Looking for a car that won’t drain your wallet over time? With rising prices and high interest rates still making headlines in 2025, keeping an eye on total cost of ownership is more important than ever. From depreciation and insurance to fuel and maintenance, CarEdge Research has identified the ten cars with the lowest five-year cost to own. These models aren’t just affordable upfront—they’re built to save you money in the long run.

Toyota Corolla Hatchback

Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $29,686

Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $24,915

Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: – $5,164

Known for its great fuel economy and excellent reliability, the Corolla is a favorite among city drivers and commuters alike. In 2025, the Corolla is available as both a sedan and hatchback. Low depreciation and high resale value keep it among the top budget-friendly choices. One stand out for the Corolla: depreciation, or the lack thereof. The Corolla sees the least depreciation of any new car on sale today. 

See Toyota Corolla Cost of Ownership Data

Hyundai Venue

Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $31,581

Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $21,650

Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: – $7,460

The Hyundai Venue is one of the most affordable crossovers you can buy in 2025. This subcompact SUV is popular for its unique exterior styling, surprisingly roomy interior, and value-packed trim levels. With a starting price of just $21,650, the Venue is one of the last truly affordable cars in America.

See Hyundai Venue Cost of Ownership Data

Honda Civic

Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $33,356

Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $25,400

Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: – $8,572

The Honda Civic continues to be one of the most well-rounded compact cars on the market. With excellent fuel economy, top-tier safety ratings, and a reputation for long-term reliability, it’s no surprise the Civic ranks among the cars with the lowest total ownership costs.

See Honda Civic Cost of Ownership Data

Kia K4

Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $33,392

Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $23,165

Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: – $9,963

The all-new Kia K4 replaces the outgoing Forte and brings sharper looks and more tech to the compact sedan segment. It’s already gaining traction as one of the best values in 2025. An electric version of the K4 is on the way for 2026, but the gas-powered model offers exceptional affordability today. We don’t expect the electric companion to start under $30,000 when it arrives.

See Kia K4 Cost of Ownership Data

Nissan Sentra

Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $33,425

Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $22,730

Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: – $8,828

The Nissan Sentra is a budget-friendly compact sedan known for its overall value for the low price. It may fly under the radar, but the Sentra deserves more fans with some of the lowest five-year costs in the segment.

See Nissan Sentra Cost of Ownership Data

Subaru Impreza

Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $33,547

Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $24,780

Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: – $9,062

Standard all-wheel drive and a reputation for durability help the Subaru Impreza stand out in a sea of compact sedans. Following the discontinuation of the Legacy, the Impreza is now Subaru’s only mainstream sedan. For drivers in colder climates, it’s an unbeatable value.

See Subaru Impreza Cost of Ownership Data

Nissan Kicks

Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $35,005

Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $23,220

Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: – $9,334

Redesigned for 2025, the Nissan Kicks brings a bold new look, updated tech, and more space to the compact crossover market. It’s a popular pick for first-time buyers and those wanting SUV practicality without the SUV price. Despite the upgrades, it remains one of the cheapest cars to own over five years.

See Nissan Kicks Cost of Ownership Data

Toyota Corolla Sedan

Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $35,108

Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $23,460

Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: – $9,271

A household name for decades, the Toyota Corolla sedan is known for bulletproof reliability and low operating costs. With strong resale value and minimal maintenance expenses, the Corolla continues to be one of the safest bets for anyone looking to save money over time.

See Toyota Corolla Cost of Ownership Data

Nissan Versa

Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $35,337

Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $18,337

Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: – $9,562

The Nissan Versa remains America’s cheapest new car—at least for a little while longer. Nissan has announced the Versa will be discontinued after the 2025 model year. Known for its simplicity and low cost of entry, the Versa still offers one of the lowest costs of ownership of any new car on sale.

See Nissan Versa Cost of Ownership Data

Chevrolet Trax

Predicted 5-Year Total Cost of Ownership: $36,460

Starting MSRP with Destination Fees: $21,895

Predicted 5-Year Depreciation: – $11,863

Completely reimagined in 2024, the Chevrolet Trax has quickly become one of Chevy’s best sellers. With SUV looks, compact car pricing, and great standard tech, the Trax is ideal for drivers who want more for less. Its low price and fuel efficiency help keep five-year ownership costs impressively low.

See Chevrolet Trax Cost of Ownership Data

A Note About the Mitsubishi Mirage

What was officially the cheapest new car on sale in America has been discontinued following the 2024 model year. Starting at just $18,015, the Mirage was so bare bones that it appears to have been too cheap for most budget buyers, who tended to opt for better equipped models in the $20,000 – $25,000 price range. Mitsubishi sold fewer than 30,000 of the Mirage in all of 2024. 

As of April 2025, 5,000 new Mirages remain on dealership lots nationwide. It’s worth noting that the Mirage has a 5-year cost to own of just $30,325. However, due to its discontinuation and dwindling inventory, we omitted it from the official top 10.

On a similar note, the Kia Forte would’ve made this list if it hadn’t already been replaced by the Kia K4. Just 288 new Fortes are left unsold as of April. If you’re lucky enough to drive one home, expect a low cost of ownership of just $33,910 over the first five years of ownership.

Final Thoughts: Cost of Ownership > Sticker Price

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.