With the return of the school year, many parents face car pool duty, soccer teams and Costco runs that can overwhelm a typical sedan. Vans and SUVs can be a great choice for families, offering the extra seating and additional cargo space that they need. (For a comparison of SUVs, vans and wagons see: How to choose the right family car).

Today’s larger-capacity vehicles offer greater fuel economy and a superior car-like ride compared to those of previous generations. Even parents who swore they would never drive a minivan like those from their childhood may find themselves tempted by the built-in vacuum cleaner in the Honda Odyssey.

At Cartelligent, we help thousands of parents decide which vehicle will work best for them. We’ve used this data to compile a list of our top-selling family vehicles below:

10. Infiniti QX60

Why we love it: The versatile QX60 provides seating for seven and fold-down second and third rows for additional cargo capacity. Infiniti offers a number of safety innovations including Backup Collision Intervention, Blind Spot Intervention, Intelligent Brake Assist and Lane Departure Prevention.

9. Honda Pilot

Why we love it: The Pilot offers a large interior with fold-flat seating for eight as well as multiple storage bins. Every 2015 Pliot comes standard with a rearview camera and an intelligent Multi-Information Display.

8. Ford Explorer

Why we love it: The Explorer provides folding second and third rows that seat up to seven. AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control comes standard; upgrade to Intellgent 4WD for those family trips to the mountains. Ford also offers an EcoBoost 2.0L or V6 engine for additional fuel economy.

7. Acura MDX

Why we love it: The seven-passenger MDX is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ when equipped with the optional front crash prevention system. New safety features include lane-keeping assist and forward collision avoidance. Upgrade to the Super Handling All-Wheel Drive for constant monitoring that sends power to the wheels with the most traction.

6. Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

Why we love it: The seven-passenger GL-Class is both luxurious and comfortable—even in the third row! It comes standard with a power liftgate and power-folding third row that make it easy to reconfigure on the fly. Options include a BlueTEC turbodiesel engine, self-parking, and a 360-degree camera view. (For more on the benefits of diesel, see: Why you should consider clean diesel)

5. Toyota Sienna

Why we love it: The ever-popular Sienna seats up to eight in comfort and is the only minivan to offer all-wheel drive as an option. The third row folds down easily to create additional cargo space when needed. Standard safety features include Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control and Smart Stop Technology; available safety extras include Blind Spot Monitor and Safety Connect.

4. Audi Q7

Why we love it: The largest Audi SUV provides luxury seating for seven. Standard features include quattro all-wheel drive, power tailgate, heated leather seats and rear-sensor parking system. The available panorama sunroof and BOSE Surround System can add even more joy to the Q7 driving experience. Upgrade to the turbodiesel engine for additional fuel economy.

3. Honda Odyssey

Why we love it: Our best-selling minivan, the Odyssey, seats up to eight and offers fold-flat seats and multiple storage bins to help keep everything in place. A rearview camera comes standard and when equipped with the optional front crash prevention system, the Odyssey is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+.

2. BMW X5

Why we love it: Redesigned for 2014, the X5 offers a quiet, comfortable drive and an optional (but small) third row. Power tailgate, panoramic moonroof and heated front seats come standard. Available extras include all-wheel drive, self-parking and a rearview camera.

1. Toyota Highlander 

Why we love it: With seating for seven to eight and available second-row captain’s chairs, the Highlander is one our most popular family vehicles. (For the story of one mom’s Highlander purchase see: Client Experience: Michelle H). It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ when equipped with an available pre-collision system. Navigation is optional and a hybrid model is also available.

Whether or not the next car you want is on this list, Cartelligent can help you get a great deal on exactly what you want. Call our team of car-buying experts at 888-427-4270 or get started today.