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If you’re a car shopper in the market for a reliable, sensible mid-size car, you have no shortage of options. Many manufacturers offer their mid-size sedans with hybrid drivetrains, all-wheel drive (AWD), and several other helpful features. However, if you want to save money in the long run, you should consider one of the options for the cheapest cars to own, not just to buy. These mid-size cars cost the least to own over five years, like the Honda Accord. 

  • Honda Accord Hybrid
  • Subaru Legacy
  • Honda Accord
  • Chevrolet Malibu

Is a Honda Accord Hybrid worth it?

The Honda Accord Hybrid is cheap to own, run, insure, and purchase. According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), the Honda Accord Hybrid costs an average of $4,801 in fuel over five years. Better yet, the sensible Accord Hybrid costs just $4,585 to insure over that same timeframe. Sometimes sensibility pays. 

A Honda Accord Hybrid, like this one, is one of the mid-size cars that costs the least to own.
Honda Accord Hybrid | Honda

However, consumers should expect to pay $34,943 in the total five-year cost to own, which is more expensive than the Subaru Legacy and the non-hybrid Accord. Although with substantially lower fuel costs, a Honda Accord Hybrid seems like an excellent choice for a mid-size car. 

Is the Subaru Legacy one of the mid-size cars that costs the least to own?

The Subaru Legacy is number two on the list of mid-size cars that cost the least to own. Further, with an overall figure of $34,853, it has a cheaper cost to own than both Accords and the Chevrolet Malibu. Also, the Legacy depreciates the least on the list, losing about $13,759 over the course of five years. Finally, the Legacy beats the competition in maintenance costs, demanding around $2,682, or nearly $500 less than the Accord Hybrid.  

The Subaru Legacy is a mid-size car boasting a low cost to own.
Subaru Legacy | Subaru

Is the Honda Accord an expensive car?

The non-hybrid Honda Accord is also a good prospect for car shoppers who want a mid-size car that costs the least to own over five years. The Accord is slightly cheaper to run than its hybridized cousin and depreciates much less. However, it demands more than $2,000 extra in fuel costs. Furthermore, the Accord depreciates slightly less than the comparable Subaru Legacy, losing $13,861 over the five-year period. 

The Honda Accord, like this red one, has a spot on the list of mid-size cars that cost the least to own.
Honda Accord | Honda

Is the Chevrolet Malibu one of the mid-size cars that costs the least to own?

The Chevrolet Malibu is a mid-size car that could save you money in the long run. According to KBB, owning a Malibu for five years will set you back around $36,340. While that is more than the Hondas or the Subaru, it is still low enough to earn the Chevrolet a spot on the list of cheapest mid-size cars to own. 

The Chevrolet Malibu like this one, is a cheap mid-size car.
Chevrolet Malibu | Chevrolet

Which mid-size car should you buy?

If you want a mid-size car with the most fuel economy and energy savings, you should consider a 2021 Honda Accord Hybrid. However, consider the Subaru Legacy if you want a vehicle judged by any other money metric. The Legacy depreciates the least, costs the least to run, costs the least in insurance, and demands the least in maintenance costs. 

Scroll down to the following article to read about other sensible sedans!

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).