The tough, lovable Scion xB has become an even more viable SUV alternative with its recent redesign. There's more interior space and more useful cubbies in which to toss random stuff. It's also more enjoyable to drive day-to-day.
It retains its center-mounted gauges, which are surprisingly easy to get used to. Plus, it has a funky radio with animated graphics you can select yourself.
While it's not available with all-wheel-drive, the xB has everything else you'd want from an SUV - minus the hefty fuel costs.