Best SUVs and Vans for Large Families

When it comes to finding the best SUV or mini-van for your large family, the task can be difficult. You want to get the best deal for your money, while finding a car that will save you money in the long run. There are many SUV's out there that may seem like the perfect car for a larger family, but they mostly turn out to be gas guzzlers in the end.

With all of the new 2009 SUV and mini-vans coming out, it is hard to find one that will meet all of your needs family-wise and at the pump. One SUV that stands out above the rest is the Aura MDX 2009 model. This SUV is ideal for big families and features all sorts of new items that are not standard in most SUV's and mini-vans. For instance, the Aura MDX features standard 18-inch wheels, 3.7-liter V-6 which turns out 300 horsepower and 275 pounds-feet of torque, making this engine Acura's most powerful, dual-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags for front seats and just an all around smooth ride.

The Aura MDX is priced slightly higher at $40,790 starting rate and if you are in the market for a slightly more reasonably priced SUV, the 2009 Ford Taurus X starting at $27.575, the 2009 Honda Odyssey starting at $26,255 or the 2009 Mazda CX-9 starting at $29.820 would probably all be better options for you. The 2009 Ford Taurus X SUV features cargo versatility, seats up to seven passengers comfortably and has a wagon body style, the drive is smooth and there is 85.5 cubic feet with both rows of seats folded.

The 2009 Honda Odyssey mini-van is very roomy and easy to drive; its gas mileage is comparable to any standard mini-van with 25 highway and up to 17 city and it does not have that 'mini-van feel' that every person is trying to get away from. Finally, the 2009 Mazda CX-9 offers all the bells and whistles that the 2009 Ford Taurus X and the 2009 Honda Odyssey offer yet it is sleeker and car-like in its responses.

As you can see there are many different options for you when you are looking for a mini-van or SUV for your larger family. A couple other note-worthy SUV's are the Toyota Highlander and the Honda Pilot. Both of these SUV's are extremely worth the money (each costing under $30,000) and will save you some cash at the pump. They both feature four-wheel drive, seat up to seven people comfortably and are ranked extremely high on the national safety test. While the Honda Pilot is a bit smaller than the Toyota Highlander, it still retains the power of a larger SUV for it is able to tow up to 4,000 pounds.