Resale value or insurance costs are a major consideration when buying a new car, particularly if you replace your car every five or six years, but it can be hard to do. Fortunately, Kelley Blue Book (KBB.com) does the calculations for you. They provide 5-year cost-to-own of all new models sold in the US, and each year they publish the results. These results include the lowest cost-to-own models in each of 28 segments. This is always a good study for Subaru and Twin Falls Subaru because Subaru models are frequently named at the top of their categories, and this year is no different. This year, Subaru Forester, Outback, and Ascent were all cited as having the lowest 5-year cost-to-own amounts in their respective segments.

The segments represented by those models are not exactly small either. The Forester’s Compact SUV category is the largest and most competitive segment in the industry, and the 2-row Mid-size SUV and 3-row Midsize SUV categories for Outback and Ascent, respectively, are not far behind. What KBB describes as an “SUV” in these instances are generally car-based crossover models. They have a separate Off-Road SUV category for such models as Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco.

The factors KBB takes into account in their five-year cost-to-own findings include:

• Original model cost (average across the model line)
• Insurance
• Maintenance costs
• Fuel costs
• Depreciation

Depreciation is the largest factor and can be difficult to predict. It is also the one area you have some control over based on how well you maintain your vehicle and how long you keep it. The longer you keep your car, the more its condition will impact its resale value. Trim level and options can also make a difference based on this KBB statement: “…choosing a slightly pricier model can save you money in the long run. And that also means less expensive cars can cost more over time.” A reputation for high resale value has benefited Subaru models. That reputation was born from the quality, reliability, and durability factors in combination with the overall desirability of their models.

The Forester has earned this spot for the third year in a row. beating out segment sales leaders like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Nissan Rogue. Four years ago, this honor went to the Crosstrek. Taking into account the average original model cost, the 2023 Forester has an estimated 5-year cost-to-own of $37,367. That is $3,365 less than the segment average.

This marks four years in a row the Outback has topped its segment in this list. While the Outback may stand out in this class for its wagon roots, its size, overall interior space, and capability put it firmly in the Midsize 2-row SUV category, where it beats out models such as the Honda Passport or Hyundai Santa Fe. The expected 5-year ownership costs KBB figured for the Outback average out to $47,833 which is an amazing $8,772 less than the segment average.

This is the first appearance for Subaru’s largest SUV where it beats out past winners such as the Kia Telluride and Toyota Highlander. Helping the family budgets of its owners, the Ascent was figured to have an overall 5-year cost-to-own cost of $47,833, which is $5,087 less than the segment average.

Resale value is an important consideration when buying your new Subaru car or SUV. Given that all Subaru models rate highly in this area, you can be confident that any model you choose will impress in this area. Get behind the wheel today of a top rated Subaru model available in the Twin Falls Subaru showroom.