As most car shoppers know, new vehicles begin to depreciate the moment they roll off the lot. With that said, some vehicles retain their value better than others. There are many reasons why certain vehicles retain their value more than others. When it comes to resale value, Toyota has consistently out-rivaled others for decades in four key areas: reputation, popularity, overall value, and reliability. This holds especially true with Toyota trucks. According to JD Power, both the 2021 Toyota Tacoma and Tundra offer the best resale value in their class.

The 2021 Tacoma and Tundra offer the best resale value in their class

If you’re in the market for a midsize or large light-duty pickup with a great resale value, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma and Tundra are among the leaders. Recently, JD Power awarded both Toyota trucks its 2021 Best Resale Ratings. “Each year, the resale rate of each model is determined and utilized as a part of the J.D. Power 100-Point Score and Red Blade Ratings,” the market research company reported. “Depreciation is an important scoring factor as it represents the rate at which a vehicle will retain its value over time.”

For most buyers of new pickup trucks, resale value is a common consideration. However, it’s important to remember there’s much more to a truck’s resale value than its brand name. Other things, such as the options and packages you choose and how well you take care of your vehicle after purchase, also significantly affect the resale value. Some buyers don’t intend to trade or sell their pickup truck anytime soon, so the resale value might not seem important. Nonetheless, a pickup truck is a valuable asset — should a time come when you must trade or sell your Toyota pickup, you’ll appreciate its resale value.

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma

The 2021 Toyota Tacoma not only competes strongly against other midsize pickup trucks, but its trail-readiness and Toyota roots also give it an enviable prestige. Lovingly called the “Taco” by fans, the Tacoma enjoys a cult-like following of avid off-roaders. It’s also become a popular alternative to larger Toyota trucks, such as the Tundra, because of its downsized dimensions and renowned reliability.

On the negative side, some reviewers have said the Tacoma’s cabin feels “rubberized” and claustrophobic. Its powertrain is on the aging side and is less sophisticated than some of its modern competitors. However, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma boasts a few more standard driver-assist features than most other midsize pickup trucks in its class. And every Tacoma trim model features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, simplifying the infotainment experience. If things like driving refinement and fuel efficiency don’t top your list, you might appreciate the 2021 Toyota Tacoma for its toughness and versatility, targeted toward adventuresome buyers.

The 2021 Toyota Tundra

The 2021 Toyota Tundra is in its 14th model year, making it the oldest truck in its class. Nevertheless, it offers a few new revisions and is still the dutiful hauler that Tundra fans have grown to love. Plus, it boasts the off-road features needed for taking you off the beaten path. Though it’s fundamentally the same basic pickup truck that debuted in 2007, the 2021 Tundra is still pretty modern. It features a few cutting-edge interior niceties, advanced safety systems, and decent interior comforts.

The 2021 Tundra has the same powertrain as previous models: a 5.7-liter V8 engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. It produces 381 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque — numbers that are fairly class-competitive but not the best.

You can buy the 2021 Tundra in six trim levels, as well as a few interesting body configurations. It features boxed frame rails at the front, a reinforced C-channel under the cab, and an open C-channel under the bed. The Tundra’s boxed frame design is “less stiff and more robust” than most competitors’, MotorTrend reported. Nonetheless, it can still tow 10,000 pounds and haul up to 1,730 pounds.

Though some reviewers complain that the two Toyota trucks look somewhat outdated, that might be why they retain their value so well. Like the Subaru Outback, the Tacoma and Tundra are prime examples of a vehicle manufacturer sticking to what it knows.