We considered quite a few cars. Nissan Rogue and Xterra, Toyota Rav and FJ, Jeep Patriot, Subaru Forester N/A and turbo and the Outback, Mitsu Outlander, Honda CRV. There maybe a couple I'm forgetting. The list quickly narrowed and even more so after test driving them and checking bang for buck. We found all the 4cyl, except the turbo Forester, to be woefully underpowered. Also, it must be a 4wd or awd, so the engine is stressing even more. This knocked out quite a few and left us with the RAV, FJ, and Xterra. They 3 have similar engine sizes, give or take a half liter and 10hp. The Rav is roomier than the FJ and comparable if not more so than the Xterra. The Rav is a much more suited to our need, however. The Xterra is an excellent off roader, but is completely beat out by the FJ, an equally good off roader and the RAV in most other categories for us. The Xterra was bad on gas milage, very trucky and when you got into it, the motor just sounded thrashed and harsh. Interior was nicer in the Toyotas, as well. Road noise and intrusion was worse than the FJ and Rav. The Rav was slightly more roomy than the FJ, better visibility, gas milage and performance. Pricing was close. The FJ is better off road, that's it. And since this is more for her than I, the RAV was the right choice and still quite capable with the 4wd package. And yes, it's suprisingly quick for what it is. I didn't like the Rav's before, but the newer ones are pretty nice.
Things are moving pretty good, so far. I'll update later.