You want a clear, practical guide that cuts through sticker shock and shows which cars cost the least to keep on the road over time. This article helps you spot vehicles that save money through lower maintenance, better fuel efficiency, and gentler depreciation so you can choose smarter long-term.
You’ll see profiles of dependable models—from compact sedans to family SUVs—so you can compare real ownership costs without wading through technical jargon. The next sections break down what to expect from specific cars and why they tend to stay affordable year after year.
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot earns praise for roomy seating and dependable engineering that keeps ownership costs manageable.
Owners note predictable maintenance and solid resale compared with many three-row SUVs, which helps long-term value.
Its car-like ride and family-friendly features make it practical for daily use and occasional towing.
For more on its long-term ownership ranking and depreciation patterns, see this Honda Pilot depreciation overview.
Toyota Corolla
The Corolla consistently shows low five-year ownership costs thanks to modest depreciation and reliable engineering. It often ranks among the cheapest cars to maintain and insure.
Buyers benefit from strong fuel economy, especially with hybrid variants, which lowers running expenses over time. Industry data highlights the Corolla’s long-term value compared with many compact rivals.
Hyundai Elantra
The Elantra shows up often on lists for low ownership costs because it combines a modest sticker price with good fuel economy and a long warranty.
Its depreciation can be faster than rivals, which affects resale value for some buyers.
Maintenance and repair expenses tend to be lower than average, especially for the hybrid variant with reduced fuel and service needs.
Consumer data and cost studies highlight the Elantra as a budget-friendly pick for buyers focused on running costs — see a recent study comparing annual ownership expenses (Carscoops).
Nissan Leaf
The Leaf stands out for low purchase price and simple EV tech that makes ownership cheap to maintain. It offers competitive range for its class and access to common fast-charging networks.
Drivers find insurance and service costs modest compared with many rivals. Nissan’s focus on affordability helped position the Leaf as one of the least expensive EVs to keep on the road.
Learn more about the 2026 Leaf’s pricing and range at MotorTrend’s coverage of the 2026 Nissan Leaf.
Subaru Outback
The Outback often appears near the top of long-term cost lists for two-row SUVs thanks to low maintenance and solid resale. It tends to hold value better than many competitors, with depreciation around half its value after five years according to industry data.
Buyers report reasonable fuel and insurance expenses, which helps keep total ownership costs down. Kelley Blue Book highlighted the Outback in its 5-year cost-to-own awards, reflecting real-world affordability.
Mazda CX-5
The CX-5 balances stylish design with solid fuel economy, which helps lower running costs over time.
Its reputation for reliability and reasonable maintenance keeps typical ownership expenses manageable for many buyers.
Resale values for the CX-5 remain competitive in the compact SUV class, improving total cost of ownership compared with some rivals.
For detailed ownership cost breakdowns, Edmunds lists depreciation, fuel, insurance, and repair estimates for the 2025 CX-5: https://www.edmunds.com/mazda/cx-5/2025/cost-to-own/
Kia Soul
The Soul stands out as a budget-friendly compact with a boxy profile and roomy interior that keeps ownership costs low.
Buyers often praise its simple packaging and low starting price, which helped it remain one of Kia’s most affordable models through 2025; read more about that retirement and pricing context at Yahoo Finance.
Maintenance and repairs tend to be reasonable compared with rivals, though some model years show uneven reliability; check a buying guide for year-by-year advice.
Its low MSRP and practical design make it a common pick for drivers seeking cheap long-term ownership.
Honda Civic
The Civic keeps running with modest upkeep and strong resale values, which helps lower long-term ownership costs. It earned top marks in recent value studies for its combination of price and predicted lifespan, making it a common recommendation for budget-conscious buyers.
Buyers praise fuel efficiency and mainstream reliability, so insurance and repair expenses tend to stay reasonable. For more on its value ranking, consult this analysis of the Civic’s long-term worth.
Toyota Camry
The Camry stays popular for its reliability and low upkeep, which keeps ownership costs down over time. RepairPal lists below-average annual maintenance for the model, helping make it affordable to maintain.
Depreciation is typical for mid-size sedans; some analyses show roughly a 38% loss in value over five years, so buyers who plan for resale can save money. The Camry’s strong resale and steady demand mean it often appears on lists of cars with the cheapest long-term ownership.
Chevrolet Equinox
The Equinox often ranks as an economical choice because of modest purchase prices and reasonable fuel economy. Reliability and lower-than-average maintenance needs keep ongoing costs down for many owners.
Kelley Blue Book and Edmunds track five-year ownership figures that show the Equinox has competitive depreciation and repair estimates. Buyers should compare trims and check local insurance rates to get the most accurate ownership picture.