Toyota Prius honored as best value in auto industry

The Toyota Prius has been named the best value in the automotive industry for 2013. The top-selling hybrid costs owners only 47 cents per mile to drive, according to Consumer Reports.

The Prius, which debuted in the United States in 2000, moved ahead of the Honda Fit in 2012 for the first year of its now two-year reign at the top of the best value list. The Fit held the No. 1 position for the previous four years.

In its best value reports, Consumer Reports also selected leaders in many segments of the auto industry. The list incorporates owners’ costs via money per mile driven based on fuel economy, reliability, versatility and other factors.

Here’s the list:

Compact/Subcompact Car: Toyota Prius
Sticker Price: $24,200 – $30,005
Invoice Price: $22,748 – $27,930
Fuel Economy: 51 mpg city, 48 mpg highway

Midsize Car: Subaru Legacy
Sticker Price: $20,295 – $28,895
Invoice Price: $19,201 – $27,097
Fuel Economy: 21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway

Large Car: Toyota Avalon Hybrid
Sticker Price: $35,555 – $41,400
Invoice Price: $32,000 – $37,260
Fuel Economy: 40 mpg city, 39 mpg highway

Luxury Car: Lexus ES 300h
Sticker Price: $39,250
Invoice Price: $36,767
Fuel Economy: 40 mpg city, 39 mpg highway

Convertible/Sports Car: Mazda MX-5 Miata
Sticker Price: $23,720 – $29,250
Invoice Price: $22,424 – $27,648
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg City, 28 mpg Highway

Wagon/Minivan: Mazda5
Sticker Price: $19,940 – $24,470
Invoice Price: $19,073 – $23,401
Fuel Economy: 21 mpg city, 28 mpg highway

Small SUV: Subaru Forester
Sticker Price: $21,995 – $32,995
Invoice Price: $20,811 – $30,836
Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway

Midsize SUV: Nissan Murano
Sticker Price: $28,440 – $39,480
Invoice Price: $26,203 – $36,355
Fuel Economy: 18 mpg City, 24 mpg Highway

Luxury/Large SUV: BMW X1
Sticker Price: $30,900 – $38,800
Invoice Price: $28,430 – $35,695
Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city, 34 mpghHighway

Pickup: Honda Ridgeline
Sticker Price: $29,450 – $35,030
Invoice Price: $26,936 – $32,026
Fuel Economy: 15 mpg city, 21 mpg highway