If you’re shopping for a truck or SUV in Bakersfield and want to protect your investment, resale value should factor into your decision as much as price or features. Kelley Blue Book’s 2026 rankings named the Ford Maverick the Best Resale Value winner in the compact pickup segment and ranked it 7th overall among all vehicles tracked, with the Ranger also landing 10th overall on that same list. This guide breaks down which Ford holds its value the best, and why, so you can shop with confidence.
Which Ford Holds Its Value the Best? Quick Answer
The Ford Maverick currently leads the pack as Kelley Blue Book’s 2026 Best Resale Value winner in the compact pickup segment and ranks 7th overall among all vehicles tracked, with the Ranger following close behind as a top 10 overall performer (10th overall).
Beyond those two, the F-150, Super Duty lineup, and Bronco all show strong resale performance in their respective categories, though the specifics depend heavily on trim and configuration. Ford’s reputation for reliability, combined with consistent demand for its trucks and SUVs, explains why these models are consistently strong performers when it comes to Ford resale value.
For context, the average 2026 model-year vehicle retains roughly 45% of its value after five years. Kelley Blue Book’s top 10 resale models retain an average of 56.2%, a gap that shows just how far ahead these vehicles are from the pack.
Ford Maverick: KBB’s 2026 Best Resale Value Winner
The Maverick isn’t a one-time fluke. Kelley Blue Book named it the Best Resale Value winner in the compact pickup segment for 2026, projecting it will retain 54.1% of its value over five years. That places it 7th overall among every vehicle Kelley Blue Book tracked, and it’s the highest-ranking model from any U.S. automaker on that list. This isn’t new territory for the Maverick either. It also took home the same Kelley Blue Book award in 2022, 2023, and 2025, and it’s earned a Kelley Blue Book Best Buy Award for five years running. iSeeCars data puts the Maverick’s resale value even higher, at 68.4% over five years.
Why the Maverick Tops the Compact Pickup Segment
A few things work in the Maverick’s favor. Its affordability and available hybrid powertrain draw in buyers who want efficiency without sacrificing utility, and its compact footprint makes it easy to live with for daily driving while still handling truck duties when needed.
Ford has also expanded the lineup with the off-road-oriented Tremor trim and the street-focused Lobo trim, broadening its appeal to different types of buyers and keeping demand strong across the board. When a truck attracts commuters, weekend haulers, and off-road enthusiasts all at once, that breadth of interest shows up directly in resale numbers.
Ford Ranger: A Top 10 Resale Value Performer
If you’re wondering about Ford Ranger resale value, the numbers are encouraging. Kelley Blue Book ranks the Ranger 10th overall on its 2026 Top 10 resale value list, projecting 53.4% retention after five years. That’s a strong showing among midsize trucks and puts the Ranger in rare company for vehicles that hold their value well. iSeeCars and CarEdge actually have the Ranger outperforming the Maverick on certain depreciation measures, with iSeeCars listing the Ranger’s five-year resale at 70.40%.
What Makes the Ranger Retain Its Worth
The Ranger’s staying power comes down to reliability and practicality. It’s built on a reputation for durability, and its parts and aftermarket support network is extensive, which matters to buyers who plan to keep a truck for years or modify it for work and recreation. The Ranger also strikes a balance between capability and fuel efficiency that midsize truck shoppers appreciate, especially here in the Central Valley, where agricultural and work truck demand keeps used Ranger values firm.
If you’re comparing the Ranger against the Maverick or the F-150, our model lineup and comparison tools can help you see the differences side by side.
Here’s a quick look at how the Maverick and Ranger stack up on some key specs:
| Spec | Ford Maverick | Ford Ranger |
| Powertrain | Standard gas or hybrid available | Turbocharged gas engine |
| Drivetrain | FWD or available AWD | RWD or available 4WD |
| Transmission | Automatic (CVT on hybrid) | 10-speed automatic |
| Body Style | Compact pickup | Midsize pickup |
Other Ford Trucks and SUVs Worth Considering
The Maverick and Ranger get most of the attention, but they’re far from the only Fords worth a second look if resale value matters to you.
F-150: Resale Value Tied to Trim and Demand
As Ford’s best-selling truck, F-150 resale value varies quite a bit depending on trim and configuration. iSeeCars puts five-year value retention for the F-150 at 62.1%, and high-demand gas trims can land well above that average. The F-150 comes in bare-bones work trims and loaded, feature-rich configurations, so shoppers have flexibility to choose a version that balances upfront cost with long-term value retention.
Super Duty: Strong Value for Heavy-Duty Buyers
For buyers who need serious towing and hauling capability, the Super Duty lineup delivers some of Ford’s strongest resale numbers across the board. According to iSeeCars, the F-350 Super Duty ranks as the best-resale Ford model overall, retaining 80.4% of its value after five years.
The F-450 Super Duty isn’t far behind at 77.7%, landing in third place overall, sandwiched right around the Mustang coupe’s 77.9% retention. The broader F-250, F-350, and F-450 lineup consistently ranks among Ford’s lowest-depreciating vehicles, which makes sense given the steady demand from buyers who rely on these trucks for heavy-duty work.
Bronco: Resale Strength Driven by Popularity
The Bronco’s return to the market came with more than 190,000 reservations before it even hit dealer lots, and that early demand has translated into lasting resale strength. iSeeCars reports the Bronco retains 57.4% of its value after five years, and it remains one of the fastest-selling used vehicles on the market. Off-road enthusiasts snapped up early units fast and have stuck with the model since, and that kind of loyalty is exactly what keeps used prices elevated.
What Factors Affect Your Ford’s Resale Value
Whether you already own a Ford or you’re deciding which one to buy, understanding what drives resale value helps you make smarter choices at every stage of ownership.
Mileage, Condition, and Maintenance History
Age, mileage, overall condition, and how well a vehicle has been maintained all materially affect what it’s worth down the road. Lower mileage boosts resale appeal, but consistent maintenance paired with kept receipts and service records can soften the impact of higher mileage by giving buyers confidence in the vehicle’s history.
Trim Level and Popular Options
Well-equipped, popular trims hold value noticeably better than stripped-down base models. Buyers shopping the used market tend to gravitate toward trims with desirable features already installed, since adding them later isn’t an option.
If you want to protect your Ford’s resale value over time, a few habits go a long way:
- Keep maintenance records and receipts organized and accessible.
- Manage mileage where possible, especially if you’re planning to sell or trade in within a few years.
- Keep factory options and equipment intact rather than removing them.
- Choose popular trims when buying, since they tend to hold value better than base models.
- Avoid unnecessary aftermarket modifications that can turn away buyers looking for a stock vehicle.
How to Choose a Ford That Retains Its Value
If resale value is a priority, start by looking at models with a track record of strong retention, like the Maverick, Ranger, F-150, and Bronco. Beyond the model itself, pay attention to reliability ratings and depreciation trends, and lean toward trims that come with popular features and technology already built in. It’s also worth considering where you live and how you’ll use the vehicle. Pickups tend to hold their value especially well in truck-heavy states like Texas, Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota, while AWD SUVs often retain more value in colder, snowier regions.
Here in the Central Valley, work truck and agricultural demand keeps certain trucks in steady demand year-round. A vehicle with strong truck resale value also tends to support a better loan-to-value ratio, which can work in your favor if you finance and later decide to trade in before the loan is paid off.
Explore Ford Resale Value Leaders at Jim Burke Ford
Why Our Experience Matters
Jim Burke Ford has been serving Bakersfield since the early 1900s, and over that time, we’ve seen firsthand which trims come back to our lot with strong trade-in value. That kind of experience matters when you’re trying to figure out which Ford holds its value the best for your specific needs, whether that’s a Maverick for daily commuting, a Ranger for weekend projects, or a Super Duty truck for serious work.
Get a Trade-In Estimate or Browse Inventory
If you’re ready to explore your options, take a look through our new vehicle inventory to see current resale value leaders in person. If you’re considering trading in your current vehicle, tools like Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds can give you a starting estimate, but our own online trade-in tool offers a more tailored look based on real market data. For the most accurate picture, pair that with an in-person appraisal, since condition and options can shift the number significantly.
When you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to our team to schedule a trade-in appraisal, or get a head start on financing with pre-approval before you even step onto the lot.
Whether you’re buying new, buying used, or figuring out what your current used Ford value in Bakersfield might be, we’re here to help you make a decision that pays off down the road.
