Depreciation is a cost that hits harder than you’d expect. This is because you don’t feel it at the point of purchase or gradually over the years, it only really affects you when you’re looking to sell and move on. In the luxury segment, it can be a particularly heavy cost if you don’t shop wisely.
Even in the luxury segment, though, there are a number of options that work to mitigate the effects of depreciation. Usually, these are models with a particularly good reputation for reliability and affordability. Thus, Japanese brands like Lexus and Acura are the way to go if you’re looking to get the best return years down the line.
Looking through data from authoritative sources, we’ve found the ten Japanese vehicles that hold their value the best after five years of ownership. We explore how much they depreciate, what helps them stand out in their respective segments, and which models are the best to buy.
to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including CarEdge and TopSpeed. Depreciation values were sourced from CarEdge.
102025 Lexus LC
Depreciation After Five Years: 48%
While two-door sports cars in the six-figure price range generally offer blistering performance and precise cornering abilities, the LC was built with a different ideology. It is a soft andluxurious grand tourerthat puts comfort above all else. It starts at an eye-watering $101,100.
471 HP
398 LB-FT
0-60 MPH
Top Speed
168 MPH
We think the LC gets a bad rep. It, unfortunately, often gets compared to the LFA, but it is a very different machine. It is quick enough to feel sporty and its naturally aspirated V-8 is like a symphony. The balance that it offers in terms of comfort and precision is good, and well suited to those who want a comfortable touring car.
92025 Lexus IS
As is the case with most Lexus sedans and coupes, the IS is not quite as sharp as its German rivals. Rather than chasing the absolute fastest zero to 60 time, or the best lap times for that matter, the IS delivers a package that is much easier to live with on a daily basis. Starting at $41,610, it is also much cheaper.
241 HP
258 LB-FT
RWD or AWD
149 MPH
While some other sport compacts may be quicker, the margin is not as large as some might have you believe. The base four-cylinder is incredibly weak but a 311-horsepower V-6 is also on offer, as is a 472-horsepower V-8. The V-6-powered IS 350 is the one we’d go for.
82025 Lexus RC
The Lexus RC is a bit of a hard sell. This 2+2 coupe intends to offer a smaller, much more affordable alternative to the LC. However, there are a ton of small luxury cars at this price point that are simply more fun to drive and just as luxurious. The starting MSRP for the 2025 model year sits at $46,695.
143 MPH
The RC focuses on comfort more than it does driving verve, which is definitely to its detriment in the compact segment because all of its competitors do a better job of working performance into the mix. Even the 311-horsepower V-6 doesn’t keep up with rivals.
72025 Lexus LX
Depreciation After Five Years: 42%
While Lexus' sedans and coupe struggle against rivals, their lineup of SUVs is much more competitive. The LX is their largest model and does battle with the likes of the BMW X7 and the Cadillac Escalade, and itholds its own pretty well. Being such a high-end model, it starts at $106,850.
409 HP
479 LB-FT
4WD
130 MPH
For a vehicle that weighs pretty close 6,000 pounds, the LX can hustle. Its twin-turbo V-6 has a ton of power, and plenty of torque to boot. This and its sturdy chassis means that it can also tow up to 8,000 pounds. Suspension and handling wise, it is smooth and drives like an SUV that is much smaller.
62025 Lexus GX
The GX has always been the Lexus-ified version of the 4Runner. You get the same rugged capability and reliability with the GX with a much more luxurious interior. Lexus’off-road-ready SUVwas also completely redone for the 2024 model year, looking and performing better than ever. Prices start at $65,585.
349 HP
105 MPH
The twin-turbo V-6 in the GX makes fewer horsepower than it does in the LX, but torque remains absurdly high. It is also more powerful than the V-8 from the previous generation GX. Available off-road equipment includes 33-inch All-Terrain tires, an aluminum skid plate, and an adaptive suspension system.
52025 Lexus NX
The NX is a subcompact SUV that competes against stacked rivals like the BMW X1 and the Volvo XC40. It checks all the boxes that make Lexus crossovers such attractive options, with a stylish and comfortable cabin and a generous list of standard features, all for a starting price of $42,140.
203 HP
184 LB-FT
FWD or AWD
124 MPH
The Lexus can be had with a four-cylinder engine in the NX 250, a 275-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder in the NX 350, or as ahybrid or plug-in hybrid. The gas models hold their value best, though. Signature Lexus ride quality is on offer, with some models coming equipped with adaptive suspension.
42025 Lexus UX
If you’re looking for the most affordable to get behind the wheel of a Lexus, the UX is it. While technically a subcompact SUV, it’s better to look at the UX asa premium hatchback. For a starting price of $37,715, it offers pretty good value, with a high-quality interior and plenty of tech.
196 HP
139 LB-FT
111 MPH
The current UX is a hybrid-only affair, which certainly suits its value-oriented approach. This is especially true considering it is more powerful and quicker than the four-cylinder UX 250 it replaced. However, its plush ride is certainly the star of the show.
32025 Acura RDX
The only non-Lexus to make this list comes from another Japanese firm, Acura. The RDX is a premium SUV that has a focus on driving verve, with an excellently tuned chassis and a perky engine. However, it isn’t as comfortable or luxurious as its rivals despite having a very similar price tag.
272 HP
280 LB-FT
112 MPH
While it doesn’t quite stack up when it comes to interior quality, it is definitely a hoot to drive. Its over-achieving four-cylinder engine delivers some great acceleration and its standard all-wheel drive system is great. The only shortfall is the transmission, which is hesitant to move into a lower gear sometimes.
22025 Lexus TX
Depreciation After Five Years: 40%
As Toyota introduced the Grand Highlander, Lexus debuted its plush cousin named the TX. This mid-size three-row SUV offersall the practicalityof the Grand Highlander, with an interior that easily competes with BMW, Audi, and other high-end brands. It is priced starting at $56,490.
275 HP
217 LB-FT
113 MPH
The gas-powered TX 350 features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. A 366-horsepower hybrid engine is available in the TX 500 and the TX 550+ comes with a 404-horsepower plug-in hybrid V-6. In any form, the TX delivers a quite and comfortable ride.
12025 Lexus RX
Depreciation After Five Years: 31%
The RX was the first ever SUV produced by Lexus, and is easily the most popular model. The compact SUV does battle in a pretty crowded segment, and it struggles a little bit to stand out. It also isn’t cheaper than its direct rivals, which is usually what sets Lexus models apart. The 2025 RX starts at $50,475.
317 LB-FT
115 MPH
The RX 350 is the most affordable model, sporting a turbo four-cylinder. There are aplethora of hybrid modelsavailable, though, with the most powerful being the 366-horsepower RX 500h. The gas model holds its value the best, though.
