The best family vehicles of 2012

U.S. News and World Report recently released its list of the vehicles that are the best to own for families.

According to the news magazine, eight separate brands won awards in 18 different automotive categories, such as the best family compact car, sports utility vehicle, wagon and minivan.

Jamie Page Deaton, managing editor of U.S. News Best Cars, explained how the magazine's editors picked the winners.

"American families need cars that are safe, reliable and designed to make life easier," said Page Deaton. "The winning vehicles provide the best mix of the bells and whistles today's families want with the basics they need."

U.S. News indicated it picked the winners based on a combination of family-friendly features, including reliability and safety. Similarly auto insurance providers take a variety of factors into consideration when assessing rates.

Some of the winning models included the 2012 Honda CR-V in the compact SUV category, while best full-size car went to the Ford Taurus, best family compact car was awarded to the Subaru Impreza, the best wagon to the Subaru Outback and the top family minivan was the Honda Odyssey.