One Diesel and Four Hybrids Make Kelly Blue Book's 2009 Top 10 Family Vehicles List

The editors of the online segment of Kelly Blue Book, kbb.com., have announced their choices for the 2009 Best New Family Vehicles. Considerations taken into account were resale value, fuel efficiency, capability and child-friendliness. In making their choices, kbb.com's team of experts embraced the idea that our nation's sluggish economy has resulted in less spending, in general, and in the automobile segment of the market, in particular. Therefore, the KBB's staff selected models that support a more frugal spending/good value pattern.

The 2009 Top 10 Family Vehicle's list has five alternatively-fueled vehicles, including one diesel-powered sedan and four hybrid models. Hybrids are capable of increasing fuel economy by, in some cases, 10-25 mpg more than conventional gasoline-fueled vehicles and new clean diesel technology can achieve up to 30 percent greater fuel economy; the new clean diesel is also now approved for all 50 states.

The five alternatively-fueled winners for the 2009 Best New Family Vehicles are as follows:

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hy brid
Cited for its greener side while maintaining its cargo-carrying capacity, seating and towing capacity of 6200 pounds, this full-sized SUV's hybrid powerplant brings 21 city / 22 highway mpg.

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid
This updated gas-electric powertrain jumps this compact SUV's fuel efficiency rates above the Toyota Camry Hybrid, with its 34 city / 31 highway mpg. Benefits include the open, rear cargo area.

2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid
The fuel efficiency of this updated, mid-sized sedan is upwards of 135 miles more than that of its gasoline-fueled cousin with a full tank of fuel. This hybrid brings 33 city / 34 highway mpg.

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
This mid-sized SUV's hybrid is the most fuel-efficient crossover vehicle with three rows of seating in the U.S. It achieves 27 city / 25 highway mpg.

2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen TDI
Volkswagen's new clean diesel technology now makes this award-winning vehicle accessible in all 50 states. It offers 30 city / 41 highway mpg.

--Sue Mead