Great family cars include (clockwise from top left) the Toyota Venza, the Volvo XC60, the Honda Crosstour and the GMC Terrain.
About to start a family? Any new vehicle you buy needs to be able to store an arsenal of kid gear, haul school projects the size of a horse and carry squads of children to sports practice. Oh, and generally, you'll be picking up more kids than you dropped off.
In short, you need a minivan.
Need doesn't always coincide with want, however. Maybe a van is too big, or you need all-wheel drive (though the Toyota Sienna has it). Or maybe boxy just isn't the fashion statement you're aiming for.
Fortunately, there are plenty of non-van family vehicles to choose from. Since school parking lots are already filled with the major crossover players — such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Explorer, Chevrolet Equinox and Subaru Outback — the following are some less-obvious choices. And all are good values to boot (prices are MSRP plus destination and without incentives).
Small is big
Having a child doesn't automatically mean you need seven or eight seats; five chairs might be plenty for your lifestyle. Generally, smaller vehicles are fuel savers (use the extra cash for that Disneyland trip).
Station wagons offer extra cargo room and retain true car-like handling. The Hyundai Elantra Touring ($16,770) and Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen ($20,765) are two budget choices. The Kia Soul is classified as a wagon but disguises it by looking like a square hatchback. With loads of rear legroom, it's funky and affordable at $14,650.
Concerned about fuel economy? Toyota's new "supersized" Prius v offers hybrid efficiency with more room than the classic Prius. Not quite a hatchback, not really a wagon, it starts at $27,160.
In a class all its own is the Mazda5 ($20,420). Sort of a mini-minivan, it's one of the most useful and overlooked vehicles sold in America. The 5 carries six passengers, has loads of storage cubbies and remains fun to drive.
Midsize haulers
Although Volvo's useful V70 wagon is gone, the brand known for safety still has two other nice choices: the wagon-like XC70 ($33,825) and the XC60 crossover ($34,175). At those prices, both are front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is optional.
Often overlooked is the Toyota Venza ($27,885). It's a stylish choice for those who love the Lexus RX but have college-fund anxiety. The Dodge Journey ($19,795) has a stylish new interior and innovative features such as storage under the seat cushions and in the floor. This Swiss Army knife on wheels has models that seat seven.
For those wanting a rugged SUV look, there's the GMC Terrain ($26,370). Its squared-off design will make kids think it's one of their Tonka Toys come to life.
Go big to go home
It's easy to gravitate toward the Explorer and the recently freshened Honda Pilot, but don't overlook the following vehicles with unique qualities.
The Honda Crosstour ($31,150) is like an Accord hatchback, meaning it's roomy and versatile. It's available with front- or all-wheel drive, and there's a new four-cylinder engine option.
The unique Ford Flex ($30,290) is comfortable, roomy and versatile. There's seating for up to eight, dropping to seven when the mid-row mini-refrigerator is ordered. (Seriously.) Upcoming 2013 models get a new front fascia reminiscent of 1970s hi-fi equipment. Choose between a fuel-efficient EcoBoost four-cylinder or V-6 engine.
A final tip: Bring the family along when shopping. It's possible your precious cargo may find pluses or minuses you might miss. Keep them away from the vans, though — they may discover how supremely useful they are. Just saying.
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