The best SUV 2012 list consists of selections from all walks of life. Every person is different and has several various needs. This list should cover most categories for those that are looking to buy a new SUV for 2012.

The Basics:

The first thing to look for is a good price that is matched with reliability. After that, the performance and the cost of repairs should be considered. These factors make one purchase better than any other choice. In the end, it is your choice. Some will value a brand name even over the price and efficiency. Just make sure to get one that has a great safety rating along with good maintenance records.

Given the competition that is in the auto industry for SUV vehicles, it is no doubt that the choice is difficult. Some are catered to certain areas of preference. Other choices are for those buyers that wish to save money. Consider the category that suits your personal choices for gas mileage and everything else that you need off-road.

Best Gas Mileage:

The choice that is best for gas mileage is the Lexus RX450h. It offers 32 miles per gallon in the city and 30 on the highway. Considering the power of this SUV, that is excellent. It has the same luxurious vehicle specifications that Lexus lovers have come to expect, with the now improved gas mileage. This is the most luxurious and fuel efficient SUV this year. While it is not the cheapest option, it is the top of the line choice.

The second choice for this category is the Ford Escape Hybrid. It offers a V6 engine with a 3.5-liter engine that will get you up the hills. All of the luxurious features are part of the package and Ford even allows you to add a few that you might not know exist. The city gas mileage is 34 miles to the gallon, while the highway offers the driver 31 miles per gallon. Ignore the previous reputation for being the car most likely to be “Found-On-Road-Dead.” Ford has worked hard to make improvements.

Mid-Size Best:

They offer a compact size with the towing power of their larger counter-parts. The first of these is the Buick Enclave from General Motors. It gets 17 in the city and 24 on the highway. While it sounds bad, this is a real improvement from previous years. This is the classic all American car. It still has that hefty pull, but the gas mileage is a bit better this year. The maneuvering on the car is not the best in this class, but it is still a really great American made vehicle.

The second choice for this category is the 2012 Mazda CX-9. It gets 24 on the highway and 17 miles per gallon in the city. Again, this is not great, but it is a real step in the right direction for Mazda in the SUV category. It is well worth a try. The cargo room is really one of the best features of this choice in SUV. It has always been a great choice.

Best Value Over-all:

This category is for those that want value and efficiency at the same time. The first overall best choice and in place at number one, is the 2012 Kia Sportage. While some have deemed Kia as that Korean company that makes trashcan cars, it really is well worth a look. There is one very big reason. Toyota, a leader in fuel efficiency and design, is the twin of the Kia. Everything that Toyota has to offer is also offered to you in the Kia vehicle. It is just cheaper in cost. Can you really ignore such a great savings? No, of course you must consider it. Take it for a test drive and see what you think. It gives you 29 miles per gallon on the highway and 22 in the city. The turbo charge addition this year has really helped the towing power. It is ranked at number one for this category, because it is the best value for what you get.

The second place winner is the Subaru Outback. The 2012 release is a whole new SUV. At 27 on the highway and 21 in the city, this gas mileage is a great savings when you consider the safety record and ability to tow for this class. The interior space is greatly improved, along with the gas mileage.

The last place, coming in at third, is the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. It has the tightest design in the SUV category today. If there were an award for the most improved, then this one would take that home as well. It has a great pull and a large interior space; this one is a definite contender this year. While it lacks a lot of the pull power of the Kia and Subaru, it still offers a great amount of ability to haul anything up a hill, with Volkswagen’s excellent safety and maintenance-free reputation. This is one car that is sturdy. It will last for years to come. You can expect 26 miles to the gallon in the city and 27 on the highway.

Conclusion:

Decide what is really important to you this for 2012. Gas mileage and safety, combined with a good ability to haul up hills, should take the lead in your decision. Consider also the ability to steer well on the road. No matter how much gas mileage an SUV can get, nothing is as important as how the car feels to you when you drive it.

So take a test drive and find the best 2012 SUV for you and your needs. Then look for those little things that make it perfect for you. If luxury and comfort is your thing, then the Lexus SUV is the best choice. If you just want to save a lot of money, then go for the Kia. There are tons of choices in between. Make you decision for your best 2012 SUV that way.