Page Loading

Best Resale Value Compact Cars for 2025

The best resale value compact cars are determined based on analyzing over 3 million vehicles to calculate how much each compact car model depreciates after 5 years.

See how we rank these cars

The Honda Civic (coupe) has the best resale value among compact cars. The Civic retains 76.6 percent of its value after 5 years, with an average price of $20,915 for 5-year-old models. The Civic's resale value puts it 9.2 percent above the resale value average for compact cars, which is 67.4 percent.

The Honda Civic (hatchback) ranks #2 for best resale value for compact cars. The Civic retains 76.5 percent of its value after 5 years, with an average price of $24,150 for 5-year-old models. The Civic's resale value is 9.1 percent higher than the resale value average for compact cars.

The Honda Civic is the #3 ranked compact car with the best resale value. The Civic's resale value is 76.5 percent after 5 years with the average price for a 5-year old Civic being $19,722. Its resale value is 9.1 percent more than the average resale value for a compact car.

See more
What is the compact car with the best resale value?
  1. Honda Civic (coupe)
  2. Honda Civic (hatchback)
  3. Honda Civic
  4. Toyota Corolla
  5. Toyota Corolla Hatchback
  6. Hyundai VELOSTER
  7. Toyota GR Corolla
  8. Subaru Impreza
  9. Volkswagen Beetle
  10. Subaru WRX
  11. Kia Forte
  12. Volkswagen Golf R
  13. Mazda Mazda3 Sedan
  14. Hyundai ELANTRA
  15. Hyundai ELANTRA N
  16. Volkswagen Golf
  17. Volkswagen Golf GTI
  18. Hyundai ELANTRA GT
  19. Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback
  20. Volkswagen Jetta
  21. Volkswagen Jetta GLI
  22. FIAT 500L
  23. Nissan Sentra
  24. Mitsubishi Mirage G4
  25. Chevrolet Cruze
  26. Chevrolet Cruze (hatchback)

The Honda Civic (coupe) has the best resale value among compact cars. The Civic retains 76.6 percent of its value after 5 years, with an average price of $20,915 for 5-year-old models. The Civic's resale value puts it 9.2 percent above the resale value average for compact cars, which is 67.4 percent.

The Honda Civic (hatchback) ranks #2 for best resale value for compact cars. The Civic retains 76.5 percent of its value after 5 years, with an average price of $24,150 for 5-year-old models. The Civic's resale value is 9.1 percent higher than the resale value average for compact cars.

The Honda Civic is the #3 ranked compact car with the best resale value. The Civic's resale value is 76.5 percent after 5 years with the average price for a 5-year old Civic being $19,722. Its resale value is 9.1 percent more than the average resale value for a compact car.

See more
Last new model year: 2020

1. Honda Civic (coupe)

#1 of 43 Best Small Cars #1 of 43 Safest Small Cars #1 of 43 Most Reliable Small Cars
  • 5-yr resale value 76.6%
  • Avg 5-yr old price: $20,915
  • Honda Civic for Sale
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
9.4 / 10
  • Reliability 9.1 / 10
  • Value Retention 9.1 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $21,050 - $27,250
USED PRICE $16,994 - $26,984
MPG 29 - 35 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 11.9 - 12.1 cu ft

2. Honda Civic (hatchback)

#1 of 43 Small Cars with the Most Horsepower #1 of 28 Most Comfortable Hatchbacks #1 of 26 Compact Cars with the Most Horsepower
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.8 / 10
  • Reliability 8.4 / 10
  • Value Retention 9.0 / 10
  • Safety 9.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $45,595
USED PRICE $19,334 - $40,469
MPG 24 - 35 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 24.5 cu ft

3. Honda Civic

#2 of 43 Most Reliable Small Cars #2 of 14 Best Manual Transmission Compact Cars #3 of 43 Best Gas Mileage Small Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
9.0 / 10
  • Reliability 8.8 / 10
  • Value Retention 9.0 / 10
  • Safety 9.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $24,250 - $30,250
USED PRICE $17,249 - $28,214
MPG 31 - 36 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 14.1 - 14.8 cu ft

4. Toyota Corolla

#1 of 43 Best Family Small Cars #1 of 26 Best Family Compact Cars #2 of 26 Best Compact Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
9.1 / 10
  • Reliability 8.5 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.9 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $22,050 - $27,150
USED PRICE $15,288 - $24,998
MPG 35 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 13.1 cu ft

5. Toyota Corolla Hatchback

#3 of 13 Most Affordable Hatchbacks #5 of 28 Hatchbacks with Best Resale Value #8 of 43 Small Cars with Best Resale Value
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.8 / 10
  • Safety 9.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $23,630 - $26,930
USED PRICE $17,488 - $26,980
MPG 33 - 35 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 17.8 cu ft
Last new model year: 2021

6. Hyundai VELOSTER

#1 of 11 Coupes with the Most Cargo Space #1 of 8 Best Korean Small Cars #1 of 5 Best Korean Compact Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.8 / 10
  • Reliability 7.7 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.8 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $18,900 - $28,450
USED PRICE $12,870 - $22,872
MPG 28 - 30 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 19.9 cu ft

7. Toyota GR Corolla

#3 of 43 Small Cars with the Most Horsepower #3 of 26 Compact Cars with the Most Horsepower #6 of 28 Hatchbacks with the Most Horsepower
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.7 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $36,500 - $45,140
USED PRICE $36,187 - $49,332
MPG 24 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 17.8 cu ft
Last new model year: 2023

8. Subaru Impreza

#1 of 6 Best Compact Cars Under $20k #2 of 26 Most Comfortable Compact Cars #2 of 18 Most Affordable Compact Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.9 / 10
  • Reliability 8.0 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.7 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $19,795 - $24,595
USED PRICE $14,995 - $23,990
MPG 26 - 32 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 12.3 cu ft
Last new model year: 2019

9. Volkswagen Beetle

#2 of 6 Best German Compact Cars #2 of 6 Best German Small Cars #2 of 5 Best German Hatchbacks
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.8 / 10
  • Reliability 7.9 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.6 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $20,895 - $25,995
USED PRICE $16,502 - $28,996
MPG 29 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 15.4 cu ft

10. Subaru WRX

#1 of 26 Most Comfortable Compact Cars #2 of 43 Most Comfortable Small Cars #2 of 3 Best Small Cars Under $35k
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.5 / 10
  • Reliability 7.0 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.6 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $32,735 - $44,215
USED PRICE $21,598 - $37,988
MPG 21 - 22 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 12.5 cu ft

11. Kia Forte

#3 of 18 Most Affordable Compact Cars #3 of 6 Best Compact Cars Under $20k #3 of 5 Best Korean Compact Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.0 / 10
  • Reliability 7.6 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.5 / 10
  • Safety 8.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $19,990 - $25,390
USED PRICE $13,290 - $23,000
MPG 26 - 32 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 15.3 cu ft

12. Volkswagen Golf R

#2 of 43 Small Cars with the Most Horsepower #2 of 26 Compact Cars with the Most Horsepower #5 of 28 Hatchbacks with the Most Horsepower
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.4 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $45,665 - $46,465
USED PRICE $29,007 - $47,995
MPG 23 - 25 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 19.9 cu ft

13. Mazda Mazda3 Sedan

#1 of 5 Best Small Cars for Teens #4 of 43 Best Family Small Cars #4 of 26 Best Family Compact Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.9 / 10
  • Reliability 8.2 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.4 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $23,950 - $35,800
USED PRICE $16,486 - $27,667
MPG 27 - 31 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 13.2 cu ft

14. Hyundai ELANTRA

#1 of 26 Compact Cars with the Most Legroom #2 of 43 Small Cars with the Most Legroom #2 of 26 Best Compact Cars for Tall People
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.3 / 10
  • Reliability 7.8 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.4 / 10
  • Safety 8.6 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $21,625 - $28,465
USED PRICE $12,901 - $23,998
MPG 31 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 14.2 cu ft
Last new model year: 2023

15. Hyundai ELANTRA N

#2 of 26 Compact Cars with the Most Legroom #3 of 43 Small Cars with the Most Legroom #3 of 26 Best Compact Cars for Tall People
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.4 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $33,700 - $35,200
USED PRICE $27,873 - $35,000
MPG 24 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 14.2 cu ft
Last new model year: 2021

16. Volkswagen Golf

#1 of 6 Best German Compact Cars #1 of 6 Best German Small Cars #1 of 6 Best Hatchbacks Under $25k
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.8 / 10
  • Reliability 8.2 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.4 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $23,195 - $23,995
USED PRICE $14,450 - $21,998
MPG 32 - 33 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 17.4 cu ft

17. Volkswagen Golf GTI

#1 of 3 Best Hatchbacks Under $35k #1 of 3 Best Small Cars Under $35k #1 of 3 Most Reliable Compact Cars Under $20k
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.5 / 10
  • Reliability 7.3 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.3 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $31,965 - $40,825
USED PRICE $20,611 - $34,857
MPG 27 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 19.9 cu ft
Last new model year: 2020

18. Hyundai ELANTRA GT

#2 of 43 Small Cars with the Most Cargo Space #2 of 28 Most Comfortable Hatchbacks #2 of 26 Compact Cars with the Most Cargo Space
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.0 / 10
  • Reliability 7.1 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.3 / 10
  • Safety 8.6 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $20,650 - $24,600
USED PRICE $12,448 - $21,528
MPG 26 - 28 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 24.9 cu ft

19. Mazda Mazda3 Hatchback

#1 of 28 Best Family Hatchbacks #1 of 2 Best Hatchbacks for Teens #2 of 43 Best Family Small Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.8 / 10
  • Reliability 8.2 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.3 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $24,950 - $36,950
USED PRICE $17,983 - $29,995
MPG 26 - 30 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 20.1 cu ft

20. Volkswagen Jetta

#3 of 43 Best Family Small Cars #3 of 26 Best Family Compact Cars #3 of 6 Best German Compact Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.8 / 10
  • Reliability 8.1 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.3 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $21,435 - $28,825
USED PRICE $13,793 - $23,996
MPG 34 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 14.1 cu ft

21. Volkswagen Jetta GLI

#6 of 26 Compact Cars with the Most Legroom #7 of 43 Small Cars with the Most Legroom #9 of 43 Small Cars with the Most Horsepower
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.3 / 10
  • Safety 10 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $28,085 - $32,585
USED PRICE $20,996 - $30,384
MPG 30 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 14.1 cu ft
Last new model year: 2020

22. FIAT 500L

#1 of 43 Small Cars with the Most Cargo Space #1 of 28 Hatchbacks with the Most Cargo Space #1 of 26 Compact Cars with the Most Cargo Space
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.6 / 10
  • Reliability 7.0 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.2 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $22,500 - $24,645
USED PRICE $12,946 - $20,358
MPG 25 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 22.4 cu ft

23. Nissan Sentra

#5 of 26 Most Comfortable Compact Cars #5 of 18 Most Affordable Compact Cars #6 of 43 Most Comfortable Small Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
8.4 / 10
  • Reliability 7.9 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.1 / 10
  • Safety 9.1 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $21,590 - $24,590
USED PRICE $11,899 - $23,499
MPG 34 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 14.3 cu ft

24. Mitsubishi Mirage G4

#1 of 18 Most Affordable Compact Cars #2 of 43 Best Gas Mileage Small Cars #4 of 6 Best Compact Cars Under $20k
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
7.6 / 10
  • Reliability 7.1 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.1 / 10
  • Safety Not Available
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $17,795 - $19,595
USED PRICE $8,499 - $18,999
MPG 37 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 12.4 cu ft
Last new model year: 2019

25. Chevrolet Cruze

#12 of 26 Best Compact Cars for Tall People #21 of 26 Compact Cars with the Most Horsepower #22 of 43 Safest Small Cars
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability 8.0 / 10
  • Value Retention 8.0 / 10
  • Safety 9.0 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $17,995 - $25,620
USED PRICE $9,513 - $18,923
MPG 32 - 37 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 13.9 - 14.8 cu ft
Last new model year: 2019

26. Chevrolet Cruze (hatchback)

#3 of 26 Compact Cars with the Most Cargo Space #5 of 43 Small Cars with the Most Cargo Space #6 of 28 Hatchbacks with the Most Cargo Space
iSEECARS SCORE

iSeeCars Best Car Rankings are calculated based on an analysis of data from over 12 million cars that assesses how long each vehicle lasts and how well it retains its value over time, along with safety data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association

See how we rank these cars
Coming soon
  • Reliability Coming soon
  • Value Retention 8.0 / 10
  • Safety 9.4 / 10
Vehicle Image
See More Photos
NEW PRICE (MSRP) $19,620 - $26,120
USED PRICE $9,954 - $18,892
MPG 31 - 35 mpg
CARGO VOLUME 22.7 cu ft

Related Rankings

Best Compact Cars

Best Used Compact Cars

Most Reliable Compact Cars

Safest Compact Cars

Best AWD Compact Cars

Best Compact Cars for Snow

Most Comfortable Compact Cars

Best Compact Cars for Tall People

Most Affordable Compact Cars

Best Gas Mileage Compact Cars

Compact Cars with the Most Legroom

Best Family Compact Cars

Compact Cars with the Most Horsepower

Best Turbocharged Compact Cars

Best Manual Transmission Compact Cars

Compact Cars with the Most Cargo Space

How We Rank These Cars

iSeeCars analyzed over 3 million vehicles to calculate the resale value for each model after 5 years. The resale value for a given model is based on the difference between the new car MSRP and the equivalent 5 year-old used car price for the model.

Vehicles within a given category are sorted to show the models with the best resale values first. If two cars have the same resale values, then we break the tie by seeing which vehicle has the higher overall iSeeCars Score. Along with resale value, we show comprehensive iSeeCars ratings for each model, because we believe multiple factors should be taken into account when buyers are seeking the best overall vehicle. Two of these additional factors are reliability and safety, both of which are included in our ratings system.

The overall iSeeCars Score is an analysis of these three key factors: reliability, resale value and safety. It is calculated based on the latest research and analysis by our data science team. The data analysis comes from over 12 million new and used vehicles in our Longest-Lasting Cars and 5-Year Depreciation Studies, combined with NHTSA and IIHS Safety Ratings.

Vehicles are scored in three categories:

Reliability

The reliability score represents an analysis of iSeeCars' proprietary research on the longest-lasting vehicles.

Value Retention

The value retention score is based on our data science team's statistical analysis and prediction of 5-year depreciation from MSRP to determine which cars hold their value best, using US Bureau of Labor Statistics data to adjust for inflation.

Safety

The safety score is calculated based on the last five years of crash test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and incorporates the latest Top Safety Pick information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).