I'm putting together a case study, and I need GRM's help.

One important thing, do you need real 4x4 (selectable, low range) or just AWD?

BoostedBrandon said:

In reply to BlindPirate :

There can only be one Highlander...

Just for the name alone and being able to make lots of references to the movies and or TV show.

Curtis said:

I will echo most of the suggestions here, but I would avoid some of the American ones.  When compared to the asian offerings, they just pale in comparison in categories like build quality, reliability, and quality of materials.

Highlander/4runner are fantastic choices.

I can't really get behind some of the smaller SUVs like the Santa Fe.  They are fantastic cars, but the point is... they are cars.  A CRV is a lifted civic.  A RAV4 is a lifted Corolla.  Fine if you need an appliance that carries 5 people, but I don't consider them SUVs at all.

Sante Fe and Sorento are 3-row SUV's the size of the highlander/passport thingys. You may be thinking the Tucson and Sportage which are 2-row CRV sized trucklets. 

Add an XTERRA to the list if you want proper 4x4.

To me, your requirements cry out "turbocharged Forester." I know Subarus are polarizing, though, and I respect that.

Not sure if this has been mentioned, but I think you can get a Santa Fe with a stickshift. At least, the one that I had to reverse out of the way of on a hill recently sure seemed like it had a stickshift.

In reply to G_Body_Man :

I'll second the xterra for the steaming hot garbage depreciation compared to the 'yotas.