family and vanShopping for a family vehicle means different things to different people, depending on how old your kids are or how many car seats might need to fit in the back. But it’s clear that the manufacturers have been paying attention to what moms and dads want and need in an everyday automobile.

From luxury vehicles to the more affordable brands, this list includes the best features in this year’s family-friendly vehicles. 

  • 2011 Nissan Quest - With 16 cup / bottle holders, this vehicle was made for families. With space for each passenger’s drink of choice plus room for toys, coins and other objects that kids find necessary to have next to them while in the car, the designers of this modern mini-van obviously spoke to parents when creating these life-saving containers. 
  • 2011 Chevy Traverse - With room for 8 passengers and a rear seat entertainment system complete with headphones and a remote control, backseat drivers can be kept engaged for an extended period of time. 
  • 2011 Infiniti QX56 - The newest technology can be seen within this vehicle as the monitors not only show you a rear view of your car as you’re backing up, but you’ll also see a bird’s eye view of your surroundings from the four exterior cameras to ensure there is nothing blocking your way as you drive in reverse or parallel park.
  • 2011 Audi Q7 - Using cruise control helps with fuel efficiency but it also serves to aid the driver in maintaining a safe speed. Audi offers enhanced features on their cruise control which automatically reduces or resumes speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle you’re following. In certain conditions, the system will even bring the vehicle to a complete stop.
  • 2011 Honda Odyssey - Often chosen for its fuel efficiency, this mini-van features the best MPG rating among its competition. And the second and third rows will hold three car seats. Each.
  • 2011 Acura MDX - GPS-linked temperature control helps cool certain areas of the vehicle when the sun is shining in on passengers on one side of the cabin. This allows mom or dad to enjoy the ride and keep the backseat drivers comfortable without having to continually maintain the temperature settings and instead, focus on the road.
  • 2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid - For a large SUV, this hybrid ranks highest in its class for its MPG rating as well as for its standard safety features. With OnStar technology, it’s no wonder this built-for-family automobile is on the top of the list for families who don’t want to compromise style or safety when it comes to everyday driving.

Whether you’re a new parent or a parent to teens, whether your top priority is safety or fuel efficiency, these vehicles are family-friendly and can accommodate growing families at each stage of your life.

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