With the summer holidays just beginning, many of us are getting ready for road trips, staycations, and family weekends away. July is traditionally the busiest month for car sales, making it a key time for buyers to consider which cars hold their value best. If you’re in the market for a new family car, you’re probably thinking about space, comfort, and running costs. But there is another factor that can really impact your budget over time. Some cars hold their value much better than others, which can save you a significant amount in the long run.
We analysed over 40 million UK car sales to find out which family cars depreciate the least over a three-year or 36,000-mile period. Here is what we discovered.
Our research shows that the Porsche Macan is the best family car for value retention, losing just 19.9 percent of its value over three years. The Toyota Yaris Cross follows closely behind, with a 20.2 percent depreciation rate. Both combine practicality, comfort, and strong resale value, making them smart choices for families looking to invest wisely.
In fact, the average depreciation across all family models is 43.4 percent, so these two vehicles lose less than half the value of the typical car in the UK.
While electric vehicles are gaining popularity, our data shows they tend to lose value more quickly than petrol or hybrid cars. The Jaguar I-PACE tops the list of fastest depreciating family cars, losing 66.8 percent of its value over three years. The Audi E-Tron is not far behind, with 65.6 percent depreciation. Collectively, owners of the Jaguar I-PACE have seen an estimated £432 million lost in value due to depreciation.
This trend reflects wider market behaviour seen in our 2024 Car Depreciation Index, where EVs dominated the bottom of the value retention rankings.
We also looked at how body type affects depreciation. Among family cars, MPVs hold their value best, depreciating by just 28.8 percent over three years. In contrast, saloons see the steepest drop, losing nearly 36 percent on average.
With millions of families expected to hit the road during the school holidays, reliability is more important than ever. A dependable car not only makes for a smoother journey but also tends to hold its value better. Choosing a family car that retains its value helps protect your budget today and in the future.
Whether you are planning summer getaways or just want a reliable car that will not lose value too quickly, our data offers clear guidance to help you make smarter choices.