11 Best New Cars For 2012
Summer is fading as Fall approaches. Dealer lots have the smell of new rubber and chrome accents as 2012 models fill empty spots.
There are many who will vie for a Best In Class nod under separate vehicle categories. For us, there’s no question in our minds which is #1 in each. And of course, we will not hesitate letting you know our recommendations.
1. SUV – Cadillac Escalade
As one of the the most stolen vehicles in North America, the 2012 Cadillac Escalade will undoubtedly come with pretty high insurance rates. But if you’re on the lookout for a luxury family hauler that’ll make every athlete jealous, Escalade is still your best bet. Powered by General Motor’s Vortec 6.0-liter V8, both regular and Hybrid variants are capable of producing 332 horsepower and 367 lb-ft of torque. Price Range: $73,850 – $85,845
2. CUV – Mazda CX5
Mazda will spend the next several years perfecting their own hybrid technology, along with adding new vehicles to an already growing line-up. One of those cars is the Crossover CX5 (or CX-5, if you will). The 5-seater will be the first to implement Mazda’s ‘Kodo’ design – meaning ‘Soul of Motion.’ All CX models will be powered by the SKYACTIV range of fuel efficient motors. Mazda has soul, but can it be a soldier? Price Range: TBA
3. Heavy Pick-up – GMC Sierra
This full-sized GMC sees little in the way of redesigns, but with top rate towing and cargo capacity in its class, why change what works? A whopping four engines are available for the 2012 Sierra 1500 – a 4.3-liter V6, 4.8-liter V8, 5.3-liter V8 and 6.2-liter V8. When properly equipped, Sierra can provide a payload capacity of 1937 lbs, while towing 10,700 lbs. Price Range: $21,945 – $48,610
4. Midsize / Compact Pickup – Nissan Frontier
In a world where compact and mid-sized pick up trucks will soon cease to exist, the powerful Nissan Frontier sticks out in our minds as the best ride for smaller loads. Frontier offers a 4.0-liter DOHC V6 engine, rated at 261 horsepower and 281 lb-ft of torque. A 152-horsepower 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine is also available, coming in with an MPG rating of 17 city, 21 highway. V6 Nissan Frontier trucks will be able to pull 6,500 pounds, while the four-cylinder hauls 3,500 pounds. Price Range (Estimated): $19,000 – $33,000
5. Full-Size Sedan – Toyota Avalon
Toyota Avalon might not be the sportiest looking car on the road, but as far as performance goes, it’s still the most reliable full-size sedan on the market. The 2012 Avalon also boasts a top fuel-efficient V6 engine with a rating of 20/29 mpg city/highway. And if you want luxury, Avalon has it. Leather seating options, 9-surround sound speakers, Bluetooth, DVD infotainment system, navigation, the list goes on. Price Range: $33,500 – $36,900
6. Mid-size Sedan – Honda Civic
As if choosing a new car wasn’t difficult enough, Honda decided to make things worse (or better) by producing 7 different variants of Civic. At the low end, we have a base 2012 Civic sedan, with a non-hybrid mpg rating of almost 40 combined. Shoot to the top of the list and find yourself in a Civic Hybrid. There’s even a compressed natural gas version coming our way. Price Range (excluding Natural Gas Variant): $15,805 – $24,050
7. Compact Sedan – Chevrolet Cruze
Sure, Chevy Cruze is barely a year old, but we’re already impressed by the fuel consumption of what we call “Cobalt II.” The base model produces an amazing 42 mpg highway, thanks to its fuel efficient engine. Chevrolet states the Eco version of their car, complete with hybrid powertrain, hits 50 mpg. Price Range: $17,275 – $22,975
8. Coupe / Hatch – Volkswagen Golf 2-Door
The two door VW Golf is somewhere between coupe and hatchback. But no matter what the variant, it’s a sporty car. The GTI’s turbocharged inline-4 engine, with 266 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, is available in gas, diesel (soon in the US) and a hybrid model. Price Range: $17,995 – $25,000
9. Mini-Van – Nissan Quest
Based on the Japanese El Grand, Quest will reportedly be powered by a 3.7-liter V6 engine with 300 horsepower. Front-wheel drive will be standard, as well as possible all-wheel drive rumors, which is why we put our money on the little known Quest. Websites are still awaiting more news on this mystery van. Price Range: TBA
10. Luxury Car – Lexus IS
Sporty & luxurious, the 2012 Lexus IS is available with two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter V6, rated at 204 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque, and 3.5-liter V6 rated at 306 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Customers can also choose from rear-wheel or all-wheel drive configurations, with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions offered. The IS 350 version can accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in 5.6 seconds. Price Range (Estimated): $33,295 – $42,180
11. Hybrid / Electric – Toyota Prius
Toyota brought us the first, and now oldest, mass produced hybrid car in the world. 2012′s Toyota Prius will soon come in regular, compact, “MPV” (Minivan) and Plug-in variants. If fuel efficiency is what you’re after, the Prius delivers. The Prius sedan returns a combined 42 mpg. Price Range (for Prius Hybrid Sedan): $24,280 – $29,550
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