Slowest-depreciating electric and hybrid cars 2024

It's all but impossible to buy a new car without losing a significant amount of money in depreciation. Leasing or financing can limit that uncertainty and mitigate personal losses, but almost all new-car deals factor this cost into the monthly payments – meaning one way or another, you’ll end up paying for the decline in value.

Of course, some cars depreciate more than others, and one way of limiting the amount your car loses is by ensuring you choose a make and model with particularly strong residual values (RV) - one of the slowest depreciating cars on sale.

Many factors affect these values, but demand versus supply is one of the most important considerations. Cars that are desirable will often have high residual values, which will see them retain more of their value when the time comes to sell.

Slowest-depreciating electric cars

Below, we have lined up the slowest-depreciating hybrid and electric cars on today’s market. The percentage indicates the amount of the car’s initial value that it is predicted to retain after three years or 36,000 miles on the road. It's safe to say that the list throws up one or two surprises…

We’ve listed the fastest-depreciating electric and hybrid cars , as well. You never know, it may open up the possibility of a second-hand bargain…

1. Polestar 3 (65.63%)

The Polestar 3 was the brand's first premium electric SUV, and it's not lacking in refinement and tech. With a strong quoted range, beating many rivals, it’s no surprise at how high this model has landed on our list. With two versions and multiple options to pick from, we would recommend choosing the Single Motor Long Range, which should hold onto over 65 per cent of its original value after three years. 

Read our full review of the ​Polestar 3 to find out more

2. Volkswagen ID. Buzz (62.08%)

Volkswagen’s ID. cars are clearly performing well for resale values, even if their interiors leave something to be desired. The ID.Buzz, the MPV and van that’s based on the classic Type 2 Bus, has caught the attention of buyers. Whether you choose the Life or Style spec – we’d recommend the former as it's projected to retain just over 62 per cent of their value after three years.

Read our full review of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz to find out more

3. Tesla Model X (61.52%)

The Tesla Model X is a bit of an oddity in this list – as it’s not clear whether or not you can actually buy one right now in the UK. It features on the manufacturer’s website, and it’s on the data tables we use to assess residual values. But try to place an order and you’ll only be asked for a £100 deposit – you’ll be asked to pay the balance as delivery approaches. If you can get your hands on one, you’ll have one of the fastest electric cars available, as well as an SUV that holds onto more than 61 per cent of its original value after three years and 36,000 miles - possibly because of that restricted supply of new cars.

Read our full review of the Tesla Model X to find out more

4. Lexus RZ 450e (61.17%)

When the Lexus RZ 450e was introduced, we expected it to sell in large numbers. The interior is constructed to the highest standards, with luxurious materials and amazing attention to detail. The drive is immensely smooth, providing an impressively comfortable experience. New RZ owners can now rest assured that their cars are anticipated to hold their value to the tune of a significant 61.17 per cent of the original price.

Read our full review of the Lexus RZ 450e to find out more

5. Lotus Eletre (60.49%)

Many people might be surprised to see the Lotus Eletre on this list, as historically, low-volume British performance cars haven’t fared well with residual values. However, the Eletre holds its value well partly due to its modern interior, solid build quality, and enough performance to leave you grinning like the Cheshire Cat. The Lotus now becomes not just a car your heart desires but, with the ability to retain over 60 per cent of its value, one your head approves of, too.

Read our full review of the ​Lotus Eletre to find out more

6. Polestar 4 (59.68%)

When the Polestar 4 was announced it was anticipated to become the brand’s best selling car due to its competitive range, hefty power and quirky features, such as the lack of rear window that has been replaced by an array of 24 cameras and sensors. The first deliveries are yet to hit the streets so it is still to be seen how well the Polestar sells, but the 4 is anticipated to hold its value extremely well, holding almost 60 per cent of the value after three years or 36,000 miles on the road.

Click here to read all the information on the Polestar 4

7. MINI Aceman (59.21%)

The new MINI Aceman was designed to fill the gap in the middle of MINI’s range, sitting between the traditional Cooper 3-door and the much larger Countryman SUV. The Aceman appeals to customers who don’t just want a car to get from A to B, but desire a more quirky and fun experience. Customers will now have more reason to purchase the MINI Aceman as it is expected that the car will be worth more than 59 per cent of its original price after three years. 

Click here to read all the information on the MINI Aceman

8. BYD Dolphin (58.83%)

The BYD Dolphin has been one of the most affordable electric cars since its release, and has solidified its place as one of the main competitors for the best electric superminis. The Dolphin isn’t only competitive on price, it also has plenty of tech and is comfortable to drive too - no wonder it holds its value so well.

Read our full review of the BYD Dolphin to find out more

9. Maserati GranCabrio Folgore (58.6%)

The all-electric Maserati GranCabrio Folgore is definitely not a car most people would of predicted to be in the top ten slowest depreciators, but the Italian brand has combined beautiful styling with tons of performance, competitive range and impressively fast charging speeds it’s no wonder that the price is expected to stay so high. It will no doubt be helping that Maserati isn’t expected to sell as many GranCabrio Folgores as other cars on this list, meaning the lack of availability may be helping residual values stay high.

Click here to read all the information on the Maserati Folgore

10. Skoda Enyaq Coupe (58.5%)

The Skoda Enyaq is a car we have appreciated since its release, awarding it the Best Electric Family Car at the 2022 DrivingElectric Awards. Skoda then released the Coupe version with a more stylish body and a larger battery pack to make the Enyaq an even more desirable option. There are multiple versions of the Enyaq Coupe available starting from the 85 Edition and going up to the vRS, but we would recommend the 85x SportLine Plus as it should fare best for residual values. 

Read our full review of the Skoda Enyaq Coupe to find out more

Slowest-depreciating hybrid cars

1. Land Rover Defender 110 (68.56%)

It should come as no surprise that the Land Rover Defender P400e features so high up our list of the slowest-depreciating hybrid cars; the plug-in hybrid is the car that holds onto more value (in percentage terms) than any other currently on sale – at over 68.56 per cent after three years or 36,000 miles. If you plug it in regularly and do most of your journeys on electric power alone, we think you could save a pretty penny. It’s our pick of the range.

Read our full review of the Land Rover Defender 110 to find out more

2. Range Rover (64.44%)

The full-size Range Rover PHEV is predicted to be worth a significant portion of its original value after three years and 36,000 miles. You’ll need the P460e PHEV derivative for the best residual values, and you’ll also need a deep pocket to be able to afford the six-figure initial price. Those that can stomach the asking price will revel in the sumptuous materials and state-of-the-art tech found in one of the most luxurious cars on sale.

Read our full review of the Range Rover to find out more

3. Land Rover Discovery Sport (63.63%)

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is the smallest car in the brand's range but despite the high initial cost for the everyday buyer, there is plenty you get for your money. The ride is comfortable, the looks are classic Land Rover and there’s a premium interior typical of the firm’s models. It's the Dynamic SE that should hold its value best with up to 63.63 per cent of the list price remaining after three years and 36,000 miles. 

Read our full review of the Land Rover Discovery Sport to find out more

4. Range Rover Sport (63.3%)

The Range Rover Sport has always been a strong performer on the used market. It’s no longer the diesels that post the most favourable residuals; the P440e plug-in hybrid in SE guise is expected to return a staggering 63.3 per cent of its original value. You get all the usual luxury features, a commanding driving experience, plus the potential for rock-bottom running costs.

Read our full review of the Range Rover Sport to find out more

5. Lexus NX 350h (60.62%)

Lexus has been making hybrids for many years so it’s no shock to see the NX 350h on our list. The refined SUV possesses a high-quality interior with a composed ride that smooths bumps from potholes and the like. It is the entry point in the range, the Lexus NX 350h Urban, that is predicted to retain 60.62 per cent of its initial value.

Read our full review of the Lexus NX 350h to find out more

6. Range Rover Velar (59.7%)

The Range Rover Velar also joins the other JLR cars on this list. With its accomplished drive, attractive looks and affordable running cost it's clear why the Velar holds its value so well. The P400e Dynamic HSE is the pick of the bunch holding an impressive 59.7 per cent of its value.

Read our full review of the Range Rover Velar to find out more

7. Porsche Panamera (59.47%)

The plug-in hybrid Porsche Panamera is an in-demand machine, so residual values are decent across the range. It’s the least expensive version that offers the best figures, and it doesn’t really matter if you pick four or five seats, or add the 7.2kW charger – you’ll get a similar percentage back.

Read our full review of the ​Porsche Panamera to find out more

8. Mercedes-Benz S-Class (58.13%)

The Mercedes S-Class is one of the most luxurious and comfortable cars on this list, the interior is breathtaking and it also has a very impressive electric range. To retain the most of value, your money is best placed with the S580eL AMG Line Premium Plus which should still hold 58.13 per cent after three years - 14 per cent more than the powerful AMG S63.

Read our full review of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class to find out more

9. Range Rover Evoque (56.79%)

Land Rover has struggled with reliability and build quality issues in recent years, but that doesn’t seem to be harming the firm’s desirability. The Range Rover Evoque – the baby Range Rover – offers decent residual values at around half the price of the brand’s larger cars. The R-Dynamic models with their sportier body kits tend to command the best prices when it’s time to sell.

Read our full review of the Range Rover Evoque to find out more

10. Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid (56.67%)

Since its conception, the Volkswagen Tiguan has been immensely popular. A few years ago, VW started offering the family SUV in a plug-in hybrid variation which has proven to be both relaxing to drive and with its decent electric range, relatively cost effective to run, too. The R-Line would be the one to choose as not only does it come with sporty looks and more standard features, it also holds its value best. 

Read our full review of the Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid to find out more