New car prices are still high in 2026. Insurance isn’t getting cheaper. And repair costs aren’t trending down either.

So if you’re buying this year, you can’t just look at the sticker price, you have to look at the total cost of ownership.

Using CarEdge 5-year cost of ownership projections — which factor in depreciation, insurance, maintenance, fuel, and financing — we’ve gathered the 10 cars with the lowest total cost of ownership in 2026.

#1 Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $30,541

Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $26,560

Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: 20% of value lost

The Toyota Corolla Hatchback has the lowest total cost of ownership in 2026. The Corolla Hatchback checks every box for the ideal commuter car. It’s fuel efficient, extremely reliable, and affordable. With just 20% depreciation projected over five years, it holds value exceptionally well, and that’s what drives it to the very top of this ranking.

See Toyota Corolla Cost of Ownership Data

#2 Hyundai Venue

Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $32,435

Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $22,150

Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: 26% of value lost

With the Mitsubishi Mirage discontinued, the Venue now wears the crown as the cheapest new car in America in 2026.

Low MSRP plus manageable depreciation equals one of the lowest ownership costs on the market. It’s not fast, but it’s affordable — and for many buyers, that’s what matters.

See Hyundai Venue Cost of Ownership Data

#3 Honda Civic

Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $32,541

Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $25,890

Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: 24% of value lost

Few vehicles have the long-term reputation of the Civic. Reliability drives resale value, and resale value drives total ownership cost.

It costs slightly more upfront than some competitors, but its durability keeps long-term costs impressively low.

See Honda Civic Cost of Ownership Data

#4 Subaru Impreza

Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $32,759

Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $27,790

Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: 26% of value lost

Now offered only as a hatchback, the Impreza has quietly evolved into a refined compact with standard all-wheel drive.

Prices have climbed significantly — up roughly $8,000 since 2021 — but strong resale values help keep ownership costs competitive.

See Subaru Impreza Cost of Ownership Data

#5 Nissan Sentra

Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $32,875

Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $23,845

Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: 26% of value lost

The 2026 Sentra is all-new, with updated styling inside and out. The Sentra has been in the U.S. market for 44 years, and as other sedans get the axe, this one is here to see another year.

The Sentra undercuts the Civic on price but trails slightly in power and reliability. Still, it lands squarely among the most affordable cars to own this year.

See Nissan Sentra Cost of Ownership Data

#6 Kia K4

Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $33,333

Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $23,535

Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: 31% of value lost

The K4 replaced the Forte in 2025 as Kia’s entry-level model.

Depreciation is a bit higher than others on this list, but its low starting price keeps overall ownership costs firmly in budget territory.

See Kia K4 Cost of Ownership Data

#7 Nissan Versa

Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $33,735

Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $18,585

Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: 24% of value lost

Production ended in December 2025, but roughly 11,000 units remain on dealer lots in early 2026.

If you can find one, it’s one of the absolute cheapest ways to get into a new car this year.

See Nissan Versa Cost of Ownership Data

#8 Toyota Camry

Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $34,297

Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $30,295

Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: 37% of value lost

The Camry is one of the more expensive cars on this list, but it’s also one of the most reliable. The extremely low maintenance costs are why the Camry remains in the top 10. 

See Toyota Camry Cost of Ownership Data

#9 Toyota Corolla

Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $34,616

Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $24,120

Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: 26% of value lost

Not interested in the hatchback? The Corolla sedan remains one of the safest financial bets in the compact segment.

It’s slightly cheaper upfront than the hatchback, and still exceptionally affordable to own.

See Toyota Corolla Cost of Ownership Data

#10 Honda HR-V

Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $34,718

Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $27,950

Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: 27% of value lost

To be frank, the HR-V is the CR-V’s less popular sibling. Looks and sales volume aside, it’s still a great, reliable crossover. And it’s one of the few reliable crossovers that can be had for under $30,000.

See Honda HR-V Cost of Ownership Data

Final Thoughts: Cost of Ownership > Sticker Price

If you’re looking for the most affordable cars to own in 2026, the pattern is clear:

• Small cars dominate.
  
• Low depreciation is everything.
  
• Reliability still wins.

It’s easy to focus on MSRP when shopping for a new car, but the sticker price only tells part of the story. Insurance, maintenance, and depreciation can quietly add thousands to your total cost over time, even for a new car. Every model on this list proves that affordable ownership is still possible in 2025, but only if you make a smart purchase.

Whether you’re shopping new or used, don’t just ask what a car costs today—ask what it’ll cost you tomorrow. For deeper insights, explore cost of ownership and depreciation data for every model at CarEdge Research.