Volkswagen leads list of best family cars for 2012
Families have many options to consider when they go vehicle lease shopping, from safety and comfort to consumer ratings and cost of ownership. A new study has condensed those demands into a single ranking and produced a list of the "10 Best Family Cars of 2012."
Compiled by Kelley Blue Book, the list begins with the winning entry in the field - the Volkswagen Passat sedan. Compared to the preceding model, the 2012 Passat is larger and cheaper, while still boasting perky, European driving dynamics, the Kelley experts said.
Volkswagen sells the car for a starting car leasing price of $19,995. Drivers who need to control the Passat under hectic conditions may enjoy the vehicle's technology touches like Bluetooth wireless technology and dual-zone climate control. The car also has plenty of rear-seat legroom for passengers and cargo.
Finally, the vehicle gets an outstanding 43 miles per gallon in highway driving thanks to its TDI Clean Diesel engine - always an important selling point during an era of high gas prices.
Following the Passat was the Honda Odyssey, a minivan that won spot number two with its practical mix of roomy cargo space with easy-access design features like sliding rear doors. Honda capped it all off with a strong V6 engine for capable performance and acceleration.
The automaker also logged two more spaces on the list with its CR-V (#5) and Civic (#8).
"We are honored to have three members of the Honda lineup recognized as benchmark family cars by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com," said Michael Accavitti, vice president of marketing operations for American Honda. "To be recognized as providing the kind of safety, features and value required of the modern family machine speaks to the core attributes of every Honda vehicle."
The third-best family car of 2012 was the Ford Flex, Kelley experts said. Its boxy design includes three rows of seats and options such as all-wheel-drive, a high-efficiency EcoBoost V6 engine and even a center-console fridge.
Fourth place went to the Subaru Outback, a perennial choice for families who desire a sport utility vehicle without incurring the high cost and low fuel efficiency of many full-size SUVs. With standard all-wheel drive and 8.7 inches of ground clearance, the rugged crossover delivers both on gas mileage and five-adult seating space.
Kelley researchers rounded out the list with the Kia Sorento, Chevrolet Suburban 1500, Chrysler 300 and Toyota Prius v.
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