Auto experts believe that the moment a new car goes out of the car dealership, it loses its value. These vehicles continue to lose their value the longer you own them. However, there are a few cars that are an exception to this, the Jeep Wrangler included. Several factors impact the rate of a car’s depreciation beyond its age. You’d be surprised how something that seems as trivial as color can impact a car’s resale value. Let’s uncover the truth behind the great resale value of a Jeep Wrangler that makes it a worthwhile investment, especially buyers looking for an off-road SUV.
Key Highlights
• Jeep is an iconic brand and the Jeep Wrangler is among its most popular models.
• The Jeep Wrangler model years with the highest resale values are the 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2023 models.
• The off-road capability, unique and rugged design, and customization options are among the factors that contribute to the great resale value of a Jeep Wrangler.
What Makes Jeep a Popular Brand?
Jeep is an iconic American car manufacturer specializing in SUVs and off-road vehicles. This brand name has a long track record of durability and performance, which explains its strong fanbase globally.
Despite the evolution of Jeep vehicles over the years, much of the iconic, rugged look that made them popular has remained today. It is especially true of the Jeep Wrangler, which is one of the brand’s most popular models.
What truly sets Jeep apart from other brands is its commitment to sell not just the vehicle, but the experience. With its range of off-road SUVs that combine performance, style, and practicality, you will get more bang for your buck!
Car Depreciation 101
Before exploring how Jeep Wranglers hold their value over the years, let’s understand what causes depreciation.
Depreciation refers to how new cars lose their value over time. Age and mileage can also contribute to its lowered depreciation value, which means that a car is worth less by the time you’ve driven it compared to the amount you paid for it. Various external factors, such as market demand and current pricing impacts depreciation value.
Depreciation of cars is inevitable. However, they do differ in the rate of depreciation. For example, one car loses value by half within five years while others only lose value by 10% within the first ten years. These factors are either due to the durability, brand reputation, and rareness. However, slowly depreciating vehicles are more of an exception.
Insight into The Great Resale Value of a Jeep Wrangler
Why do Jeep Wranglers barely depreciate? In a CNBC report, they have stated that a typical car loses 33% in value within the first five years (as of 2022). A year before that, this value was at 40%, partly due to the lack of vehicle supply during the pandemic, which made used cars highly valuable.
These numbers don’t apply to the Jeep Wrangler, though. The average five-year-depreciation rate for the Jeep Wrangler is a measly 7-9%. The actual rate varies depending on the specific Wrangler model. It’s good news for Jeep Wrangler owners to know their car has a great resale value, but not so good if you’re the one shopping for used Wranglers.
So, what drives the great resale value of a Jeep Wrangler to stay high?
The high depreciation value of the Wrangler lies in its high prices in the market and the unique appeal of the off-road SUV. Despite some competition, such as the Ford Bronco, the Jeep Wrangler is unique as it offers an old-school ruggedness and a standout style complete with stout yet solid axles, soft-top roof, and oversized tires. Below, we examine the factors that impact the great resale value of the Jeep Wrangler.
Capability
Style is what draws the buyers initially to a car, but its performance is what makes them a worthwhile investment. The Jeep Wrangler is a unique specimen because it stands out from the other SUVs by offering an off-road capability. Every aspect of the Wrangler – from the body to the engine – are an off-road purists’ heaven. While it doesn’t offer the luxurious features of a standard SUV, it makes up for it with superior gear ratios and articulation.
Customization
The Jeep Wrangler is available in various models and variants, allowing you to choose a Wrangler that fits your off-roading style. Beyond that, you can enjoy more customization options to create distinctive looks or enhance its off-road capability.
Unique Style
Speaking of distinctive looks, the Jeep Wrangler commands attention with its cool, rugged style. The exterior design makes it look timeless, too, adding to its resale value.
Close-Knit Owner Community
Jeep Wrangler owners are proud to own one, which is why they’ve built a close-knit community online and in person. This owner community is where Wrangler drivers share their experiences with driving the Jeep, and shares tips whenever there are common vehicle issues. Forging connections with like-minded individuals enhance the owner’s appreciation for their Wranglers.
Which Jeep Wranglers Have the Best Resale Value?
In 2022, over 50% of vehicle sales in the US are SUVs. It reflects the growing popularity of this vehicle class, resulting in a highly competitive market.
The Jeep Wrangler manages to stand out from competition with its promise of durability, off-road capability, and versatility. Even though it’s had reliability issues in the past, it continues to generate the highest resale value in the market.
However, not all Jeep Wrangler models are created equal. There are different resale value estimates for each model, which we will rank below to help you find the best Wrangler that will give you the highest resale value. The resale value estimates are based on data collected from various independent sources, such as JD Power, Consumer Reports, Edmunds, and more.
1. 2019 Jeep Wrangler
The 2019 Jeep Wrangler is the best model year if you want a high resale value. Its resale value score is 91/100, which is the highest out of any Wrangler models.
In addition to the traditional features you’d find across the Jeep Wrangler models, it boasts many safety features, such as a forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control. It also earned a spot in KBB’s Top 10 Best Resale Value Awards and scored 98/100 from JD Power’s resale value rating.
2. 2020 Jeep Wrangler
Boasting a resale score of 95/100, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler comes with a 3.0L diesel V6 engine for the Unlimited trim. Meanwhile, other trims also feature V6 engines that deliver maximum horsepower and torque.
KBB ranks the 2020 Jeep Wrangler among the best SUVs with high resale value, despite questionable reliability.
3. 2021 Jeep Wrangler
The next best Jeep Wrangler model in terms of resale value is the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, scoring 93/100. This year was a breakthrough for the Wrangler as it introduced the plug-in hybrid variant with the Rubicon trim. It also introduced the factory suspension lift and 35-inch tires, which delighted many Wrangler fans.
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler boasts the best combination of resale value and reliability, something that is unique to this model year on this list.
4. 2023 Jeep Wrangler
With a resale value of 91/100, this model offers an ultra-low rear axle option. It helps boost the off-road capability of the V6 models with Pentastar engine. This model year also features new wheel designs and exterior color options.
It scored ‘great’ for two consecutive years from JD Power. And KBB gave it 61% resale value retention after the five-year period.
5. 2022 Jeep Wrangler
Scoring 91/100 in resale value, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler introduced minor changes to the various trims. Meanwhile, it earned the nod from JD Power in terms of resale and reliability, earning a ‘great’ rating on both aspects. Unfortunately, this model year did not make the cut for KBB’s Best Resale Value Awards.
6. 2018 Jeep Wrangler
If you are looking for a high resale value in the compact and midsize SUV category, look at the 2018 Jeep Wrangler. This year is when Jeep redesigned the Wrangler series, which is also known as the JL series. It features a then-new 2.0L turbocharged engine, although some owners can still get the 3.6L V6 engine option. It featured a longer, wider body than other Jeep Wrangler series models. Meanwhile, the interior has been revamped and its off-road handling enhanced.
7. 2013 Jeep Wrangler
With new sets and interior lights, a new tire pressure monitoring system, and band-new audio system, the 2013 Jeep Wrangler is among the models that have the highest resale value. It’s reliability score from JD Power is decent, but the resale value is where it shines, earning a score of 87/100. It also lands a spot in the KBB Best Resale Value Awards, as most other model years on this list.
The Bottom Line
The Jeep Wrangler is among the most sought-after vehicles in the SUV category, especially among off-road enthusiasts. As a result, it can create inflated prices in the used car market. If you’re thinking if a Wrangler is worth the investment, you can use the information here to help determine the factors that impact its resale value, allowing you to strategize properly when buying or selling used Wranglers.
FAQs
What color Jeep Wrangler has the best resale value?
Yellow and beige are Jeep Wrangler colors with the highest resale value. If not available, green and orange are good options, too.
What is the best year Jeep Wrangler to own?
The 2019 Jeep Wrangler is the best model year with the highest resale value, based on combined data from various independent sources. Other good options are the 2020 and 2021 Jeep Wranglers.
Do Jeep Wranglers last long?
Most Jeep Wranglers last for 10-15 years without major issues with proper maintenance. In terms of mileage, it can go up to 400,000 miles. You can get the Jeep Powertrain Warranty to cover the cost of servicing and unexpected repairs and keep your Wrangler in the best condition.
Do Jeep Wranglers depreciate?
Yes, Jeep Wranglers depreciate but their rate of depreciation is slower than other vehicles. It is estimated to have a five-year depreciation rate of 3%.
Which Jeep Wrangler is best for everyday use?
The Jeep Wrangler Sport trim is ideal for daily use, especially the entry-level model.
