The fashion-conscious won’t hesitate to tell you that driving a minivan is akin to wearing white socks with black shoes (unless you’re Michael Jackson circa 1985). Both serve a function but have the aura of hopeless uncool.

Still, many families need the larger space that until recently was only available in minivans. With the Corporate Average Fuel Economy restrictions imposed on automakers by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and all the drama now surrounding General Motors, it’s fair to say manufacturers won’t gamble with anything less than a sure bet of a large car.