[Dimis]

Wife has a RAV (short wheelbase 2.4lt) and I can't fault it.
Before that we had a Subie and really couldn't fault that either.
Now we are in a similar boat tossing up b/w a Subie Forester or a VW Tiguan, both around 40-45K, so probably beyond a 25K budget.
Truth is they are all very competitive with each other, and will serve there purpose well. It will all come down to what's important to you.
EG: I like the Subie cos its less "pretentious" than the VW, but wife like the VW cos its "classier" it's a matter of opinion really.

Enjoy.
Anth