See which luxury brands earned Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value honors from 2010 through 2026 and why Lexus leads the historical award count

 

Luxury-car shoppers naturally compare performance, comfort, design, technology, and safety. However, one number that does not appear prominently on the window sticker can have an enormous effect on the cost of ownership:

How much of the vehicle’s value will remain several years from now?

Kelley Blue Book’s annual Best Resale Value Awards recognize brands and individual vehicles projected to retain the greatest percentage of their original Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price after the first five years of ownership.

A review of KBB’s archived Luxury Brand award winners from 2010 through 2026 reveals a clear leader: Lexus was named Best Resale Value: Luxury Brand in 11 of the 17 model years reviewed.

What Is Kelley Blue Book?

Kelley Blue Book, commonly abbreviated as KBB, is an automotive valuation and research company owned by Cox Automotive.

Consumers may know KBB primarily for used-car values, trade-in estimates, and vehicle pricing information. The company also analyzes vehicle depreciation, residual values, ownership costs, consumer interest, and projected future market conditions.

KBB introduced its Best Resale Value Awards to help shoppers identify new vehicles expected to retain a greater share of their original value during the first five years of ownership. The 2026 awards were identified as the program’s 24th annual edition.

What Does “Resale Value” Mean?

Resale value is the estimated amount a vehicle may be worth when it is sold or traded after a period of ownership.

A vehicle purchased for $60,000 will rarely still be worth $60,000 several years later. The difference between its original price and its later market value is called depreciation.

For example:

• Original price: $60,000
• Estimated value after five years: $30,000
• Estimated depreciation: $30,000
• Percentage of value retained: 50%

A higher retained-value percentage is generally preferable because the owner loses less money to depreciation.

KBB reported that an average 2025 model-year vehicle was projected to retain approximately 45% of its original value after five years. Vehicles in KBB’s 2025 Top 10 Best Resale Value list were projected to retain approximately 53% or more.

Why Does Resale Value Matter?

Depreciation can be one of the largest expenses associated with owning a new vehicle, even though drivers never receive a monthly “depreciation bill.”

Stronger resale value may provide:

• More trade-in equity
• A higher private-party selling price
• Less risk of owing more than the vehicle is worth
• Greater flexibility when replacing the vehicle
• Potentially stronger lease residual values
• A lower effective cost of ownership
• More confidence when purchasing a luxury vehicle

Two vehicles with similar purchase prices may have very different total ownership costs if one loses substantially more value during the first five years.

How Does Kelley Blue Book Determine Its Best Resale Value Awards?

KBB’s Best Resale Value Awards are based on projections from the Kelley Blue Book Official Residual Value Guide.

KBB says its experienced automotive analysts review statistical models built using millions of vehicle transactions. The analysts estimate future auction values and determine how much of each vehicle’s original MSRP it is projected to retain after five years.

KBB’s published methodology considers vehicles in average condition with approximately 75,000 miles after five years. Its residual values are used throughout the automotive industry, including by manufacturers, banks, financial institutions, and leasing companies.

Factors that may influence projected resale value include:

• Historical depreciation
• Used-vehicle demand
• New-vehicle supply
• Anticipated future market conditions
• Consumer interest
• Incentives and discounting
• Vehicle segment
• Model availability
• Brand reputation
• Powertrain demand
• Expected auction performance
• Mileage and condition assumptions

A vehicle with strong demand and limited used-market supply may retain more of its value than a heavily discounted vehicle that is readily available.

Which Luxury Brands Won Most Often From 2010 Through 2026?

KBB’s earlier Best Resale Value Awards did not always identify a separate overall luxury-brand winner. The chart therefore begins in 2010, when KBB’s archived results clearly name both a mainstream Best Resale Value Brand and a separate Best Resale Value: Luxury Brand.

Standing	Luxury brand	No. 1 finishes	Years named Best Resale Value: Luxury Brand
1	Lexus	11	2010, 2012–2016, 2022–2026
2	Porsche	5	2017–2021
3	BMW	1	2011
T-4	Acura	0	—
T-4	Audi	0	—
T-4	Genesis	0	—
T-4	Infiniti	0	—
T-4	Mercedes-Benz	0	—
T-4	Tesla	0	—

KBB named Lexus the Luxury Brand winner in 2010, followed by BMW in 2011. Lexus then earned five consecutive victories from 2012 through 2016. Porsche captured its first Luxury Brand title in 2017 and held the position through 2021. Lexus returned to the top in 2022 and has remained there through 2026.

Lexus Earned 11 Luxury Brand Victories

Based on KBB’s archived annual winners, Lexus was named Best Resale Value: Luxury Brand in:

• 2010
• 2012
• 2013
• 2014
• 2015
• 2016
• 2022
• 2023
• 2024
• 2025
• 2026

That represents 11 of the 17 annual Luxury Brand awards reviewed, or approximately 65% of the period.

Lexus’s performance includes two major winning streaks:

• Five consecutive wins from 2012 through 2016
• Five consecutive wins from 2022 through 2026

KBB’s 2016 release described Lexus as earning its fifth consecutive Luxury Brand award. Its 2026 release again identified Lexus as the winner for the fifth consecutive year.

An Important Note About KBB’s Published Win Count

There is an unexplained discrepancy within KBB’s own historical materials.

KBB’s 2026 announcement describes Lexus’s victory as its seventh overall Best Resale Value: Luxury Brand award. However, KBB’s archived annual releases separately identify Lexus as the winner in 2010, 2012 through 2016, and 2022 through 2026—a total of 11 annual victories.

The table in this article uses the year-by-year archived winners, rather than KBB’s unexplained cumulative marketing count. Lexus of Concord should ask KBB to verify the preferred historical total during the award-usage approval process before publication.

How Did Porsche and BMW Perform?

BMW earned the 2011 Luxury Brand award. KBB’s results also recognized the BMW X5 as the Luxury Utility Vehicle category winner that year, while the X5 and X6 appeared in the overall Top 10 model list.

Porsche earned its first Luxury Brand title in 2017 and then won for five consecutive years through 2021. Its performance was supported by vehicles such as the Porsche Macan, Cayenne, Panamera, and other models with strong projected residual values.

Lexus replaced Porsche as the Luxury Brand winner in 2022 and has maintained the title through the 2026 awards.

Does Zero Mean a Brand Has Poor Resale Value?

No.

A zero in the chart means only that the brand was not named the single Best Resale Value: Luxury Brand winner during the 2010–2026 period.

It does not mean that the brand:

• Always had poor resale value
• Never produced an award-winning model
• Ranked last
• Was evaluated every year
• Could not outperform Lexus in a specific vehicle category

Unlike J.D. Power and Consumer Reports, KBB does not publish a complete annual ordered ranking of every luxury brand in its public award announcement. Therefore, it would not be accurate to assign Acura, Audi, Genesis, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, or Tesla a “best historical position” without access to additional KBB data.

Can Other Brands Win Individual Vehicle Categories?

Yes. The overall Luxury Brand award measures projected resale performance across a brand’s qualifying lineup. KBB also recognizes individual vehicles within their market segments.

For 2026, Lexus won three luxury SUV categories:

• Lexus UX — Luxury Subcompact SUV
• Lexus NX — Luxury Compact SUV
• Lexus RX — Luxury Midsize SUV

Other 2026 luxury-category winners included:

• Acura Integra — Luxury Compact Car
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class — Luxury Midsize Car
• Mercedes-Benz G-Class — Luxury Full-Size SUV
• Tesla Model 3 — Electric Car
• Porsche Taycan — Luxury Electric Car

This demonstrates why a brand can have zero overall Luxury Brand victories while still producing individual vehicles with excellent projected resale value.

Lexus’s Strong 2025 Model-Level Results

Lexus’s overall 2025 Luxury Brand award was supported by several individual category victories:

• Lexus ES — Luxury Midsize Car
• Lexus LS — Luxury Full-Size Sedan
• Lexus UX — Luxury Subcompact SUV
• Lexus NX — Luxury Compact SUV
• Lexus RX — Luxury Midsize SUV
• Lexus RZ — Luxury Electric SUV

These results covered traditional luxury sedans, gasoline and hybrid SUVs, and a battery-electric vehicle, showing strength across several parts of the Lexus lineup.

How Much Value Was Lexus Projected to Retain in 2026?

KBB reported an average projected five-year resale value of 47% of original MSRP across the qualifying 2026 Lexus lineup.

Toyota, the separate mainstream Brand winner, recorded a projected average of 53%. Lexus and Toyota were evaluated separately because one competed for the Luxury Brand award and the other competed for the mainstream Brand award.

The percentages are brand-wide averages. An individual Lexus model may retain more or less value depending on its segment, equipment, market demand, mileage, condition, and future used-vehicle supply.

Why Are Honda and Nissan Not in the Luxury Brand Chart?

Honda and Nissan are considered mainstream brands in KBB’s award structure. They do not compete for the separate Best Resale Value: Luxury Brand title.

Their luxury divisions compete separately:

• Honda’s luxury division is Acura.
• Nissan’s luxury division is Infiniti.

Honda and Nissan vehicles may still earn individual category awards. For example, the 2026 Honda Civic, HR-V, and CR-V each earned KBB Best Resale Value recognition in their respective categories.

Is Resale Value the Same as Reliability?

No. They are related, but they measure different things.

Reliability considers how frequently a vehicle develops problems and how well it operates over time.

Resale value estimates how much buyers may be willing to pay for the vehicle in the future.

Reliability can influence resale value, but other factors also matter, including:

• Supply and demand
• Styling
• Consumer preferences
• Brand desirability
• Fuel prices
• Incentives
• Vehicle segment
• Technology changes
• Market inventory
• Used-car availability

A reliable vehicle may still depreciate rapidly if demand is weak or if new versions are heavily discounted.

Is Best Resale Value the Same as 5-Year Cost to Own?

No.

KBB’s Best Resale Value Award focuses on projected retained value and depreciation.

KBB’s separate 5-Year Cost to Own analysis considers several expenses associated with owning a vehicle, which may include:

• Depreciation
• Fuel or electricity
• Insurance
• Maintenance
• Repairs
• Financing
• Fees

A vehicle with strong resale value may still have high fuel, insurance, or maintenance expenses. Conversely, a vehicle with modest resale value may perform well in other cost categories.

Does Strong Resale Value Guarantee a High Trade-In Offer?

No.

KBB’s award is based on projected market performance for a new model over five years. The future value of an individual vehicle will depend on factors such as:

• Actual mileage
• Mechanical condition
• Accident history
• Exterior and interior condition
• Service records
• Vehicle configuration
• Color and options
• Local market demand
• Number of similar vehicles available
• Modifications
• Smoking or pet damage

A well-maintained vehicle with lower mileage may be worth more than an otherwise identical vehicle with significant wear or a poor history.

Can Maintenance Help Protect Resale Value?

Yes. Buyers and dealerships generally place greater value on vehicles that have been properly maintained and cared for.

Owners can help protect future value by:

• Following the recommended maintenance schedule
• Retaining service records
• Repairing body damage
• Addressing warning lights promptly
• Maintaining tires and brakes
• Keeping the interior clean
• Avoiding unprofessional modifications
• Repairing windshield damage
• Protecting paint from environmental damage
• Keeping all keys and original equipment

Although maintenance cannot control the entire market, it can improve the condition and desirability of the individual vehicle.

Are Hybrids Good for Resale Value?

They can be, particularly when the hybrid system is well established and the vehicle remains in strong demand.

However, resale value varies by model. Fuel prices, battery technology, warranty coverage, market supply, and consumer interest can all affect future values.

Lexus offers hybrid versions across several vehicle lines, allowing shoppers to consider fuel economy, driving needs, purchase price, and projected long-term value together rather than treating them as separate decisions.

Why Is Resale Value Important When Leasing?

A lease payment is influenced partly by the vehicle’s estimated residual value at the end of the lease.

In general, a higher projected residual value means the lease is financing a smaller amount of depreciation. This can help produce a more competitive payment, although the final payment also depends on:

• Selling price
• Lease term
• Mileage allowance
• Money factor
• Taxes
• Fees
• Incentives
• Down payment

KBB says its residual values are used by manufacturers, banks, financial institutions, and the automotive leasing industry.

Why Lexus of Concord Is a Premier Lexus Destination in the San Francisco Bay Area

Strong projected resale value is only one part of a successful luxury-vehicle purchase. Choosing the right model, trim, powertrain, financing structure, and maintenance plan can also affect the long-term ownership experience.

Lexus of Concord serves drivers throughout Concord and surrounding San Francisco Bay Area communities with new Lexus vehicles, L/Certified models, pre-owned vehicles, financing assistance, and professional Lexus service.

Extensive New and Pre-Owned Selection

Lexus of Concord offers new Lexus sedans, crossovers, SUVs, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, electric vehicles, and performance models.

The dealership also maintains a selection of carefully inspected pre-owned and L/Certified Lexus vehicles, giving shoppers the opportunity to compare new and pre-owned ownership paths in one location.

Lexus-Certified Product Expertise

Choosing a model with strong resale potential requires more than selecting the brand with the highest award count.

Lexus of Concord’s Lexus-certified consultants can help shoppers compare:

• Vehicle size and passenger capacity
• Gasoline and hybrid powertrains
• Trim levels
• Technology packages
• Safety features
• Lease and finance options
• New versus L/Certified vehicles
• Expected ownership length
• Trade-in considerations

The dealership describes its consultants as providing guidance from the first visit through the years of ownership.

L/Certified by Lexus Vehicles

Each L/Certified by Lexus vehicle undergoes a comprehensive inspection covering areas such as the powertrain, exterior, interior, electronics, safety systems, undercarriage, and road-test performance.

This detailed process can give pre-owned shoppers greater confidence in the condition and preparation of the vehicle they are purchasing.

Trade-In and KBB Resources

Lexus of Concord offers trade-in resources, including a Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer option through its website.

This allows shoppers to begin evaluating their current vehicle before selecting a replacement, helping them better understand available trade equity and purchase options.

Professional Service Support

Maintaining a vehicle properly can help protect its condition, ownership experience, and future desirability.

Lexus of Concord provides routine maintenance, diagnostics, repairs, genuine Lexus parts, and online service scheduling. Continued dealership support can be especially valuable for owners who plan to keep detailed maintenance records for a future trade or private sale.

Serving the Bay Area Since 1991

Lexus of Concord identifies itself as a family-owned and operated dealership serving the San Francisco Bay Area since 1991.

Its combination of long-term community presence, Lexus product knowledge, vehicle selection, L/Certified inventory, financing support, and professional service helps make Lexus of Concord a premier destination for Bay Area Lexus shoppers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kelley Blue Book Resale Value

Which luxury brand has won the most KBB Best Resale Value awards since 2010?

Based on KBB’s archived annual Luxury Brand winners, Lexus leads with 11 victories from 2010 through 2026.

Which years did Lexus win?

KBB’s annual archives name Lexus the Luxury Brand winner in 2010, 2012 through 2016, and 2022 through 2026.

Which other luxury brands have won?

BMW won in 2011. Porsche won five consecutive times from 2017 through 2021.

Why does the chart start in 2010?

KBB’s earlier award announcements did not consistently name a separate Best Resale Value: Luxury Brand winner. Starting in 2010 provides a more comparable annual luxury-brand series.

Does KBB publish a complete ranking of every luxury brand?

Not in its public Best Resale Value Award announcements. KBB publicly identifies the winning mainstream brand, winning luxury brand, category winners, and Top 10 vehicles.

Because a full annual luxury-brand leaderboard is not published, this article does not assign historical second-, third-, or fourth-place finishes to brands that did not win.

Is a KBB resale-value award based on current used-car prices?

It is based on projected future residual values, supported by KBB’s transaction data, statistical models, analyst review, market conditions, and expected auction performance.

How long is the resale-value projection?

The award evaluates projected retained value after the initial five years of ownership.

Does KBB assume a certain mileage?

KBB’s published methodology describes projected auction values for vehicles in average condition with approximately 75,000 miles after five years.

Does the award guarantee what my Lexus will be worth?

No. It is a projection. Actual value depends on the market and the condition, mileage, equipment, history, and location of the individual vehicle.

Is a higher resale value always better?

Generally, yes, because it means less value is expected to be lost through depreciation. However, shoppers should still consider purchase price, maintenance, insurance, fuel, financing, and their personal ownership needs.

Can a vehicle win its category even if its brand does not win overall?

Yes. Acura, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, Porsche, and other manufacturers have earned individual category awards without winning the overall Luxury Brand title.

Did Lexus models win individual awards in 2026?

Yes. The Lexus UX, NX, and RX won their respective luxury SUV categories in KBB’s 2026 awards.

Is Kelley Blue Book resale value the same as a trade-in value?

No. The award is a future-value projection for new vehicles. A trade-in value is an estimate of what a specific used vehicle may be worth today based on its mileage, condition, equipment, location, and market demand.

Where can I receive a trade-in estimate near Concord?

Lexus of Concord provides trade-in tools, including access to a Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer through its website.

Where can I shop for a Lexus in the San Francisco Bay Area?

Lexus of Concord is located at 2001 Market Street in Concord, California, and serves shoppers throughout Contra Costa County and the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Experience Long-Term Lexus Value at Lexus of Concord

Kelley Blue Book’s historical Best Resale Value Awards demonstrate that several luxury manufacturers have produced vehicles with strong projected retained value.

However, based on KBB’s archived annual Luxury Brand winners from 2010 through 2026, no manufacturer has earned the top position as frequently as Lexus.

With 11 annual Luxury Brand victories, including five consecutive wins from 2022 through 2026, Lexus has demonstrated strong projected value across sedans, crossovers, SUVs, hybrids, and electric vehicles.

At Lexus of Concord, Bay Area shoppers can explore new Lexus vehicles, L/Certified options, pre-owned inventory, financing choices, trade-in resources, and professional service support in one location.

Visit Lexus of Concord to find a Lexus that fits your driving needs today while also considering the value it may retain in the years ahead.

Research note: This article counts the winner named in each archived KBB annual Best Resale Value release. KBB’s 2026 announcement describes Lexus’s award as its seventh overall, but the archived annual releases identify 11 Lexus Luxury Brand victories from 2010 through 2026. Lexus of Concord should request written clarification from KBB before publishing a cumulative award claim.

Publication note: Kelley Blue Book permits automakers and dealers to use its awards, accolades, and quotations without a licensing fee, provided that the user follows KBB’s legal guidelines and completes its required approval process. Approval should be obtained before publishing KBB award logos, graphics, quotations, or promotional claims.