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Ownership costs

Last updated: April 2013

Getting a good deal when buying your car is important. But it's just as critical to look down the road at how much a vehicle will cost you to own.Here are the models we've tested that have the lowest and highest owner-cost estimates, per category, over the first five years. The estimates factor in depreciation, fuel cost, loan interest, insurance premiums, sales tax, and maintenance and repairs.  These vehicles are equipped with typical options and an automatic transmission, unless noted otherwise.

Least expensive overall

Category Make & model Cost over first five years
Subcompact cars Toyota Prius C
 $25,500
Compact car Toyota Corolla LE
 28,000
Midsized sedan
Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE
 32,500
Large sedan Buick LaCrosse (eAssist) 39,250
Luxury sedan Lexus ES300h 42,750
Sporty car Mini Cooper (manual) 28,750
Small SUVs Subaru XV Crosstrek 35,000
Midsized SUVs Hyundai Santa Fe GLS (4-cyl.) 37,250
Large SUVs Ford Flex SEL
 50,000
Luxury SUVs Acura RDX
 48,750

Most expensive overall

Category Make & model Cost over first five years
Subcompact car Kia Rio EX
 32,750
Compact car
 Chevrolet Cruze Eco
 37,500
Midsized sedan Kia Optima SX 2.0T
 44,000
Large sedan Chrysler 300C 56,750
Upscale sedans Cadillac ATS
 54,000
Luxury sedan Lexus ES300h 42,750
Sporty car Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (manual) 71,250
Small SUVs Volkswagen Tiguan SEL 48,500
Midsized SUVs Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (V8) 62,500
Large SUVs Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ
73,750
Luxury SUVs Cadillac Escalade (base)
 84,739

Learn more about car ownership costs.

   

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