Earlier today, the editors at Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com announced their picks for the Best New Family Vehicles for 2008. After driving and reviewing many 2008 family haulers – all of which qualify in varying degrees as safe, roomy, and affordable – kbb.com editors selected this year's Best New Family Vehicles by evaluating each on factors like resale value, fuel efficiency, capability and, most importantly, family-friendliness.

One notable change this year is that half of the winners are three-row crossover vehicles that have come to represent the standard for family vehicles by combining SUV-like functionality with car-like ride and handling. The rest of the list is comprised of a range of vehicles that includes a sedan, a wagon, an SUV, and two minivans.

Saturn's Outlook was among the three-row crossovers that were bestowed with the honor. "Combining more interior room than a Chevy Tahoe with superior ride, handling and fuel economy, the seven- or eight-passenger Saturn Outlook full-size crossover represents the latest step in three-row family transportation," wrote kbb.com. "Compared with its GMC Acadia counterpart, the Outlook's lower starting price makes it easier to add options like rear-seat entertainment, panoramic sunroof and all-wheel drive."

The entire list of Kbb.com's 2008 Best New Family Vehicles in alphabetical order are:

• 2008 Chevrolet Malibu
• 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe
• 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan
• 2008 Ford Taurus X
• 2008 Honda Odyssey
• 2008 Hyundai Veracruz
• 2008 Mazda CX-9
• 2008 Saturn Outlook
• 2008 Subaru Outback
• 2008 Toyota Highlander

"Each of the models on the kbb.com 2008 Best New Family Vehicles list represents the best package of what families really look for when choosing a new car; kid-friendly options combined with the value, safety and capabilities that parents require," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "As Americans spend more and more time in their vehicles each year, auto manufacturers are increasingly providing great family vehicles across multiple segments. In 2008, the three-row crossover vehicle has succeeded the wagon of the seventies, the minivan of the eighties and the SUV of the nineties as the quintessential family vehicle."

Source: Kelley Blue Book