Whether you are thinking of starting a family in the near future, have toddlers creeping towards school age years, or have already reached into the world of carpooling, having the right vehicle simply makes life easier. It is important to note that good carpooling vehicles are not limited to minivans, although the modern minivan goes to great lengths to make your life convenient. Parents have a lot to consider when they shop for a vehicle. The first rule of thumb for choosing any car is always the same: Separate what you want from what you truly need. So many consumers are wooed into buying something they don’t need. Below are some important criteria for choosing the best vehicle for carpooling with kids.

The Need for Extra Space: The fact is kids require a lot of gear, whether it’s the diaper bag, the strollers, or the hockey bag or bike. If you have multiple children in car seats it is important to remember this will take up extra space as well. Look for plentiful cargo space, second-row legroom and sliding second-row seats. Minivans, such as the top-rated Toyota Sienna, are still the most practical choice here, but there are plenty of other options, particularly crossover vehicles.

Safety Features are Key: For some reason carrying your kids, or others kids in you car motivated the need for the best safety. While large SUV have a higher likelihood of rollover and smaller cars are no match for larger on, minivans and crossovers are a good middle ground. They are not as likely to roll over, but because they are larger and higher up off the ground provide more protection than small cars. Look for cars with comprehensive safety features and excellent crash test scores — particularly in side-impact crashes, the kind most likely to injure backseat passengers. Also look for rearview cameras, excellent visibility front and rear, and good stopping distances. Note that all vehicles sold in the U.S. will be required to have electronic stability control — a critical safety feature — as standard equipment by 2012.

Convenience a Top Priority: The bottom line with family cars is this: what vehicle will make getting in and out, strapping car seats and seatbelt, storing and organizing, and loading and unloading the easiest.  Carmakers within the last decade have come up with brilliant ideas to make busy family life easier.  Look for easy entry and exit captain's chairs that allow you to access the third row. Anything that helps you avoid juggling keys while getting the herd home — power rear hatches, push-button and/or remote start — can be a huge help. Minivans' with powered sliding door options make them one of the best choices for their segment, as they make just about everything easier with younger children.

Keep it Clean: Kids can be messy, you go through mud season, beach season, and in some places slush and snow season. All of this tracks dirt into the car no matter what you do.  Cheerios, food wrappers and crayons end up between the seats and ground into the floor mats. Not only is it annoying to live with, it may even lower the resale value. To keep your carpooling ride intact, look for darker, stain-resistant fabrics, or leather, which is easier to clean. Often optional, washable cargo areas and rubber floor mats can save your car's carpets.