Everyone knows that the moment you drive your shiny new car off the dealer lot, it instantly loses value. But some new cars depreciate less than others, which is worth knowing when the time comes to trade it in for a new ride. But which 2021 cars hold their value best? To help us find out, ALG has published the results of its annual Residual Value Awards, honoring cars from mainstream and luxury brands in 29 different segments predicted to hold the highest percentage of their manufacturer's suggested retail price after three years.

To decide the winners, factors such as used vehicle performance, brand outlook, and product competitiveness were analyzed. To be eligible for the award, a manufacturer needs to sell vehicles in at least four different segments.

Subaru achieved the top spot in the mainstream brand category, while Lexus earned the top spot in the luxury brand category. Subaru also won the most segment awards, with the Subaru Impreza, WRX, Forester, and Crosstrek earning awards in their respective categories. ALG also found the Lexus LS, IS, and RX retains the most value in the premium executive, premium midsize, and premium midsize utility two-row seating categories respectively.

This year, ALG introduced new micro utility and premium electric categories. Mazda took earned the top spot in the former with the Mazda CX-3 and the Tesla Model Y took top honors in the premium electric category. The Kia Niro EV, on the other hand, retained the most value in the mainstream electric category.

Other mainstream category winners include the Dodge Charger, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Metris, Chevrolet Silverado HD and Tahoe, Hyundai Sonata, Honda Passport and Odyssey, Toyota Tacoma and Highlander, Mini Cooper, and Jeep Wrangler. In the premium categories, other winners included the BMW 2 Series, Porsche Macan, Audi A6 Allroad and Q3, Cadillac Escalade, Land Rover Discovery, and Chevrolet Corvette.

"Residual values are a key indicator of an automaker's success and really help determine the overall health of a brand or certain model," said Eric Lyman, Chief Industry Analyst at ALG. "Consumers who are looking to buy their next vehicle need to take residual values into consideration as they provide insight into the total cost of ownership of a car. New vehicle buyers can get peace of mind that purchasing a vehicle that wins the ALG Residual Value Awards will hold more of its value compared with its peers when it comes time to sell it or trade it in."