Minivans vs Utility vehicles

Dean Jones wrote:Dear Friends,

I was having problems in answering the following question.

Minivans carry as many as seven passengers and, compared with most sport utility
vehicles, cost less, get better gas mileage, allow passengers to get in and out more
easily, and have a smoother ride.

A. Minivans carry as many as seven passengers and, compared with most sport utility
vehicles, cost less, -- carry ..cost ..have ..all parallel. Hold
B. Minivans, which carry as many as seven passengers, compared with most sport utility
vehicles, they cost less, -- remove the ,which .., the meaning of the sentence crashes. POE.

C. Minivans carry as many as seven passengers, in comparison with most sport utility
vehicles, and have a lower cost, they -- usage of and, they antecedent not clear. POE.
D. Minivans, carrying as many as seven passengers, compared with most sport utility
vehicles, cost less, -- comma+ verb+ing modify entire clause not just the subject. carrying not in parallel with and have ... POE.
E. Minivans, which carry as many as seven passengers, compared with most sport utility
vehicles the cost is lower, and they -- the cost not parallel. they antecedent not clear.POE



Please help.

OA after some discussions.

My choice was option D

Regards
Deano.