My personal views regarding SUV:
1. An real SUV should be 4X4, AWD(center differential) or 4x4x4 (A4WD).
2. Horsepower and torque are important but you have to look at the corresponding speed. For example, a 200 ft.lbs @ 4500 rpm might be better than a 230 ft.lbs @ 6000 rpm. A flat torque curve gives you a "strong" feeling. Towing capacity is also important for a SUV. It implies the gearbox quality.
3. RAV4 and CR-V (Car-like SUVs) are entrance SUVs. If SUV feeling is important, you should buy something with 3.0L or above engine.
4. My recommendataion is either Liberty or Xterra for you. They are popular on the street. Another good choice would be Pathfinder. This truck has very good reputation on the market.
I checked the new car prices for these models, seems that to get a decent one, you end up paying around $40000, way out of my budget, I need to wait till I am 35 for an upgrade. Thank you guys, and see you on road.