[NOS2Go4Me]

I was considering a slightly-used (1 or 2-year old) Nissan X-Trail until I found out they're 4-cyl only. Sadly, I find them to be a better all-around package than the Rogue that replaces them.

The Acura's nice, I suppose... but it's an overpriced Honda. If you want the "name" or the perceived luxury level, then it works for you. Personally, the only "name" brand vehicles that work for me over the years are the ones with significantly-improved performance (ex. Acura NSX, which is a Honda overseas).

As for the 48Gs Honda... *CHOOOOKE* wha? :o I'd stay away at that price.

Murano - nice to look at for some (me included), but even for the sporty moves it doesn't command the sticker they're asking for in my eyes.

If you're more urban-based, you might want to revisit a slightly-used CX-7 that just came off a lease.

The Hyundai Santa Fe gets a lot of rave reviews from the folks at work (2-3 owned here) but I always found them too bubbly for me. They used to have a dedicated 4WD locking system (in addition to auto-4WD) but I can't remember if that was discontinued.

I looked at the Tuscon for 5 seconds till I realized it was MUCH smaller inside than the Escape.

And the one I'd recommend that you find with 1-2 years' worth of use on it if it's not an Escape? RAV-4. The V6 makes it quite the little barn burner and their lack of popularity leads to dealers making nice concessions to make a sale.