The Best Cars For Moms Who Hate Minivans
When you have kids, it does not take long to realize how much space these tiny people and their gear take up in a vehicle. There will come a time when you will be faced with the dilemma of whether it is time to upgrade to a minivan: the ultimate mom-mobile. For some, this may not be a dilemma and your sense of practicality is stronger than your need for horsepower and style. But for the moms who are looking for both form and function, consider this list of cars that check off just about everything on your list:
2017 Audi Q7
Safety comes first with the new Audi Q7. When driving with kids, safety is a priority and the Audi Q7 delivers with top-of-the-line features. While driving, the speed limit will pop up from the dash onto the windshield alerting you when you are driving above the speed limit. Also if you begin to veer off the road, the steering wheel vibrates to let you know. The Q7’s adaptive cruise control pairs with the navigation system to brake and accelerate around corners while also aiding in steering. Easily engage the navigation system by the handwriting recognition touch pad on the console without looking away from the road. In addition to its excellent safety features, the comfort of the luxurious leather interior and power folding third row of seats makes it a smooth ride for all passengers.
2016 Ford Explorer
Two words: massage chairs. The 2016 Ford Explorer has automatic massage capabilities in both the driver’s seat and passenger side making it ideal for those uncomfortable long-distance road trips, especially with the added feature of cruise control. The third row of seats folds down at the touch of the button which means your hands are free for lifting kids. Even with three rows of seating, there is ample cargo space which is often lost at the expense of extra seating. The middle row also has no middle console in the way between the two captain seats, which makes access to the third row seamless. The Ecoboost V6 engine also packs a lot of power if that is a priority for you.
2016 GMC Acadia
The 2016 GMC Acadia is one of the few SUVs that can accommodate up to eight adults, which means it will be able to support the many growth spurts your kids will go through over the years. All models feature onboard 4G LTE Wi-Fi internet connection, which means your kids will stay entertained with the built-in screen or on their own devices. The Acadia is one of the safest vehicles on the road with excellent crash-test scores and a robust list of safety features that come standard in every model including blind-spot monitors, rear view camera and curtain airbags extending to all three rows. Considering the large size and weight of the Acadia, fuel economy is not one of their strong points with EPA fuel economy ratings of 17 mpg in the city and 24 on the highway, however, one of the options for 2017 models is less seating and overall size in exchange for higher fuel efficiency.
2016 Honda Pilot
The 2016 Honda Pilot gets top ratings for safety from federal government standards as well as the IIHS Top Safety Pick. The intelligent traction management system can adjust to different driving surfaces including snow, sand, and mud which is a huge plus when you need to do carpool through all types of weather conditions. Speaking of carpool, kids can stay entertained with a drop down 9-inch screen that plays Blu-ray discs. All throughout the Pilot, there is a multitude of easy-access storage compartments including a generous trunk size even with the third row of seats intact. The Honda pilot second row is made up of two captain chairs but you can swap them out for a bench if you need 8 seats in the vehicle.
2016 Kia Sorento
The 2016 Kia Sorento comes equipped with a long list of luxury features with an affordable price tag. In fact, it is the only three-row crossover that is under the $30,000 price point on this list. Some of the luxury features the Sorento comes with are LED fog lights, folding side mirrors, and heated windshield wipers. Also, when you approach the vehicle with the keys in your pocket, the car mirrors will begin unfolding and the lights will turn on, which really ups the cool and intelligence factor on this car. Safety is a priority for Kia with the inclusion of exterior cameras giving the driver a 360-degree bird’s eye view while in the driver's seat. The Sorento also received the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation.
2015 Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 has a spacious interior with an easy-access third row for carting your kids and their friends around. The Sirius radio system will please all musical tastes, especially when played on the Bose sound system that comes standard in each car. An easy-access mute button turns the media sound off and on easily, which is a great feature for all parents who need to quickly hear or answer the multitude of questions from their kids while driving. The V6 engine and easy steering handling make the CX-9 a fun, sporty vehicle to cart the kids around in.
2016 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class
This luxury vehicle has a spacious cabin that feels wide whether you are seated in the first or third row of seating and drives with such peace and tranquility thanks to the multi-glazed acoustic windshield. The powered third-row seats fold down at the touch of a button giving access to the spacious trunk that also has a smart layout of compartments to deter small items from shifting. A cleverly designed console beside the driver allows enough space for a large handbag. The upgraded entertainment system equips all of the second-row seats with their own screens and headphones for personalized viewing pleasure. When choosing engines, the GL offers multiple options: a twin-turbo V6, turbodiesel, and two twin-turbo V8s.
2016 Tesla Model X
If sustainability and safety are your two biggest priorities and money is no factor, then the Tesla Model X may be a top choice. It is a fully electric vehicle with 7 seating capacity. With no engine, the front trunk or “frunk” can easily be loaded with all of your kids’ extra gear in addition to the rear trunk. The falcon wings are a feature that even your kids will rave about giving taller parents extra head space to load children into their car seats. The whisper quiet drive will lull babies to sleep, or perhaps keep them awake with such little white noise to soothe them. However, the 17-inch tablet touchscreen which has access to online streaming services will give plenty of entertainment options for your little ones.
2016 Toyota Highlander
The 2016 Highlander is longer than in year’s past allowing for a third row of seating giving an 8 seat capacity. There is also generous trunk space and clever storage in the front of the vehicle as well. The deep console is large enough for a bag and the open tray in the front dashboard gives easy access to store sunglasses, wallets, and phones with a pass through to charge any devices as well. The Highlander also receives high ratings for safety from the IIHS, and top marks for performance, comfort, and value. If your family wants to take the BBQ or boat to the cottage, the Highlander can tow up to 5,000 pounds making it a practical and powerful family car.
2016 Volvo XC90
Volvo has a reputation for safety and the XC90 does not disappoint. Unlike many other seven seat vehicles, the XC90 has window airbags that protect all three rows. Additionally, anti-whiplash head restraints and the lane departure warning system comes standard on all models. The Volvo City Safety System automatically applies brakes when it senses a car has suddenly stopped or a pedestrian steps out. Safety features aside, the XC90 also comes with the latest technology features including a large 9-inch touchscreen and gearshift paddles behind the steering wheel. Grocery shopping becomes a cinch with an extensive bag holder that folds up in the trunk. The luxurious interior matched with the comfortable drive makes the XC90 a top choice for cool carpooling moms.