Jeff, your posts are incredibly useful and insightful.

If you don't need the 8-passenger seating, and the Element is a bit too extreme for you, the CR-V is excellent. It has a smooth ride, a choice of either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic and a slick 2.4 liter i-VTEC 160HP powerplant. Best news is a loaded CR-V will cost you thousands less than a base Pilot.

The CR-V excells in cargo space as well, especially given it's size.