RLSH700

Since AWD is not a priority for you, go with a minivan. My parents like them so much that my dad is talking about replacing his company car with another minivan. They make really nice vacation vehicles, they ride very smoothly yet not floaty either like some SUVs. The fuel economy on the highway is pretty easy to get in the lower to mid 20s. Although none of them are muscle car fast, the current Grand Caravan/Town & Country has acceleration times that are similar to the fastests full-sized SUVs. The Stow'N'Go seating would be very useful for when you need the room for your dogs and will be nice for anytime you need extra spaces for passengers. The other advantage of minivans is the fact that SUVs are a royal pain in the behind when it comes to getting into the third row. On the Expeditions, Suburbans, Explorers, Durangos, or any other SUV that has three rows of seating that I have ridden in are extremely annoying to get in and out of and on top of this, they are never comfortable in the third row. They either feel like you are sitting on the floor and/or your head will be hitting the ceiling (and I'm only 5ft 9in for crying out loud). Go with a Grand Caravan SXT is my advice since it has the Lifetime Warranty.

Crossovers are pretty much the same as SUVs when it comes to the inconvenience, the fuel mileage is a little better. They generally cost more than minivans while doing little to distinguish themselves.

I honestly don't understand what people hate about minivans, they are nice vehicles. Not buying one because girls by reputation drive them makes about as much sense as not buying the last generation Camaro, which mostly women were found driving them. What distinguishes a man is not what he drives, but who he is as a person. True men don't care about the image, they buy what they darn well want.

tdub, the problem with the Hybrid Durango is that they cost a lot of extra money that studies show you will probably never be able to make up the difference, plus the cost of new battery packs can cost over $7K. Then there is the safety hazards if you get into an accident. It really isn't worth it.