Well... no big loss if there's no keyless on the base Crosswind... the stock keyless system sucks as an alarm (ours works only after every other oil change... and has stopped working since mid-year).

At least the XT has decent sized tires, not those horrendous off-road balloons the XUV has (no offense, Doc! Just think they're useless on such a basic 4x2).

I'd say the choice between Crosswind and Adventure should really be up to your friend. I personally prefer the Crosswind because I have experience with it, and though I've had the exhaust fixed twice under warranty (they finally learned, though... flexpipe went in during second fix), I've had no radiator or other problems. But the ride takes some getting used to. Can't comment on the current XT, but I'm sure the current XUV will ride just as badly.

I guess the best bet is to have your friend try both out and see what he prefers driving.

The Carens? Did somebody say Carens? Where? Where?!? Nah... it's too small in the third row to impinge on AUV territory, and it'll be expensive. I'm still waiting, though.