When will we see a truly ground-breaking AFFORDABLE SUV?

So my 2003 Saturn Vue's tranny recently exploded and pretty much killed my car because it was so expensive to fix. In response, we bought my wife a brand new 2010 Honda Insight and I took her 97 beater Mercury Sable. I'm guessing this car might last me a year, at which point I'm going to be dying for my own new vehicle but I don't want to settle, like every other car buyer. My dream car would be either a plug-in Jeep hybrid or a hybrid Element for less than $25,000.  The announced Subaru hybrid would fit the bill, but I'm sure it'll be upwards of $30,000.  The SX4 would work, but I've read mixed reviews and it certainly skimps on size without really offering outstanding MPG in return.  The current Fit is great, but not AWD and the AWD Element gets terrible gas mileage for a Honda.

So considering us outdoorsy people have the most concern for the environment, the most need for reliability and versatility, and often times the least money since we spend it all on kayaks and mountain bikes, where is our economical SUV?  Right now the only thing out there seems to be the SX4 hatchback but I'm hesitant to buy that with so many teaser vehicles on show floors (Chrysler ENVIs, hybrid Subaru, the Jeep Renegade Concept that has been around for almost 5 years now).  Have ANY car companies besides Suzuki thought about this? Honda is making quality cars with wonderfully clean, economical, and advanced engines for less than $20,000 so when and where can we expect to see a low-priced, highly capable outdoors-oriented vehicle actually hit the dealer lot?!  

Well, they are coming but unfortunately there will be a wait and there is no word on pricing. But with my guess, pricing will not be under 25k. There are a lot of good CUVs out there, but nothing ground breaking. The current generation Element is out the door and the second gen has been rumored. The new Subaru outback is great on gas and so is the Nissan Rouge (one of my personal favs) the Rouge is cheap and sorta fun to drive for the price.  

right after I wrote that post, i found what I'm going to wait for: http://www.mahindrana.com/indian-cars-and-trucks.html and it's supposed to be between $20K and $25K.  The SUV is supposed to come out next fall.  

Yes.. we've heard its coming and yet can get now information from their PR. Mahindra is pushing to bring their truck to the US... ans so far its been all rumors. Don't hold your breath for this vehicle to come any time soon. the truck will come first... IF it ever does.  

Well, if you're willing to consider used, that opens up your options considerably. The Jeep Wrangler isn't the most reliable, nor is it the most rewarding on-road, but off-road, they're nearly unstoppable. If you're looking for something to tow with, a used Tahoe can be bought for the mid-teens to low-20s, depending on year or mileage.

I'm actually on the fence right now about buying a new Mazdaspeed 3, or a used C6 Corvette. They're about the same price. Decisions, decisions.  

I've been keeping an eye out for an old CJ, TJ, or YJ with a diesel engine installed - that would be perfect for me.  

How about a Jeep Phoenix? (if it ever enters production)

http://blogs.trucktrend.com/6543773/concept-suvs/coming-soon-to-the-jeep-family-2011-jeep-phoenix-4x4/index.html  

Thats actually pretty sweet!  Sort of like an SX4 on crack.  I'd definitely be interested but if Chrysler says 2011, I'd be surprised if it hit the dealerships by 2015 - if ever.  

Mahindra Scorpio is the one of the best option for you, which gives you a comfortable drive for the whole family. Its really good SUV by Mahindra. I owned it and I love it. A real pleasure for a long drive