Actually that is very helpful! Our other friends wife just picked up a 09' Rav4 Sport (w/o the spare on the back as they have the special run flat tires) and we were starting to consider the same model, but new. My wife loves the AWD/4WD on the Escape, she does not know a lot about how the 4wd systems work so it 'idiot proof' (not that I am calling her an idiot

) The Escape is really the only small SUV that has decent room in the cargo area. Most we looked at all have the sleek sloped tailgates which kill the vertical cargo capacity. Some 'kid' whipped lanes the other day on the highway, put her to the side in the snow and dirt, little Escape (07') stayed straight as an arrow. Not the prettiest SUV but has been very safe!