(June 6, 2012) SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com have revealed their list of the Best Family Cars for 2012. For the fifth consecutive year, car experts from both organizations scrutinized hundreds of vehicles focusing on safety and reliability as top priorities.

Each car was also judged on performance, interior, exterior and family-friendly features. Every car on the list is equipped with antilock brakes, electronic stability control and a minimum of six air bags.

Plus, a record 14 vehicles recommended by Parents/Edmunds.com earned a "Top Safety Pick" designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).



In addition to test-driving, analyzing, and comparing prices and features, Parents and Edmunds.com consulted parents who own and drive these vehicles every day. The Best Family Cars of 2012 feature appears in the July issue of Parents magazine on newsstands June 12th.

According to Parents and Edmunds.com, the 15 Best Family Cars of 2012 (and their MSRPs) are:

HIGH MILEAGE CARS
Toyota Prius V, starts at $26,400
Honda Civic Hybrid, starts at $24,200
Chevrolet Cruze Eco, starts at $19,245

BUDGET
Chevrolet Sonic, starts at $13,865
Ford Focus, starts at $16,500
Hyundai Elantra, starts at $15,345

CROSSOVERS
Mazda 5, starts at $19,625
Kia Sorento, starts at $23,150
Honda CR-V, starts at $22,495

SEDANS
Volkswagen Passat, starts at $19,995
Toyota Camry, starts at $21,955
Kia Optima, starts at $21,000

LARGE VEHICLES
Dodge Durango, starts at $28,995
Toyota Sienna, starts at $25,060
Honda Odyssey, starts at $28,375