The American SUV with the worst resale value after five years

If you’re shopping for a family SUV and planning to keep it long-term, resale value matters just as much as space, performance, or fuel economy. Yet one well-known American three-row model loses a startling amount of its value after just five years, far more than most shoppers realize. Its steep drop in price leaves owners with far less equity than expected, making it one of the segment’s biggest depreciation risks.

What’s surprising is how sharply this decline contrasts with its rivals. Competing three-row SUVs from Japan and Korea typically hold their value far better thanks to stronger reliability ratings, lower ownership costs, and higher used-market demand. For buyers, that difference can translate into thousands of dollars lost, or saved, over the life of the vehicle.

We explain why this particular SUV depreciates so quickly, how its closest competitors manage to retain their worth, and which models deliver the best long-term value. If you want an SUV that protects your investment, understanding these trends is essential before making your next move.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including the CarEdge, J.D. Power, RepairPal, and the EPA.

The Dodge Durango depreciates staggeringly quickly in its first five years

If you’re in the market for a mid-size SUV that has enough space for the whole family and is capable enough to tow more than any of its rivals, then it’s likely the Dodge Durango is already on your radar. Resale value is a sneaky little cost that very few people consider, though, and if you’re looking at the American three-row SUV, then you should know that it doesn’t take long for its value to plummet.

Estimated long-term depreciation

The Durango is one of the oldest new cars that you can buy today, with outdated components and an interior that feels like it came from over a decade ago. Dodge also has a history of not performing well on the used market, with public perception surrounding things like reliability and past owners being a big mark against them. These are just some of the reasons that the Durango’s value goes into free fall after just a single year on the road.

Dodge’s large SUV loses most of its value in its first couple of years on the market. By the five-year mark, it has actually started to even out. However, by that point you’ve already lost a staggering amount of money on your investment. If you spend $38,995 on a new Durango, the 2026 model’s starting MSRP, then you’ll only get $14,818 back after five years.

It’s not the cheapest SUV either

While not the most expensive mid-size SUV, the Durango isn’t on the cheap side either. What makes its price a harder pill to swallow, though, is the fact that it’s so outdated. There were reports that the American automaker would make the V-6 a fleet-only option, but it’s been kept around a little while longer.

The GT models are about on par with rivals in this segment when it comes to price, but the SRT models demand luxury-SUV prices. While their power is impressive, they still feel just as truck-like and old as the rest of the lineup. Spend the $79,995 that it costs to get behind the wheel of an SRT, and you’ll be left with just $30,398 if it depreciates at the average rate.

Despite its shortcomings, there is one good reason that you’d buy a Durango

The three-row mid-size SUV segment is loaded with some pretty heavy hitters. The Dodge Durango falls behind most of its competition in a lot of ways, including subpar efficiency and a lack of standard features. However, there is one area where it is class leading, coming out ahead of every other mid-size SUV on sale in 2025. It is a towing champion.

2026 Dodge Durango performance specs

The Durango can either be had with a V-6 or one of two V-8s. The base six-cylinder powertrain is on par with what most other mid-size SUVs offer in terms of power, coming with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The GT V-8 models get a 5.7-liter V-8 instead. Those looking for the most powerful version of the Durango will want to opt for the SRT, with its 6.2-liter supercharged V-8 instead. All V-8 models come with all-wheel drive.

Durangos equipped with the V-6 already sit near the top of the segment when it comes to towing capability. Opt for the V-8, though, and your mid-size SUV will be able to tow as much as a pickup. The Dodge SUV is pretty quick off the line, regardless of which model you go with, and its muscle-car persona makes it more fun to drive than most of its rivals.

Other mid-size SUVs deliver a better package and hold their value

The Corolla Hatchback sits in a class of its own when it comes to resale value, with very few other cars coming close. However, if it really doesn’t appeal to you, and you want to find some other affordable cars that will also hold their value well, there are some options. While not up to the standard of the Corolla Hatch, these cars do come pretty close.

Jeep Grand Cherokee L

• Starting MSRP: $39,635
• Depreciation after five years: 54%
• Towing Capacity: 6,200 lbs

The Grand Cherokee doesn’t hold its value quite as well as some of the alternatives listed here, but it’s still better than the Durango. It also feels much more premium than you’d expect. It also matches the towing capacity of the V-6 Durango. This feels like the more refined option for adventurous families.

Toyota 4Runner

• Starting MSRP: $41,570
• Depreciation after five years: 25%
• Max towing Capacity: 6,000 lbs

The new 4Runner is priced super similarly to the Durango and feels like a more complete three-row SUV. It takes a more rugged approach, being one of the best off-roading SUVs you can buy. It might not tow as much as the Dodge, but 6,000 pounds is still pretty reasonable, and according to historical data, it should hold its value pretty fantastically.

Toyota Sequoia

• Starting MSRP: $64,025
• Depreciation after five years: 37%
• Towing Capacity: 9,520 lbs

Being a full-size SUV, the Sequoia starts quite a bit more expensive than the Durango. However, you make all that money back in the long run, considering how well this Toyota holds its value. With its hybrid V-6, the Sequoia is equipped to tow even more than Durango, with even the least capable model able to handle 8,980 pounds.

Lexus GX 550

• Starting MSRP: $66,935
• Depreciation after five years: 33%
• Towing Capacity: 9,096 lbs

If you’re looking for a more premium experience, and you were going to kit out your Durango with some extras, it may be worth looking at this Lexus instead. It’s pricier than all but the SRT models, but CarEdge expects it to depreciate very slowly. It’s twin-turbocharged V-6 also puts down a ton of power, allowing it to pull even more.