When a van is too big and an SUV isn’t an option, you may want to try a crossover vehicle. Something that has a car-like appearance but has bigger storage space and the occasional all-wheel drive system. Toyota happily fills your need with the new Venza. This in-betweener sports an aggressive look with an imposing front grill and bulked up fender flares. It looks like a wagon that enjoyed its stay at the gym, with all those curves and contours not normally found on soccer mom’s mobiles. Inside, a leather interior coupled with a voice-activated touch screen for all the in-car entertainment gives a feel of luxury. An optional panoramic roof lets the rear-seat passengers enjoy an unobstructed view of the heavens. Two engines will be available, four or six cylinders. $29,000+.

Three factors don’t usually mix well with cars: power, style, and economy. But somehow, Audi comes up with a car that might just have all three in spades. The 2010 version of the Quattro A4 is a crossover car, designed for the road and will hold its own off-road should you decide to go beyond the beaten path. It’s esentially an A4 Avant wagon but with an increased ground clearance, a redesigned body, and clever engineering for the engine and transmission. Three engines will be available, a 2.0 liter TFSI petrol engine delivering 211 BHP, a 2.0 TDI turbo diesel, and a 3.0 TDI. Of course, all engines will be mated to the immaculate Quattro all-wheel drivetrain, with a manual shifter for the 2.0 diesel and the S Tronic system for the other two. $48,000.