[fatmike]

Wifey looking for a new ride.

SUV/Crossover.

Probably 7 seats, but that limits things.

I want 30 mpg on the highway that limits things even more (likely a diesel, but it doesn't have to be).

So far looked at:
- the diesel Audi Q7. Great car, but just too big and heavy, but nice inside and solid as can be. Weighs 5700 lbs and you feel it. Expensive for what you get.
- the diesel BMW 5 has optional tiny seat in the back. Good overall, good on the road. But it seems like its been around forever and didn't impress like the others. Seats were poor, and lacked grunt on the road like the Mercedes and Q. Expensive for what you get.
- Diesel Mercedes ML350. I was very impressed by the Mercedes, the new ML is a big improvement over prior cars. Unbelievable engine with 450+lb-ft of torque. Literally like a monster truck. Drove it in the rain and it just ate it up. A clear value compared to the BMW and Audi. I am unclear on their MB Tex (synthetic leather) and it seems like you can't even get one with Xenons yet.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee. Interestingly, the Jeep stands out as a solid value and far exceeded my expectations. You probably think it's outclassed, but it's in the mix with the "outlander package" and $20K less than the others... Neither the jeep or Mercedes have the 3rd row. I drove the jeep with the understanding there is a diesel coming later this year. I'm concerned about Jeep's reliablility and the fact they load up the thing with so much off-road gear (air shocks, etc.).

I want to look at the Cayenne, but reasonably equipped it's breathtakingly expensive ($15K+ more than the Mercedes!) which is more than I'd like to spend, and fails both of our tests (3rd row and gas mileage).

This is a vehicle that I can see keeping for 10+ years, so I am willing to spend up a little to get what I want.

Any recommendations or suggestions?