Acura, GM, Subaru Fare Best in “Cost-to-Own” Awards

Subaru and Acura were named the overall and luxury brand winners in terms of cost of ownership among 2017 models in the U.S., respectively, by Kelley Blue Book (KBB).

The awards are calculated according to a vehicle’s purchase price and estimated costs for depreciation, maintenance and repairs, insurance, financing, state fees and fuel over a five-year period. Popular models and trim levels are weighted more heavily in determining a brand’s rating.

Subaru, which also won the overall award in 2015, scored well this year in terms of depreciation and fuel efficiency of its lineup, according to KBB. The Crosstrek compact crossover was deemed the least expensive vehicle to own in its segment.

Acura, which earned the luxury crown for the second year in a row, scored first or second in four of KBB’s seven cost-to-own factors, including purchase price and maintenance/repairs. Acura didn't win any segments, but its ILX sedan and MDX midsize crossover finished second and third in their classes.

Chevrolet’s Spark compact car (pictured) had the lowest projected five-year ownership cost of any vehicle at just over $28,200. It beat the second-place Nissan Versa ($29,500) by more than $1,300.

General Motors vehicles accounted for one-third of the 21 segment winners. The complete list of top scorers and their estimated five-year costs by vehicle category are:

• Subcompact car: Chevrolet Spark ($28,200)
• Compact car: Toyota Corolla* ($32,250)
• Sporty compact car: Ford Fiesta ST ($35,400)
• Midsize car: Honda Accord ($36,400)
• Sports car: Toyota 86 ($39,500)
• Entry-level luxury car: Buick Verano* ($40,200)
• Fullsize car: Chevrolet Impala* ($46,200)
• Luxury car: Lexus GS ($62,600)
• High-end luxury car: Lexus LS* 460/460L ($85,800)
• Hybrid/alternative energy car: Toyota Prius ($36,400)
• Electric vehicle: Toyota Prius Prime ($36,700)
   
• Subcompact crossover/SUV: Honda HR-V* ($33,700)
• Compact crossover/SUV: Subaru Crosstrek ($35,000)
• Midsize crossover/SUV: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited* ($39,900)
• Fullsize crossover/SUV: Chevrolet Tahoe ($61,200)
• Luxury compact crossover/SUV: Buick Encore* ($40,100)
• Luxury midsize crossover/SUV: Infiniti QX60 ($52,400)
• Luxury fullsize crossover/SUV: Infiniti QX80 ($72,100)
   
• Midsize pickup truck: Chevrolet Colorado Extended Cab* ($37,000)
• Fullsize pickup truck: Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab ($42,400)
   
• Minivan: Dodge Grand Caravan* ($43,800)

* repeat winners