Cheapest to own in the US, by type
Pick the kind of car you want. Each list ranks every model by what it really costs to own in California, not by sticker.
TypeCheapest carTrue cost a month$0 ─── $1,200
Cheapest to own
#1 to own2027 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE
Hybrids
#1 to own2027 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE
AWD and 4WD
#1 to own2027 Toyota Corolla Hybrid LE
Family (5 seats, 4 bags)
#1 to own2027 Toyota Prius LE
SUVs and crossovers
#1 to own2026 Chevrolet Trax LS
Electric
#1 to own2027 Chevrolet Bolt LT
Pickups
#1 to own2027 Ford Maverick XL FWD
Plug-in hybrids
#1 to own2027 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid SE
7+ seats
#1 to own2026 Mitsubishi Outlander ES
Tows 5,000 lb
#1 to own2026 Toyota Tacoma SR5
Minivans
#1 to own2026 Toyota Sienna LE
Luxury brands
#1 to own2026 Lexus UX 300h
True cost a month = everything you pay over 6 years at 13,500 miles a year, plus what that money could have earned at 5% a year, minus what you get back when you sell, divided by 72. Taxes, registration, the dealer doc fee, gas, electricity and insurance follow your state; change it in the Finder.