Driving Smart's Top 10 Family Cars of 2010

American families want it all in a new car: top marks in design, performance, fuel economy, quality, safety, versatility, room, comfort and technology.

Fortunately, automakers From American, Europe and Asia are listening to the many needs of moms, dads and kids with lots of award-winning models geared towards busy families who need excellent everyday driving vehicles.

• The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid has what families need: form and function at a low price, excellent fuel economy (41 mpg city, 36 mpg hwy) just, a roomy and comfortable interior with quality materials and seriously fun performance. However, the Fusion garnered the No. 1 spot because of Ford’s way cool SYNC connectivity system.
• The 2010 Buick LaCrosse is one of GM’s best designed cars in a long time. This full-sized sedan has sexy Euro-Asian design outside and excellent performance, but the interior is truly cool with a truly unique central console and TV screens built into each back head rest.
• The 2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover is one of the best buys for families with its low price, standard navigation, zippy performance, ergonomic interior, excellent safety and lots of cargo room. If you are seeking an all-wheel-drive vehicle for inclement weather, go for the Suzuki SX4 Crossover, which comes as a five-door hatchback model.
• The 2010 Subaru Legacy comes in a wagon version that’s perfect for families who live in cold climates. Subarus come with lots of standard features, Subaru’s incomparable all-wheel drive, excellent performance, lots of room and good fuel economy.
• The completely redesigned 2010 Honda Insight is a top mid-sized sedan for families who love great design both inside and out, great fuel economy (40 mpg city, 43 mpg hwy), great performance and loads of standard features.
• The third generation 2010 Toyota Prius (51 mpg city, 48 mpg hwy) has garnered much acclaim because this mid-sized sedan is still the most fuel efficient car on the road today. Plus, the 2010 Prius is a good deal with its rather low price, quirky design, high quality, zippy performance, top safety rankings and advanced technology.
• The 2010 VW Jetta SportWagen TDI is at the top of my list for fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient (estimated 41 combined mpg) and super low emissions car. This diesel-powered sport wagon truly has excellent performance and great overall versatility.
• The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox has been completely redesigned by GM to reveal a top contender for best 2010 compact crossover (CUV). The Equinox gets top in class fuel economy (32 mpg hwy, 22 mpg city) as well as excellent performance and interior design.
• The all-new 2010 Lincoln MKT is one of the best-designed crossovers (CUVs) today. Dad will love the brash American styling and mom will love the roomy interior, loads of cargo space, top safety marks and Ford’s SYNC connectivity system with Sirius TravelLink and weather forecasting.
• The 2010 Honda Odyssey is still the most plush minivan in America. Yep, Honda’s Odyssey may be the best family vehicle ever with its loads of standard features, excellent performance, top safety marks and tons of high-tech options.

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif. Follow me! @sheryllalexande