KBB Announces Best Resale Value Awards with 2012 Jeep Wrangler Leading the Way

Each year, KBB.com determines the best resale values for 2012 models. Of the 2012 Jep Wrangler, the website wrote, "The Jeep Wrangler’s key upgrade for the 2012 model year is a more powerful, more fuel-efficient V-6 engine." It's an engine that happened to be named one of Ward's 10 Best for 2012 as reported elsewhere on TorqueNews.com.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler is going to have a strong resale value of 68 percent after three years or 36 months. That is going to make it ultimately less expensive for consumers in the lease market because the dealer knows he or she can charge 36 months equal to 32 percent of the Wrangler's value vs. having to charge 36 months equal to 50 percent, which is more typical. After five years, the Wrangler's value will still be 55 percent. All of this bodes well for the Jeep brand.

Resale value is important beyond just lease customers. Buyers who like to turn over their vehicles frequently also need a high resale value on their purchases. Otherwise, they could end up making three years of payments and still be upside in terms of what it costs to pay off the loan if a new car needs to be purchased. All of the top 10 cars on the list are going to have sufficient equity for that not to be a problem for most borrowers.

As KBB.com reports, "If you want to keep your overall year-in-year-out transportation costs low, you will find that a vehicle that retains its value well will be your best friend. Why? Because over the first five years of new-car ownership depreciation is a car owner’s biggest expense. Depreciation — in basic terms, the amount a vehicle declines in value over time — can cost you thousands of dollars during the years you own your car. Because of that, choosing a vehicle that retains its value better than others — in other words, a vehicle with better resale value — will leave you money ahead at trade-in time."

The Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards recognize automakers’ outstanding achievements in producing vehicles that best retain their value over the first five years of new-vehicle ownership. Awards are presented to top vehicles in 19 vehicle categories and to the Overall Top 10 vehicles across all categories. In addition, the luxury and non-luxury brands that demonstrate the best across-the-board value retention receive coveted Best Brand and Best Luxury Brand awards.

Top Ten Winners for 2012 Best Resale Value

Here follows the overall Top Ten Winners. Comments are supplied by KBB.com, which is responsible for all figures as obtained from their website:

1. 2012 Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler’s key upgrade for the 2012 model year is a more powerful, more fuel-efficient V6 engine
* Resale Value at 36 months: 68.0%
* at 60 months: 55.0%
2. 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
In addition to impressive off-road prowess, Toyota’s answer to the venerable Jeep Wrangler also boasts similarly outstanding resale values
* Resale Value at 36 months: 67.0%
* at 60 months: 50.0%
3. 2012 Toyota Tacoma
The best-selling compact pickup truck offers a four-cylinder engine that delivers up to 25 mpg on the highway
* Resale Value at 36 months: 64.0%
* at 60 months: 49.0%
4. 2012 Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai value is stronger than ever, thanks in large part to the kind of stylish sheet metal that sets the Tucson apart
* Resale Value at 36 months: 64.3%
* at 60 months: 45.3%
5. 2012 Audi Q7
Available with the same supercharged V6 that powers Audi’s S4 sport sedan, we’d nevertheless take our Q7 with the diesel engine
* Resale Value at 36 months: 63.3%
* at 60 months: 44.3%
6. 2012 Infiniti FX
The Infiniti FX blends striking looks, unexpected performance and, relative to competitors like the BMW X6, terrific value
* Resale Value at 36 months: 58.0%
* at 60 months: 44.0%
7. 2012 Honda CR-V
All new for 2012, the Honda CR-V again ups the ante for compact crossover competitors when it comes to well-rounded refinement
* Resale Value at 36 months: 60.3%
* at 60 months: 43.5%
8. 2012 Lexus RX
Thanks to the famous reliability of Lexus vehicles, the best-selling Lexus RX is popular in both the new and pre-owned markets
* Resale Value at 36 months: 64.0%
* at 60 months: 43.0%
9. 2012 Nissan Frontier
A fully boxed frame combines with a useful Utili-track tie-down system in a midsize pickup that’s as tough as it is flexible
* Resale Value at 36 months: 56.2%
* at 60 months: 42.8%
10. 2012 Chevrolet Camaro
With looks and performance that mix the best of now and then, the newest Camaro offers multi-generational appeal
* Resale Value at 36 months: 57.0%
* at 60 months: 42.2%

Kelley Blue Book resale value projections are based on current vehicle data, sales data, market conditions for each vehicle, competition within vehicle segments, expectations of the future economy and the combined experience of Kelley Blue Book’s team of market and pricing analysts.