CRV or Rav4 if you want an SUV. Rav4 comes in a V6 that will get upper 20s mpg if you're nice to it.
I know I sound like a Mazda commercial sometimes, but if you want versatility, reliability, and something a little different, look at the Mazda5. Can haul a boat load of stuff, or six people, and being built on the same platform as the Mazda3 handles amazingly well. Not a rocketship by any stretch, but I get 30ish MPG on a long trip running 75 mph. Best to get a 2008 or newer as they added rear AC, AUX input, various armrests, 5 speed auto tranny, etc.
Touring model adds fog lights, sunroof, side skirts and rear spoiler. Grand Touring adds leather, HID headlights, LED tail lights, Blue tooth (which is worthless due to microphone placement).
This is NOT a GT as they claim:
^^^^2009 Mazda Mazda5^^^^
Mazda3 Hatchback with a 5 speed would be fun, but will lack the cargo capacity of the 5.
I drove a Ford Escape recently. Couldn't get past the truck-like feel.
There's always this:
1994 E320 Wagon - 105K miles