2018 5-Year Cost To Own Award Winners – Kelley Blue Book

Negotiating a good price on a new car can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars, but shoppers can save even more simply by choosing the right car to begin with. Purchase price is just one of the costs associated with vehicle ownership, and when the continuing costs of fuel, financing, insurance and depreciation are considered, saving a few bucks up front can cost more when all is said and done. Helping consumers shop smart and save money, Kelley Blue Book’s expert editors today name the 2018 model-year brand and category winners of the seventh annual 5-Year Cost to Own Awards, recognizing new vehicles with the lowest projected ownership costs.

“Kelley Blue Book exists to help consumers make the best possible decision during the car shopping journey and throughout vehicle ownership,” said Mike Sadowski, general manager for Kelley Blue Book. “Our 5-Year Cost to Own information breaks down typical ownership costs, so shoppers can evaluate the out-of-pocket expenses they will incur beyond the initial purchase price. Having this information at their fingertips, consumers could save money down the road by choosing a vehicle that best fits their needs and their long-term budget.”

Available on Kelley Blue Book’s KBB.com for new models, 5-Year Cost to Own information takes into consideration depreciation, expected fuel costs, finance and insurance fees, maintenance and repair costs, and state fees.

2018 Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own Award Winners

(2018 model-year vehicle’s projected ownership costs are based on the average Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own data for the initial five-year ownership period).

Winning for the second time since the program’s inception, Hyundai is this year’s top brand for lowest total ownership costs. Hyundai’s lineup performed well in most categories, with the Sonata among the most notable models. Sonata won in the mid-size car category, while the Elantra and Accent placed second for the compact car and subcompact car categories respectively. Hyundai’s key advantage in its low repair costs from its superior warranty program. Among luxury brands, Acura takes the top spot for the third consecutive year with two notable vehicles in its lineup, the ILX and MDX. Acura provides consumers with luxury models at an affordable price and without the expensive maintenance down the road.

Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own information is developed using Kelley Blue Book^® Residual Values to calculate depreciation costs. Kelley Blue Book calculates total ownership costs for new vehicles by applying a sophisticated valuation methodology along with critical financial data from third-party providers.

For more information about the 2018 5-Year Cost to Own Award winners, please visit https://www.kbb.com/new-cars/5-year-cost-to-own-awards/.