranking of minivans. Its handling is outstanding, especially for a minivan, and there’s plenty of power on tap from its 280-horsepower V6. Depending on the model you choose, you’ll get either a nine- or 10-speed automatic.
It features roomy accommodations for up to eight, with ample room behind the rear seats for their stuff. Fold the third row, and the Odyssey becomes a capable cargo hauler, though its interior isn't quite as flexible as the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica with its stowable second row of seats.
Off-Road Utility: 2019 Jeep Wrangler
$28,045 | U.S. News Score 7.8/10
Jeep revamped the iconic Wrangler off-roader for 2018, giving it better on-road manners, off-road capabilities, performance, and safety. The 2019 Jeep Wrangler adds available adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning to its options list. It earns a spot about two-thirds of the way down our ranking of compact SUVs.
Though it still doesn’t have the on-road composure of most segment rivals, the Wrangler is untouchable when it comes to off-road ability. Every Wrangler comes standard with four-wheel drive and underbody skid-plating to protect vital components. The compact SUV has excellent ground clearance and steep approach, departure, and breakover angles for maximum off-road prowess.
The Wrangler is available in two- and four-door models. It’s the second year in a row that the Wrangler has won an ALG Residual Value Award.
Premium Compact Car: 2019 Audi A3
$32,500 | U.S. News Score: 8.1/10 (2018)
The 2019 Audi A3 is mainly unchanged from the 2018 A3, which was the winner of our 2018 Best Luxury Small Car for the Money award. The A3 is available in sedan, convertible (Cabriolet), plug-in hybrid hatchback, and high-performance models. It offers an uncommon blend of performance, handling, and efficiency.
Several powertrains are available for the A3. The base engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes between 186 and 220 horsepower, depending on whether you choose front- or all-wheel drive. Opt for the Audi S3 or RS 3 trim, and you’ll get turbocharged engines that create 292 and 400 horsepower, respectively. The A3 e-tron is a plug-in hybrid that produces 204 horsepower and has an electric-only range of 16 miles.
Like many in the class, the A3 has plenty of room up front, but rear-seat passenger space is less generous. Every A3 includes an infotainment system with a 7-inch screen and a rotary controller.
Premium Compact Utility: 2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport
$37,795 | U.S. News Score: 7.4/10
Several Land Rover products made the ALG Residual Value winners’ list for 2019. The 2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport is their least expensive product, though they didn’t skimp on the quality of its interior. An updated infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is available for 2019.
As you would expect from a Land Rover, the Discovery Sport has excellent off-road prowess, though its on-road manners and fuel efficiency are slightly less impressive. Land Rover calls the interior seating layout 5+2 because the third row is best left for occasional use by smaller kids. Fold the third row down, and the Discovery Sport's cargo space is hard to beat by others in the luxury compact SUV segment.
Premium Executive: 2019 Lexus LS
$75,300 | U.S. News Score: 8.6/10 (2018)
The 2019 Lexus LS (2018) is the brand’s flagship sedan, with world-class interior materials and massive amounts of interior room in both the front and back seats. For 2019, Lexus updated the car with its latest infotainment technology, which includes support for Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa.
Every LS comes with the brand’s latest advanced safety and driver assistance suite, which includes automatic emergency braking, all-speed adaptive cruise control, road sign recognition, and lane-keeping assist to keep you centered in your lane. An optional system adds additional semi-autonomous driving functions, such as the ability to change lanes and respond to impending collisions by braking or steering away from danger.
Optional on the LS is a 24-inch full-color head-up display that can show the driver several different types of information without the need for them to take their eyes off the road.
Premium Full-Size Car: 2019 Volvo V90
$51,450 | U.S. News Score: 8.4/10 (2018)
The 2019 Volvo V90 features one of the most luxurious cabins in its segment, with loads of interior space, top-notch materials, and a large vertical touch screen that controls a multitude of functions. It holds a spot about halfway down our ranking of wagons.
While it earned an award from ALG for residual value, the V90 historically has just an average predicted reliability rating in our ranking system. That's not a huge factor for lease customers, whose vehicles are typically covered by the manufacturer's warranty during the term of the lease. If you're considering purchasing the wagon at the end of the contract, however, predicted reliability is critical.
The V90 comes standard with a multitude of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, driver attention monitoring, and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and large animal detection. Volvo’s Pilot Assist semi-autonomous driving system comes standard on the V90.
Premium Full-Size Utility: 2019 Land Rover Range Rover
$88,860 | U.S. News Score 8.2/10
When you need an SUV with no compromises in comfort, luxury, or capability, the 2019 Range Rover is a great option. Not only does it have a world-class interior, but it also has off-road and inclement-weather competence that’s tough to beat.
It holds a mid-pack spot in our ranking of luxury large SUVs.
The Range Rover starts at about $89,000 and can climb to nearly $300,000. For 2019, Land Rover is offering a plug-in hybrid version of their flagship SUV and a limited-edition two-door Range Rover SV Coupe, with a base price of $295,000. Support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now a no-cost option.
Premium Midsize Car: 2019 Lexus RC
$41,145 | U.S. News Score 8.0/10
Lexus updated its ALG Residual Value Award-winning RC sports coupe for 2019 with a refined exterior, but the bigger news is under the skin. They’ve retuned its suspension, steering, and throttle response for sharper handling. The 2019 Lexus RC also gained support for Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa.
The RC earns a spot in the lower half of our ranking of luxury small cars. While it features an upscale cabin and an array of standard safety and driver assistance features that are optional on most rivals, it’s not as nimble as many competitors.
Engine options range from the base 241-horsepower four-cylinder in the Lexus RC 300 to a 467-horsepower V8 in the $64,750 Lexus RC F.
Premium Midsize Utility 2nd Row Seating: 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
$67,050 | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10
The 2019 Range Rover Sport blends athletic performance with impressive off-road capability and an interior environment that’s exceptional, even among luxury brands. The model was significantly updated for 2018 and received a few more enhancements for 2019, including a plug-in hybrid powertrain that produces 398 horsepower.
Also for 2019, the Range Rover Sport catches up with most rivals by offering support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as a no-cost option. There's an available wading depth indicator to let you know when you're approaching the vehicle's maximum water-crossing ability. The Range Rover Sport won't give you the most spacious interior or finest infotainment system, but there are a multitude of available engine options so you can find an optimal blend of performance and efficiency for your driving style.
Premium Midsize Utility 3rd Row Seating: 2019 Land Rover Discovery
$52,600 | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10 (2018)
Like most Land Rover models, the 2019 Land Rover Discovery gains a number of new tech features for the new model year, including support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Its InControl infotainment system has been updated for better usability and performance.
Also, like its siblings, the Discovery boasts impressive off-road performance that's enhanced with an electronic traction management system that tunes the vehicles various systems for differing road and weather conditions.
Compared to many rivals, the Discovery’s predicted reliability score is low, though that’s less important than a high residual value – which the Discovery has – to lease customers. While the SUV’s gasoline engines aren’t the most efficient in the class, the Discovery can be outfitted with a turbodiesel engine with much better fuel economy.
Premium Sports Car: 2019 Nissan GT-R
$99,990 | U.S. News Score: 8.3/10 (2018)
The 2019 Nissan GT-R (2018) is a technology-laden high-performance sports car with a base engine producing 565 horsepower and a standard all-wheel-drive system that provides exceptional grip. It starts at about $100,000, with top models commanding a price of about $175,000.
Nissan does not sell many of the models in the U.S. market, which keeps their prices on the used market and their residual value high. The GT-R may not be as luxurious or roomy as some class rivals, but its performance technology allows it to compete with the world’s top sports cars. The base model can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in a brisk 3 seconds. Engine builders assemble each GT-R engine by hand in a special clean room, so no impurities find their way into the motors.
Sports Car: 2019 Subaru WRX
$27,195 | U.S. News Score 8.2/10
The 2019 Subaru WRX and its WRX STI sibling are nimble compact cars tuned for fun at the expense of practicality or comfort. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the WRX produces 268 horsepower, while the WRX STI cranks out 310 horsepower. All-wheel drive comes standard on both models.
Just don’t expect to pass too many gas stations or carry a lot of cargo. The WRX and WRX STI lag most segment rivals in both of those areas. In our ranking of compact cars, they hold a spot about two-thirds of the way down the list.
If the cars don’t provide enough entertainment with their excellent performance, you’ll be happy to know that Subaru updated their infotainment systems for 2019 with larger screens, plus support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Subcompact Car: 2019 Honda Fit
$16,190 | U.S. News Score 8.9/10
The ALG Residual Value Award winner in the subcompact car class also holds the top spot in our ranking of subcompact cars. The 2019 Honda Fit features an interior that is nicer and more flexible than most class rivals, with the ability to adapt to fit differently shaped cargo.
Though it’s not perfect – it could use a bit more power and some automatic transmission refinements – the Fit is fuel-efficient and comfortable. The Honda Sensing suite of advanced safety and driver assistance features is optional on lower trim levels and standard on upper trims. You’ll need to move to an upper trim to get a touch-screen infotainment system with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Fit has a higher base price than most class rivals but its excellent residual value, as recognized by ALG, makes is a highly competitive model if you’re looking to lease a subcompact car.
Subcompact Utility: 2019 Subaru Crosstrek
$21,895 | U.S. News Score 7.9/10
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek stands out from its rivals with all-wheel drive that is standard on all trim levels. It also boasts a generous amount of easily accessible cargo room, an easy to use infotainment system, and a well put-together interior. Advanced safety technology is available in every trim.
Its turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes 152-horsepower, which isn’t quite enough if you’re carrying a full load of passengers or cargo. In our ranking of subcompact SUVs, the Crosstrek holds a spot in the middle of the pack. The current generation of the vehicle was introduced in 2018, with few changes made for the 2019 model year.
Subaru recently introduced a plug-in hybrid model of the Crosstrek, which will likely be one of the most fuel-efficient options in the segment. The plug-in will come with the EyeSight suite of advanced safety technology as a standard feature. It will be priced from $34,995.
More Shopping Tools From U.S. News & World Report
A car’s residual value should only be one of many attributes you consider when shopping for a new car to lease. Explore our new car rankings and reviews, where you can see how nearly every new car, truck, SUV, and minivan stacks up against their segment rivals.
Leasing in early 2019 will likely save you money over waiting until later in the year.
“Residual values are expected to decline in 2019. The inventory of used cars continues to grow, putting pressure on overall vehicle values," says ALG's Eric Lyman. “That means 2019 could be a great time to get a deal on a leased vehicle as monthly payments should rise when residual values fall.”
A great lease deal will give you low monthly payments, a small amount due at signing, or both. To see the best lease deals offered by manufacturers, visit our lease deals page. The U.S. News Best Price Program can also help you find great lease prices by connecting you with local dealers providing guaranteed savings off MSRP.
If you decide to buy rather than lease, we can help you secure financing. In addition to savings off MSRP, getting the best interest rate on your car loan can save you thousands. Compare rates from up to four lenders with MyAutoloan to get the best deal.
Our consumer advice doesn’t end when you’ve found your new car. Check out our auto insurance hub to find the coverage you need and the car insurance discounts you deserve.
2019 Cars With Great Residual Values
- ALG Residual Value Best Mainstream Brand – Subaru
- ALG Residual Value Best Premium Brand – Land Rover
- Electric: 2019 Jaguar I-Pace
- Compact Car: 2019 Subaru Impreza
- Compact Utility: 2019 Subaru Forester
- Full-Size Car: 2019 Dodge Charger
- Full-Size Pickup: 2019 Toyota Tundra
- Full-Size Utility: 2019 Toyota Sequoia
- Midsize Car: 2019 Honda Accord
- Midsize Pickup: 2019 Toyota Tacoma
- 2-Row Midsize Utility: 2019 Subaru Outback
- 3-Row Midsize Utility: 2019 Honda Pilot
- Minivan: 2019 Honda Odyssey
- Off-Road Utility: 2019 Jeep Wrangler
- Premium Compact Car: 2019 Audi A3
- Premium Compact Utility: 2019 Land Rover Discovery Sport
- Premium Executive: 2019 Lexus LS
- Premium Full-Size Car: 2019 Volvo V90
- Premium Full-Size Utility: 2019 Land Rover Range Rover
- Premium Midsize Car: 2019 Lexus RC
- Premium Midsize Utility 2nd Row Seating: 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport
- Premium Midsize Utility 3rd Row Seating: 2019 Land Rover Discovery
- Premium Sports Car: 2019 Nissan GT-R
- Sports Car: 2019 Subaru WRX
- Subcompact Car: 2019 Honda Fit
- Subcompact Utility: 2019 Subaru Crosstrek
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Cars That Will Save You Money When You Lease
Some cars are better values than others when you choose to lease. One of the biggest factors in the total cost of the lease is the vehicle’s residual value. The best cars and trucks to lease have high residual values compared to their original sticker prices.
The residual value is the industry’s best guess of what the car will be worth at the end of the lease.
Lessees pay the difference between the negotiated price of the vehicle (its capitalized cost) and the residual value, plus interest and fees. While you can – and should – negotiate the price of the car, the residual value is set by companies such as ALG. Each year ALG recognizes the brands and models that maintain the highest percentage of their MSRPs, compared to their class peers, with their residual value awards. ALG’s parent company TrueCar is a U.S. News Best Cars partner through our Best Price Program.
"In today's ultra-competitive automotive landscape, it's no longer enough just to have high quality vehicles with leading technology and cutting-edge design. These items are effectively cost of entry for any successful product" says Eric Lyman, Senior Vice President of ALG. “What makes RVA winners stand out are two key differentiators: disciplined sales strategies that align vehicle production with consumer demand and clear and consistent brand strategy that creates an enthusiastic customer base.”
This year’s top brands and models are shown on the following pages. Note that our scores can change based on new or updated information, so the scores shown may differ slightly from the scores you see on the individual review pages.