I have a Mazda CX-7. Nice vehicle and good gas mileage.
If you want to look outside the box a little.........I had a Chevy HHR LT2 fully loaded. That car was fantastic. Ton of room (surprisingly large inside), awesome gas mileage and a hoot to drive and very well built.
Wife totaled it and we bought the Mazda.
I bought the HHR before the bailout and got a really good deal. Mazda had better the better deal when we bought it.
I would get a Hyundai before a Kia................but both are considered good vehicles.
In the end, with this class of car, there really is not that much difference across the board so go with the one you like and that you can get the best price on.
ps: one family member has a Highlander, drives the piss out of it and that car just keeps on humming.