[Mustangman25]

I would try the car comparison forum (in the Cars in General forum) for better advice. However (keep in mind that this is biased because I hate SUVs) I don't really like the idea of a new driver driving an SUV...I think that because of their size, power, etc., it's better to drive one daily with a little more experience. Yes, they may absorb more crash impact, but I feel bad for that poor soul in the sub-compact that gets destroyed because he was hit by an SUV. Wanna go off road, but don't have much money? Buy a used Wrangler, get the 4 cylinder, and you should get decent MPG for an SUV/truck.