Any of you own one of these? Jeep Patriot, Ford Escape, Honda Element?

The wife and I are looking for roomy, fuel efficient, small SUV. Must be 4x4 or AWD. Something I can use for a daily driver and not be afraid to toss sandy dogs into if we head to the beach for a day trip.

We have narrowed it down to these three.

Love the looks of the Patriot, but it has questionable reliability from what I have been reading, (most problems are in the CVT transmission). I have not driven one, yet.

I have driven an 09 Escape. 170hp, i4, AWD. The wife and I both really liked it. Rated at about 30 mpg on the highway (where I do 95% of my driving). I need to test drive a v6. About the same MPGs but 70 more hp.

Last is the Element. Solid Honda reliability. From what I have been reading, owners love them. Huge amount of space for a small SUV. Plastic interior and rubber floor. Worst of the 3 as far as gas milage.


Thoughts, other recommendations?