By Dana DeMercurio
Still towing around your family in a minivan? Here’s a thought – upgrade to one of these crossover utility vehicles! Check out our top 10 list that is sure to please any soccer mom looking to replace her mundane minivan.
Dodge Journey – Minivans wish they could be a Dodge Journey. But hold off on your purchase until the 2015 model is on the market – Chrysler is giving it a pretty major facelift that is sure to wow.
Honda Pilot – This mid-size crossover SUV is the largest in its category from Honda, featuring third-row seating and a choice of four trims to please even the pickiest drivers.
Toyota 4Runner – Brawn and brain unite to make this SUV the rugged yet stylish vehicle that it is today. The off-road durability, sophisticated accoutrements, affordable pricing, and stellar reputation as one of Toyota’s most reliable models are all reasons to consider this ride as an upgrade from your minivan.
Ford Flex – Ranked as one of the most affordable SUV’s in 2010, consumers love this new-school, wagon-style vehicle with voice-activated communications and entertainment system, perfect for tech-savvy moms. The Ford Flex also comes in an Ecoboost model, which is great for the environment and your wallet.
GMC Acadia – This large crossover SUV features seating for up to 8 passengers. We could stop there, but we won’t. With their truck-centric product line, GMC had no trouble translating their heavy-duty mentality into this vehicle that’s perfect for kid-toting moms.
Acura MDX – One word: luxury. Acura has long been a symbol of taste and refinement, and this midsize SUV is no different. With a standard third-row seat that folds flat into the cargo floor and a sleek interior that rivals its competitors (namely Porshe and BMW), this midsize SUV is a sophisticated choice for posh soccer moms.
Buick Enclave – This isn’t your grandma’s Buick. With a sleek interior and three trim packages to choose from, this full-size SUV is busting at the seams with style.
Nissan Armada – Towing more than just kids? This heavy-duty SUV packs a V8 engine with some serious hauling capacity. Although it’s quite the gas-guzzler, be assured that this vehicle is tough enough for any task, big or small.
Chevy Traverse – Considered by some as a “new-age” station wagon, this crossover vehicle boasts a standard rearview camera and spacious interior that seats up to 8. The simple touchscreen infotainment system aptly dubbed Chevrolet MyLink (also a standard feature) controls audio, phone and navigation functions with ease.
Land Rover LR2 – Although the least expensive model from the Land Rover family with an MSRP of around $37k, this crossover utility vehicle can handle anything life throws at it.
