Let’s face it, buying a car in Australia isn’t just about colour and cup holders. It’s about making sure the thing won’t drop half its resale value the second you drive it off the lot. So when folks ask, “Which SUVs hold their value best?”, they’re really saying, “Which models won’t turn into a financial sinkhole after a few years of school drop-offs and beach trips?” Fair enough.
We’ve towed our fair share of bombed-out family wagons, rusted SUVs, and flood-damaged 4WDs across Melbourne. But we’ve also picked up plenty of used cars that still retained value, even after 200,000 kilometres. So, here’s the lowdown on the SUV models that go the distance, hold their value, and won’t leave you red-faced when it’s time to sell your car.
And if you’re in the southeast and need quick cash for cars in Mordialloc, Old Cars Removed is your local go-to. We’re always up for a fair deal — and yep, we’ll tow it same day when we can.
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Think Long-Term
SUVs are bloody everywhere in Australia, and with good reason. They’re practical, comfy, and can handle a bit of rough terrain. But here’s the rub — not all of them age well. Some become as desirable as last year’s meat pie in a glovebox.
Choosing a high-retaining SUV means:
- You’ll get more back when it’s time to upgrade or trade in
- You’ll avoid nasty depreciation hits
- You might even keep the thing running longer if it’s built to last
Given our tough Aussie climate — think blazing summer sun, coastal salt spray, and those random Melbourne hailstorms — it pays to buy smart in a volatile car market.
Aussie-Favourite SUVs That Keep Their Value
1. Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
The Prado is like the Akubra of SUVs — iconic, reliable, and built for our conditions. These rigs hold their value ridiculously well. Why?
- Solid diesel powertrain options
- Real-deal off-road capability
- Toyota’s rep for durability
We’ve hauled Prados with 300,000km still worth more than newer Euro luxury ones. Thanks to strong demand, they’ve got some of the strongest resale values in the game.
2. Subaru Forester
The Forester has a loyal fan base in Melbourne and beyond. It’s got that rugged-meets-suburban look and has aged better than most:
- Reliable boxer engine with coil springs for decent ride comfort
- Symmetrical all-wheel drive
- Safety ratings that buyers care about
They don’t go off like a frog in a sock at auction, but they’re steady earners in the resale guide.
3. Toyota RAV4 (especially hybrids)
You can’t walk through a Bunnings carpark without seeing three of these. And for good reason:
- Great fuel efficiency
- Low vehicle servicing costs
- Trusted brand
Hybrid models in particular have exploded in popularity. Thanks to rising fuel prices, hybrid sales are booming, and RAV4s are dominating dealer lots with high resale rates.
4. Mazda CX-5
This one’s a crowd pleaser. It drives well, looks schmick, and Mazda keeps its quality tight:
- Good balance of power and economy
- Stylish interior that doesn’t feel budget
- High safety ratings
Hold their own in resale, especially the mid-spec Maxx Sport and Touring models.
5. Kia Sportage & Hyundai Tucson (newer gens)
Older Korean models copped flak for losing value faster than a wet newspaper, but the newer generations? Whole different story:
- 7-year warranty attracts buyers
- Improved build quality
- Compact models with strong resale values, especially in diesel and AWD trims
Avoid base models with skinny wheels and no reverse camera. You want at least the mid-trim for decent market value.
The Biggest Value Flops in the SUV Market
- Jeep Compass & Patriot — Electrical gremlins, harsh ride, low demand
- Holden Captiva — Known in the industry as the “Craptiva” for a reason
- Nissan Pathfinder (petrol versions) — Thirsty, clunky CVT gearboxes
- Mitsubishi Outlander (older gens) — Okay new, but residual value ain’t flash unless it’s a PHEV
- Any luxury SUV without a full service history — Euro badges might look classy but get expensive fast
Key Factors That Affect Resale Value
1. Brand Reputation
Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda have decades of solid performance. Buyers trust ‘em. Brands with dodgy histories tend to cop it resale-wise.
2. Service History & Maintenance
Missing logbooks? Gaps in vehicle servicing? That’s an instant resale value drop. Keep those books stamped and tidy.
3. Fuel Type & Efficiency
Diesels used to rule, but hybrid models are gaining ground. Petrol guzzlers are losing favour unless you’re towing a caravan. Electric vehicles are rising too, but long-term resale remains to be seen.
4. Colour & Trim
Yes, buyers get picky. White, silver and grey sell quicker. Bright yellow or forest green? Might be waiting a while.
5. Kilometres Driven
Anything over 150,000 km starts affecting the market value. Over 200,000? You’ll be chatting to us at Old Cars Removed sooner rather than later.
6. Ownership Age Range
SUVs typically retain the most value between 2–5 years old. After that, resale prices start slipping, especially if they’re out of warranty.
7. Insurance Costs & Features
High premiums or hard-to-find parts? That hurts trade-in value. Buyers want reliable AND affordable.
Real-World Example: From Burwood to Bundoora
One bloke in Burwood called us about his 2013 Subaru Forester. Bit of hail damage, 180,000 clicks, no major accidents. We offered cash on the spot because it still had residual value. A week later, we towed a 2017 Jeep Compass with fewer kays from Bundoora — looked good, but the engine management system was a basket case. That one? Not worth much beyond scrap metal weight.
Folks in places like Mordialloc often ask us if we offer cash for cars in Mordialloc that aren’t running or regos long gone. Short answer? Too easy — Old Cars Removed handles the lot.
Quick SUV Resale Value Comparison Table
| SUV Model | Retention After 5 Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Land Cruiser Prado | ~68% | Strong resale, especially diesel GXL/Limited |
| Subaru Forester | ~60% | High loyalty and good condition matter |
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | ~65% | Hybrid models fetch better resale |
| Mazda CX-5 | ~58% | Sport/Touring trims do well |
| Kia Sportage (2020+) | ~55% | Mid/high trims hold better than base |
| Jeep Compass | ~42% | Known issues affect resale value |
| Holden Captiva | ~35% | Market flooded, poor reliability |
*Estimates based on Australian car market trends (RedBook, Glass’s Guide, Pickles Auction data).
Tips to Help Your SUV Keep Its Value
- Service it on time (and keep the logbook)
- Fix small issues early (cracks, lights, dings)
- Avoid tacky mods (oversized rims, neon lights, you name it)
- Store it under cover when possible
- Keep it clean — inside and out
- Watch for rising fuel costs and adjust service accordingly
Final Thoughts
So, which SUVs hold their value best? The answer’s clear: the ones built tough, maintained well, and not loaded with unnecessary fluff. A smart SUV choice today can save you big when it’s time to sell, upgrade, or call us to haul it off.
Whether you’re eyeing electric vehicles, hybrids, or heavier vehicles for towing, keep resale value top of mind. And if the wheels
