IRVINE, Calif. -

This morning, Kelley Blue Book highlighted the 2013 model-year vehicles and brands (in both luxury and non-luxury categories) with the lowest projected ownership costs.

The top awards based on KBB’s 5-Year Cost to Own data for new models for the initial five-year ownership period went to Mazda and Lexus.

Analysts indicated Mazda is the top brand among all manufacturers, surging past last year’s winner Kia with regard to its lowest projected ownership costs.

Despite an average Fair Purchase Price higher than several of its competitors, KBB said Mazda offers the lowest 5-Year Cost to Own because of its low depreciation, fuel costs, and maintenance and repair costs across its full model lineup. 

Kelley Blue Book explained its Fair Purchase Price is the price people typically pay a dealer for a new vehicle, based on actual new-car transactions and adjusted regularly as market conditions change. 

Some of the models driving Mazda’s success include the MAZDA3, MAZDA2 and all-new CX-5. 

Meanwhile, Lexus is this year’s luxury brand winner, exemplifying some of the lowest costs for depreciation, fuel, and maintenance and repairs of any luxury brand. 

Some of the key models contributing to Lexus' stand-out performance include the CT 200h, ES and IS models. 

KBB honored a total of 22 different models, including:

—Subcompact Car: Scion iQ
—Compact SUV/Crossover: Jeep Patriot
—Compact Car:  Hyundai Veloster
—Midsize SUV/Crossover: Mitsubishi Outlander
—Sporty Compact Car: Hyundai Veloster Turbo
—Midsize Car: Hyundai Sonata
—Full-Size Car: Chevrolet Impala
—Luxury Compact SUV/Crossover: Acura RDX
—Luxury Midsize SUV/Crossover: Lincoln MKX
—Full-size SUV/Crossover: Ford Explorer
—Luxury Full-size SUV/Crossover: Lincoln MKT
—Entry-Level Luxury Car: Buick Verano
—Luxury Car: Lexus GS
—High-End Luxury Car: Porsche Panamera
—Sports Car:  Ford Mustang
—High-Performance Car: Ford Mustang GT
—Midsize Pickup Truck: Toyota Tacoma Double Cab
—Full-size Pickup Truck:  Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab
—Minivan/Van:  Mazda MAZDA5
—Hybrid SUV/Crossover: Toyota Highlander Hybrid
—Hybrid/Alternative Energy Car: Honda Insight    
—Electric Vehicle: Chevrolet Volt   

After rattling off all of the winners, KBB elaborated about the 2013 Hyundai Sonata, a repeat winner in the midsize car category. The three primary competitors in this segment each are separated by a mere $200 in projected total ownership costs. 

The 2013 Hyundai Sonata outperformed the Honda Accord and Nissan Altima by offering superior savings in insurance costs and a lower Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price. 

In addition, the redesigned 2013 Lexus GS is a top contender among the luxury car segment, beating Audi’s A5 and A6 models. The vehicle's low depreciation and maintenance and repair costs make it this year's 5-Year Cost to Own Award: Luxury Car winner. The depreciation costs for the Lexus GS came in 6.4 percent below the Audi A5 and 21.7 percent below the Audi A6. 

Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own information is developed using Kelley Blue Book Residual Values to calculate depreciation costs. Kelley Blue Book calculates total ownership costs for new vehicles by applying sophisticated valuation methodology along with critical financial data from third-party providers. 

“New-car shoppers often are most concerned with the upfront cost of a vehicle. However, consumers would be wise to consider their purchase from a more holistic standpoint by examining the total cost to own a vehicle over the initial five-year ownership period,” said Dan Ingle, vice president of vehicle valuations for Kelley Blue Book. 

“Kelley Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost to Own information allows consumers to evaluate which brands and models make the most sense for their pocketbooks as they prepare for a major purchase decision in buying a new car.  This year’s winners provide the top options in multiple categories and at the brand level,” Ingle continued.

For more information about the 2013 5-Year Cost to Own Award winners, visit http://www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/5-year-cost-to-own-awards-2013.

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