Suburban step-down

Dear Terry,
It's time to trade in my 1999 Chevrolet Suburban. I have enjoyed the car and it served me well, especially when my kids were growing up. But now I don't need that much space. I'm not ready to downsize to a small sedan, but I wanted to see what 2007 midsize SUV you would recommend that offers room for at least five people, yet doesn't guzzle gas like my Suburban. Thanks,
-- Jason

Dear Jason,
A lot has changed since you last went new-car shopping and you've probably heard that so-called "crossover" sport utility vehicles are now in vogue. They look like SUVs but are based on a car chassis. Many in base form come in front-wheel-drive, with V6 engines and room for at least five and sometimes come with a third-row bench seat suitable for children.

For maximum fuel efficiency, the choice would have to be the Toyota Highlander Hybrid, which gets 32 miles per gallon in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. But the mid-$30,000 sticker price is a major drawback.

I'd recommend you put the new Ford Edge on your shopping list. After having driven one recently for more than 500 miles, it's surprisingly refined and gets 25 mpg highway and 18 mpg city. It's priced under $30,000, and Ford dealers -- struggling for sales -- are dealing.