Kiplinger's Best, 2012: Toyota Prius V, Honda Odyssey, Ford Escape Hybrid

Kiplinger has been published for 90 years and now for the 61st time it's publishing its annual buyer’s guide of best value new cars.

Kiplinger’s Best in Class and Best New winners are based on rankings that weigh performance, value and safety. Half the score comes from performance and value and about a third from vehicle safety.

The remaining score is based on Kiplinger test drives of the cars, during which we assess design, comfort and dashboard layout. Sedans are ranked within price categories while crossovers, SUVs, minivans and wagons are not broken up by price but scored on a scale that rewards lower prices.

The results are presented monetarily in categories and sub-categories, under $20,00 to more than $50,000,  and by category and sub-categories in car and truck segments.

 
The report will be available in the March 2012 price issue of Kiplinger’s Personal Finance as well as at www.kiplinger.com/links/cars.

Wagons
 
Best New Wagon: Toyota Prius v Two ($27,160)
Best in Class: Subura Outback 2.5i AWD ($25,070)
Most Fuel-Efficient: Toyota Prius v Two ($27,160)
Best Resale Value: Toyota Prius v Two ($27,160)
 
Minivans
 
Best in Class: Honda Odyssey LX ($29,035)
Most Fuel-Efficient: Honda Odyssey LX ($29,035)
Best Resale Value: Toyota Sienna 7-Passenger V6 ($27,110)
 
Small Crossovers
 
Best New Crossover: Honda CR-V LX AWD ($24,355)
Best in Class: Subaru Forester 2.5XT Touring AWD ($30,670)
Most Fuel-Efficient: Ford Escape Hybrid ($31,395)
Best Resale Value: Subaru Forester 2.5XT Touring AWD ($30,670)
 
Midsize & Large Crossovers
 
Best New Crossover: Mercedes-Benz ML350 4MATIC BlueTec AWD ($51,365)
Best in Class: Lexus RX 450h($46,110)
Most Fuel-Efficient: Lexus RX 450h ($46,110)
Best Resale Value: BMW X5 35i AWD ($48,375)
 
Sports Cars
 
Best New Model: Porsche 911 Carrera 2dr ($79,950)
Best in Class: Chevrolet Camaro 1SS 2dr ($32,750)
Most Fuel-Efficient: BMW Z4 sDrive28i convertible ($49,545)
Best Resale Value: Ford Mustang 2dr ($23,105)
 
Truck-based SUVs
 
Best in Class: Chevrolet Suburban 1500 LT ($46,625)
Best Resale: Jeep Wrangler Sport 4WD ($22,845)
Most Fuel-Efficient: Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid ($52,615)
Cadillac Escalade Hybrid ($74,800), GMC Yukon Hybrid ($53,115)