Coincident with the Chicago auto show, Kelley Blue Book announced the winners in its 5-Year Cost to Own survey. The best brand was Mazda and best luxury brand was Lexus.
A few weeks earlier, Polk handed out its 2012 Loyalty awards, with Ford winning make and manufacturer and Volkswagen the most improved.
Assorted KBB winners are listed here (average cost of ownership over five years); and the Polk Loyalty winner for the class.
Compact SUV/Crossover ........ Jeep Patriot ($35,161); Honda CR-V
Midsize SUV/crossover ........... Mitsubishi Outlander ($36,699); Lexus RX
Midsize Pickup ........................ Toyota Tacoma Double Cab ($42,282)**
Full-Size Pickup ........ Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ($48,551); Ford F-Series
Full-Size SUV/Crossover ........ Ford Explorer ($48,959)*
Hybrid SUV/Crossover ............ Toyota Highlander Hybrid ($51,363)
Luxury Compact SUV/Crossover ...... Acura RDX ($49,620)
Luxury Midsize SUV/Crossover ........ Lincoln MKX ($52,346)
Luxury Full-Size SUV/Crossover ...... Lincoln MKT ($60,250); Range Rover
*Polk combines Mid/Full-Size SUV **Polk combines Mid/Full-Size Pickups