by: Cadie Carroll
Drop the kids off at school, run errands, grocery shop, pick up the kids, homework, practice, dinner — does this to-do list sound familiar? Back-to-school season means busy days for supermoms. The daily rush to complete that long task list turns the family vehicle into more of a second home. Look good, be comfortable and have the space you need with an upgrade to one of the year’s best new SUVs for moms.
Mercedes-Benz GL 450 — from $64,550
This sleek, sporty, full-size SUV is luxury on wheels for seven people. A power-folding third row lends nearly 100 cubic feet of cargo room, accessible via the push of a button thanks to its power liftgate. The easy-entry second-row seats make loading up the kids a breeze, especially if you’re toting around little ones in car seats. Pair that with screens behind the front head rest, each controlled by its own remote and individual DVD player, and you kids will love your new ride almost as much as you do. The leather-lined cabin is easier to keep clean than cloth seats, and the blind spot/lane keeping assists will alert you of potential dangers if another car is approaching from behind or if you start to drift. And forget about the plain old heated front seats… this SUV comes with massage-enabled driver and passenger massage seats. Yes, please!
Lexus LX 570 — from $81,780
This vehicle will turn heads. Keep the kids’ juice and snacks cool in the center-console-mounted cool box, or keep them entertained with the dual screen DVD players and 19-speaker sound system. Keep an eye on the road (in front, to the side, and behind you) with the wide-view front and side monitor system and backup camera. Again the powerfolding third row gives you more than enough cargo room for those all-day errand runs, and the power-sliding middle row will become your new best friend when loading up the car seats and buckling in the kiddos.
2013 Audi Q7 — from $47,700
Don’t get mistaken for a soccer mom in this SUV. The rear sensor parking system makes parking a breeze, and the rain and light sensors will automatically turn on windshield wipers and headlights as needed. Easily wipe up the kids’ spills off the leather seats, and let them sing along to their favorite station with SiriusXM Satellite Radio and an 11 speaker sound system.
Follow Cadie on Twitter @Carroll_Cadie
