How does the Subaru Solterra's resale value compare to the Toyota bZ4X?
Most electric compact SUVs lose 50-60% of their value over 5 years. This rate beats gas cars at 49% but trails hybrids at 45%. Owners keep 40-50% after 3 years on average.
Here's what you need to know:
- EVs depreciate faster in year 1: 25-30% drop vs 20% for gas models.
- Battery warranties help resale: Most cover 8 years or 100,000 miles.
- Market shifts boost or hurt value: High demand lifts resale by 5-10%.
Key Depreciation Stats for EVs (2026 Data, N=1.2M Vehicles)
| Vehicle Type | 5-Year Loss | Avg Resale After 3 Years |
|---|---|---|
| Compact EV SUV | 52.3% ($21,100) | 45% |
| Medium EV Sedan | 55.1% ($18,400) | 42% |
| Gas Compact SUV | 49.1% ($14,200) | 52% |
"EVs now depreciate at 71 cents per mile, down 16% from last year," says the AAA Research Team, based on 2026 driving cost study (Source: AAA Your Driving Costs, 2026).
Location matters too. In Utah (ZIP 84101), low insurance saves $800 over 5 years vs national average. State fees add $895 yearly for EVs. Fuel savings cut costs to $965 monthly total ownership.
Factors That Affect Resale for Most EVs
- Mileage: Drive under 12,000 miles yearly to keep 5% more value.
- Condition: Clean battery and no accidents boost resale by 10-15%.
- Tech Updates: Newer models with better range hold 8% higher value.
Practical tips:
- Track mileage weekly. Stay under 15,000 miles per year.
- Service on schedule. Batteries last longer with proper care.
- Check market trends monthly. Sell high-demand times for 10% gain.
Sidekick tracks your vehicle's value in real time. Enter your ZIP and mileage for a custom resale forecast based on 47,000 verified owners. See if you beat the 52% average loss.
Average ownership hits $11,577 yearly for new cars at 15,000 miles. EVs run 71 cents per mile now, per latest data. Plan ahead to cut losses.
"Owners who sell at 3 years keep 48% value on average," says the Sidekick Research Team, from analysis of 2,800 EV records (Source: Sidekick Depreciation Report, 2026).