Trucks Suffer Big 5-Year Depreciation Loss

Understanding Car Depreciation and Its Impact on Ownership

Depreciation is a critical factor that affects the overall cost of owning a vehicle. It refers to the decline in value of a car from the time it's purchased until it's sold or traded in. While most vehicles lose value over time, the rate at which they do so varies significantly depending on the type of vehicle and other market conditions.

According to a study by iSeeCars, trucks are currently experiencing the slowest depreciation among all vehicle types in 2025. These vehicles lose only about 40.4% of their value after five years. This is slightly better than hybrid cars, which depreciate by 40.7% in the same timeframe. However, not all trucks depreciate at the same rate, and factors such as demand and supply play a crucial role in determining how much a vehicle loses in value over time.

The unpredictability of depreciation makes it difficult to forecast future values accurately. To provide a more comprehensive view, data from iSeeCars was cross-referenced with findings from CarEdge. Although there was minimal overlap between the two lists, both sources were used to compile a more detailed analysis of truck depreciation rates.

Top Trucks with Notable Depreciation Rates

Honda Ridgeline: A Reliable but Slow Depreciating Option

The Honda Ridgeline has gained attention for its car-like handling and comfortable interior, thanks to its unibody platform and plush seating. Standard features include a 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless smartphone charger, keyless entry, and three-zone automatic climate control. According to Consumer Reports, it’s one of the most reliable pickup trucks to buy used.

However, the Ridgeline offers only one powertrain option — a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 producing 280 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque. This limited choice may affect its resale value. iSeeCars estimates that the Ridgeline could lose 42.4% of its value over five years.

Ram 1500: Comfort Meets Capability

The Ram 1500 is known for its comfort and capability, featuring a standard rear coil-spring suspension that provides a smooth ride. It can tow up to 11,580 pounds and carry a payload of 2,300 pounds. Despite these advantages, the Ram 1500 is projected to lose 42.8% of its value over five years, according to iSeeCars. This is slightly higher than the average for trucks, indicating that while it’s a popular choice, it may not hold its value as well as some competitors.

GMC Sierra 2500 HD: Luxury Meets Performance

The GMC Sierra 2500 HD offers a blend of luxury, performance, and capability. It comes with two engine options: a 6.6-liter V8 gasoline engine and a 6.6-liter V8 Duramax turbodiesel. Additional features include a 13.4-inch touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, navigation, and wireless charging. However, CarEdge reports that the Sierra 2500 HD could lose around 45% of its value over five years, which is significant given its high average selling price.

Ford F-250 Super Duty: High Performance, High Depreciation

The Ford F-250 Super Duty received major updates in 2023, offering a modern and comfortable interior with amenities like heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 12-inch touchscreen. Under the hood, it offers powerful engine options, including a 405-hp 6.8-liter V8 and a 430-hp 7.3-liter V8. Despite its impressive features, CarEdge estimates that the F-250 Super Duty could lose 45% of its value over five years, making it a costly choice in the long run.

Ford F-150: The Best-Selling Truck with the Worst Depreciation

The Ford F-150 has been America’s best-selling pickup truck for decades, known for its powerful engine options, wide range of configurations, and strong towing capabilities. However, it also has the worst depreciation rate among pickup trucks, with iSeeCars reporting a 43.4% loss in value over five years. CarEdge estimates that it could lose 51% of its value, which translates to a significant financial hit for owners.

Factors contributing to this depreciation include an oversupply of inventory and slower sales, as reported by CarEdge. With a large number of units still on dealer lots, the used-car market is feeling the impact of this surplus, leading to lower resale values.

These examples highlight the importance of considering depreciation when purchasing a vehicle, especially for those looking to minimize long-term costs.