10 Family Haulers for Less Than $30,000

With so many soccer games, ballet recitals and sleepovers to get to, the last thing stressed-out moms and dads need to worry about is whether they can afford a "family truckster" with enough room for the kids and all of their gear. Today's family vehicles must be versatile, have plenty of easily accessible space, carry a budget-friendly sticker price, and not cost an arm and a leg to run. With those attributes in mind, here are 10 of the best modern family vehicles for less than $30,000. Put these on your shopping list when it is time to replace the current workhorse. They will make your life easier.

2011 Honda CR-V

Base price: $21,695
The venerable Honda CR-V may be a compact crossover, but its 72.9 cubic feet of cargo space is as voluminous as some midsize crossovers and SUVs. The CR-V seats five people. Its slightly raised ride height provides ideal entry and exit for adults but isn't too high for the kids. Front- and all-wheel drive are offered, both of which will get you through the rain and snow. Plus, according to Kelley Blue Book, the CR-V has the highest 3-year resale value of any vehicle on the market.

2011 Hyundai Sonata

Base price: $19,195
A midsize 4-door sedan will serve a family well as long as it has a big back seat and a budget-friendly sticker price. The Sonata delivers both, as well as frugal fuel economy and a pleasant ride. It also has as much interior volume — 120.2 cubic feet — as a full-size sedan. And it is cheaper than the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.

2010 Mazda Mazda5

Base price: $18,510
No vehicle type offers more space and versatility for a family than a minivan. But most minivans are anything but mini, making them challenging to maneuver and relatively hard on gas mileage. If you don't need all that space and have young kids, the 6-passenger Mazda5 is the perfect starter minivan. Compared with its larger competitors, it is far more fun to drive, easier on gas and much more affordable.

2011 Toyota Sienna

Base price: $24,460
Having room to carry the neighborhood kids to soccer practice a couple of days a week can mean you get the other days off. With seating for up to eight and a massive 150 cubic feet of cargo volume, the Sienna lets you chauffeur up to seven kids, then head to Home Depot to pick up 4-by-8 sheets of plywood. Thanks to the addition of a robust 2.7-liter 4-cylinder engine for 2011, base Siennas are now more affordable.

2011 Subaru Outback

Base price: $23,195
The station wagon used to be the choice for families, but it has been supplanted by minivans, crossovers and SUVs. It's still around, though, and it still works for the family. The Outback is a raised station wagon with plenty of interior space and the security of all-wheel drive. The Outback seats five and offers 71.3 cubic feet of cargo space, more than a Ford Edge.

2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid

Base price: $28,240
The Ford Fusion Hybrid is the ideal choice for the family who wants to go "green." It has useful room for five, and it comes well-equipped with features such as rear park assist, Ford Sync and Sirius satellite radio. With EPA fuel-economy ratings of 41 mpg city/36 mpg highway, the Fusion's hybrid system is impressively effective and will save families plenty at the pump. And unlike some dedicated hybrids, the driving experience is not compromised.

2011 Kia Sorento

Base price: $19,995
In size and price, the Sorento straddles the line between midsize and compact crossover. In base form, it offers a competent 4-cylinder engine and seating for five with a roomy second row. Higher-priced V6 trims get a standard third row that expands capacity to seven, but makes space tight for second- and third-row passengers. Still, the 7-passenger option is a plus for many families. The Sorento also is a pleasure to drive.

2011 Dodge Durango

Base price: $28,130
The brand-new Durango is hitting the market now and it is a home run. Like another strong contender, the Chevrolet Traverse, the Durango is a large midsize crossover with seating for eight and a spacious rear cargo area. The Durango bests the Chevy Traverse in interior quality, though; you'd swear you were in a luxury vehicle. We also like the driving dynamics, the new 3.6-liter V6 engine and the available V8 power.

2011 Dodge Charger

Base price: $25,170
If a midsize sedan works for the family, the extra room in a full-size sedan makes it that much better. Two of the best are domestics: the brand-new Dodge Charger and the Ford Taurus. Both are good buys, but we chose the Charger for its attractive pricing and slight edges in dynamic character and seating comfort. We recommend the Rally Package, which brings the total to $27,540 while adding features such as a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity and an Alpine sound system.

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

Base price: $16,275
Compact cars aren't generally considered family vehicles, but they'll work just fine if you have one or two kids. Among some strong candidates, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze 4-door sedan stands out for its refinement, fuel economy, sporty character and safety features. All Cruzes feature 10 standard airbags, including front knee and rear side airbags. The LS base trim is a bargain, but we're impressed by the $20,675 2LT, which comes with easy-to-clean leather upholstery, Bluetooth and USB connectivity, heated front seats, and the thriftier and more responsive turbocharged 1.4-liter engine.