Top 10 SUVs That Hold Their Value in the UK

When buying a new car, it's wise to consider the resale value. Unlike all vehicle types, SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) retain their value better than others. Many factors determine a strong residual value like reliability, desirability, low supply and high demand. Luxury and premium SUVs tend to fare better thanks to their perceived quality and prestige.

If you’re focused on long-term value retention, these 10 models of SUV are projected to have the strongest residual values after a typical ownership period:

Toyota RAV4

Toyota's RAV4 has always held value well, thanks to the brand's reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs. Even with the recent transition to a more rugged, off-road-inspired design, the RAV4 retains an excellent residual value of up to 53% after three years of ownership. 

The RAV4 offers plenty of interior space and versatility, with its large boot and rear seats that fold flat to accommodate bulkier items. It's a great choice for growing families or outdoor thrill seekers needing larger space. Performance from its fuel-efficient petrol and hybrid counterparts provides a smooth and comfortable drive, while its car-like handling makes it easy to drive around town. For an SUV that blends practicality, efficiency, reliability and value for money, the Toyota RAV4 is hard to beat and worth some serious consideration.

Range Rover Evoque

Blending Land Rover pedigree with eye-catching design, the Range Rover Evoque gives excellent residual values of around 50% after 36 months. The Evoque manages to be both prestigious and attainable, making used examples very desirable.

Its distinctive coupe-like silhouette stands out from the crowd, while the lavish interior provides a truly fantastic driving experience. Under the hood, the Evoque offers a range of powerful yet efficient engine options including diesel, petrol and mild hybrid variants. The Land Rover pedigree also means the Evoque provides genuine off-road capability. 

Cutting-edge technology like the Touch Pro dual touchscreen infotainment and advanced driver assists add to the modern and sophisticated feel. Those needing a compact SUV that delivers style, luxury and the prestige of the Range Rover badge will find the Evoque hits the mark. Its mix of desirability, premium amenities and the Land Rover heritage make it an aspirational yet attainable choice if you want a taste of luxury.

BMW X1

BMW's entry-level X1 crossover mixes practicality, driving dynamics and premium appeal. The X1 is projected to retain 48% of its value after three years, with broad appeal that makes it one of BMW's best sellers.

The responsive handling, agile manoeuvrability and potent turbocharged engine options bring the trademark BMW driving experience to life. A high-quality, driver-focused interior and the latest technology like the touchscreen infotainment and driver assist also add to the modern appeal. Fuel economy is also solid thanks to efficient engine options. 

For UK buyers wanting the performance, quality and status of a BMW in a practical compact SUV package, the X1 delivers on all fronts. Its blend of driver engagement, practicality and premium prestige makes it an appealing choice if you’re willing to pay a little more for the ‘ultimate driving experience’.

Volvo XC40

The stylish XC40 spearheaded Volvo's SUV reinvention, giving the brand one of its strongest new models in years. With residuals of 47% value forecast after 36 months, the XC40 proves Volvo has earned its place among elite SUV brands.

The city-sized XC40 features a distinctive exterior design and a modern, tech-focused interior to rival the German brands. Underneath lies a range of efficient petrol, diesel and plug-in hybrids providing a smooth and comfortable drive. 

The XC40 also packs advanced safety tech like auto emergency braking and lane-keeping assist as standard, keeping up with Volvo's reputation for safety leadership. Its energetic styling, safety and premium features make it a compelling alternative to the established German smaller SUV options. For those willing to pay for quality, the Volvo XC40 is hard to overlook.

Peugeot 3008

A surprise on the list, the Peugeot 3008 impresses with its upscale interior and a long list of standard equipment. A strong projected residual value of 45% makes the 3008 appealing to value-focused buyers.

Combining French styling with a spacious interior, the 3008 offers more interior room than many rivals. The interior looks and feels premium, while diesel and petrol engines provide a smooth and quiet drive. Packed with equipment like a digital dash, infotainment system and extensive driver aids as standard, the 3008 is ahead of the pack on tech for the price point. 

For families wanting space, style, equipment and warranty coverage at an affordable price, the 3008 deserves strong consideration. It provides an overall package combining space, quality, technology and value that makes it another option hard to overlook.

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda's large seven-seat Kodiaq has become popular with families for its space, quality and affordability. A strong predicted residual value of around 45% matches or beats more premium rivals.

The smartly designed interior feels upscale and boasts plenty of standard equipment. Skoda's reputation for reliability gives peace of mind on the road. Adding to the overall value are standard safety and technology features more expensive rivals. 

With its combination of space, practicality, quality, value for money and stress-free ownership, the Skoda Kodiaq makes perfect sense if you want an affordable family-sized SUV without compromising on versatility or equipment. For budget-minded buyers, the Kodiaq is an appealing alternative to pricier options.

Kia Sportage

The Kia's Sportage offers dramatic styling and a long warranty to conquest buyers from mainstream brands. A projected three-year retained value of 43% helps offset Kia's value pricing.

The Sportage stands out with its eye-catching exterior styling and tech-focused interior. Kia's excellent 7-year warranty adds extra peace of mind down the road. 

Packed with features like a 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, multiple USB ports and wireless phone charging, the Sportage delivers features found in more luxury competitors. Add in a roomy, flexible interior and solid safety credentials and the Sportage becomes a budget-friendly, family-sized package difficult to pass up. If you’re wanting an affordable, well-equipped SUV, the Sportage deserves a test drive.

Audi Q3

Audi's most affordable SUV, the Q3 mixes a premium interior with accessible pricing. A forecast residual value of 43% after 36 months makes the Q3 appealing to used buyers. The Q3 delivers responsive performance from its selection of advanced petrol and diesel engines, while the Quattro all-wheel drive system provides added capability in harsher weather. 

The upscale, tech-laden interior provides elegance and intuitive infotainment like Audi's MMI Touch. Plenty of passenger space makes the Q3 a sensible everyday family car. The Audi Q3 allows you to enjoy a truly premium driving experience in a scaled-down, affordable package. For those seeking luxury in a tidy footprint, the 2019 Audi Q3 hits the mark.

Mazda CX-5

Mazda's CX-5 stands out for engaging handling and interior quality. A predicted retained value of around 42% beats Japanese and Korean competitors. Mazda's Kodo design language gives the CX-5 an athletic, sculpted exterior that turns heads, while the designed interior provides a stylish and user-friendly cabin. Where the CX-5 really shines is delivering great handling with responsive steering and agile cornering more akin to a sporty hatchback than a raised SUV.  

The CX-5 also packs great standard tech like a heads-up display and adaptive cruise across the range. For an affordable SUV that provides a great driving experience, eye-catching looks, a premium feel and strong equipment, the Mazda CX-5 is a great choice. It brings a level of charisma and driver appeal to the table that few rivals can match.

Dacia Duster

Romania's Dacia brand keeps costs low on the no-frills Duster. Strong projected residual values of around 42% offset the low starting price, improving affordability. Despite its bargain pricing, the Duster delivers surprising quality and practicality. The rugged, no-frills exterior hides a spacious and usable interior, while the choice of petrol and diesel engines provides adequate punch. The four-wheel drive capabilities add some off-road credibility too. 

Keeping costs down is Dacia’s focus, so the infotainment and cabin materials are basic but functional. For budget-focused buyers who can live without luxury trimmings, the Duster grants access to practicality and all-weather capability at a light-on-the-wallet price. 

Shop for used SUVs at West Motors

While premium SUVs often retain value well, the more mainstream brands like Toyota, Skoda and Peugeot can also deliver excellent residual value. When looking at buying your next SUV you should consider the projected resale value alongside factors like reliability, equipment and styling. Take a look at the latest SUVs we have in stock here at West Motors by clicking through to our online showroom.