Modern VWs have middling resale values
Volkswagen may not be a luxury brand, but its depreciation rates are still influenced by it being German-engineered. Perceived to be more complex and less reliable than Japanese rivals like Toyota and Honda, VW can’t match those brands’ resale values. According to Car Edge, Volkswagen models will depreciate by 49% on average over five years, which is roughly on par with Korean makes like Hyundai and Kia. But which VWs hold their value the best in the United States? And how do Volkswagens hold their value compared to comparable Toyotas? We’ve rounded up the top 5 right here, ranked from worst to best by their depreciation rates after five years.
5. Volkswagen Atlas
Volkswagen
After five years, Car Edge data indicates that the VW Atlas will depreciate by 51%, slightly worse than the average for the brand. This estimation is based on vehicles in good condition and averaging 13,500 miles annually. By comparison, the Toyota Grand Highlander will lose just 30% of its value over the same period, which demonstrates the big gap between the two brands.
Atlas Resale Specs
- 51% depreciation over 5 years
- 5-year resale value: $23,608
- Comparable Toyota: Grand Highlander (30% depreciation)
Resale aside, the Atlas is a good but not exceptional three-row crossover. It’s got a punchy turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the boxy design frees up decent space, but it doesn’t stand out in any one area. The 2027 model was revealed recently, though, and bolder looks plus a revised interior should bolster its appeal.
4. Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport
VW
The two-row version of the Atlas, the Atlas Cross Sport, holds its value just a little better than its larger sibling. It’s expected to depreciate by 50% after five years, with its value falling sharply in the first year of ownership.
Atlas Cross Resale Specs
- 50% depreciation over 5 years
- 5-year resale value: $23,664
- Comparable Toyota: Crown Signia (30% depreciation)
More stylish than the three-row Atlas, the two-row Atlas Cross Sport is similar to drive. The 269-horsepower engine delivers decent performance, but the handling is nothing exciting. On the plus side, the VW has a quiet interior with plenty of space, although the top trims become rather expensive.
3. Volkswagen Tiguan
Amos Kwon
By far VW’s most popular model in the U.S., the Tiguan still depreciates quite rapidly, although it has the lowest Volkswagen depreciation rate among all the brand’s SUVs. It’s expected to depreciate by 48% over five years, far worse than the Toyota RAV4 (28% depreciation after five years).
Tiguan Depreciation Specs
- 48% depreciation over 5 years
- 5-year resale value: $19,235
- Comparable Toyota: RAV4 (28% depreciation)
The Tiguan is more enjoyable to drive than the larger and heavier Atlas, but it’s better with the optional 268-hp turbo engine; a 201-hp four-pot is standard. It’s very spacious for the segment and top models feel quite premium, but you need to make do with the fact that multiple controls are touchscreen-based. Still, it’s a classier alternative to the rugged RAV4.
2. Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R
Volkswagen
VW
These enthusiast-pleasing VWs hold their value better than the brand’s SUVs. Both will depreciate by 41% after five years, with the steepest decline in value coming in the fourth year of ownership.
Golf GTI and Golf R Depreciation Specs
- 41% depreciation over 5 years
- 5-year resale value (Golf GTI): $23,029
- 5-year resale value (Golf R): $27,998
- Comparable Toyota: GR Corolla (32% depreciation)
Sadly, these great hot hatchbacks are no longer available with a manual transmission. They’re still great fun to drive, though, yet remain comfortable on the highway for longer trips. The GTI produces 241 hp, while the potent Golf R makes 328 hp and adds all-wheel drive to the mix, making it more secure in the wet.
1. Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen
The new VW that holds its value the best is the Jetta sedan, which will depreciate by 34% over a five-year period. That’s significantly better than any other Volkswagen model on sale and makes this one of the few VWs that depreciates at a similar rate to the comparable Toyota.
Jetta Depreciation Specs
- 34% depreciation over 5 years
- 5-year resale value: $17,957
- Comparable Toyota: Corolla (33% depreciation)
At under $24,000, a new Jetta is already cheap to buy, so the comparatively slower rate of depreciation (relative to other VWs) makes this a sensible purchase. The 158-hp engine isn’t very powerful, but the turbo and 184-lb-ft of torque make it quite responsive for what it is. The Jetta feels more spacious than a Corolla and rides quietly.
Volkswagens With Poor Depreciation
Unsurprisingly, two of the three VWs with the worst depreciation are EVs. The other model in this group is the Taos subcompact SUV. Here’s a look at these models’ depreciation after five years.
- VW Taos: 54%
- VW ID.Buzz: 54%
- VW ID.4: 63%
The ID.4 is the VW that depreciates the most after five years, losing well over half its value in that time. There’s a massive drop in value for this model in year one, when it’s already worth less than half its new price. This can make the ID.4 a great used buy, though.
Final Thoughts
Volkswagen ranks 12th out of all brands for resale value, just above Ford but a lot worse than Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and Subaru. While VW’s depreciation isn’t terrible, you can lose a lot by buying one of its new EVs, which is something to bear in mind if you’re in the market for an electric vehicle. If, however, you go for a Jetta, it will still be worth a large chunk of its original MSRP if you want to sell it after five years.
About the author
Karl Furlong
Senior Editor, Autoblog