My old man just returned his Toyota 4Runner and is on the lookout to charter something else. He previously expressed that the previous SUV was a little taxing on his posterior and also that the power was in excess of what he wanted… Now he's on the lookout for a 4 cylinder or a diminutive 6, and it needs to be SUV in view of the fact that he does kayaking, etc… + this is the solitary roomy car in the family, I used his car quite a few times to relocate stuff from one place to another given that I drive a Honda Accord and my wife a Scion Xa.

Nonetheless, the budget; it's definitely less than US $28k after taxes and fees.
He did like the Mazda CX7, but it's way too underpowered, the Turbo variant has admirable engine capacity and handles great, but for that much he feels he can do better.
He chanced upon a terrific deal at Volkswagen for a Jetta SportWagen 2.5L 5 cylinders… but he has a reliability concern given that our Audi A6 and VW Beetle were constantly having problems. I recommended that through a 36-month contract he shouldn't face any tribulations (as opposed to driving the Audi like he had for over 6 years).
We also looked at the new Kia Sorento, a pretty darn enjoyable vehicle, one can feel excellence all over when you enter inside… He also suggested that he might have purchased the SUV before now if it wasn't because the salesperson being such a douchebag… I feel inculing taxes it reaches $28k or so, although he seems to like the car very much.
He drove the Toyota FJ Cruiser (4 cylinders) and said that it drove like crap… I didn't get to check that one, however he does look to be assured that his new SUV won't be a Toyota.
If you are aware of any reliable options that he could look into without having to shell out an excessive sum of money, your suggestions would be most welcome.