IRVINE, Calif. -

Kelley Blue Book has rolled out a revamped version of Kbb.com that includes a new task-based navigation as well as a slew of new research tools.

These tools are designed to educate shoppers, help them figure out which vehicles best-suit their needs and determine which models offer the most for their money.

The tools include features such as Reality Check for New Cars, Total Cost of Ownership, Expert Reviews & Ratings and Consumer Reviews & Ratings.

“The redesigned Kbb.com brings a heightened level of transparency to vehicle values and new-car pricing via all-new design and shopping tools," said KBB’s director of product management Mike Wulf.

“The new approach eliminates the confusion and angst consumers feel during the research process by taking what is often perceived as complex information and displaying it in a way that is visual and easy to understand,” he added.

KBB went on to explain how these four tools work, as follows:

—Reality Check for New Cars: This appears on each new-car pricing report. It shows the Fair Purchase Price as determined by actual transaction prices found from thousands of U.S. franchised dealers. This feature shows a shopper the price that a particular new-vehicle is typically fetching in their specific market.

—Total Cost of Ownership: This feature includes clear charts and graphs showing shoppers what the five-year initial ownership costs would be on a specific make and model. These include things like depreciation costs, expected fuel prices and typical insurance costs.

—Expert Reviews & Ratings: With this tool, KBB’s editorial staff offers its perspective on practically every common vehicle out there. The evaluations and information is said to be straightforward, showing consumers what they may like or dislike about specific models.

Editors will also share their driving impressions and their favorite aspects of each reviewed vehicle, in addition to pricing notes. Video reviews are offered on many cars. It also includes auto-related news.

—Consumer Reviews & Ratings: This feature shows the opinions and perspectives from long-term owners of vehicles and how they would rate vehicles.

Moving along, KBB also shared a bit about the enhanced navigation.

KBB said it conducted more than 18 months of comprehensive research and testing with consumers. The company found that in-market shoppers want “car pricing and values based on the goal they are trying to achieve” instead of just the typical "new and used vehicle paths."