Edmunds.com Names Top Family Haulers

November 10, 2009

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SANTA MONICA, Calif. — With so many choices a family can make in the selection of a kid-friendly vehicle, Edmunds.com ran an online survey to find out where some of the more popular ones rank.

Given a choice of 15 full-size vehicles that seat at least six passengers, 13.9 percent of the vote went to the first-place Chevrolet Tahoe in the site's Consumers' Favorites: Best Family Hauler poll.

"The best family haulers offer practicality and amenities that keep every family member happy, and our readers' choices reflect that," stated Karl Brauer, editor-in-chief for Edmunds.com.

Placing second, with 11.6 percent of the vote, was the Honda Odyssey. In a tie for third place were two crossover SUVs: the Chevrolet Traverse and the Toyota Highlander.

The full list ranked all 15 nominees offered by Edmunds.com, with comments from editors, as follows:

1. Chevrolet Tahoe: "Though its luster is dulled slightly by less-than-sharp handling and unwieldy third-row seats, the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe still shines as a top pick for a full-size SUV, thanks to its attractive cabin and unstoppable towing ability," according to Edmunds.com.

2. Honda Odyssey: "Though scheduled for a complete redesign next year, the 2009 Honda Odyssey remains our favorite choice in the minivan segment," editors noted.

T3. Chevrolet Traverse: "With the lowest base price of its three platform siblings, the 2009 Chevrolet Traverse will probably become the most successful, too," officials predicted.

T3. Toyota Highlander: "With plenty of room, power and features, the 2009 Toyota Highlander is optimized for family use. If you're shopping for a midsize crossover SUV, make sure you try this Toyota," editors highlighted.

5. Ford Flex: "The 2009 Ford Flex is a thoughtfully designed and cool-looking alternative to minivans and seven-passenger crossover SUVs," according to the site.

6. Honda Pilot: "The 2009 Honda Pilot looks tougher than its predecessor and offers more room for third-row passengers, but the stereo and climate controls are less than intuitive, and some interior plastics feel cheap," editors pointed out.

7. Mazda CX-9: "For those who find themselves being dragged kicking and screaming out of their sporty sedan toward a family hauler, there's quite simply no better choice than the 2009 Mazda CX-9," officials praised.

8. Volvo XC90: "The 2009 Volvo XC90 is one of the most family-friendly premium midsize SUVs on the market, but it's getting on in years. A fresher competitor might suit you better," editors noted.

9. Ford Expedition EL: "Thanks to roomy seating, plenty of cargo capacity, impressive road manners and solid towing capability, the 2009 Ford Expedition EL is a solid choice for a full-size SUV," remarked editors.

10. Toyota Sienna: "Roomy, comfortable and well-built, the 2009 Toyota Sienna minivan is an excellent choice for larger families," according to Edmunds.com.

11. Mazda MAZDA5: "Remember when minivans were somewhat mini? The 2009 Mazda 5 is such a vehicle, offering a nimble and practical solution for smaller families that are realistic about their space and performance needs," editors said.

12. Subaru Tribeca: "Although it provides pleasant, all-weather capable transportation, the 2009 Subaru Tribeca is generally outclassed in terms of space, comfort and, at times, price," officials critiqued.

13. Dodge Grand Caravan: "Despite loads of innovative, family-friendly features, the 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is poorly made and nearly impossible to recommend," according to the site.

14. Hyundai Veracruz: "The 2009 Hyundai Veracruz provides tremendous value combined with a comfortable driving demeanor. In the increasingly crowded seven-passenger crossover segment, the Veracruz deserves to be near the top of any test-drive list," Edmunds.com editors commended.

15. Kia Rondo: "The 2009 Kia Rondo is an ultra-practical wagon with plenty of features, space, comfort and quality at a very affordable price. It's a hidden gem worthy of consideration," officials stated.