IRVINE, Calif. -

Kelley Blue Book’s Kbb.com released its list of Top 10 Family Cars of 2011 late last week, evaluating vehicles across such family-friendly metrics as safety, comfort, economy of operation, child-friendliness, how reasonable the purchase price is and the strength of the vehicle’s resale value.

Six different OEMs were represented, with Chrysler,  Ford, General Motors and Hyundai/Kia taking two spots each. 

“This year was especially difficult for the kbb.com editors to narrow down the Top 10 Family Cars of 2011 choices, as there is such a variety of new cars on the market today that have appealing features for the American family; capable versatility, value, safety and economical factors, to name a few,” stated Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst at Kbb.com.

“Just as there is no perfect family, there is no perfect family vehicle that is just right for all families, all the time,” he continued. “However, there are many great options available on the market today in various segments, and the Kbb.com editors chose a wide variety of what we feel are the Top 10 Family Cars that should be on every family’s consideration list for 2011.”

The following are the 10 vehicles that made the list, along with the respective Kbb.com Fair Purchase Price and commentary:

2011 Chevrolet Suburban: $39,781

“In addition to seating for up to nine passengers, the ability to tow up to 9,600 pounds and a whopping 45.8 cubic feet of cargo space — behind the third row! — the 2011 Chevy Suburban returns better-than-Expedition fuel economy of 15 city and 21 highway miles per gallon,” officials noted.

“Add to this people- and cargo-moving mix a pleasant ride and all manner of creature comforts, and it’s easy to see why the Suburban made our list of Top 10 Family Cars again this year,” they added.

2011 Chevrolet Traverse: $29,219

“No stranger to this list, the Chevy Traverse remains among the most family-friendly vehicles on the market. Practical features like seating for up to eight passengers, abundant cargo space, impressive fuel economy and a five-star overall crash rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration appeal to our pragmatic side, while the 2011 Chevy Traverse’s attractive exterior styling and surprisingly nimble handling help win over our emotions,” editors stated.

2011 Chrysler 300: Fair Purchase Price Not Yet Available; MSRP is $27,995

“Before minivans and then SUVs, large sedans were a staple of the American road and the families who roamed them,” KBB pointed out. “Today, there are just a handful of large sedans with family-friendly starting prices. The 2011 Chrysler 300 is one of the newest and one of the best. With a HEMI V8 engine and all the accoutrements, a Chrysler 300C will climb well into the $40,000 range, but for under $30,000 you can treat the family to a well-crafted interior, roomy backseat, uncannily quiet highway ride, keyless entry and start, plus an 8.4-inch LCD control screen.”

2011 Ford Explorer: $27,487

“The 2011 Ford Explorer isn’t just new from the tires up, it’s different. Whereas every Explorer before it featured truck-style body-on-frame construction, the newest Explorer is a car-based crossover vehicle with unibody construction,” officials commented.

2011 Ford Flex: $29,316

“The boxy, wagon-like design isn’t for every mom and dad, but a quick spin in the 2011 Ford Flex can convert even the most unadventurous buyer,” officials noted.

“Combining a 262-horsepower V6 with a lower center of gravity than most three-row options, the 2011 Ford Flex is the most fun-to-drive, most car-like family hauler you can get your hands on for less than $30,000. It also offers enough amenities — including a small refrigerator — to make it a viable minivan substitute. Want to have even more fun? Go for the 355-horsepower twin-turbo 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine and you can relive your days as a lead-footed hooligan (after you drop off the kids),” they added.

2011 Honda Odyssey: $26,980

“As the gold standard of minivans, the Honda Odyssey easily makes our list of family haulers. Designed to please the whole family, including the driver, the 2011 Honda Odyssey offers surprisingly responsive handling while maintaining a comfortable highway ride,” KBB shared. “The kids will be more impressed by the extra-wide 16-inch rear video display that can function as two side-by-side monitors and show two movies at once.”

2011 Hyundai Sonata: $20,145

“The all-new 2011 Hyundai Sonata has taken the midsize sedan market by storm with a compelling mix of design, quality and value. The Sonata also is chock-full of safety features, comes with one of the best warranties on the market, and even offers a fuel-sipping hybrid model,” editors stressed.

“With enough style and versatility to transform effortlessly from child-hauler to client shuttle on a daily basis, the 2011 Hyundai Sonata is an easy choice for someone who needs to impress while still being practical,” they shared.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee: $29,445

“For families whose taste for the finer things in life is only rivaled by their lust for adventure, we recommend the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The recently redesigned Grand Cherokee remains every inch the capable off-roader, but improved on-road manners and an elevated level of refinement — most noticeable in its well-appointed cabin — propel Jeep’s flagship to new levels of excellence,” KBB stated.

2011 Kia Sorento: $20,478

“The 2011 Kia Sorento is our new favorite in what we often label the two-and-a-half-row segment. If you need three rows on a daily basis or plan on putting adults in the way back, you’ll be better served by something larger,” officials shared.

“But if your three-row needs are occasional and typically involve elementary-schoolers, the 2011 Kia Sorento is a more affordable, more fuel-efficient, more maneuverable alternative. A superior mix of ride, handling and interior appeal helped cement the Sorento’s spot on this year’s list of Top 10 Family Cars,” they added.

2011 Volkswagen Golf: $18,390

“In much of Europe, where wagons and hatchbacks enjoy the same popularity that sedans have in the United States, the Volkswagen Golf is as much a family car as the Toyota Camry is here,” KBB explained.

“With a starting price under $20,000, hatchback versatility, true European driving dynamics and an interior that rivals those of some much pricier cars, the 2011 Volkswagen Golf is a perfectly practical family car that also satisfies a desire for something nice and fun,” it added.