What CUV/SUV/4x4 should I buy?

[Goodspeed]

Smaller:
CRV
Rav4

Good calls - I honestly haven't paid attention to the Rav4 since my friend's mom had one of those tiny 2-door rollover-machines in '96, but I'll read up on that one and the CRV

Crosstrek

So brain fart, my roommate has one of these. Never driven, but ridden in a few times. It seems to be a pretty sweet all-around vehicle, but the motor/CVT combo makes it feel like the automotive equivalent of a kid with asthma attempting an Ironman tri at every on-ramp. Not discounting it at all, but that reminds me of another question - are all CUVs neutured by their motor/trans combos like this? It seems from my casual reading that the segment is rife with this "issue", but clue me in if there's some sort of V6/6 speed auto freak out there - or something with FI.

Larger:
Pilot
Highlander
Forester

I'm sensing a very Japanese theme. Will also investigate

What not to buy:

A newer Jeep

Why's that? The new JK replacement is out soon, no? Are they just generally awful from a comfort standpoint, or reliability as well? What on my list of req's do the Jeeps poo on?

Why did you even make this thread? The answer is the CX-5.

So admittedly, I knew the CX-5 would come up, but I've hardly done any research on them, I just know they're popular. Any trims to inspect, issues to look out for?

I know by now many of you have gone through at least one vehicle in this category what with the kids and the adult responsibilities and the trips to see Grandma and it's the holidays! and we need mulch and how long has it been since we've been to the beach? so I figure I'd get a good real-world education here first.