August 15, 2012

Ideal Vehicle Awards Recognize 2012 Models That Best Meet Owner Expectations

Automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific, and Autobytel Inc., which helps car dealers and buyers connect online, have announced their Ideal Vehicle Awards, which recognize the 2012 model-year vehicles that best meet their owners’ expectations.

MINI and Audi took the top spots as the overall winners with the highest scores for Most Ideal Vehicle. A number of other automakers achieved multiple awards, with Honda/Acura receiving five awards; General Motors receiving four awards; Chrysler/Jeep receiving three awards; and Volkswagen/Audi getting three awards, according to AutoPacific and Autobytel.

To determine the rankings and winners in each category, AutoPacific and Autobytel survey 75,000 vehicle owners across all major manufacturers. The survey reflects the views of respondents who have owned a 2012 vehicle for 90 days.

The specific models that achieved the top spot in each category are noted below.

2012 Overall Winner: Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Premium Brand (2012 Model Year): Audi
Popular Brand (2012 Model Year): MINI

2012 Ideal Vehicle Awards: Passenger Cars

Most Ideal Premium Luxury Car: 2012 Mercedes Benz S-Class
Most Ideal Aspirational Luxury Car: 2012 Audi A4
Most Ideal Large Car: 2012 Dodge Charger
Most Ideal Luxury Mid-Size Car: 2012 Acura TSX
Most Ideal Premium Mid-Size Car: 2012 Volkswagen Passat
Most Ideal Mid-Size Car: 2012 Subaru Legacy
Most Ideal Premium Compact Car: 2012 MINI Cooper
Most Ideal Compact Car: 2012 Volkswagen Golf
Most Ideal Economy Car: 2012 Honda Fit
Most Ideal Sports Car: 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
Most Ideal Sporty Car: 2012 Dodge Challenger
Most Ideal Hybrid/EV Car: 2012 Nissan Leaf

2012 Ideal Vehicle Awards: Light Trucks

Most Ideal Large Light Duty Pickup: 2012 Ford F-150
Most Ideal Heavy Duty Pickup: 2012 GMC Sierra HD
Most Ideal Compact Pickup: 2012 GMC Canyon
Most Ideal Luxury SUV: 2012 Land Rover LR4
Most Ideal Large SUV: 2012 GMC Yukon XL
Most Ideal Mid-Size SUV: 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Most Ideal Premium Luxury Crossover SUV: 2012 Porsche Cayenne
Most Ideal Luxury Crossover SUV: 2012 Volvo XC70
Most Ideal Large Crossover SUV: 2012 Ford Flex
Most Ideal Premium Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2012 Honda Pilot
Most Ideal Mid-Size Crossover SUV: 2012 Honda CR-V
Most Ideal Compact Crossover SUV: 2012 MINI Countryman
Most Ideal Minivan: 2012 Honda Odyssey
Most Ideal Hybrid/EV Truck: 2012 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

See last year's list here for 2011-MY here.