The Jeep Patriot was recently named the "least expensive SUV to own" by Edmunds.com. The ranking takes into account not only purchase cost, but also fuel efficiency, maintenance, insurance, and depreciation - among other factors.

From the press release:

Chrysler LLC's Jeep(R) brand has a solution for sport-utility vehicle (SUV) customers seeking relief from high gas prices and economic uncertainty -- the Jeep Patriot. A study by Edmunds.com reveals that the Jeep Patriot is the least expensive SUV to own at 48.6 cents per mile.

"In difficult periods like this, it is vital that we continue to evolve our products to exceed customers' needs and Jeep Patriot does just that," said Robert Hegbloom, Senior Manager - Jeep Brand Marketing. "By providing great fuel economy, performance, handling and flexibility, all at an affordable price, the Jeep Patriot is a tremendous value."

The number one ranking is based on Edmunds.com's True Cost to Own data, which incorporates projected model-specific average vehicle ownership costs consisting of depreciation, financing, taxes, fees, insurance premiums, fuel costs, maintenance and repairs. The data accounts for total vehicle costs over a five-year period.

"Even though gas prices are high, some consumers are still in search of a sport-utility vehicle to meet their needs," said Jesse Toprak, Executive Director of Industry Analysis, Edmunds.com. "For those consumers, vehicles like the Jeep Patriot are relative bargains in their segment."