Family Car of the Year Nominees
Best Car for Small Families
2012 Chevrolet Equinox
The Chevrolet Equinox is truly in a class of its own when compared to other small SUVs in its price range (and it won our $29,000 SUV Shootout). This two-row SUV feels luxurious yet functions as a workhorse for small families. The Equinox manages a near-perfect blend of form and function. Families will appreciate the upscale leather interior, quiet cabin (until you put the kids in it) and the optional rear entertainment system has dual screens built into the back of the front row's head restraints so as not to obstruct the driver's rear visibility.
Best Car for Big Families
2012 Honda Pilot
Need a car that your family can grow with? The Honda Pilot has second-row seats that slide back and forth, giving you room to grow from a family with infants to a family with long-legged teenagers attached at the hip to their three best friends. Hoping for eyes on the back of your head? The Pilot can help out there as well with a standard conversation mirror, allowing you to keep an eye on both second- and third-row passengers and their shenanigans. The three-row SUV's square shape lends itself to an open, airy-feeling cabin regardless of how many family members you pack into it.
Best Car for First-Time Drivers
2012 Kia Soul
First-time drivers are no doubt proud of their newfound freedom and want to show it off. Remember cruising "the strip" (as in the deserted suburban strip mall) when you were 16? The Kia Soul is a funky, hip car with plenty of — well — soul that your tech-savvy youngsters will want to be seen in. P.S.: It's a great value for the money, has new-driver-friendly front-wheel drive and a fantastic warranty. Don't worry, we won't tell your teen that the Soul really is practical.