This in depth review of some of the new 2012 models will help savvy shoppers weight the good and the bad of some of the major players in the upcoming car market. Mileage, price and power will all weigh in on an informed decision when picking out of the 2012 SUV models.
First off, we will look at the 2012 BMW X5.
A bit high up on the price rage, it can go from $47,200 to $86,400, depending on what options you choose. City MPG is a meager 12, but it gets a pretty nice 26 on the highway. With a name like BMW, you know it is a luxury, top of the line car. It runs on premium unleaded fuel, and an V8 engine with 4 valves per cylinder.
The downside of the vehicle is simply the price. It will be harder for middle class families to afford, but is a solid SUV.
Next up is the 2012 Chevrolet Traverse.
Pretty middle of the road for a new car, this SUV ranges from $29,430 to $40,805. The city MPG is a more doable 16, but under performs on the highway compared to the BMW X5 at 24 MPG. It runs a V6 engine with four valves per cylinder. It has plenty of cargo room. It can perform great with regular unleaded 87 octane fuel. Compared to the BMW X5 it will give you more bang for the buck, but the V6 engine will make towing boats and trailers more difficult. If you enjoy pulling toys out with you, skip the 6 cylinder.
The 2012 Ford Flex
Priced between $29,355 and $42,990, it performs about as well as the Chevrolet Traverse when it comes to mileage, 16 city and 24 hwy. It also has a V6 engine with four valves per cylinder and performs well with regular unleaded 87 octane fuel. The main thing that differentiates the Ford from the Chevy is the brand, and there are plenty of people who feel passionately one way or the other. Again, you may want to avoid the 6 cylinder and look at the V8 2012 SUV models.
The 2012 Porsche Cayenne. Being a Porsche should be enough, right?
As you can imagine, price range can climb up from $48,200 to $107,100. It only slightly under performs in gas mileage with 15 city MPG and 25 highway. However, it has a V8 front engine so it has plenty of power. You will need to feed this one Premium unleaded 91 octane. The only downside is the price range, it is a very solid sport utility vehicle. You will have no problem towing boats, trailers and other toys.
2012 Volvo XC60
Made by the ever safe and reliable Volvo, this SUV is mid ranged at $32,900 to $43,150. It performs best out of all reviews vehicles for city MPG, at 17 city and 25 highway. It has a turbo compressor and a 3.0L in-line 6 double overhead cam with VVT engine. If you often tow things and live in a city rather than open country, this is the SUV that will save you the most money in upkeep.
The best pick award goes to the 2012 Volvo XC60. At its price range, power and MPG, it is a definite best buy.