Most and least expensive cars to own, beyond the purchase price

Look beyond the purchase price

Published: March 14, 2014 09:00 AM

Toyota Camry Hybrid

It's important, of course, to get a good deal when you buy a car. 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.

See our full best and worst lists to help you narrow down your choices based on what matters most.

Least expensive		5-year owner cost	Most expensive	5-year owner cost
Subcompact cars	Toyota Prius C Two	$24,600	Hyundai Veloster (base, manual)	$32,400
Compact cars	Toyota Prius Four	$28,200	Dodge Dart Aero (1.4T)	$37,200
Midsized sedans	Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE	$31,800	Volkswagen Passat SEL Premium (V6)	$45,600
Large cars	Toyota Avalon Hybrid Limited	$41,400	Chrysler 300C	$55,800
Upscale sedans	Buick Verano Leather (2.4) & Lexus CT 200h Premium	$37,800	Lexus IS 250 (AWD)	$54,000
Luxury sedan	Lexus ES300h	$42,000	BMW 750Li	$106,200
Sporty cars	Honda Civic Si (manual)	$34,800	Porsche Boxster 2.7 (manual)	$64,200
Small SUVs	Subaru XV Crosstrek Premium	$34,200	Volkswagen Tiguan SEL	$48,000
Midsized SUVs	Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.4	$36,600	Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (V8)	$57,000
Large SUVs	Chevrolet Traverse	$51,000	Nissan Armada Platinum	$72,000
Compact luxury SUVs	Mini Cooper Countryman S	$37,800	Cadillac SRX Luxury & Mercedes-Benz GLK350	$57,000
Midsized & large luxury SUVs	Buick Enclave CXL	$54,600	Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTec	$78,000