Three Toyota SUVs That Surprise Everyone With Weak Resale Value

ToyotaUAE ToyotaKSA ToyotaKuwait ToyotaQatar ToyotaOman ToyotaBahrain ToyotaEgypt Toyota’s reputation in the GCC is built on exceptional value retention, with most buyers seeking a vehicle that balances reliability and strong resale value. While several Toyota models continue to hold their ground in the used car market, some well known SUVs from the lineup have not met expectations when it comes to resale performance. Here, we highlight three Toyota SUVs that have not lived up to the brand’s impressive reputation for holding value.

Why do some Toyota SUVs lose their value in the used market?

A drop in value for certain models has become an unexpected challenge in the used car scene, especially for popular names like the RAV4, Highlander, and Sequoia. Studies reveal that despite their popularity and widespread presence, these SUVs show a noticeable decline in resale value compared to other Toyota models such as the Tacoma or Fortuner.

Toyota RAV4: A Surprising Drop in Value

The Toyota RAV4UAE Toyota RAV4Kuwait Toyota RAV4Qatar Toyota RAV4Oman Toyota RAV4Bahrain Toyota RAV4Egypt Toyota RAV4KSA Toyota RAV4 consistently tops sales charts in the GCC and around the world, earning a solid reputation for reliability and fuel efficiency. However, when it comes to holding value over time, the numbers tell a different story.

• The RAV4 loses about 27 percent of its value after five years of ownership.

• For comparison, the Toyota TacomaUAE Toyota Tacoma keeps nearly 75 percent of its value, and the Toyota 4RunnerUAE Toyota 4Runner retains more than 60 percent. This means the RAV4 lags behind other Toyota SUVs in terms of resale performance.

While a 27 percent loss is not huge compared to the typical 45 to 60 percent drop seen in most SUVs over five years, Toyota fans have come to expect even higher value stability from this brand.

Toyota Highlander: Family Appeal Does Not Always Mean Strong Resale Value

The Toyota Highlander is a top pick for families in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, known for its roomy cabin and practical features, despite a relatively small third row. Yet, market data shows a noticeable decline in its resale value over time.

• The Highlander loses between 35 and 41 percent of its value after five years of ownership.

• The Highlander Hybrid sees a similar drop, losing about 30 to 40 percent of its value during the same period.

Automotive experts note that the recent introduction of the Grand Highlander has created confusion among buyers, making the standard Highlander seem less attractive than newer models, even though it still enjoys a strong reputation for dependability and low maintenance needs.

Toyota Sequoia: A Surprising Drop in Resale Value

The Sequoia holds a special reputation among large family SUVs thanks to its spacious cabin, powerful engine, and strong durability. However, the used car market tells a different story for the current generation.

• Sequoia loses between 34% and 55% of its value within five years, marking the widest gap among all Toyota SUV models.

• Older models (up to 2021) still maintain stronger value, largely because of their legendary reliability and reasonable fuel consumption for the segment.

• The new generation, launched in 2022, faced several technical challenges that impacted its appeal in the used market.

The older Sequoia is rated at around 13 kilometers per liter in the city and up to 17 kilometers per liter on highways, which also affects its attractiveness among used car buyers.

What does this mean for car buyers in the GCC?

Even with Toyota’s strong brand image across the GCC region, these three models show that resale performance is not guaranteed for every Toyota, even for brands known for reliability and strong market presence. Experts recommend thorough research before purchasing, especially for buyers interested in long term value or maximizing resale price later on.

Ultimately, brand reputation alone is not enough. Each model should be evaluated individually, with attention to factors such as model updates, shifting consumer preferences, and new technologies introduced in recent generations.