Subaru Forester XT or Mazda CX-7

[noobskie]

Hi guys newbie here.. im currently looking for a mid size SUV and would really appreciate your help here. I was about to pay my reservation for the Forester turbo when by chance I passed by the mazda dealer and they had the new cx 7, wow that car is a looker. Now i am really torn between the two.. I love the power and ride comfort of the forester but it sure looks old when compared to the CX 7 plus it has a nicer dashboard in my opinion.. What do you guys think would be a smarter buy? the forester or Cx7. The things that would be important to me would be :

1.) Looks
2.) Ride comfort and handling
3.) Power
4..) resale value in 3 years

thanks guys

1.) Looks - The CX-7 is a real head turner even compared to the Forester, nothing in its class could touch that thing in this department.

2.) Ride comfort and handling - Not so sure since I haven't rode in both. I'll just assume that both have excellent driving dynamics and comfort.

3.) Power - Forester XT with its turbo-charged engine. Now if Mazda brought in the 2.3 Turbo, things will be different. Even though, the 2.5 is no slouch.

4.) Resale value in 3 years
- Subarus hold their ground in this segment. Mazda on the other hand doesn't have that great resale value. Let's just wait and see since the CX-7 is a nice step away from the old Mazda.
If I were you though, I wouldn't consider this as part of your criteria.

I'd want that CX-7 in my garage right now if I were in your shoes. Nothing beats that feeling of turning heads everywhere you go.