Source: Honda
The 2015 model year is officially upon us, and consumers are looking for some guidance as to what models they should pick up. Well, we’re in luck, because Kelley Blue Book has just released its list of ‘best buys’ for the coming year. As KBB’s mission is to help car buyers make the best possible decision when finding a car, this new list should provide some very valuable insight into how shoppers can get the most bang for their buck.
“These two premises – the goal to provide the most consumer service and the goal to identify the best values – became the basis of our newest awards program: Kelley Blue Book’s Best Buys of 2015,” writes KBB. “We understand quite clearly that in the choice of a vehicle, one size does not fit all, so these awards recognize that excellence and high value lie within every segment of the vehicle market. The awards’ overarching goal is to offer sound guidance in helping car buyers make decisions in each of the major vehicle categories.”
By taking a good, hard look at the major vehicle segments on the market, KBB has likely bestowed its hefty acknowledgement on a vehicle that is a fit for everyone. So, what vehicles are the winners? Read on to find out.
Source: Honda
Small car: 2015 Honda Civic
Not much of a surprise here. Not only is the Civic highly reliable and world-renowned, but it’s also extremely economical and priced very reasonably. KBB consumers have rated the Civic at an 8.7 out of 10 overall, and KBB editors sum it up this way, “In the simplest terms, the Honda Civic is a good product that lasts.”
Source: Honda
Mid-size car: 2015 Honda Accord
Honda really has the small and mid-size car segments locked down, as the Accord — the Civic’s bigger brother — also won over KBB reviewers. What makes the Accord’s win even more impressive is the fact that the mid-size car segment has so many potential contenders, and the Accord, as a total package, was able to come out on top. “You can’t please all the people all the time, but no car comes closer to doing so than the Honda Accord,” writes KBB.
Source: Chevrolet
Full-size car: 2015 Chevrolet Impala
Despite the incredibly rough year Chevrolet has endured over the course of this year, 2015 is looking like it may be an entirely different ballgame. The evidence starts with the impressive new Impala, which KBB has chosen as its best buy for the full-size car segment. The Impala was able to fend off competitors like the Toyota Avalon and the Buick LaCrosse to take this year’s top prize. “Chevy’s full-size family sedan’s styling, comfort and great value propel it to the top spot as our Full-Size Car Best Buy for 2015″, says KBB.
Source: Mercedes
Luxury car: 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Another area of increased competition on the auto market is the luxury segment. With contenders coming from literally every corner of the globe, the Germans from Mercedes-Benz have once again prevailed. The Mercedes C-Class takes home the award this year, thanks to a perfect blend of luxury, style, performance, and value.
Source: Chevrolet
Performance car: 2015 Chevrolet Corvette
Chevy squeaks away with another win in the performance car segment, as the Corvette managed to beat out some hefty competition from Dodge and Ford, among others. KBB appears to have made a wise decision, as the newest Corvette is a fairly astounding creation. After all, it’s hard to stack up to 455 horsepower, along with 29 miles per gallon on the highway in terms of efficiency. The Corvette speeds ahead of the pack this year.
Source: Chevrolet
Electric/Hybrid: 2015 Chevrolet Volt
Yet again, a segment that has become saturated over the past few years. And yet again, Chevy managed to pull ahead of its competitors. In the electric and hybrid vehicle realm, KBB says that the Chevy Volt reigns supreme. Although you’re still more likely to see swaths of Prius’ and other hybrids around, the Volt is truly carving out a reputation for itself. “The Volt might not be the newest entry in a group that includes the Nissan Leaf, BMW i3 and Toyota Prius, but a clever powertrain and exceptional value helped Chevrolet’s gasoline/electric wondercar secure the win,” KBB says.
Source: Honda
Small SUV/Crossover: 2015 Honda CR-V
Chevy scratched up a lot of victories on KBB’s list, and so far only Honda can match up to them. In the small SUV category, Honda’s incredibly popular CR-V takes home the distinction of “best buy for 2015.” Simply put, the CR-V knocks it out of the park when it comes to all the things customers are looking for: It’s economical, comfortable, and affordable. KBB consumers rated it at 8.7 on a scale of 10.
Source: Toyota
Mid-size SUV/Crossover: 2015 Toyota Highlander
Moving up in size, Toyota was able to steal the show with the new 2015 Highlander. The mid-size SUV category is another crowded segment, but Toyota’s Highlander stood above the rest thanks to a potent mix of capability and comfort. “Toyota’s well-crafted, well-styled and well-sorted midsize SUV simply does the best job of seamlessly mixing and matching the things that count most into a single engaging package,” writes a KBB reviewer.
Source: Chevrolet
Full-size SUV/Crossover: 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe
Chalk up another victory for Detroit, as the Chevrolet Tahoe walks away with the crown for the full-size SUV category. To explain how things went down, KBB writes that “this segment’s voting came down to the wire, and then some. This was the tightest race seen out of all 12 segments featured in this program. The 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe won the editors’ vote due to its comfortable, quiet ride, easy handling, and overall packaging.” So there you have it.
Source: Acura
Luxury SUV: 2015 Acura MDX
While Mercedes-Benz was able to woo KBB with its C-Class in the luxury car segment, Acura’s MDX did the same in the SUV category. The MDX coveres all the bases, and has everything buyers want: It’s comfortable, roomy and loaded with technology and extras. Not only that, but it’s available for a relative bargain at around $44,000.
Source: Ford
Truck: 2015 Ford F-150
As far as pickups go, the Ford F-150 reigns supreme. The long-time best-selling vehicle in America once again comes out on top, beating out stiffened competition from the likes of Ram, GMC and Chevrolet. Fact is, the F-150 seems to be an invincible force on the U.S. market, but there’s good reason for that. This pickup has everything customers want, and Ford continues to keep making sure it stays interesting.
Source: Honda
Minivan: 2015 Honda Odyssey
The final category, minivans, goes to the Honda Odyssey. “With unparalleled versatility, great features, and tons of space, the Honda Odyssey remains the king of minivans,” writes KBB. A combination of new technology, a fully-loaded entertainment system, and even an onboard vacuum cleaner, it’s easy to see what swayed KBB reviewers, who rated the Odyssey at a 9 out of 10.
Source: Ford
Overall Best Buy: 2015 Ford F-150
So, which vehicles walks away with this honor? Perhaps it’s no surprise, but the Ford F-150 takes the cake. With new aluminum construction added to the mix, it’s hard to deny the F-150 for the vehicular force that it is. “The perennial best-selling vehicle in the country has been radically rethought and redesigned for 2015, with award-winning results,” notes KBB. Once again, it’s not that most auto shoppers will need much convincing, but by KBB’s standards, the F-150 stands out as the 2015 overall best buy.
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