Autobytel 2012 Crossover of the Year

by Michelle Naranjo

・

January 1, 2012

・

3 min. Reading Time

The three finalists for the Autobytel 2012 Crossover of the Year have the cargo and people moving space of an SUV but the amenities of a car that the editorial staff of Autobytel love.

Crossovers have really come into their own and are no longer the compact edition of SUVs. They now have increased roominess and creature comforts but with the added bonus of getting better fuel economy.

Read on to see which three top the list of the Autobytel 2012 Crossover of the Year.

Autobytel 2012 Crossover of the Year Winner: 2013 Mazda CX-5

Mazda takes a win with the Autobytel 2012 Crossover of the Year for the 2013 Mazda CX-5.

Mazda recently introduced its new Skyactiv branding on the updated Mazda3, but the first vehicle to incorporate and be designed around these weight- and fuel-saving technologies is the all-new 2013 Mazda CX-5. Designed to be a replacement for the aged Mazda Tribute, the new CX-5 breathes sporty, stylish and fuel efficient life into the crowded compact crossover segment. Mazda points out that crossover segment often forces buyers to choose between styling, fuel economy, comfort and driving pleaser, but the new CX-5 manages to incorporate all into small crossover - all at an affordable price. Due in dealerships in March of 2012, the 2013 Mazda CX-5 is truly the crossover of the future.

See our first drive review of the 2013 Mazda CX-5.

Autobytel 2012 Crossover of the Year Finalist: 2012 Honda CR-V

The 2012 Honda CR-V is a finalist in the Autobytel Crossover of the Year category. Being one of Honda’s top-selling products, the fourth-generation CR-V hasn’t strayed too far from the original successful recipe in terms of the overall form and function, but Honda did focus on giving it some of things lacking in the compact crossover segment such as a more refined ride, a large spacious cabin and plenty of available technology and luxury options. The redesigns of the venerable Honda CR-V have always been like clockwork with each new model debuting five years after its predecessor, so it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that the all-new 2012 Honda CR-V will be making its way to dealerships later this year.

Autobytel 2012 Crossover of the Year Finalist: 2012 Ford Flex

The 2012 Ford Flex is finalist for the Autobytel 2012 Crossover of the Year. With a retro-design that will be updated for 2013, we find the Flex to be a roomy option to the classic minivan.

The 2012 Ford Flex is larger than the other two finalists but with 3 rows and the option of the increased mpgs from an EcoBoost engine, what isn't there to love?

Autobytel Wants to Hear from You

The editorial staff of Autobytel has chosen the previous three crossovers as the best of what we have seen for 2012, and while there are many others in this class that probably deserve some kudos as well, we'd love to hear which one of the previous three you would choose for yourself.

See the Autobytel 2012 Car of the Year and the Autobytel 2012 Truck of the Year.