Skoda Superb

MG HS

New Dacia Duster

BMW M3

New BMW M5

Mazda 3

Aston Martin DBX

Cupra Terramar

the-10-fastest-depreciating-suvs

Depreciation is something most new car buyers don't want to think about, but it's always worth factoring in to your next purchase. After all, no one&nbsp;wants to buy a car that will be worth almost nothing by the time they come to sell it on.

You might imagine that because of their popularity among British buyers, SUVs would be immune to the pitfalls of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/depreciation-what-is-it-and-how-do-i-avoid-it/n1122">depreciation</a>,&nbsp;but there's a big&nbsp;gap between the car models that hold on to their value the best&nbsp;and those that lose money the quickest. Here, we're revealing which 10 SUVs suffer the worst depreciation during the first three years and 36,000 miles of ownership.

Our list features&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">electric SUVs</a>&nbsp;as well as petrol-powered models, and ranges from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116">family&nbsp;SUVs</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;fully fledged&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/sports-suvs/n20200">sports SUVs</a>. In each case, you can click the links to read more about each car in our reviews, and we'll show you&nbsp;how much you&nbsp;can save by using our free&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals</a>&nbsp;service.&nbsp;All prices correct at the time of writing.

Slideshow story: please click the right-hand arrow above to continue, or simply scroll down if you’re reading on your mobile

The 10 fastest-depreciating SUVs

Jeep only makes SUVs, but it has plenty of them for you to choose from. So, whether you want something rugged enough to ford streams and climb mountains, or a more luxurious and family-friendly car, it has something to suit you.

Despite its all-American image, Jeep is actually owned by Fiat, meaning Jeeps often share parts with cars from the Italian giant; the entry-level Renegade, for example, has plenty in common with Fiat’s 500X.

However, perhaps the most widely recognised Jeep is the Wrangler, a model that has a dedicated fan base and which closely resembles the original Jeep which saw service in World War 2.

The brand’s future plans include new small and large SUVs, plus the introduction of fully electric models.

JEEP

COMPASS

Model&nbsp;1.5 T4 e-Torque Hybrid Summit&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£38,105 |&nbsp;36k/3yr resale value&nbsp;£13,425 |&nbsp;Price drop&nbsp;£24,680 |&nbsp;Retained value&nbsp;35.2%

Like the Maserati Levante we saw earlier on this list, calling this Jeep Compass a hybrid is a bit grand –&nbsp; its mild hybrid system gives the engine small amounts of electrical assistance, and official figures suggest that should up your fuel economy to around 50mpg, but it's not a regular hybrid system like you'll find in the Toyota Yaris Cross, for example.

Elsewhere, the Compass is very good at venturing off road, and it has a reasonably spacious interior that's good for your family and&nbsp;their luggage,&nbsp;but in most other situations it's soundly beaten by other family SUVs. Its steering, for example, is especially poor, being too light and very vague. Similarly, when the Compass' petrol engine does fire up, it sounds pretty coarse in comparison with other SUVs.

10: Jeep Compass

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Offers off-road ability</li>
	<li>Reasonably spacious interior</li>
	<li>Respectable equipment levels</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Lacks engine refinement</li>
	<li>Small boot for its class</li>
	<li>Disappointing interior quality</li>
</ul>

Hatchback

DS has only existed as a standalone manufacturer since 2015&nbsp;(prior to that the badge was used on upmarket&nbsp;Citroëns), but it is now the premium brand in the Stellantis group, which also includes&nbsp;Citroën, Peugeot and Vauxhall.

The first DS models were essentially rebadged Citroëns, but more recently its cars are now standalone models in their own right. Yet under the skin, they're still very closely related.

Its models are&nbsp;influenced by the French fashion industry and are designed&nbsp;to take on the ubiquitous offerings of Audi, BMW and Mercedes.

DS 7

Model&nbsp;1.6 E-Tense 4x4 360 Opera EAT8&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£60,900 |&nbsp;36k/3yr resale value&nbsp;£21,100&nbsp;|&nbsp;Price drop&nbsp;£39,800 |&nbsp;Retained value&nbsp;34.6%

Designed to turn heads away from rival family SUVs including the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x1/estate/review/n25006">BMW X1</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/review/n119">Volvo XC40</a>, the DS 7 sadly loses value quicker than either of those rivals – to the tune of almost £40,000 over three years of ownership.

It doesn't help that this particular version is very expensive to begin with. It's a plug-in hybrid, and features a 1.6-litre petrol engine working in conjunction with two electric motors. Altogether, the system produces 355bhp, and you can officially travel for around 30 miles without using a drop of fuel – although you'll struggle to get close to that in the real world.

The 7's interior is eye-catching enough, but the quality is hit and miss. It's a shame, for example, that most of the 7's chrome-effect detailing is actually plastic, and that to do something as simple as setting the climate control, you still need to use the touchscreen infotainment system.

9: DS 7 

Strengths

<ul>
	<li>Opulent-looking interior</li>
	<li>Competitive CO2 ratings</li>
	<li>Good level of standard equipment</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Interior quality poor in places</li>
	<li>Fast depreciation</li>
	<li>Grabby brakes and so-so handling</li>
</ul>

Estate

Jaguars are consistently among the best-handling cars of their kind, with the firm’s model range encompassing the XE, XF and XJ saloons, the F-Type sports cars and multiple SUVs.

Jaguar was actually relatively late to launch its first SUV, the F-Pace, but it quickly followed it up with the smaller E-Pace and the all-electric I-Pace.

That SUV range will keep growing, too, with larger and more luxurious SUVs planned to take on the Porsche Cayenne and the Range Rover from sister brand Land Rover.

JAGUAR

I-PACE

Model&nbsp;EV400 Sport&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£79,995 |&nbsp;36k/3yr resale value&nbsp;£26,250 |&nbsp;Price drop&nbsp;£53,745 |&nbsp;Retained value&nbsp;32.8%

You might be surprised to see a premium car like the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/electric-car-best-winter-range/n24274">Jaguar I-Pace</a>&nbsp;end up here, but while its depreciation is bad news for first owners, this electric SUV can represent a bit of a bargain if you pick one up on the used market.

There's only one motor and battery combination in the I-Pace, but it's a good one. Indeed, the two electric motors send their 394bhp to all four wheels, allowing the I-Pace to bound to motorway speeds in a healthy 4.7sec. The range is decent, too, with the I-Pace's 84.7kWh battery giving an official range of 285 miles. Don't expect to match that figure in real-world use, though – in our winter range test the I-Pace managed 197 miles on a full charge.

You sit inside a comfortable, high-quality interior in the I-Pace, even if both the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q8/4x4/review/n18397">Audi Q8 e-tron</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/ix/4x4/review/n23569">BMW iX</a>&nbsp;offer more visual appeal. And while you can get a healthy seven suitcases into the I-Pace, split between its front and rear boots, it's worth knowing that its Audi and BMW rivals can both take a little more, while the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/tesla/model-y/hatchback/review/n23624">Tesla Model Y</a>&nbsp;is positively gargantuan by comparison.

8: Jaguar I-Pace

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Entertaining handling</li>
	<li>User-friendly interior</li>
	<li>Surprisingly capable off road</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Restricted rear visibility</li>
	<li>Range and charging speed are nothing special</li>
	<li>Not as hushed as rivals</li>
</ul>

MG has a long heritage in the UK, and while these days it is owned by Chinese firm SAIC, it is slowly but surely beefing up its model range.

Kicking things off is the MG 3, a rival for affordable hatchbacks such as the Dacia Sandero and Skoda Fabia. Then there’s the ZS small SUV, which faces off against the likes of the Renault Captur and Seat Arona. And at the top of the range is the GS, which goes up against Dacia’s Duster and the Ssangyong Tivoli.

While any future MG products are likely to be introduced in China before coming to the UK, design work is still undertaken in the UK. MG’s design studio is based at Longbridge, where the brand made its name with models such as the MGB GT.

MG MOTOR UK

Temporary taxonomy to separate ZS EV from other models in the ZS range. Built by ChrisH 11/10/2019

ZS EV

Model&nbsp;Trophy 51kWh |&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£35,495&nbsp;|&nbsp;36k/3yr resale value&nbsp;£11,625 |&nbsp;Price drop&nbsp;£23,870 |&nbsp;Retained value&nbsp;32.8%

Depreciation aside, we wouldn't shy you away from considering the MG ZS EV, because it's a small electric SUV with a lot of potential and, in most areas, it ticks the right boxes for buyers in this market. This version has the smaller of two battery choices fitted, but this can officially take you up to 279 miles between charges – that's should be comfortably enough to meet the needs of most drivers. The zip from the MG's electric motor is good, too, meaning you'll never wish that you had a bit more pep on faster roads.

Given the extra weight of its battery compared with the standard, petrol-powered MG ZS, you won't be surprised to lean that the ZS EV doesn't feel as engaging as its sibling to drive, and both the Kia Niro EV and Peugeot e-2008 feel more agile. Ride comfort is a mixed bag, too, with the car's relatively soft suspension dealing well enough with low-speed bumps, but you'll be jostled around on faster roads more than you would be in rivals.

Still, at least you can get more into the boot of the MG than you can into the Kia or Peugeot. Plus, even if you opt for the panoramic roof, a couple of six-footers will find they have plenty of head room on the rear bench.

7: MG ZS EV

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>More practical than similarly priced electric cars</li>
	<li>Long Range version has an impressive range</li>
	<li>Cheaper than rival electric SUVs</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Mediocre to drive</li>
	<li>Not the quietest cruiser</li>
	<li>Many electric cars can charge up quicker</li>
</ul>

Mazda can be summed up in a single word: bold. Not only do its cars generally look like nothing else on the market, but it’s also invested heavily in innovative engine technology.

So, while many car makers have moved to smaller turbocharged engines, Mazda instead offers larger motors that are still efficient. For example, the entry-level petrol option in the Mazda 3 is a 2.0-litre unit –&nbsp;far larger than what you’ll find in most rivals – but it remains very clean.

Highlights of Mazda’s line-up include the MX-5 sports car, which has won our Convertible of the Year Award multiple times, and the CX-5 large SUV, which was named as our inaugural best car for dog owners.

MAZDA

MX-30

Model&nbsp;Makoto&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£32,395 |&nbsp;36k/3yr resale value&nbsp;£10,300 |&nbsp;Price drop&nbsp;£22,095 |&nbsp;Retained value&nbsp;31.8%

Mazda's electric SUV falls well behind the rest of its rivals even before you consider the collossal rate at which it sheds pounds and pence. Let's start with the range, because it's just 124 miles. And while that might be enough for commuting around town for some, the chances are that you could see much less than that in real-world use. Certainly, most electric SUV rivals, including the Peugeot e-2008 and Smart #1, offer substantially more.

The range is a shame, because the MX-30 actually drives well, with brakes which are better to regulate than those in the e-2008, and a ride which, while firmer than that of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volkswagen/id3/hatchback/review/n21832">Volkswagen ID 3</a>, manages to soak up bumps well.&nbsp;

Inside, the MX-30 knocks the ID 3 for six when it comes to material quality, and Mazda's infotainment system is easy to get along with – not least because it includes a rotary controller, which makes it easier to use on the move than the touchscreen-only setups of some rivals. Sadly, the Mazda's odd rear-hinged doors severely limit its practicality, because they make clambering into the car difficult, and can only be opened after the fronts have been opened too.

6: Mazda MX-30

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Good ride and handling balance</li>
	<li>Smart interior with great infotainment system</li>
	<li>Well equipped</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Pathetic range</li>
	<li>Loses its value quickly</li>
	<li>Poor rear-seat space</li>
</ul>

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

Built temporary taxonomy to use before CAP produces one we can latch onto

e-2008

Model&nbsp;Active 54kWh&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£36,100&nbsp;|&nbsp;36k/3yr resale value&nbsp;£11,000 |&nbsp;Price drop&nbsp;£25,100 |&nbsp;Retained value&nbsp;30.5%

Used car buyers might rejoice that the Peugeot e-2008 loses so much value over three years of ownership, but it's not good news if you're the first owner. Fortunately, depreciation aside, there's lots to like about Peugeot's smallest electric SUV. Every version gets a 154bhp electric motor which offers peppy performance with instant acceleration, meaning you can beat most traffic away from junctions or make the most of gaps for overtaking.

The rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/smart/hashtag-1/hatchback/review/n25016">Smart #1</a>&nbsp;offers a more composed ride on the motorway, but around town the e-2008 has the edge thansk to its comfier low-speed ride. The Peugeot keeps its body in check while cornering, too, although its lightning-fast steering response can take some getting used to – as can Peugeot's i-Cockpit interior design, which has you loking over a small steering wheel at the controls rather than through it.

In terms of practicality, the Peugeot e-2008 misses out on the front boot, or 'frunk', of some electric SUVs, but the one in the back is just as big as in the regular&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/2008/estate/review/n110">2008</a>&nbsp;– we managed to fit five carry-on suitcases below its parcel shelf.

5: Peugeot e-2008

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Smart, solid-feeling interior</li>
	<li>Impressively quiet and comfortable</li>
	<li>Strong efficiency makes the most of smaller battery capacity</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Some rivals have a longer range</li>
	<li>Driving position won’t suit everyone</li>
	<li>Limited rear seat space</li>
</ul>

Do you look at the models of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz and find them all a bit too… common? Well then, Maserati might be up your street.

This Italian car maker has one SUV in its line-up – the Porsche Cayenne-rivalling Levante – but also the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons, GranTurismo coupé and GranCabrio drop-top.

Despite its long history, Maserati has been through several periods of inactivity but is now in better health thanks to being part of the large Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group.

In the future, we’re expecting to see Maserati grow its SUV range with new models to sit above and below the Levante, as well as a new range-topping sports car.

MASERATI

LEVANTE

Model&nbsp;Hybrid GT Ultima |&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£92,365 |&nbsp;36k/3yr resale value&nbsp;£27,275 |&nbsp;Price drop&nbsp;£65,090 |&nbsp;Retained value&nbsp;29.5%

Chances are that if you're in the market for a six-figure&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/sports-suvs/n20200">sports SUV</a>&nbsp;like the Maserati Levante, then depreciation isn't top on your list of concerns. Still, we reckon even the steadiest&nbsp;of business hands would wobble over&nbsp;the amount of value the Levante loses within three years of ownership –&nbsp;&nbsp;enough to put another seriously grunty sports SUV on your driveway.

You can have your Levante with either a fire-breathing V8 petrol engine or what's badged as a hybrid – don't go thinking this is some green-fingered sports SUV, though, because the hybrid in question is a mild one, meaning that while the car is electrified, it can't move under electric power alone. Still, the electrical assistance given to the Levante's petrol engine should help to lower your fuel bills.

Elsewhere, the Levante's interior disappoints in terms of quality, with some of its switchgear feeling surprisingly cheap given the price, and while the Levante is a big car, taller rear passengers might find their heads brushing the ceiling.

4: Maserati Levante

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Plenty of standard equipment</li>
	<li>Rear seat room</li>
	<li>Stylish interior</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Unrefined diesel engine</li>
	<li>Stodgy handling</li>
	<li>Bumpy ride</li>
</ul>

Vauxhall has an incredibly diverse range of cars on sale, a few of which stand out above the class average. Add in the fact that it still offers some of the largest Target Price discounts in the market (something it is trying, without huge success, to cut back on), and there are very good reasons to consider buying one of its better models.

However, you need to choose carefully, because it is also a brand in transition. It has a newish parent company – the same one that owns Citroën, DS and Peugeot. And while Vauxhall’s newer models tend to be competitive, some of the others feel dated; a quick check of our star ratings will reveal which is which.

Still, given the recent success of sister brands Citroën and especially Peugeot, each new launch should make its range more appealing to buyers.

VAUXHALL

MOKKA

Model&nbsp;GS 54kWh&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£39,735 |&nbsp;36k/3yr resale value&nbsp;£11,250 |&nbsp;Price drop&nbsp;£28,485 |&nbsp;Retained value&nbsp;28.3%

While neither the petrol nor the electric versions of the Vauxhall Mokka perform well in terms of depreciation, it's by far the Mokka Electric which does the worst, being worth just 28.3% of its original purchase price once you've covered 36,000 miles over three years. The Mokka Electric is an expensive choice among electric SUVs, but at least this GS model is the entry-level version, and at least it comes with most of the kit you're likely to want, including adaptive cruise control, keyless start and heated front seats.

Elsewhere, the Mokka Electric has an official range of up to 209 miles between charges, which is respectable, but we managed just 151 miles on a warm day in real-world conditions. Plus, the Mokka Electric's 134bhp electric motor doesn't deliver the sort of instant shove we've become used to in some rivals – the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/niro/estate/review/n24582">Kia Niro EV</a>&nbsp;makes overtaking easier, for example.

3: Vauxhall Mokka Electric

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Pretty comfortable</li>
	<li>Impressively quiet at speed</li>
	<li>Plenty of standard kit</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Niro EV and ID 3 have longer ranges</li>
	<li>Cheap feeling interior</li>
	<li>Not that quick by EV standards</li>
</ul>

Citroën is probably most famous for its quirky design, and the latest cars from the brand live up to this tradition. In fact, it&nbsp;tends to keep away from sportiness altogether and instead tries to put comfort first.

Value (but not cheapness) is also key to the appeal of most Citroëns. And the company’s range includes everything from a tiny EV (the Ami) through to the C3 small hatchback and&nbsp;the large van-based&nbsp;Spacetourer MPV.

Its range of SUVs are all badged Aircross, and like the rest of its range place emphasis on comfort, not speed.

CITROEN

e-C4

Model&nbsp;You 50kWh&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£31,960 |&nbsp;36k/3yr resale value&nbsp;£8825&nbsp;|&nbsp;Price drop&nbsp;£23,135 |&nbsp;Retained value&nbsp;27.6%

This version of the&nbsp;Citroën ë-C4 comes with the larger of two battery options, giving you an official range of up to 260 miles between charges. That's likely enough for most drivers, but it's worth noting that the rival MG4 EV Extended Range can go further still. It's a shame that the e-C4 doesn't feel faster, either – indeed, its official 0-62mph sprint time of 9.2 seconds is slower than that of most rivals, despite this version receiving a more powerful 154bhp electric motor.

If comfort is your top priority, though, then the e-C4 is well worth looking at, because it does a good job of soaking up lumps and bumps. Indeed, it's better at cushioning you than rivals including the Smart #1 and Volkswagen ID 3. Those cars match the e-C4 for boot space, with each being able to carry five suitcases – even if the Kia Niro EV can up that figure to seven.

Elsewhere, we like the e-C4's interior, which is one of&nbsp;Citroën's best efforts yet in terms of quality, but it's worth noting that You trim does without the built-in sat-nav that most other versions of the e-C4 get.

2: Citroën ë-C4

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Mainly cushy ride</li>
	<li>Good quality interior</li>
	<li>Hushed at motorway speeds</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Relatively slow acceleration</li>
	<li>Not as roomy as some rivals</li>
	<li>Competent handling but not particularly fun to drive</li>
</ul>

DS 3

Model&nbsp;Performance Line&nbsp;|&nbsp;List price&nbsp;£38,365 |&nbsp;36k/3yr resale value&nbsp;£9700 |&nbsp;Price drop&nbsp;£28,665 |&nbsp;Retained value&nbsp;25.3%

DS is positioned as a premium brand, which means you'll pay more for the DS 3 E-Tense than you would for some rival&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">electric SUVs</a>, including the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/hyundai/kona/hatchback/review/n18164">Hyundai Kona Electric</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/niro/estate/review/n24582">Kia Niro EV</a>. That's the case whether you buy on cash or on a PCP finance deal, where the DS 3's poor resale values mean that finance packages aren't very competitive.

Despite that, there are some redeeming features to consider, such as a relatively comfortable ride which does a good job of taking the sting out of battered British B-roads and town centre potholes alike. The steering isn't as sharp as the Kia Niro EV's, though, and the DS leans heavily through corners. In short, driving the DS 3 E-Tense quickly isn't a rewarding experience.

There's a decent amount of space in the front of the DS, but the Niro EV again trumps it for rear space – plus, you can get more into the boot of the Kia than you can into the DS. Compounding the usability issue is the 3's relatively poor range, which, at 250 miles, isn't up there with the best in this class.&nbsp;

1: DS 3 E-Tense

<h3>Strengths</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Distinctive looks</li>
	<li>Decent refinement</li>
	<li>Plenty of standard kit</li>
</ul>

<h3>Weaknesses</h3>

<ul>
	<li>Cramped rear seats</li>
	<li>Poor visibility</li>
	<li>Not exciting to drive</li>
</ul>

The desirability of SUVs means they tend to have strong residuals, but there are some exceptions that lose a huge proportion of their value over three years

NEW REVIEWS:

The 10 fastest-depreciating SUVs

The desirability of SUVs means they tend to have strong residuals, but there are some exceptions that lose a huge proportion of their value over three years...

The safest cars on sale in 2024 - the latest crash tests

Which is the best breakdown service in 2024

PCP or HP: should I still consider HP?

Most reliable used cars 2024: the best secondhand choices

Winter driving guide 2025: how to prepare your car for winter

New issue of What Car? magazine on sale now

Also consider

Quick search

Tools & services

Legal bits

Information