If you are conscious about fuel consumption and are buying a CUV, the best is to get the 4x2 M/T variant.

The Rav4 is a fine car, but resale value is ridiculously high. And take note that it is A/T and full time 4x4 only, unless you get the 1.8L 4x2 variant which is offered much later and is out of your budget.

If you're targeting the 2.0L A/T Escape, don't bother. Its a comfortable, well handling and sturdy (sturdiest among the three in fact) car mind you, but it drinks gas like a V6! Despite weedy performance, consumption is actually not far off from its 3.0V6 brother, which you might as well get instead. However, if you are to get the 2005 and above models with the 2,3L engine, then it turns to a really desirable car. Engine performance and fuel efficiency are both significantly increased.