Crossover vehicles are a high-profile presence on Kelley Blue Book's 2008 Best New Family Vehicles list.
The three-row vehicles, which combine the functionality of an SUV with car-like ride and handling, make up five of the 10 vehicles on the list. The rest of the list includes a sedan, a wagon, an SUV and two minivans.
After driving and reviewing many 2008 family-haulers for
kbb.com, all of which qualify in varying degrees as safe, roomy and affordable, the kbb.com editors selected this year's Best New Family Vehicles by evaluating each on factors like resale value, fuel efficiency, capability and, most importantly, family-friendliness.
"Each of the models on the kbb.com 2008 Best New Family Vehicles list represents the best package of what families really look for when choosing a new car; kid-friendly options combined with the value, safety and capabilities that parents require," said Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. "As Americans spend more and more time in their vehicles each year, auto manufacturers are increasingly providing great family vehicles across multiple segments. In 2008, the three-row crossover vehicle has succeeded the wagon of the 70s, the minivan of the 80s and the SUV of the 90s as the quintessential family vehicle."
2008 Chevrolet Malibu
The winner of the Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com 2008 Best Redesigned Vehicle award, the 2008 Malibu brings together sophisticated exterior and interior styling with five-star safety ratings in one of the most well-rounded family sedans on the market.
For added peace of mind, the Malibu features a crash notification system that automatically contacts an OnStar representative immediately after an accident, who can then quickly dispatch local emergency services.
2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
For some families there's virtually no viable alternative to the full-size SUV.
The Chevy Tahoe and its extended Suburban sibling deliver the interior volume and towing capacity required of big families with big toys. Comfortable accommodations and surprisingly buttoned-down ride and handling help to deliver capability without compromise.
2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
The minivan remains the ultimate troop transport for families focused on functionality, and none is as kid-friendly as the new-for-2008, fifth-generation Dodge Grand Caravan (and its Chrysler Town & Country sibling).
Kid favorites include an available "Swivel 'n Go" seating setup that configures into a table for four people, plus dual, independent video monitors that can display DVD movies, video games or satellite-based SIRIUS Backseat TV.
2008 Ford Taurus X
With a lower stance than most of its competitors and a comprehensive set of passive and active safety features, the Taurus X has won accolades as one of the safest seven-passenger vehicles available.
First introduced as the Freestyle, the name change was accompanied by the introduction of a more refined powertrain. Available all-wheel drive and a surprisingly accommodating third row are two more positives that make the Taurus X a family-friendly pick.
2008 Honda Odyssey
Honda's minivan was lauded by Kelley Blue Book for the confidence-inspiring driving dynamics, premium-like accommodations and class-leading value.
The Odyssey has taken top honors in the minivan category in the Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards every year since 2003.
2008 Hyundai Veracruz
If you're intrigued by the idea of treating your family to premium accommodations at mass-market prices, you'll want to check out the seven-passenger Veracruz mid-size crossover.
The quiet, comfortable, well-appointed Veracruz starts just under $28,000, offers a long list of desirable options and is backed by a reassuringly comprehensive warranty that includes 100,000-mile powertrain coverage and five-year, 24-hour roadside assistance.
2008 Mazda CX-9
For drivers concerned that upsizing to three rows means downgrading in fun, Mazda has created the CX-9.
Its sporty sheetmetal accurately conveys its athletic demeanor, while the interior delivers all the features and functionality a family requires of such a vehicle.
2008 Saturn Outlook
Combining more interior room than a Chevy Tahoe with superior ride, handling and fuel economy, the seven- or eight-passenger Saturn Outlook full-size crossover represents the latest step in three-row family transportation.
Compared with its GMC Acadia counterpart, the Outlook's lower starting price makes it easier to add options like rear-seat entertainment, panoramic sunroof and all-wheel drive.
2008 Subaru Outback
Combining SUV-like versatility with car-like ride, handling and efficiency, the oft-overlooked wagon makes a great family hauler.
Long popular in northern parts of the country for its proven all-wheel-drive systems, the Subaru Outback is just as attractive for its premium-like accommodations and proven reliability.
2008 Toyota Highlander
Kelley Blue Book editors call the Highlander a grab bag of what's good throughout the automotive industry.
It's one of the most fuel-efficient three-row vehicles on the road, delivers car-like ride and handling and offers an impressive set of available in-cabin technologies. Few families would need more than that.
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