Hyundai Wins the 5-Year Cost-to-Own Contest Among Car Brands

Some cars start out cheap, but turn into real money pits as the years roll by. The true measure of value is the 5-year cost of ownership, which Kelley Blue Book keeps track of.

For new models, KBB’s 5-Year Cost to Own information takes into consideration depreciation, expected fuel costs, finance and insurance fees, maintenance and repair costs, and state fees.

For the 2016 model year vehicles, the big winner of was Hyundai.

This is impressive, since Hyundai has long been known as a value brand. KBB shows that lower initial cost can also mean lower long-term cost. Well done, Hyundai.

Acura was the winner among luxury brands. Honda’s prestige brand has often lead its league in reliability, so this win is no big surprise. Still, it’s an affirmation worth noting.

Here’s KBB’s complete listing of the winners:

2016 KELLEY BLUE BOOK 5-YEAR COST TO OWN AWARDS: BY VEHICLE CATEGORY

SUBCOMPACT CAR: Nissan Versa

COMPACT SUV/CROSSOVER: Honda HR-V

COMPACT CAR: Toyota Corolla

MID-SIZE SUV/CROSSOVER: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

SPORTY COMPACT CAR: Ford Focus ST

FULL-SIZE SUV/CROSSOVER: Ford Explorer

MID-SIZE CAR: Toyota Camry

LUXURY COMPACT SUV/CROSSOVER: Buick Encore

FULL-SIZE CAR: Chevrolet Impala

LUXURY MID-SIZE SUV/CROSSOVER: Lexus RX

ENTRY-LEVEL LUXURY CAR: Buick Verano

LUXURY FULL-SIZE SUV/CROSSOVER: Buick Enclave

LUXURY CAR: Volvo S80

MID-SIZE PICKUP TRUCK: Chevrolet Colorado Extended Cab

HIGH-END LUXURY CAR: Lexus LS

FULL-SIZE PICKUP TRUCK: Ford F-150 Regular Cab

SPORTS CAR: Chevrolet Camaro

MINIVAN/VAN: Dodge Grand Caravan

HIGH-PERFORMANCE CAR: Ford Mustang GT

HYBRID SUV/CROSSOVER: Toyota Highlander Hybrid

HYBRID/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY CAR:Toyota Prius c

PLUG-IN VEHICLE: Chevrolet Spark EV

You can find out more about about KBB’s rankings, and how they’re determined at kbb.com.