The J.D. Power 2026 U.S. ALG Residual Value Awardssm released today, highlight the importance of show Tesla and Toyota with strongest results.
“Strong wholesale retention, solid brand value and a disciplined approach on rental fleet and incentives propelled Toyota to the top spot among mainstream brands,” said Danny Battaglia, managing director of ALG customer success at J.D. Power. “Toyota topped six segments for 2026, including a four-peat for GR Supra and five-peat for Tundra. Meanwhile, Tesla avoided the high incentives of other luxury battery electric vehicle brands in 2025. That helped earn it the top rank among luxury brands with the highest performers in three segments–including the refreshed Model Y, which included introduction of a lower-priced base version and additional content on mid-level trims.”
For model-year 2026, 14 different brands receive awards in 26 segments. The 2026 award method consisted of evaluating 300 models through analysis of used-vehicle performance, brand outlook and product competitiveness. Eligibility for a brand award requires a manufacturer to have model-line entries in at least two different vehicle segments. To account for differences across trim levels, model averages are sales-weighted based on percentage share relative to the entire model line. For a segment to qualify for an award, at least four different model lines must be included.
Model-Level Residual Value Awards
Toyota receives the most model-level awards with six, while BMW, Lexus and Tesla each receive three model-level awards. Model award recipients include:
- Toyota: GR Supra, GR86, Camry, Sequoia, Tundra and Tacoma
- BMW: 3 Series*, 4 Series* and X1
- Lexus: NX, RX and LX
- Tesla: Model 3, Model Y and Cybertruck
- Chevrolet: Corvette and Silverado 3500 HD
- Mercedes-Benz: AMG GT 4-DOOR and Sprinter
- Subaru: Crosstrek and Solterra
- Acura: Integra
- Audi: A6
- Cadillac: CT4*
- Ford: Bronco
- Honda: Civic
- Jeep: Wrangler
- Kia: Carnival
*Tied for first place, Compact Premium Car
J.D. Power says its “U.S. ALG Residual Value Awards are the automotive industry’s standard in recognizing vehicle models projected to hold the highest percentage of their manufacturer’s suggested retail price at open auction after 3 years of ownership. A key indicator of brand health, RVs form a major component in the way automakers set the leasing cost of their vehicles. A strong RV underscores an automaker’s success in vehicle execution and market strategy, as well as the overall desirability of its brand.”
“Numerous variables affect the actual residual value of a vehicle over a multi-year lease term. Among them are mileage and condition; features and pricing; vehicle execution; used supply; market strategy; seasonality; and macroeconomic factors. These inputs require close accounting to accurately forecast residual values, so manufacturers and lenders with a greater understanding of each factor can equip themselves to optimize their leasing strategies.
“The combination of J.D. Power’s extensive transaction data and ALG’s deep experience in residual values allows for even more accurate end-of-lease forecasting capabilities,” JD Power said in a release.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn.
He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe.
Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap.
AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks.
Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.
Tesla, Toyota Top Power 2026 U.S. ALG Residual Value Awards
The J.D. Power 2026 U.S. ALG Residual Value Awardssm released today, highlight the importance of show Tesla and Toyota with strongest results.
“Strong wholesale retention, solid brand value and a disciplined approach on rental fleet and incentives propelled Toyota to the top spot among mainstream brands,” said Danny Battaglia, managing director of ALG customer success at J.D. Power. “Toyota topped six segments for 2026, including a four-peat for GR Supra and five-peat for Tundra. Meanwhile, Tesla avoided the high incentives of other luxury battery electric vehicle brands in 2025. That helped earn it the top rank among luxury brands with the highest performers in three segments–including the refreshed Model Y, which included introduction of a lower-priced base version and additional content on mid-level trims.”
For model-year 2026, 14 different brands receive awards in 26 segments. The 2026 award method consisted of evaluating 300 models through analysis of used-vehicle performance, brand outlook and product competitiveness. Eligibility for a brand award requires a manufacturer to have model-line entries in at least two different vehicle segments. To account for differences across trim levels, model averages are sales-weighted based on percentage share relative to the entire model line. For a segment to qualify for an award, at least four different model lines must be included.
Model-Level Residual Value Awards
Toyota receives the most model-level awards with six, while BMW, Lexus and Tesla each receive three model-level awards. Model award recipients include:
*Tied for first place, Compact Premium Car
J.D. Power says its “U.S. ALG Residual Value Awards are the automotive industry’s standard in recognizing vehicle models projected to hold the highest percentage of their manufacturer’s suggested retail price at open auction after 3 years of ownership. A key indicator of brand health, RVs form a major component in the way automakers set the leasing cost of their vehicles. A strong RV underscores an automaker’s success in vehicle execution and market strategy, as well as the overall desirability of its brand.”
“Numerous variables affect the actual residual value of a vehicle over a multi-year lease term. Among them are mileage and condition; features and pricing; vehicle execution; used supply; market strategy; seasonality; and macroeconomic factors. These inputs require close accounting to accurately forecast residual values, so manufacturers and lenders with a greater understanding of each factor can equip themselves to optimize their leasing strategies.
“The combination of J.D. Power’s extensive transaction data and ALG’s deep experience in residual values allows for even more accurate end-of-lease forecasting capabilities,” JD Power said in a release.
About Ken Zino
Ken Zino, editor and publisher of AutoInformed, is a versatile auto industry participant with global experience spanning decades in print and broadcast journalism, as well as social media. He has automobile testing, marketing, public relations and communications experience. He is past president of The International Motor Press Assn, the Detroit Press Club, founding member and first President of the Automotive Press Assn. He is a member of APA, IMPA and the Midwest Automotive Press Assn. He also brings an historical perspective while citing their contemporary relevance of the work of legendary auto writers such as Ken Purdy, Jim Dunne or Jerry Flint, or writers such as Red Smith, Mark Twain, Thomas Jefferson – all to bring perspective to a chaotic automotive universe. Above all, decades after he first drove a car, Zino still revels in the sound of the exhaust as the throttle is blipped during a downshift and the driver’s rush that occurs when the entry, apex and exit points of a turn are smoothly and swiftly crossed. It’s the beginning of a perfect lap. AutoInformed has an editorial philosophy that loves transportation machines of all kinds while promoting critical thinking about the future use of cars and trucks. Zino builds AutoInformed from his background in automotive journalism starting at Hearst Publishing in New York City on Motor and MotorTech Magazines and car testing where he reviewed hundreds of vehicles in his decade-long stint as the Detroit Bureau Chief of Road & Track magazine. Zino has also worked in Europe, and Asia – now the largest automotive market in the world with China at its center.