I considered a CX5 before it was officially releasd.

Then I did "math"

My well-equipped mini: 33,500
equivalently loaded CX5 with no manual transmission option: 32,200

mpg: 25/31 MINI vs. 25/32 CX5
power: 181/177 MINI vs. 184/185 CX5 (I dont think they had the 2.5 last year?)
weight: 3208 MINI vs 3532 CX5
0-60: 6.8 MINI vs. 7.8 CX5

I really wanted to like the CX5 as a cheap option but I dunno... it just fails to live up.

I've had no issues with my Countryman. Except maybe lack of crap space but then I hate crap so...

It fits four full size adults my size (6' x 185 lbs) very comfortably. it can fit a fifth (or child seat) with some compromises.

it handles like it defies physics. I got the sport suspension naturally. It has a similar electronic rear diff setup as the GTR. it is 50/50 AWD by default and transitions to fully FWD as you increase speed--I think it's FWD fully somewhere around 80mph.

Anyway, I am very happy with it. Did I mention it has a turbo? You know what they say about those and kittens.

 

I am still hung up on the Volvo xc-90...but the Porsche Cayenne is really sharp.