well, it really depends on your needs and budget.

- do you need a 4wd vehicle? if so, what possible terrain will you go up against?
- how many people will you regularly carry? what about cargoload?
- is safety a MUST for you?
- how much is your budget? as you said, the escape is expensive. but compact SUVs are almost similarly priced. if you can't afford a base escape then you might not be able to afford the others too.