The Most Mom-Friendly Cars of 2005

By
ABC News
November 7, 2005, 5:25 PM ET
44 min read

Sept. 28, 2005 — -- The automotive model year is coming to an end, and Car Mom Kristin Varela has compiled the MotherProof / MotherSpoof Awards for 2005. Varela test drives vehicles looking for design details, storage and safety features that make a mom's life easier.

Is there a minivan out there that can get a mom and her kids out of the driveway and on the road feeling safe, and sexy? Which SUV makes it easiest to stow strollers? Varela looks at minivans, SUVs, crossover vehicles and sedans, and offers comments on her favorite family-friendly features.

Varela rates first- and second-place winners in five different categories: Minivans, SUVs or crossovers with three rows, SUVs or crossovers with two rows, wagons, and sedan/hatchback categories.

She also offers her picks for the most extravagant family car, best overall value, best latch connector design and best hybrid for families.

The vehicle with the least family-friendly feature wins the dubious "MotherSpoof" Award.

Minivans
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
1st Place Toyota Sienna $23,225 and Up Conversation mirror to keep an eye on rear passengers; easy-to-use latch connectors; available back-up camera; easy-to-use touch screen navigation system; automatic sliding doors and tailgate; window shades on rear windows; 2nd-row windows roll down.
*Not all moms want to drive a minivan.
2nd Place Chrysler Town & Country $20,740 and Up Stow 'n Go Seats that fold into the floor; tailgating bench in back; adjustable foot pedals, so even short drivers can reach comfortably; thoughtful touches such as flip-out cell phone holder, tissue compartment and grocery bag hooks.
*Despite its practicality, it still looks like a minivan.
Minivans
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy1st Place Toyota Sienna $23,225 and Up Conversation mirror to keep an eye on rear passengers; easy-to-use latch connectors; available back-up camera; easy-to-use touch screen navigation system; automatic sliding doors and tailgate; window shades on rear windows; 2nd-row windows roll down.
*Not all moms want to drive a minivan. 2nd Place Chrysler Town & Country $20,740 and Up Stow 'n Go Seats that fold into the floor; tailgating bench in back; adjustable foot pedals, so even short drivers can reach comfortably; thoughtful touches such as flip-out cell phone holder, tissue compartment and grocery bag hooks.
*Despite its practicality, it still looks like a minivan.

SUV or Crossovers (3 Rows)
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
1st Place Chrysler Pacifica $24,315 and Up Minivan-like seating configuration in a more stylish package; best rollover resistance rating given to an SUV by NHTSA; 3rd row roomy enough for adults; 2nd and 3rd rows fold simply for extra cargo room.
*Rear visibility is reduced, so it's a good idea to purchase the park-assist system.
2nd Place Volvo XC90 $35,290 and Up Volvo safety standards; optional built-in pop-up booster seat (for kids 33-80 lbs) slides forward; center console with flip-out table surface; removable center console; rear audio system, so kids in back can listen to their own music.
*Requires a two-step process to fold 3rd row seats.
SUV or Crossovers (3 Rows)
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy1st Place Chrysler Pacifica $24,315 and Up Minivan-like seating configuration in a more stylish package; best rollover resistance rating given to an SUV by NHTSA; 3rd row roomy enough for adults; 2nd and 3rd rows fold simply for extra cargo room.
*Rear visibility is reduced, so it's a good idea to purchase the park-assist system.2nd Place Volvo XC90 $35,290 and Up Volvo safety standards; optional built-in pop-up booster seat (for kids 33-80 lbs) slides forward; center console with flip-out table surface; removable center console; rear audio system, so kids in back can listen to their own music.
*Requires a two-step process to fold 3rd row seats.

SUV or Crossovers (2 Rows)
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
1st Place Nissan Murano $27,150 and Up Low stance makes it easy for children to climb in on their own; smooth car-like ride; quiet cabin makes conversing with rear seat passengers possible; high fuel mileage (20/24 miles per gallon); rear seat can be folded down using a cable-pull lever in cargo area.
2nd Place Honda CRV $20,195 and Up Tons of storage compartments fit everything a family needs; fold-down tray table between front seats; rear seats slide back and forth to adjust legroom amounts; large and simple thermostat controls; hidden picnic table in cargo area.
*The gear shift located near the steering wheel can get in the way of adjusting the radio.

SUV or Crossovers (2 Rows)
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy1st Place Nissan Murano $27,150 and Up Low stance makes it easy for children to climb in on their own; smooth car-like ride; quiet cabin makes conversing with rear seat passengers possible; high fuel mileage (20/24 miles per gallon); rear seat can be folded down using a cable-pull lever in cargo area.2nd Place Honda CRV $20,195 and Up Tons of storage compartments fit everything a family needs; fold-down tray table between front seats; rear seats slide back and forth to adjust legroom amounts; large and simple thermostat controls; hidden picnic table in cargo area.
*The gear shift located near the steering wheel can get in the way of adjusting the radio.

Wagons
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
1st Place Volvo V50 $25,990 and Up Safety (all six airbags standard, highly effective whiplash protection system); dynamic T-Tech seating surface keeps child safety seats (and all other passengers) from sliding around; Manual in Motion CD-ROM explains all the car's features quickly and easily; affordable price for a Volvo.
*Interior storage compartments not vast.
2nd Place Dodge Magnum $22,320 and Up Roomy back seat with three sets of latch connectors; large cargo space with extra storage room under the cargo floor; large and functional center console with plenty of storage.
*Love-it-or-hate-it styling.
Wagons
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy1st Place Volvo V50 $25,990 and Up Safety (all six airbags standard, highly effective whiplash protection system); dynamic T-Tech seating surface keeps child safety seats (and all other passengers) from sliding around; Manual in Motion CD-ROM explains all the car's features quickly and easily; affordable price for a Volvo.
*Interior storage compartments not vast. 2nd Place Dodge Magnum $22,320 and Up Roomy back seat with three sets of latch connectors; large cargo space with extra storage room under the cargo floor; large and functional center console with plenty of storage.
*Love-it-or-hate-it styling.

Sedan / Hatch
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
1st Place Toyota Prius $20,875 and Up Plenty of storage compartments and cup holders for a compact car; excellent fuel efficiency from hybrid technology (averaging 60 mpg on the highway); one-touch exterior door-locking system makes fumbling for keys a thing of the past.
*Not as much trunk space as you'd think.
2nd Place Acura TL $32,650 and Up Sexy and fun to drive; pop-out in-door storage compartments; user-friendly computer controls for audio and thermostat; driver detection system automatically changes seating configuration to match the driver (no more re-adjusting the seats after hubby drives).
Sedan / Hatch
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy1st Place Toyota Prius $20,875 and Up Plenty of storage compartments and cup holders for a compact car; excellent fuel efficiency from hybrid technology (averaging 60 mpg on the highway); one-touch exterior door-locking system makes fumbling for keys a thing of the past.
*Not as much trunk space as you'd think. 2nd Place Acura TL $32,650 and Up Sexy and fun to drive; pop-out in-door storage compartments; user-friendly computer controls for audio and thermostat; driver detection system automatically changes seating configuration to match the driver (no more re-adjusting the seats after hubby drives).

Most Extravagant
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
      Cadillac Escalade ESV $58,805 and Up Heated/chilled cup holders; heated/chilled 1st- and 2nd-row seats; separate DVD screens for 2nd- and 3rd-row passengers; huge amount of cargo room.
*Cargo lift gate is heavy and hard to close.
Most Extravagant
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy      Cadillac Escalade ESV $58,805 and Up Heated/chilled cup holders; heated/chilled 1st- and 2nd-row seats; separate DVD screens for 2nd- and 3rd-row passengers; huge amount of cargo room.
*Cargo lift gate is heavy and hard to close.

Best Overall Value
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
      Hyundai Tucson $17,499 and Up SUV that seats five; six airbags standard; plenty of rear-seat legroom (rear-facing infant seats fit easily); good gas mileage for an SUV (19/24 mpg); smooth car-like ride; trimming details make the car seem more expensive than it is.
*Center-rear seatbelt extends down from the ceiling instead of the seat-back.
Best Overall Value
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy      Hyundai Tucson $17,499 and Up SUV that seats five; six airbags standard; plenty of rear-seat legroom (rear-facing infant seats fit easily); good gas mileage for an SUV (19/24 mpg); smooth car-like ride; trimming details make the car seem more expensive than it is.
*Center-rear seatbelt extends down from the ceiling instead of the seat-back.

Best Latch Connectors
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
      Mercedes E320 $48,500 and Up A long flap conceals the latch connectors when not in use – lift the Velcro-attached flap and the latch connectors are visible and easy to get to. (This design also helps keep kiddie crumbs out of the seat crevice.)
Best Latch Connectors
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy      Mercedes E320 $48,500 and Up A long flap conceals the latch connectors when not in use – lift the Velcro-attached flap and the latch connectors are visible and easy to get to. (This design also helps keep kiddie crumbs out of the seat crevice.)

Best Hybrid for Families
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
      Toyota Highlander Hybrid $33,030 and Up The only hybrid available with three rows of seats (fits seven passengers total); more powerful than its non-hybrid sister; cup holders in rear door are great for holding Mom's java while buckling in babies; hybrid technology improves fuel consumption (31/27 mpg), saving time at the pump.
*3rd-row seats are tight and best-suited for children.
Best Hybrid for Families
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy      Toyota Highlander Hybrid $33,030 and Up The only hybrid available with three rows of seats (fits seven passengers total); more powerful than its non-hybrid sister; cup holders in rear door are great for holding Mom's java while buckling in babies; hybrid technology improves fuel consumption (31/27 mpg), saving time at the pump.
*3rd-row seats are tight and best-suited for children.

The 'MotherSpoof' Award
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Went Wrong
      VW Touareg $37,140 and Up It features a patience-trying computer system. If a trip to the dealership is required just to program the radio (even after reading the owner's manual), it's just too darn complicated – and yes, our reviewers do have college degrees!
The 'MotherSpoof' Award
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Went Wrong      VW Touareg $37,140 and Up It features a patience-trying computer system. If a trip to the dealership is required just to program the radio (even after reading the owner's manual), it's just too darn complicated – and yes, our reviewers do have college degrees!

Minivans
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy1st Place Toyota Sienna $23,225 and Up Conversation mirror to keep an eye on rear passengers; easy-to-use latch connectors; available back-up camera; easy-to-use touch screen navigation system; automatic sliding doors and tailgate; window shades on rear windows; 2nd-row windows roll down.
*Not all moms want to drive a minivan. 2nd Place Chrysler Town & Country $20,740 and Up Stow 'n Go Seats that fold into the floor; tailgating bench in back; adjustable foot pedals, so even short drivers can reach comfortably; thoughtful touches such as flip-out cell phone holder, tissue compartment and grocery bag hooks.
*Despite its practicality, it still looks like a minivan.

SUV or Crossovers (3 Rows)
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
1st Place Chrysler Pacifica $24,315 and Up Minivan-like seating configuration in a more stylish package; best rollover resistance rating given to an SUV by NHTSA; 3rd row roomy enough for adults; 2nd and 3rd rows fold simply for extra cargo room.
*Rear visibility is reduced, so it's a good idea to purchase the park-assist system.
2nd Place Volvo XC90 $35,290 and Up Volvo safety standards; optional built-in pop-up booster seat (for kids 33-80 lbs) slides forward; center console with flip-out table surface; removable center console; rear audio system, so kids in back can listen to their own music.
*Requires a two-step process to fold 3rd row seats.
SUV or Crossovers (3 Rows)
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy1st Place Chrysler Pacifica $24,315 and Up Minivan-like seating configuration in a more stylish package; best rollover resistance rating given to an SUV by NHTSA; 3rd row roomy enough for adults; 2nd and 3rd rows fold simply for extra cargo room.
*Rear visibility is reduced, so it's a good idea to purchase the park-assist system.2nd Place Volvo XC90 $35,290 and Up Volvo safety standards; optional built-in pop-up booster seat (for kids 33-80 lbs) slides forward; center console with flip-out table surface; removable center console; rear audio system, so kids in back can listen to their own music.
*Requires a two-step process to fold 3rd row seats.

SUV or Crossovers (2 Rows)
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
1st Place Nissan Murano $27,150 and Up Low stance makes it easy for children to climb in on their own; smooth car-like ride; quiet cabin makes conversing with rear seat passengers possible; high fuel mileage (20/24 miles per gallon); rear seat can be folded down using a cable-pull lever in cargo area.
2nd Place Honda CRV $20,195 and Up Tons of storage compartments fit everything a family needs; fold-down tray table between front seats; rear seats slide back and forth to adjust legroom amounts; large and simple thermostat controls; hidden picnic table in cargo area.
*The gear shift located near the steering wheel can get in the way of adjusting the radio.

SUV or Crossovers (2 Rows)
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy1st Place Nissan Murano $27,150 and Up Low stance makes it easy for children to climb in on their own; smooth car-like ride; quiet cabin makes conversing with rear seat passengers possible; high fuel mileage (20/24 miles per gallon); rear seat can be folded down using a cable-pull lever in cargo area.2nd Place Honda CRV $20,195 and Up Tons of storage compartments fit everything a family needs; fold-down tray table between front seats; rear seats slide back and forth to adjust legroom amounts; large and simple thermostat controls; hidden picnic table in cargo area.
*The gear shift located near the steering wheel can get in the way of adjusting the radio.

Wagons
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
1st Place Volvo V50 $25,990 and Up Safety (all six airbags standard, highly effective whiplash protection system); dynamic T-Tech seating surface keeps child safety seats (and all other passengers) from sliding around; Manual in Motion CD-ROM explains all the car's features quickly and easily; affordable price for a Volvo.
*Interior storage compartments not vast.
2nd Place Dodge Magnum $22,320 and Up Roomy back seat with three sets of latch connectors; large cargo space with extra storage room under the cargo floor; large and functional center console with plenty of storage.
*Love-it-or-hate-it styling.
Wagons
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy1st Place Volvo V50 $25,990 and Up Safety (all six airbags standard, highly effective whiplash protection system); dynamic T-Tech seating surface keeps child safety seats (and all other passengers) from sliding around; Manual in Motion CD-ROM explains all the car's features quickly and easily; affordable price for a Volvo.
*Interior storage compartments not vast. 2nd Place Dodge Magnum $22,320 and Up Roomy back seat with three sets of latch connectors; large cargo space with extra storage room under the cargo floor; large and functional center console with plenty of storage.
*Love-it-or-hate-it styling.

Sedan / Hatch
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
1st Place Toyota Prius $20,875 and Up Plenty of storage compartments and cup holders for a compact car; excellent fuel efficiency from hybrid technology (averaging 60 mpg on the highway); one-touch exterior door-locking system makes fumbling for keys a thing of the past.
*Not as much trunk space as you'd think.
2nd Place Acura TL $32,650 and Up Sexy and fun to drive; pop-out in-door storage compartments; user-friendly computer controls for audio and thermostat; driver detection system automatically changes seating configuration to match the driver (no more re-adjusting the seats after hubby drives).
Sedan / Hatch
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy1st Place Toyota Prius $20,875 and Up Plenty of storage compartments and cup holders for a compact car; excellent fuel efficiency from hybrid technology (averaging 60 mpg on the highway); one-touch exterior door-locking system makes fumbling for keys a thing of the past.
*Not as much trunk space as you'd think. 2nd Place Acura TL $32,650 and Up Sexy and fun to drive; pop-out in-door storage compartments; user-friendly computer controls for audio and thermostat; driver detection system automatically changes seating configuration to match the driver (no more re-adjusting the seats after hubby drives).

Most Extravagant
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
      Cadillac Escalade ESV $58,805 and Up Heated/chilled cup holders; heated/chilled 1st- and 2nd-row seats; separate DVD screens for 2nd- and 3rd-row passengers; huge amount of cargo room.
*Cargo lift gate is heavy and hard to close.
Most Extravagant
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy      Cadillac Escalade ESV $58,805 and Up Heated/chilled cup holders; heated/chilled 1st- and 2nd-row seats; separate DVD screens for 2nd- and 3rd-row passengers; huge amount of cargo room.
*Cargo lift gate is heavy and hard to close.

Best Overall Value
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
      Hyundai Tucson $17,499 and Up SUV that seats five; six airbags standard; plenty of rear-seat legroom (rear-facing infant seats fit easily); good gas mileage for an SUV (19/24 mpg); smooth car-like ride; trimming details make the car seem more expensive than it is.
*Center-rear seatbelt extends down from the ceiling instead of the seat-back.
Best Overall Value
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy      Hyundai Tucson $17,499 and Up SUV that seats five; six airbags standard; plenty of rear-seat legroom (rear-facing infant seats fit easily); good gas mileage for an SUV (19/24 mpg); smooth car-like ride; trimming details make the car seem more expensive than it is.
*Center-rear seatbelt extends down from the ceiling instead of the seat-back.

Best Latch Connectors
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
      Mercedes E320 $48,500 and Up A long flap conceals the latch connectors when not in use – lift the Velcro-attached flap and the latch connectors are visible and easy to get to. (This design also helps keep kiddie crumbs out of the seat crevice.)
Best Latch Connectors
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy      Mercedes E320 $48,500 and Up A long flap conceals the latch connectors when not in use – lift the Velcro-attached flap and the latch connectors are visible and easy to get to. (This design also helps keep kiddie crumbs out of the seat crevice.)

Best Hybrid for Families
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
      Toyota Highlander Hybrid $33,030 and Up The only hybrid available with three rows of seats (fits seven passengers total); more powerful than its non-hybrid sister; cup holders in rear door are great for holding Mom's java while buckling in babies; hybrid technology improves fuel consumption (31/27 mpg), saving time at the pump.
*3rd-row seats are tight and best-suited for children.
Best Hybrid for Families
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy      Toyota Highlander Hybrid $33,030 and Up The only hybrid available with three rows of seats (fits seven passengers total); more powerful than its non-hybrid sister; cup holders in rear door are great for holding Mom's java while buckling in babies; hybrid technology improves fuel consumption (31/27 mpg), saving time at the pump.
*3rd-row seats are tight and best-suited for children.

The 'MotherSpoof' Award
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Went Wrong
      VW Touareg $37,140 and Up It features a patience-trying computer system. If a trip to the dealership is required just to program the radio (even after reading the owner's manual), it's just too darn complicated – and yes, our reviewers do have college degrees!
The 'MotherSpoof' Award
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Went Wrong      VW Touareg $37,140 and Up It features a patience-trying computer system. If a trip to the dealership is required just to program the radio (even after reading the owner's manual), it's just too darn complicated – and yes, our reviewers do have college degrees!

SUV or Crossovers (2 Rows)
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
1st Place Nissan Murano $27,150 and Up Low stance makes it easy for children to climb in on their own; smooth car-like ride; quiet cabin makes conversing with rear seat passengers possible; high fuel mileage (20/24 miles per gallon); rear seat can be folded down using a cable-pull lever in cargo area.
2nd Place Honda CRV $20,195 and Up Tons of storage compartments fit everything a family needs; fold-down tray table between front seats; rear seats slide back and forth to adjust legroom amounts; large and simple thermostat controls; hidden picnic table in cargo area.
*The gear shift located near the steering wheel can get in the way of adjusting the radio.

SUV or Crossovers (2 Rows)
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy1st Place Nissan Murano $27,150 and Up Low stance makes it easy for children to climb in on their own; smooth car-like ride; quiet cabin makes conversing with rear seat passengers possible; high fuel mileage (20/24 miles per gallon); rear seat can be folded down using a cable-pull lever in cargo area.2nd Place Honda CRV $20,195 and Up Tons of storage compartments fit everything a family needs; fold-down tray table between front seats; rear seats slide back and forth to adjust legroom amounts; large and simple thermostat controls; hidden picnic table in cargo area.
*The gear shift located near the steering wheel can get in the way of adjusting the radio.

Wagons
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
1st Place Volvo V50 $25,990 and Up Safety (all six airbags standard, highly effective whiplash protection system); dynamic T-Tech seating surface keeps child safety seats (and all other passengers) from sliding around; Manual in Motion CD-ROM explains all the car's features quickly and easily; affordable price for a Volvo.
*Interior storage compartments not vast.
2nd Place Dodge Magnum $22,320 and Up Roomy back seat with three sets of latch connectors; large cargo space with extra storage room under the cargo floor; large and functional center console with plenty of storage.
*Love-it-or-hate-it styling.
Wagons
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy1st Place Volvo V50 $25,990 and Up Safety (all six airbags standard, highly effective whiplash protection system); dynamic T-Tech seating surface keeps child safety seats (and all other passengers) from sliding around; Manual in Motion CD-ROM explains all the car's features quickly and easily; affordable price for a Volvo.
*Interior storage compartments not vast. 2nd Place Dodge Magnum $22,320 and Up Roomy back seat with three sets of latch connectors; large cargo space with extra storage room under the cargo floor; large and functional center console with plenty of storage.
*Love-it-or-hate-it styling.

Sedan / Hatch
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
1st Place Toyota Prius $20,875 and Up Plenty of storage compartments and cup holders for a compact car; excellent fuel efficiency from hybrid technology (averaging 60 mpg on the highway); one-touch exterior door-locking system makes fumbling for keys a thing of the past.
*Not as much trunk space as you'd think.
2nd Place Acura TL $32,650 and Up Sexy and fun to drive; pop-out in-door storage compartments; user-friendly computer controls for audio and thermostat; driver detection system automatically changes seating configuration to match the driver (no more re-adjusting the seats after hubby drives).
Sedan / Hatch
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy1st Place Toyota Prius $20,875 and Up Plenty of storage compartments and cup holders for a compact car; excellent fuel efficiency from hybrid technology (averaging 60 mpg on the highway); one-touch exterior door-locking system makes fumbling for keys a thing of the past.
*Not as much trunk space as you'd think. 2nd Place Acura TL $32,650 and Up Sexy and fun to drive; pop-out in-door storage compartments; user-friendly computer controls for audio and thermostat; driver detection system automatically changes seating configuration to match the driver (no more re-adjusting the seats after hubby drives).

Most Extravagant
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
      Cadillac Escalade ESV $58,805 and Up Heated/chilled cup holders; heated/chilled 1st- and 2nd-row seats; separate DVD screens for 2nd- and 3rd-row passengers; huge amount of cargo room.
*Cargo lift gate is heavy and hard to close.
Most Extravagant
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy      Cadillac Escalade ESV $58,805 and Up Heated/chilled cup holders; heated/chilled 1st- and 2nd-row seats; separate DVD screens for 2nd- and 3rd-row passengers; huge amount of cargo room.
*Cargo lift gate is heavy and hard to close.

Best Overall Value
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
      Hyundai Tucson $17,499 and Up SUV that seats five; six airbags standard; plenty of rear-seat legroom (rear-facing infant seats fit easily); good gas mileage for an SUV (19/24 mpg); smooth car-like ride; trimming details make the car seem more expensive than it is.
*Center-rear seatbelt extends down from the ceiling instead of the seat-back.
Best Overall Value
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy      Hyundai Tucson $17,499 and Up SUV that seats five; six airbags standard; plenty of rear-seat legroom (rear-facing infant seats fit easily); good gas mileage for an SUV (19/24 mpg); smooth car-like ride; trimming details make the car seem more expensive than it is.
*Center-rear seatbelt extends down from the ceiling instead of the seat-back.

Best Latch Connectors
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
      Mercedes E320 $48,500 and Up A long flap conceals the latch connectors when not in use – lift the Velcro-attached flap and the latch connectors are visible and easy to get to. (This design also helps keep kiddie crumbs out of the seat crevice.)
Best Latch Connectors
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy      Mercedes E320 $48,500 and Up A long flap conceals the latch connectors when not in use – lift the Velcro-attached flap and the latch connectors are visible and easy to get to. (This design also helps keep kiddie crumbs out of the seat crevice.)

Best Hybrid for Families
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
      Toyota Highlander Hybrid $33,030 and Up The only hybrid available with three rows of seats (fits seven passengers total); more powerful than its non-hybrid sister; cup holders in rear door are great for holding Mom's java while buckling in babies; hybrid technology improves fuel consumption (31/27 mpg), saving time at the pump.
*3rd-row seats are tight and best-suited for children.
Best Hybrid for Families
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy      Toyota Highlander Hybrid $33,030 and Up The only hybrid available with three rows of seats (fits seven passengers total); more powerful than its non-hybrid sister; cup holders in rear door are great for holding Mom's java while buckling in babies; hybrid technology improves fuel consumption (31/27 mpg), saving time at the pump.
*3rd-row seats are tight and best-suited for children.

The 'MotherSpoof' Award
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Went Wrong
      VW Touareg $37,140 and Up It features a patience-trying computer system. If a trip to the dealership is required just to program the radio (even after reading the owner's manual), it's just too darn complicated – and yes, our reviewers do have college degrees!
The 'MotherSpoof' Award
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Went Wrong      VW Touareg $37,140 and Up It features a patience-trying computer system. If a trip to the dealership is required just to program the radio (even after reading the owner's manual), it's just too darn complicated – and yes, our reviewers do have college degrees!

Most Extravagant
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
      Cadillac Escalade ESV $58,805 and Up Heated/chilled cup holders; heated/chilled 1st- and 2nd-row seats; separate DVD screens for 2nd- and 3rd-row passengers; huge amount of cargo room.
*Cargo lift gate is heavy and hard to close.
Most Extravagant
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy      Cadillac Escalade ESV $58,805 and Up Heated/chilled cup holders; heated/chilled 1st- and 2nd-row seats; separate DVD screens for 2nd- and 3rd-row passengers; huge amount of cargo room.
*Cargo lift gate is heavy and hard to close.

Best Overall Value
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
      Hyundai Tucson $17,499 and Up SUV that seats five; six airbags standard; plenty of rear-seat legroom (rear-facing infant seats fit easily); good gas mileage for an SUV (19/24 mpg); smooth car-like ride; trimming details make the car seem more expensive than it is.
*Center-rear seatbelt extends down from the ceiling instead of the seat-back.
Best Overall Value
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy      Hyundai Tucson $17,499 and Up SUV that seats five; six airbags standard; plenty of rear-seat legroom (rear-facing infant seats fit easily); good gas mileage for an SUV (19/24 mpg); smooth car-like ride; trimming details make the car seem more expensive than it is.
*Center-rear seatbelt extends down from the ceiling instead of the seat-back.

Best Latch Connectors
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
      Mercedes E320 $48,500 and Up A long flap conceals the latch connectors when not in use – lift the Velcro-attached flap and the latch connectors are visible and easy to get to. (This design also helps keep kiddie crumbs out of the seat crevice.)
Best Latch Connectors
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy      Mercedes E320 $48,500 and Up A long flap conceals the latch connectors when not in use – lift the Velcro-attached flap and the latch connectors are visible and easy to get to. (This design also helps keep kiddie crumbs out of the seat crevice.)

Best Hybrid for Families
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy
      Toyota Highlander Hybrid $33,030 and Up The only hybrid available with three rows of seats (fits seven passengers total); more powerful than its non-hybrid sister; cup holders in rear door are great for holding Mom's java while buckling in babies; hybrid technology improves fuel consumption (31/27 mpg), saving time at the pump.
*3rd-row seats are tight and best-suited for children.
Best Hybrid for Families
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Makes Mom Happy      Toyota Highlander Hybrid $33,030 and Up The only hybrid available with three rows of seats (fits seven passengers total); more powerful than its non-hybrid sister; cup holders in rear door are great for holding Mom's java while buckling in babies; hybrid technology improves fuel consumption (31/27 mpg), saving time at the pump.
*3rd-row seats are tight and best-suited for children.

The 'MotherSpoof' Award
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Went Wrong
      VW Touareg $37,140 and Up It features a patience-trying computer system. If a trip to the dealership is required just to program the radio (even after reading the owner's manual), it's just too darn complicated – and yes, our reviewers do have college degrees!
The 'MotherSpoof' Award
 Make & ModelPrice RangeWhat Went Wrong      VW Touareg $37,140 and Up It features a patience-trying computer system. If a trip to the dealership is required just to program the radio (even after reading the owner's manual), it's just too darn complicated – and yes, our reviewers do have college degrees!