Sometimes things just aren’t what they seem to be. This variation on the old adage is truer than ever in the automotive world, where the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg all share a common platform. "Corporate cousins” is the auto industry’s term for similar models that carry different nameplates. Car manufacturers save money by spreading part and component production across vehicles. As a result, vehicles share platforms or parts to a varying degree - think “twins vs. sisters vs. cousins.” The distinctions between models are more blurred than they once were, and for the most part, no model is simply a rebadging of another (as with the old Dodge/Plymouth Neon). But with a little study of automotive family trees and close review of features and equipment, you may save money on your next car.

Here’s how: First, you may be able to save money upfront, at the time you buy. Consider the corporate cousins Toyota Camry and Lexus ES 350. Lexus is the luxury division of Toyota, and the two models share the same chassis and many components. They also carry a bit of a family resemblance. Yet the Lexus ES 350 has a base MSRP of over $36,000 including destination while a top-of-the-line Camry XLE V-6 goes for around $30,000. So what does the Lexus deliver for that $6,000 difference? A longer warranty and a few extra features (both share the same engine horsepower rating and come with appointments such as wood-trimmed interior). Luxury brand dealer service, which may include free car washes, loaner cars and other perks, as well as the prestige of the Lexus name are certain differentiators. For some buyers these differences justify the Lexus price premium. But others will just as soon save the six grand - plus the extra taxes and finances charges - and settle for the Toyota, a car that’s nearly as good.

(Note that there are even more, subtle platforms shared and even more disparate relationships than those listed below, but vehicles which are significantly similar are shown for your reference.)

Buick Enclave/Chevrolet Traverse/GMC Acadia
Buick LaCrosse/Saab 9-5                           
Cadillac Escalade ESV/Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL
Cadillac Escalade EXT/Chevrolet Avalanche
Cadillac Escalade/Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon
Chevrolet Colorado/GMC Canyon
Chevrolet Equinox/GMC Terrain
Chevrolet Express/GMC Savana
Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra
Chrysler 200/Dodge Avenger
Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Grand Caravan/Volkswagen Routan
Dodge Caliber/Jeep Compass/Jeep Patriot
Dodge Nitro/Jeep Liberty
Ford Edge/Lincoln MKX
Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner/Mazda Tribute
Ford Expedition EL/Lincoln Navigator L
Ford Expedition/Lincoln Navigator
Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan/Lincoln MKZ
Ford Taurus/Lincoln MKS
Hyundai Accent sedan/Kia Rio sedan
Hyundai Santa Fe/Kia Sorento
Hyundai Sonata/Kia Optima
Hyundai Tuscon/Kia Sportage
Lexus GX 460/Toyota 4Runner
Lexus LX 570/Toyota Land Cruiser
Nissan Armada/Infiniti QX56
Nissan Frontier/Suzuki Equator
Audi Q7/Porsche Cayenne/Volkswagen Touareg