Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;} Model Tested: GMC Acadia DenaliCompetition in its class: Buick Enclave, Lincoln MKT, Honda Pilot, Ford FlexMSRP for the model tested: $63,625 The GMC Acadia is one gorgeous ride, inside and out. My initial impression was that it is quite similar in appearance to the Buick Enclave, both in its interior features and handling. Similarly to the Enclave, the Acadia, depending on which configuration is chosen, is... More »

Looking for cool ways to go green? So are we! That's why Ontario Tire Stewardship is hosting the Green My Tires blog series on UrbanMoms. Throughout the series you will find information on innovative green products, the how-to's on getting even greener and the ins and outs of recycling your tires. Learn while following this new green trend! If you're like me, you dread tire shopping. Dread. So many kinds, so many types: All-season, winter, summer, hydro-whatever, skid-something... I glaze over at the mere sight of the racks upon racks of tires.  I know they are designed to help keep... More »

Model Tested: Chevrolet Cruze LT Turbo Competition in its class: Honda Civic • Toyota Corolla • Mazda 3 • Nissan Sentra • Ford Focus • Volkswagen Jetta MSRP for the model tested: $19, 495 for the LT Turbo (Cruze LS starts at $14,995) with an additional $1,570 in optional upgrades.  Even before it was named the 2011 Canadian Car of the Year, the Chevy Cruze burst on to the scene with one thing in mind: wow Canadians. But before Canadians, drivers around the world tested and re-tested this car. Chevy's global organization meticulously planned and re-planned, intent on bringing the... More »

Model tested: Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4X4 MSRP for model reviewed: $53,885 (based model of Laramie Crew Cab: $46,415) Competition in its class: Toyota Tundra • Chevy Silverado • GMC Sierra • Ford 150 Okay, so it's not a traditional "Urban Mom" vehicle, but trucks are a little more prevalent as family vehicles now with the availability of crew cabs. Trucks aren't just for men or meant to be strictly work vehicles anymore. They are increasingly more appealing to females and are very also very versatile when it comes to toting around ruggedly transporting children, gear, and groceries.... More »

Model tested: Dodge Grand Caravan Crew MSRP for model reviewed: $43, 445 (Base price $39,995) Competition in its class: Honda Odyssey • Kia Sedona • Nissan Quest • Toyota Sienna If one were to compare the nuts and bolts of the 2011 Dodge Caravan and the 2011 Town & Country - which I reviewed just prior to the Caravan - they would likely conclude that they are basically one in the same. The interior cabin space and engine size are virtually identical, save a few different emblems, but once you sit inside, it's evident that these two vehicles are aimed... More »

Model Tested: Chrysler Town & Country Limited Competition in its class: Toyota Sienna • Honda Odyssey • Nissan Quest MSRP for the model tested: $52, 870.00 (Base model valued at $33,995.00)Well, it happened. I drove a mini van. This time it was a Chrysler Town & Country, and despite how well equipped it is, trucking the kids back and forth from daycare and soccer, drive-in movies and grocery shopping all just feels so much more domesticated in a van. I can't help it. Vans are just uncool. We know it, automakers admit it, and yet the functionality of a minivan really cannot be disputed. Once... More »

MSRP for the model tested: $50, 620.00; the base 4X4 model sits at $37, 995.00. Competition in its class: Ford Explorer • Honda Pilot • Hyundai Santa Fe • Nissan Murano • Toyota Highlander When I was ten I was certain one day I would own a Jeep Cherokee. To this day they remind me of summer vacations with my aunt, driving north for camping trips. That was 1989 and today's Jeeps are very similar to what I remember: roomy, comfortable, and rugged. The appearance has varied slightly over the years, but the Grand Cherokee holds true to its strong and... More »

Model tested: Kia Forte5 EXMSRP for model tested: $23,000.00 Competition in its class: Mazda3 Sport • Suzuki SX4 • Mitsubishi Lancer Sportback • Volkswagen Golf This 5-door hatch back can move and accommodates a family of four quite comfortably, including rather large, oversized car seats. For some, it may not be an ideal only car, like say if you are a family of four, have a dog and travel a lot requiring a fair amount of luggage, but definitely works as a second vehicle for local trips as a family or if you commute. Speaking of commuting, the gas mileage in the Kia Forte5 is... More »

Model tested: Buick Enclave CXL AWDMSRP for the model tested: 64, 745.00 Competition in its class: Acura MDX AWD • Lincoln MKT • Lexus RX 350 FWD Immediately the exterior of this vehicle took me in: eye-catching, sleek and compact looking; the Enclave is beautiful. The exterior chrome finishes really complete the look, accentuating the curves of this gorgeous-looking ride. My initial impression of the interior was that it was extremely busy. The mix of leather, brushed nickel, genuine mahogany accents and traditional plastic-like interior trim didn't do it for me. Colours aside, the interior feels comfortable and inviting. The cup holders and... More »

Competition in its class: Honda Civic Si, Toyota Corolla S, Mitsubishi Lancer MSRP for model tested: $27,036Sporty, sleek and fun to drive, the 6-speed manual Nissan Sentra Spec-V originally caught my eye while on a retreat for the preview of the all-new Nissan Quest back in March. Immediately I got in touch with Heather, from Cohn & Wolfe, and told her I had to try this car out.Sure, it's not a traditional family car - it's listed as a Performance Car on Nissan's website - but the sporty Sentra does provide the space needed for kids/baggage/pets/friends without being overly large... More »