While you're shopping for that essential back-to-school list you might want to include a new vehicle for the whole family. There is still time for a road trip or two so why not get a new car that's safe, reliable, and comfortable for a more relaxing and enjoyable trip with the whole gang. I asked Jody Victor to share the Consumer Reports' auto experts list of 10 best travel vehicles for families.
Jody Victor: The Consumer Reports' list includes models that have done well in safety tests, reliability ratings, and are comfortable, quiet, and spacious. These babies can even get you through a traffic jam!
Audi A6. This upscale family car is a good choice, with a comfortable, well-appointed, quiet cabin and excellent seats. The all-wheel drive version has a controlled, steady ride and relatively good fuel economy while sedan models have a big trunk for hauling suitcases, and a wagon is available for bulkier vacation gear.
BMW 5 Series. Agile handling and a comfortable ride, excellent seats, and a quiet, well-crafted interior make the BMW 5 Series a good choice for long-distance travel. The available six-cylinder and V8 engines are all very smooth. The 5 Series is available as a sedan or wagon, and with rear- or all-wheel drive.
Cadillac CTS. The CTS strikes a good balance between sporty and comfortable. Like the Audi and BMW, the CTS has good handling and a comfortable interior with great front seats for less money than those European models.
Honda Accord EX. A top-rated family sedan, the Accord is roomy and comfortable, with ample storage and logical controls. Agile handling and a compliant ride are pluses.
Honda Odyssey EX. For families who need more room, the Odyssey offers three rows of seats for up to eight passengers. The rear seat folds into the floor for more cargo room.
Infiniti M. The top pick among luxury sedans, the M is roomy and comfortable with a well-appointed interior and logical controls. Reliability is above average, and all-wheel drive is available.
Lexus RX. With a spacious and quiet interior as plush as those found in some luxury cars, this well-rounded SUV is very refined and comfortable. The V6 engine is smooth, and all-wheel drive combined with standard electronic stability control make it a good choice for winter driving. Reliability is very good.
Toyota Avalon. Quality materials, lots of interior room, and even a reclining backseat make for a limo-like interior. Very quiet and comfortable, and with a smooth and quick V6 engine, Toyota's biggest sedan is a good value with excellent reliability and crash-test results.
Toyota Highlander Limited. Built on the same platform as the upscale Lexus RX, this more-affordable midsized SUV has many of the same virtues. It is quiet and refined, with good fit and finish. The Highlander has earned excellent reliability ratings. Unlike the RX, the Highlander has a third seat, although it is only big enough for children.
Toyota Sienna XLE. Toyota's minivan offers seating for up to eight, and like the Odyssey, it has a third seat that folds into the floor. While not as agile as the Odyssey, it is quieter, with a comfortable ride and impressive crash-test and reliability ratings.
Thanks, Jody! Looking forward to trips in comfort!