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.
Least expensive |
Most expensive |
|||
| Subcompact car | Toyota Prius C | $25,500 | Kia Rio EX | $32,750 |
| Compact car | Toyota Corolla LE | $28,000 | Chevrolet Cruze Eco | $37,500 |
| Midsized sedan | Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE | $32,500 | Kia Optima SX 2.0T | $44,000 |
| Large sedan | Buick LaCrosse (eAssist) | $43,750 | Chrysler 300C | $56,750 |
| Upscale sedan | Buick Verano | $38,000 | Cadillac ATS | $54,000 |
| Luxury sedan | Lexus ES300h | $42,750 | BMW 750Li | $107,000 |
| Sporty car | Mini Cooper (manual) | $28,750 | Chevrolet Corvette Z06 (man.) | $71,250 |
| Small SUV | Subaru XV Crosstrek | $35,000 | Volkswagen Tiguan SEL | $48,500 |
| Midsized SUV | Hyundai Santa Fe Sport | $37,250 | Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (V8) | $62,500 |
| Large SUV | Ford Flex SEL | $50,000 | Chevrolet Tahoe LTZ (5.3) | $73,750 |
| Luxury SUV | Acura RDX | $48,750 | Cadillac Escalade (base) | $73,750 |
See our report "What that car really costs to own" to see our full list of owner costs.
See our Annual Autos Issue special section for more best and worst lists.
More from Consumer Reports:
2013 New Car Preview
Best & worst used cars
Complete Ratings for 200 cars and trucks
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