Short list = Mazda CX-7, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Forester, VW Tiguan - although we haven't driven any yet.
Trying to stay @ $23k
Basic model - no frills wanted
Wife does not want a car / wagon, wants to ride higher up - had a minivan the last 2 leases. CR-v, RAV4 may be too small / tinny.

Usually lease but may buy this time - so I would not be oppossed to a @2 year old higher end model.

thoughts?

personally, it drives great, but the only problem is with the base Tig, you won't get AWD. If AWD is need Tig will cost at least 30k. Then I'd suggest a Forester, maybe the XT model :)

other than that it has been great.