Green cars do age gracefully
Not all retain good value, but here are 10 green vehicles that hold it best
Vehicles do not, as the old saying goes, lose 35 per cent of their value the second they’re driven off the lot. But all vehicles, save for limited production models, depreciate over time — and hybrid cars are no exception.
After three years, some vehicles are worth half of what they cost, some far less. Factors such as reliability, an automaker’s reputation for quality, performance and design all help determine how value is retained, but so do pricing, incentives and production volume.
In the U.S., the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) lists vehicles with the slowest rate of depreciation after three years, based off trade-in values from dealers. It’s a way to gauge which cars, trucks and SUVs are solid investments. According to NADA, these are the best green-car bets:
SUBCOMPACT: HONDA CR-Z
Despite a looming end to production, the Honda CR-Z sport hybrid features a lithium-ion battery to go with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder gas engine that produces 130 horsepower and 140 pound-feet of torque. Pricing starts at $26,290. Three-yearold models have kept 47.9 per cent of their value, but with the end of production in sight, retained values could rise.
COMPACT: TOYOTA PRIUS
The fourth-generation Prius uses a 1.8-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine backed by its Hybrid Synergy Drive for 121 h.p. and fuel efficiency of 4.5 L/100 km combined. It can seat five and pricing starts at $25,995. Three-year-old models have historically kept 53.9 per cent of their value.
MID-SIZE CAR: TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID
Starting at $29,550, the Camry Hybrid is powered by a 2.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder with Hybrid Synergy Drive for 200 net h.p. matched to an E-CV transmission. Three-year-old models maintain 51.9 per cent of their value.
SPORT UTILITY: TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID
Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which never needs to be plugged in, pairs a 3.5-litre Atkinson Cycle V-6 with a high torque electric motor-generator and battery for 280 net hp and uses about 30 per cent less fuel than the gas model. Three-year-old models fetch 60.8 per cent of their original value — the best on this list.
LARGE UTILITY: GMC YUKON DENALI HYBRID
Discontinued due to poor sales, GMC’s Yukon and Chevy’s Tahoe siblings once came with a hybrid system since replaced by GM’s EcoTec3 gas engines. Those that still exist command 55.8 per cent of their original value. Imagine what a diesel Yukon, with nearly equal fuel economy, would be worth.
Another lost hybrid, the ILX hybrid sat very close to the Honda Accord Hybrid (also gone), which offered more room for less money. If you can source an ILX hybrid or own one, expect it to be worth 50 per cent of its showroom value.
LUXURY MID-SIZE: LEXUS ES HYBRID
Starting at $44,700, the Lexus ES 300h registers fuel economy of 5.8 L/100 km city and 6.1 highway from its 2.5L DOHC I4/electric motor that nets 200 h.p. and 156 lb.-ft. of torque. Older models still command 52.9 per cent of initial cost.
LUXURY LARGE CAR: TESLA MODEL S
The only all-electric car on this list, the Tesla Model S has a claimed range of anywhere from 372 to 512 km before needing a recharge. With two motors, one in front and one in rear, the Model S sport sedan digitally controls torque to the front and rear wheels.
Used versions, according to NADA, return 56.2 per cent of the price new, currently at $86,000 (including freight.)
LUXURY COMPACT UTILITY: AUDI Q5 HYBRID
The Audi Q5 Hybrid was the brand’s first hybrid in Canada and arrived with a turbo 2.0L four-cylinder matched up with an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Combined output of 245 h.p. and decent fuel economy gives three-year-old models a 60.5 per cent value rating over the 2013 new price. Hybrid Q5s currently start at $57,000.
LUXURY MID-SIZE UTILITY: LEXUS RX HYBRID
Long the darling of the luxury SUV set — and a pioneer in the segment — the luxe Lexus remains one of the best resale bets around, and a good choice new since it holds its value so well. The RX 450h starts at $68,950 but should be worth at least 54.8 per cent of that three years down the road.