Cars / Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai Sonata depreciation in USA
A Hyundai Sonata loses about 15.2% of its value per year in USA. Buy one new for $28,000 and after 3 years it's worth roughly $17,052 (61% retained); after 5 years, about $12,251 (44%). Driving more than ~12,000 miles/year pushes resale lower.
By USA standards the Hyundai Sonata loses value a little faster than the market average, which is exactly what tips a buy-vs-rent decision one way or the other over a few years of ownership.
So should you buy it or rent it? At default assumptions the break-even long-term rental rate is about $656/month: rent below that and renting wins; above it, buying wins. Your price, financing, and mileage move this number, so run yours:
Buying wins · over 3 years
$0
cheaper than renting, all costs in.
Break-even rent: $656/month. Below that, rent; above it, buy.
If you buy: $23,631 total
| Down payment / cash price | $28,000 |
| Sales tax | $1,960 |
| Insurance | $4,500 |
| Registration | $750 |
| Maintenance | $1,260 |
| Opportunity cost of capital | $3,360 |
| Resale value (credit) | −$16,199 |
Expected resale, net of selling costs: $16,199 (range $14,420 to $18,474)
If you rent: $28,440 total
| Rental payments | $28,440 |
Fuel and tolls are excluded on both sides; you pay them either way.
Hyundai Sonata depreciation in USA, by the numbers
| Estimated new price | $28,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual depreciation rate | 15.2% per year |
| Estimated value after 1 year | $23,733 (85% retained) |
| Estimated value after 2 years | $20,117 (72% retained) |
| Estimated value after 3 years | $17,052 (61% retained) |
| Estimated value after 5 years | $12,251 (44% retained) |
| Typical resale range at 3 years | $15,179 to $19,446 |
| Break-even rent (default assumptions) | $656/month |
| Data behind this curve | calibrated estimate · 67 data points · R² 0.95 |
Figures assume a new purchase at typical mileage. The calculator above lets you set your actual price, age, odometer, financing, and holding period.
Frequently asked
How much does a Hyundai Sonata depreciate per year in USA?
Roughly 15.2% per year, based on our calibrated market model. Higher-than-average mileage accelerates the loss.
What will a Hyundai Sonata be worth after 3 years?
Around 61% of what you paid, about $17,052 on a $28,000 car at typical mileage (with a realistic range either side; we show a 10-90% band, not a single false-precision number).
Should I buy or rent a Hyundai Sonata in USA?
It hinges on the monthly rental rate you can get. At default assumptions (3 years, cash, 12,000 miles/year, 7% sales tax), the break-even is about $656/month: if you can rent below that, renting wins; above it, buying wins. Use the calculator to plug in your actual numbers.
Curve fit: calibrated estimate · n = 67 · R² = 0.95 · updated 2026-07-12 · methodology