USA - Kelly Blue Book names 12 best cars of 2014

Not all options are as obvious as a minivan when it comes to cars best suited for families.  In the same light, not all families have the same needs when it comes to their ideal car.  Helping ease the struggle to find the best new cars tailored for families of all sizes, the editors of Kelley Blue Book, the leading provider of new and used car information, have named their recommended list of the 12 Best Family Cars of 2014. 

"This year we built on our process to put together the best family car list by recruiting families to assist our editors in a rigorous comparison test, providing a comprehensive approach to seeking out the most functional new cars for families," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com.  "More than just a list, Best Family Cars 2014 is an all-new section of KBB.com that outlines in detail how well America's top family vehicles withstand their daily routines.  The vehicles making the cut are winners in the areas of safety, comfort, driving performance, room for child seats, cargo space, rear-seat entertainment, and other family-friendly features."

The KBB.com expert editors started with 21 different vehicles top-ranked in their Expert Ratings in various family-friendly categories and enlisted the help of several families to thoroughly test these family haulers.  This approach included analyzing seven sedans, six small SUVs, five midsize SUVs, two minivans and one hybrid wagon, from a total of 11 different brands.  The expert editors tallied the results based on participant feedback and compared notes, naming the best of the bunch.

"We were surprised at the number of sedans that made the Best Family Cars list this year," said Nerad.  "Once upon a time before minivans and SUVs, sedans were the primary family car of choice, and this year's list proves the modern sedan still makes a fine family car with the 2014 Honda Accord, Chevrolet Impala and Nissan Altima all landing a spot among the best."  

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  2014 Chevrolet Impala
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  2014 Chevrolet Traverse
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  2014 Ford Flex
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  2014 Honda Accord
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  2014 Honda CR-V
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  2014 Honda Odyssey
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  2014 Honda Pilot
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  2014 Nissan Altima
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  2014 Nissan Pathfinder
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  2014 Nissan Rogue
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  2014 Subaru Forester
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  2014 Toyota Sienna

Audi Q5 names as one of the best Luxury SUV's

• Editors hand-picked a selection of first-class SUVs for consumers who crave style, comfort and lavish amenities
• Kbb.com editors admire the 2013 Q5 design as well as the vehicle’s performance and ease

Today, Audi of America announced that the 2013 Audi Q5 was named one of the 10 Best Luxury SUVs of 2013 by Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new car and used car information. Kbb.com editors chose the 2013 Audi Q5 for its combination of richly modern design with dynamics that deftly balance comfort, performance and ease.

“We’re pleased that the Audi Q5 – the best-selling Audi crossover– has received the Kbb.com stamp of approval,” said Mark Del Rosso, Chief Operating Officer, Audi of America. “With June year to date sales up 35.2% compared to last year, it’s clear that consumers are continuing to respond positively to the Audi Q5’s sportiness and sophistication, spaciousness and functionality.”

Admired for its smooth and efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the Q5 also was highlighted for its V6 and hybrid variants, giving buyers options that suit their needs. For 2013, the Q5 received a freshened design that includes new unmistakable LED headlamp design, new front grill, bumper and new rear tail lamps and lift gate. The interior received some additional changes that gave the vehicle a richer feel by adding chrome and alu-optic finishes on the window and MMI controls respectively.

The Q5 features an award-winning 3.0T Supercharged engine that delivers 272 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, or the fuel efficient and powerful 2.0T engine available as the entry to the Q5 model line. The Q5 combines the sports appeal of a sedan with high variability of its interior space and many practical solutions for recreation and everyday driving.

For more information on the 2013 Audi Q5, please visit http://www.audiusa.com/models/audi-q5.

Kelly's Blue Book names LEAF as best green car of the year for 2013.

"The 2013 Nissan LEAF marks a turning point in the electric vehicle movement with increased content at a reduced price that makes the vehicle competitive with traditional cars in its segment. We're seeing buyers diversify beyond early adopters, and, as the global leader in electric vehicles, Nissan is committed to providing affordable zero-emission options for the mass market," said Erik Gottfried, Nissan director of electric vehicle sales and marketing.

Now in its third model year, Nissan LEAF is the world's best-selling, pure electric vehicle with nearly 60,000 sold worldwide. Recently redesigned to feature numerous customer-focused refinements and upgrades, the 2013 LEAF provides quicker available charging, improved range and more equipment levels. The 2013 LEAF range has an EPA range of 75 miles at a blended (or 'average') 90 percent charge, and customers who fully charge may get up to 83 miles of range. The range of available trim levels includes both a more attainable version and models with more premium amenities such as leather seating and BOSE energy-efficient audio.

Nissan announced earlier this year that U.S. pricing for the 2013 LEAF starts at $28,800, reducing the cost by 18 percent compared to the previous model year. Depending on location, some consumers may acquire the vehicle for as low as $18,800 by qualifying for federal and state tax credits, which makes LEAF competitive with gas-powered vehicles of its size. Nissan LEAF currently may be leased for $199 per month with $1,999 down for 36 months. Nissan now assembles the LEAF and the battery that powers it both in Tennessee.

As a leading provider of new and used car information, Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com's 10 Best Green Cars list is released just in time for Earth Day for eco-friendly drivers in the market for a new car. To see KBB.com's full list of the 10 Best Green Cars of 2013, visit http://www.kbb.com/car-reviews-and-news/top-10/10-best-green-cars-2013/.