re: Best mid-size SUV under 30k?

We just went through this process. Your needs and desires are likely different than ours, but bang for buck we thought the Ford Edge was the best one we test drove. We were replacing an Edge though so were already familiar with the make and model. Gets 22mpg in city, and 29mpg on the highway. Models we test drove or kicked the tires on in the lot....

Subaru Forrester - too small
Honda CR-V - too small
Honda Pilot - the one at our price point had too many miles.
Toyota Highlander - Overpriced for what it was
Lexus RX350 - forget what the wife didn't like about it.
Lexus NX300 - Too small
Acura RDX - too small
Acura MDX - a little over our budget, but could have made it work. A very close 2nd.
Infiniti QX60(I think)- Wife loved it but I talked her out of it because of the CVT transmission.


I think that's it. We drove off the lot right under $25k for the Edge.