The Resale Value Premium: Why ICE Trucks Outperform EVs
Posted at Fri, Feb 13, 2026 11:35 PM
The Resale Value Premium: Why ICE Trucks Outperform EVs in 2026
Published: February 20, 2026
Investment Brief
- The Trend: Used gas and diesel trucks are holding value significantly better than EVs due to the "EV Cliff" of off-lease inventory.
- The Catalyst: Upcoming 2027 EPA regulations will raise new truck prices by $8k-$10k, increasing demand for pre-2027 models.
- The Strategy: Buying a 2023-2025 ICE truck now is a hedge against future inflation and depreciation.
The Depreciation Gap: Why Gas is Gold
Resale value is the single most important financial metric for used truck buyers in 2026. The market has observed a widening gap between the depreciation rates of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) trucks and their electric counterparts.
While popular used EVs like the Ford F-150 Lightning are depreciating at accelerated rates due to a flood of off-lease inventory, traditional gas and diesel trucks are maintaining their value through a combination of demand-led scarcity and the impending cost increases of new equipment.
5-Year Retained Value Forecast (2026)
Which trucks are protecting your wallet the best? Here is the breakdown of retained value by powertrain and brand.
| Vehicle Configuration | Retained Value (%) | Key Driver of Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota Tundra (V8/Hybrid) | ~70% | Bulletproof reputation and high global demand. |
| Ford F-150 (EcoBoost/5.0L) | ~65% | America’s best-selling model with massive parts availability. |
| Chevrolet Silverado (Diesel) | ~63% | Perfect balance of fuel economy (3.0L Duramax) and towing. |
| Ram 1500 (Hemi) | ~60% | Interior luxury and the cult following of the Hemi engine. |
| GMC Sierra (Denali) | ~59% | High prestige, though higher initial MSRP softens the percentage. |
The "EPA 2027 Effect"
Why are used truck prices remaining so resilient? The answer lies in the future.
By early 2026, the industry is already anticipating the implementation of core low-NOx technology requirements for the 2027 model year. Analysts project these mandates will add as much as $8,000 to $10,000 to the MSRP of a new heavy-duty truck.
This has created a "pre-buy" environment. Smart buyers are securing 2024, 2025, and 2026 used inventory now to avoid the higher acquisition costs and potential maintenance complexities of the first-generation 2027 emissions systems.
The Net Cost of Ownership
Don't be fooled by the sticker price of a depreciating EV. While a used electric truck might seem like a bargain due to recent price drops, the "Net Cost of Ownership" for a gas or diesel truck is often lower.
Why? Because when you trade in that diesel Silverado or V8 F-150 in 3 to 5 years, it will likely return a significantly higher percentage of your capital than an aging battery-electric vehicle. You aren't just buying a truck; you are parking your money in a stable asset.
? Verified Grit: A well-maintained diesel or V8 truck is more than a tool; in 2026, it's a smart financial instrument against inflation.