Subaru, Lexus stand out as top value holders

When it comes to holding the highest percentage of their manufacturer’s suggested retail price after a three-year period, Subaru ranked as the top mainstream brand, and Lexus was the top premium brand, according to ALG's 2021 Residual Value Awards.

Future vehicle value forecaster ALG, which is the analytics subsidiary of TrueCar Inc., announced the 2021 Residual Value Awards winners earlier this week, noting that Subaru and Lexus led in multiple segment categories this year.

Also for the segment awards, ALG introduces the Micro Utility and Premium Electric categories for the first time this year, and taking top honors in the Micro Utility category was Mazda with its Mazda CX-3. In the Premium Electric category, Tesla Model Y took top honors.

Residual values are an important indicator of an automaker’s success, and they help determine a brand or certain model’s overall health, said ALG chief industry analyst Eric Lyman.

“Consumers who are looking to buy their next vehicle need to take residual values into consideration as they provide insight into the total cost of ownership of a car,” Lyman said in a news release. “New-vehicle buyers can get peace of mind that purchasing a vehicle that wins the ALG Residual Value Awards will hold more of its value compared with its peers when it comes time to sell it or trade it in.”

The ALG Residual Value Awards recognize vehicles in 29 segments that are projected to hold the highest percentage of their manufacturer’s suggested retail price after a three-year period. ALG describes that as an important consideration for car buyers as they assess the total cost of ownership for a particular vehicle.

This year’s recipients have shown strong value in their competitive segments, ALG said. The company chose the recipients from all 2021 model year premium and mainstream segment vehicles on sale in the United States.

In the Mainstream Brand category, Subaru leads with the most segment awards. That automaker earned four different awards for various vehicles across different segments their lineup, including the Subaru Impreza, WRX, Forester and Crosstrek.

Lexus follows Subaru with the most category wins. That automaker won the top spots in the Premium Executive, Premium Midsize and Premium Midsize Utility 2-Row Seating segments.

Regarding the strong showing of Subaru and Lexus, Lyman said, “their success across these segments is a testament to the strength and appeal of their diverse and balanced vehicle portfolios.”

2021 Residual Value Award winners

CHART SOURCE: ALG