UPDATE: 2026/11/05 16:00 EST BY SEAN MCMANUS

Why The Lexus GX Holds Its Value

We added a section with information about the Lexus GX’s standard features that help it hold value better than most other SUVs.

Luxury SUVs offer prestige, comfort, and performance, but their ownership costs can extend far beyond the initial purchase price. Some models lose tens of thousands of dollars in value within just five years, with the average Land Rover Range Rover shedding a rather shocking amount over that period.

However, not every luxury SUV follows the same depreciation trajectory. While the average vehicle loses approximately 41.8% of its value after five years, certain models retain considerably more. Brand loyalty, engineering philosophies, reliability perceptions, and exclusivity can all influence resale values, creating a significant divide between financial winners and losers.

The Mercedes G-Class Is The Resale King

Retains 68.3%

Few luxury SUVs have managed to establish the kind of following enjoyed by the Mercedes-Benz G-Class. According to iSeeCars, it retains approximately 68.3% of its original value after five years, with an average five-year-old example still worth around $138,037. This is particularly remarkable for a vehicle positioned firmly in the premium price bracket.

Much of its appeal comes from a combination of exclusivity and an unmistakable design that has remained recognizable for decades. Unlike many modern luxury SUVs, the G-Class also retains traditional body-on-frame construction, giving it genuine off-road credentials alongside its upmarket interior and technology. The three locking differentials further reinforce the model’s reputation as a capable off-roader, allowing it to tackle challenging terrain that would stop many conventional luxury SUVs.

Limited availability, strong demand, and an established identity as both a luxury status symbol and an off-road icon help explain why used examples remain so desirable. Its ability to bridge the gap between traditional off-road capability and modern luxury gives it a distinctive position in a market increasingly dominated by road-focused SUVs. For buyers seeking something with genuine heritage and character, the G-Class continues to offer an appeal that extends well beyond its specification sheet.

Lexus Turns Reliability Into Resale Value

Retains 67.6%

Lexus has built a strong reputation for producing vehicles that remain desirable well beyond their original warranty periods. The RX 350 is a particularly good example, retaining approximately 67.6% of its value after five years, according to iSeeCars. The GX also benefits from this reputation, attracting buyers who prioritize durability and long-term dependability.

Much of this confidence can be traced to Lexus’s relationship with Toyota and its engineering philosophy, which emphasizes proven mechanical components, careful development, and consistent build quality. Rather than relying solely on cutting-edge technology, the brand has cultivated an image of dependable luxury.

This becomes a financial advantage in the used market, where buyers are often prepared to pay a premium for vehicles they believe will deliver years of dependable service without unexpected repair bills. The appeal is particularly relevant to buyers planning to keep their vehicles for several years, as a strong reliability record can provide greater confidence when purchasing outside the protection of a new-car warranty.

Why The Lexus GX Holds Its Value

While we briefly mentioned it in the previous section, the Lexus GX is profound enough to deserve its own section. This luxury off-road SUV is one of the coolest models in the brand’s lineup for a few reasons, which contribute to its ability to retain value better than almost every other SUV on the road today. According to CarEdge, the GX 550 only depreciates by 33% over its first five years on the road — that means it retains 67% of its value after half a decade.

The current GX 550 is an incredible machine that can offer a comfortable ride to drop your kids off at school in the morning before driving Hell’s Revenge in Moab that afternoon. Under the hood is a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that makes 349 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, which is sent to both axles as standard in every trim. Also standard is a center locking differential, a maximum towing capacity of over 9,000 pounds, and the Overtrail trim level even comes with multi-terrain select and an electronic kinetic dynamic suspension system.

Infiniti And Tesla Join The Depreciation Disaster Club

Depreciates 62.8%-61.2%

The Infiniti QX80 and Tesla Model X demonstrate that neither a traditional luxury badge nor an electric powertrain guarantees strong second-hand demand. The QX80 loses approximately 62.8% of its value over five years, according to iSeeCars. Its substantial purchase price puts it in a competitive position against established alternatives in the full-size luxury SUV segment, while changing buyer preferences can further affect demand for older examples.

Buyers in this category have several premium alternatives to consider, making it difficult for any single model to maintain a strong position in the used market. The Tesla Model X faces a different challenge, with five-year depreciation estimated at 61.2%, representing an average loss of $61,216. Rapid developments in electric vehicle technology have made older models less attractive, particularly as battery capabilities, charging speeds, and driving ranges continue to improve.

Frequent changes to new Tesla pricing and the arrival of newer electric SUV competitors also place pressure on used values. As manufacturers introduce updated models with improved technology and features, previous-generation vehicles can struggle to maintain their original market position. For second-hand buyers, the availability of newer alternatives can make an older electric luxury SUV considerably less appealing.

Range Rover Owners Pay A Heavy Depreciation Price

Depreciates 67.6%-74%

The Range Rover presents a very different ownership proposition when it comes to retaining its value. Depending on the research source, its five-year depreciation ranges from 61.7% to 74%, placing it among the weaker performers in the luxury SUV segment. iSeeCars estimates that owners lose an average of $69,856 over this period. Several factors can influence its second-hand appeal, particularly the complexity associated with modern luxury vehicles.

Sophisticated electronic systems, extensive onboard technology, and features such as air suspension can make prospective used buyers cautious about potential repair and maintenance expenses. Although these systems contribute to the vehicle’s refinement and comfort, their long-term upkeep can be considerably more expensive than that of less complicated alternatives.

Its substantial original purchase price also means that even a relatively modest percentage reduction translates into a significant financial loss. For buyers considering a used example, the potential cost of future repairs can be just as important as the asking price. This does not necessarily mean every Range Rover would encounter mechanical problems, but uncertainty surrounding out-of-warranty maintenance can influence what second-hand buyers are prepared to pay. The result is a vehicle that can be considerably more affordable to purchase several years after leaving the showroom.

The Financial Reality Behind Luxury SUV Depreciation

Percentage depreciation only tells part of the story, as the actual dollar amount lost can be considerably more important to a buyer’s finances. A Nissan Leaf, for example, can lose a higher percentage of its original value than a Range Rover, yet the latter’s estimated five-year loss of $69,856 is almost four times the Leaf’s $17,743. This illustrates why buyers should look beyond depreciation percentages when evaluating the financial implications of purchasing an expensive vehicle.

The same caution applies across the luxury SUV market. The Lincoln Aviator loses approximately 53% of its value over five years, demonstrating that even established premium brands are not immune to substantial depreciation. While its original purchase price and positioning appeal to buyers seeking a more luxurious ownership experience, its resale performance shows that brand recognition alone cannot guarantee strong demand.

Ultimately, depreciation depends on several factors, including individual model popularity, second-hand market demand, perceived reliability, and anticipated ownership expenses. Buyers should also consider how much a particular vehicle costs to maintain once its factory warranty expires. A prestigious badge, extensive equipment list, or high original price does not automatically translate into a better financial proposition when it is time to sell.

Sources: iSeeCars