Five Best 2011 New Car Models for Families with Multiple Car Seats

I may not be a parent but whenever I test a new vehicle directed at families I think long and hard about what makes a car kid friendly. Things like the durability of interior materials, ease of outward visibility (to lessen the likelihood of carsickness) and space for bulky strollers all figure into my findings.

Often times I bring this vehicle to my friends Ann and Todd M. Allen who have three boys still in car seats and boosters just to get a real family perspective. But to only go that far is to forget one of the most important things any parent needs to have in their new car. A car seat.

Most cars have the ability to carry at least one car seat but some of the bulkier units for younger kids extend so far over the rear seat cushion that a tall parent won't be left with any legroom up front. So even though your kids don't need rear legroom their car seats often times do. So always take into consideration the length between the back seat rest and the front seatback cushion and measure your car seat before buying that new car.

But what if you have more than one child or, heaven forbid, you have five youngsters who ride in car seats? What are your options? Are there any vehicles out there that are designed to accommodate 3 full size car seats in the second row where mommy can still reach dropped sippy cups? These are real concerns for family car buyers and only a few automakers seem to be listening.

In the spirit of choice this will not just be a list made up of minivans. Some people refuse to drive them while still others can't afford them even if they do make family life very easy. Here are my five picks for the best 2011 new family cars built to accommodate the needs of those who spend their time riding around in the car seat.

Best Minivan-(2011 Honda Odyssey)

If you have five full size car seats or want to put 3 of same said seats in the second row of any family vehicle, the 2011 Honda Odyssey is the only new model designed with you in mind. Without question, the 2011 Honda Odyssey has the most family friendly interior on the market today and I am not just talking about the built in wastebasket purpose built for juice boxes and banana peels.

Sure, some vehicles allow you to squeeze two seats and a booster or some other such nonsense but only the Odyssey was designed by parents who knew that this feature would help a lot of people. The Toyota Sienna may also seat 8 but its middle seat in the second row is for occasional use only and lacks the width that the Odyssey offers.

Best Crossover-(2011 Ford Flex)

Ford doesn't sell a minivan anymore and if memories of the Windstar serve correctly thank God. But the Flex is almost as "flex-ible" as a minivan with a low step in height and a roomy yet stylish cabin. Goodies like an optional built-in miniature refrigerator and rear seat entertainment promise to keep youngsters needs in check.

According to my research, the Flex can accommodate two full size car seats and another booster in the center seat. This only works if you elevate the center seat if your middle car seat is wide which could possibly lead to more than one fight that starts out with, "Mom he just hit me!" Otherwise, however, the Flex makes for a cool, unique and trendy family crossover choice.

Best Family Sedan-(2011 Honda Accord)

Yes, the Accord can accommodate two large car seats in the back but thanks to the optimally angled rear seat back and seat bottom cushion design it is very easy to install most car seats in this Honda. Often times installing an angled car seat is a struggle in a sedan aggressively contoured back seat but Honda found a smarter way to please young and old rear seat passengers.

Best Luxury SUV-(2011 Acura MDX)

There is just enough room in the second row of seats for a large sized front or rear facing car seat and the third row can accommodate two booster seats. It's more of a squeeze to fit a car seat in the MDX but the payoff comes in the form of still feeling like you are at least a little bit cool. Also in premium SUV terms the MDX is very affordable.

Best Economy Car-(2011 Scion xB)

Not everyone has a lot of money so this ultra-boxy Scion fits the bill for anyone who needs a car that holds two full size car seats yet won't break the piggy bank. The cargo area is also perfectly sized for strollers, diaper bags and even some groceries. The cherry on top is the fact that it starts at only $16,720.

(Note: The concept for this article was recommended to me by Yahoo! Contributor Network writer Lisa Pratto. Thanks to Lisa for the good idea even if she didn't want to write the story. If you have any questions that are automotive related feel free to contact me directly via my Profile page.)

Source: Hondausa.com

Edmunds.com

Forbes.com