Explore Kelley Blue Book’s Luxury Brand cost-to-own winners from 2012 through 2023 and see why Lexus leads with six first-place finishes

Luxury vehicles are often compared by purchase price, performance, technology, comfort, reliability, and resale value. However, the price shown on the window sticker represents only the beginning of the ownership expense.

Depreciation, insurance, financing, fuel, maintenance, repairs, registration fees, and taxes can add thousands of dollars to the cost of owning a vehicle. Two luxury vehicles with similar prices may therefore produce dramatically different expenses during their first five years.

Kelley Blue Book created its Total Cost of Ownership Awards in 2012 to identify the new vehicles and brands with the lowest projected ownership costs over an initial five-year period. The program was later called the 5-Year Cost to Own Awards.

Across KBB’s complete publicly documented luxury-brand award series from 2012 through 2023, one manufacturer earned the top position more often than any other:

Lexus Leads With Six Luxury-Brand Cost-to-Own Awards

Lexus earned Kelley Blue Book’s lowest-cost-to-own Luxury Brand recognition six times:

• 2013
• 2014
• 2019
• 2021
• 2022
• 2023

Acura ranks second with four victories, while Audi and Lincoln each earned one.

Kelley Blue Book Luxury Cost-to-Own Winners by Year

Award year	Luxury-brand winner
2012	Audi
2013	Lexus
2014	Lexus
2015	Lincoln
2016	Acura
2017	Acura
2018	Acura
2019	Lexus
2020	Acura
2021	Lexus
2022	Lexus
2023	Lexus

Audi won the inaugural award in 2012. Lexus followed with consecutive victories in 2013 and 2014, while Lincoln took the top luxury-brand position in 2015.

Acura then earned three consecutive victories from 2016 through 2018. Lexus returned to first place in 2019, followed by another Acura win in 2020.

Lexus reclaimed the award in 2021 and remained the winner in 2022 and 2023, completing a three-year winning streak.

Which Luxury Brand Won the Most Often?

Standing	Luxury brand	No. 1 finishes	Winning years
1	Lexus	6	2013, 2014, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023
2	Acura	4	2016, 2017, 2018, 2020
T-3	Audi	1	2012
T-3	Lincoln	1	2015
T-5	BMW	0	—
T-5	Cadillac	0	—
T-5	Genesis	0	—
T-5	Infiniti	0	—
T-5	Mercedes-Benz	0	—
T-5	Porsche	0	—
T-5	Tesla	0	—
T-5	Volvo	0	—

A zero means only that a manufacturer did not earn the single overall Luxury Brand award during this 12-year period.

It does not mean the brand always had high ownership costs or never produced an award-winning vehicle. KBB also recognized individual vehicles within specific categories. For example, the 2023 category winners included the Genesis G70, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Tesla Model 3, Tesla Model Y, Acura MDX, and several Lexus models.

What Does “Cost to Own” Mean?

Cost to own is the estimated total expense of purchasing, operating, maintaining, and eventually selling or trading a vehicle.

A vehicle’s purchase price is only one part of the calculation.

Kelley Blue Book’s historical 5-Year Cost to Own analysis considered:

• Initial vehicle price
• Depreciation
• Fuel
• Insurance
• Financing
• Maintenance
• Repairs
• State fees and taxes

KBB used its own residual-value projections to estimate depreciation and combined that information with financial data from third-party providers.

Why Is Depreciation So Important?

Depreciation is the amount of value a vehicle loses after it is purchased. It can be one of the largest expenses associated with owning a new luxury vehicle.

Consider two vehicles originally purchased for $60,000:

Vehicle	Estimated value after five years	Value lost
Vehicle A	$36,000	$24,000
Vehicle B	$27,000	$33,000

Vehicle B lost $9,000 more to depreciation.

Even when Vehicle B uses less fuel or includes complimentary maintenance, its additional loss in value could make it more expensive to own overall.

KBB identified strong residual values as a major reason for Lexus’s 2021, 2022, and 2023 Luxury Brand victories. Higher residual value generally means lower depreciation, which can significantly reduce total ownership cost.

The Inaugural 2012 Winner: Audi

Kelley Blue Book launched the program in 2012 under the name Total Cost of Ownership Awards.

Audi was named the inaugural Best Luxury Brand. KBB credited Audi’s relatively low depreciation and fuel costs across models such as the A3, A4, and Q5. The Audi A5 also won the Luxury Car category, while the Audi Q7 won the Luxury Sport Utility category.

Lexus still earned several individual 2012 awards:

• Lexus RX 350 — Luxury Crossover
• Lexus LS 460 — High-End Luxury Car
• Lexus IS F — High-Performance Car

This illustrates an important point: A brand can earn several model-level awards without winning the overall brand title.

Lexus Won in 2013 and 2014

Lexus earned its first KBB cost-to-own Luxury Brand award in 2013.

KBB credited Lexus with some of the lowest depreciation, fuel, maintenance, and repair expenses among luxury manufacturers. The CT 200h, ES, and IS were highlighted as important contributors, while the Lexus GS won the Luxury Car category.

Lexus repeated as the winner in 2014. KBB reported that Lexus had the lowest depreciation cost among eligible luxury brands because of strong residual values across its lineup.

Lincoln Earned the 2015 Award

Lincoln interrupted Lexus’s winning streak in 2015.

KBB cited Lincoln’s low average maintenance expenses and competitive performance in depreciation and insurance. Vehicles including the Navigator, MKX, and MKZ helped support the result.

Lincoln’s victory shows that annual results can change as vehicle lineups, projected depreciation, maintenance expenses, fuel prices, insurance rates, and market conditions evolve.

Acura Won Four Times

Acura earned the Luxury Brand award in:

• 2016
• 2017
• 2018
• 2020

For 2016, KBB identified Acura’s competitive purchase prices, depreciation, and fuel expenses as important advantages. The ILX, MDX, RDX, and TLX were among the models contributing to the result.

Acura repeated in 2017 and 2018, producing a three-year winning streak. KBB reported in 2017 that Acura placed first or second in more than half of the ownership-cost factors it evaluated.

Acura returned for a fourth victory in 2020. Lexus still won the Luxury Subcompact SUV category that year with the UX, demonstrating again that brand-level and model-level results do not always match.

Lexus Returned to First Place in 2019

Lexus reclaimed the Luxury Brand award in 2019.

That year, Lexus also earned multiple individual category awards:

• Lexus UX — Luxury Subcompact SUV
• Lexus NX — Luxury Compact SUV
• Lexus RX — Two-Row Luxury Midsize SUV
• Lexus GS — Luxury Car

These victories covered sedans and SUVs across several luxury-market segments.

Lexus Won Three Consecutive Times From 2021 Through 2023

KBB named Lexus the Luxury Brand winner in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

2021 Lexus winners

In 2021, Lexus earned individual category recognition with:

• Lexus UX — Luxury Subcompact SUV
• Lexus NX — Luxury Compact SUV
• Lexus RX — Two-Row Luxury Midsize SUV

KBB said several Lexus models led their respective ownership-cost categories, helping the brand take the overall luxury award.

2022 Lexus winners

In 2022, Lexus category winners included:

• Lexus UX — Luxury Subcompact SUV
• Lexus NX — Luxury Compact SUV
• Lexus RX — Two-Row Luxury Midsize SUV
• Lexus LX — Luxury Full-Size SUV

Lexus’s strong SUV performance helped the brand repeat as the overall Luxury Brand winner.

2023 Lexus winners

Lexus’s 2023 category awards included:

• Lexus UX — Luxury Subcompact SUV
• Lexus NX — Luxury Compact SUV
• Lexus RX — Two-Row Luxury Midsize SUV
• Lexus ES — Luxury Midsize Car
• Lexus LS — Luxury Full-Size Car

KBB projected the following five-year ownership costs for those 2023 models:

2023 Lexus model	KBB five-year cost to own	Below segment average
Lexus UX	$46,962	$2,605
Lexus NX	$52,998	$7,041
Lexus RX	$62,175	$10,420
Lexus ES	$53,063	$9,913
Lexus LS	$83,727	$19,730

These were projections for 2023 model-year vehicles, not guaranteed expenses for every owner.

Why Has Lexus Performed So Well?

KBB’s historical explanations point to several recurring factors.

Strong residual value

Residual value is the projected amount a vehicle will be worth after a period of ownership.

Stronger residual value generally produces lower depreciation. KBB repeatedly identified high Lexus residual values as an important contributor to the brand’s low projected ownership costs.

Competitive maintenance and repair projections

Maintenance and repair expenses are included in KBB’s calculation. Lexus’s 2013 performance was partly attributed to competitive maintenance and repair projections.

Efficient model choices

The Lexus lineup has included conventional gasoline vehicles, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric vehicles.

Fuel costs are only one part of ownership, but an efficient vehicle may reduce one significant recurring expense. The correct comparison depends on the vehicle’s purchase price, annual mileage, local fuel or electricity prices, insurance, depreciation, and intended ownership period.

A broad lineup of category winners

Lexus did not rely on one vehicle alone. Different annual awards were supported by models including the:

• CT 200h
• IS
• ES
• GS
• LS
• UX
• NX
• RX
• LX

That variety helped Lexus earn cost-to-own recognition across entry-level luxury vehicles, sedans, hybrids, crossovers, and full-size SUVs.

Is Lowest Cost to Own the Same as Best Resale Value?

No.

Best Resale Value

KBB’s Best Resale Value Awards focus primarily on the percentage of the original price a vehicle is projected to retain after five years.

Five-Year Cost to Own

The 5-Year Cost to Own analysis includes depreciation but also considers:

• Fuel
• Insurance
• Financing
• Maintenance
• Repairs
• State fees

A vehicle can have excellent resale value but still carry higher fuel, insurance, or maintenance expenses.

Conversely, a vehicle with only average resale value may remain competitive if its other operating expenses are sufficiently low.

Is Lowest Cost to Own the Same as Reliability?

No.

Reliability concerns the frequency and severity of vehicle problems. Cost to own is a financial measurement.

Reliability can influence repair and maintenance expenses, but the total cost calculation also includes factors unrelated to mechanical dependability, particularly depreciation, insurance, financing, and fuel.

This is why your four research articles work together:

Research source	Primary subject
J.D. Power	Vehicle dependability
Consumer Reports	Predicted reliability
Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value	Retained value
Kelley Blue Book 5-Year Cost to Own	Overall projected ownership expense

No single study provides the entire ownership picture.

Does the Lowest-Cost Luxury Brand Have the Cheapest Vehicles?

Not necessarily.

The least expensive vehicle to purchase can still cost more to own if it:

• Depreciates rapidly
• Costs more to insure
• Uses more fuel
• Requires more maintenance
• Produces higher repair expenses
• Has less favorable financing
• Carries higher registration fees

Likewise, a more expensive vehicle may offset part of its price through stronger resale value or lower operating expenses.

Does the Award Guarantee What a Lexus Will Cost Me?

No.

KBB’s results are projections based on assumptions and aggregated data.

A customer’s actual cost will depend on:

• Negotiated purchase price
• Financing rate and term
• Down payment
• Annual mileage
• Fuel or electricity prices
• Insurance company and driving record
• Maintenance habits
• Repairs
• Vehicle condition
• Accident history
• Location
• Length of ownership
• Future resale demand

The award is most useful as a comparison tool—not as a promise of an exact future dollar amount.

Can Maintenance Help Reduce Ownership Costs?

Proper maintenance may help prevent avoidable repairs, preserve vehicle condition, maintain performance, and protect future resale desirability.

Owners can help manage long-term costs by:

• Following the recommended maintenance schedule
• Addressing warning lights promptly
• Maintaining proper tire pressure
• Rotating and replacing tires when necessary
• Inspecting brakes and fluids
• Retaining service records
• Repairing body damage
• Avoiding poorly performed modifications
• Using qualified technicians
• Keeping the interior and exterior in good condition

Maintenance cannot eliminate depreciation or control future market conditions, but it can affect the condition and desirability of an individual vehicle.

Should You Choose a Vehicle Based Only on Cost to Own?

No.

A luxury vehicle must also meet the customer’s needs for:

• Passenger capacity
• Cargo space
• Safety
• Driving comfort
• Performance
• Fuel economy
• Technology
• Towing
• Accessibility
• Warranty coverage
• Reliability
• Styling
• Dealer and service support

The most useful question is not simply, “Which vehicle is cheapest?”

It is:

Which vehicle satisfies my needs while providing competitive long-term ownership costs?

Why Lexus of Concord Is a Premier Lexus Destination in the San Francisco Bay Area

Choosing a vehicle with competitive ownership costs is only part of a successful luxury-vehicle purchase.

Customers must also compare model size, trim level, powertrain, equipment, financing, trade value, warranty coverage, and long-term maintenance needs.

Lexus of Concord is a family-owned dealership that has served Concord and surrounding communities since 1991. The dealership is located at 2001 Market Street in Concord, California, and offers new, used, and L/Certified vehicles along with financing, service, and parts resources.

Compare Gasoline and Electrified Lexus Models

The Lexus lineup includes gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric choices.

The team at Lexus of Concord can help shoppers compare:

• Purchase price
• Estimated fuel consumption
• Charging requirements
• Trim and equipment differences
• Expected annual mileage
• Lease versus finance options
• New versus L/Certified ownership
• Trade-in considerations
• Anticipated ownership period

The least expensive option for one driver may not be the least expensive choice for another.

New, L/Certified, and Pre-Owned Options

A new Lexus may provide current technology, complete new-vehicle warranty coverage, and access to current lease or finance programs.

An L/Certified Lexus may offer a lower purchase price combined with inspection requirements and factory-backed program benefits.

A traditional pre-owned vehicle may provide additional affordability but should be carefully evaluated for history, mileage, condition, warranty coverage, and expected repair needs.

Lexus of Concord offers all three ownership paths, allowing shoppers to compare them in one location.

Financing and Trade-In Resources

Financing is part of the ownership-cost equation.

Interest rate, loan term, down payment, trade equity, and available incentives can meaningfully affect the total cost of a vehicle.

Lexus of Concord provides financing tools, an online credit application, payment resources, and Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer access for customers considering a trade.

Professional Lexus Service

Maintenance and repairs are also included in cost-to-own calculations.

Lexus of Concord provides maintenance, diagnostics, repairs, genuine Lexus parts, and online service scheduling. Available guest amenities include Wi-Fi, coffee, snacks, and local shuttle service.

Serving Contra Costa County Since 1991

More than three decades of family ownership have helped Lexus of Concord build relationships with customers throughout Concord, Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Oakland, Berkeley, San Ramon, and the greater San Francisco Bay Area. Its vehicle selection, Lexus knowledge, financing assistance, and service support make it a strong destination for shoppers evaluating both luxury and long-term value.

Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury-Vehicle Ownership Costs

When did Kelley Blue Book begin its cost-to-own awards?

Kelley Blue Book introduced its Total Cost of Ownership Awards in 2012. The inaugural Luxury Brand winner was Audi.

When did the name change to 5-Year Cost to Own?

The 2012 program was called the Total Cost of Ownership Awards. By the 2013 awards, KBB was using the name 5-Year Cost to Own.

Which luxury brand won the most KBB cost-to-own awards?

Lexus leads the complete 2012–2023 series with six Luxury Brand victories.

Which years did Lexus win?

Lexus won in 2013, 2014, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Which luxury brand ranks second?

Acura ranks second with four victories: 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2020.

Which other brands won?

Audi won the inaugural 2012 award, and Lincoln won in 2015.

Did BMW or Mercedes-Benz ever win the overall award?

Neither BMW nor Mercedes-Benz earned the overall Luxury Brand award during the 2012–2023 series.

Both manufacturers earned individual category awards during some years. For example, Mercedes-Benz won the 2023 Luxury Full-Size SUV category with the GLS.

Did Tesla ever win?

Tesla did not earn the overall Luxury Brand award during the historical series.

The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y won KBB’s 2023 Luxury Electric Car and Luxury Electric SUV categories, respectively.

Does zero wins mean a brand is expensive to own?

No. It means only that the brand did not earn the single overall Luxury Brand award during the period reviewed.

Why did Lexus win so often?

KBB repeatedly identified strong residual values and relatively low depreciation as major contributors. Individual Lexus models also performed well in numerous luxury-car and luxury-SUV categories.

Which Lexus models won in 2023?

The Lexus UX, NX, RX, ES, and LS earned individual category awards in 2023.

Is a Lexus hybrid always cheaper to own than a gasoline Lexus?

Not necessarily.

The result depends on the purchase-price difference, fuel savings, annual mileage, insurance, depreciation, financing, and length of ownership.

Does KBB still calculate cost-to-own estimates?

Yes. KBB continues to publish model-level five-year ownership-cost estimates that combine projected depreciation with operating expenses such as fuel, insurance, financing, maintenance, repairs, and state fees.

Why does the award chart stop at 2023?

The 2023 announcement is the most recent annual KBB 5-Year Cost to Own brand-award release located in KBB’s public media archive as of August 2, 2026. KBB continues to provide cost-to-own data, but this article does not assume winners for years without a documented annual announcement.

Is KBB cost-to-own information guaranteed?

No. The projections represent expected costs based on KBB’s data and methodology. Individual ownership expenses will vary.

Where can I compare Lexus ownership options in the Bay Area?

Lexus of Concord is located at 2001 Market Street, Concord, California 94520, and offers new Lexus vehicles, L/Certified models, other pre-owned vehicles, financing tools, trade-in assistance, and professional service support.

Experience Long-Term Lexus Value at Lexus of Concord

Kelley Blue Book’s 5-Year Cost to Own Awards examined more than the purchase price.

The awards considered depreciation, fuel, insurance, financing, maintenance, repairs, and state fees to identify the luxury brands projected to cost the least during the initial five-year ownership period.

Across the complete publicly documented series from 2012 through 2023:

• Lexus earned six Luxury Brand victories.
• Acura earned four.
• Audi earned one.
• Lincoln earned one.

Lexus also ended the series with three consecutive wins from 2021 through 2023 and received broad model-level recognition across the UX, NX, RX, ES, and LS lineups.

At Lexus of Concord, Bay Area drivers can compare new Lexus models, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, electric vehicles, L/Certified options, financing choices, trade-in resources, and professional service support.

Visit Lexus of Concord to explore a luxury vehicle that meets your needs today while also considering the expenses that continue throughout ownership.

Research note: This article counts the overall Luxury Brand winner identified in each official Kelley Blue Book Total Cost of Ownership or 5-Year Cost to Own announcement from 2012 through 2023. It does not combine Best Resale Value, Best Buy, Brand Image, Consumer Choice, Vincentric, Canadian, fleet, or certified-pre-owned awards.

*Publication note: Kelley Blue Book permits dealers and manufacturers to use its awards and accolades without a licensing fee when its legal requirements and approval process are followed. Approval should be obtained before publishing KBB logos, award graphics, quotations, or promotional claims. *