When I started looking to replace my old car (09 HHR) the Forrester was not even on my radar. I really liked the looks of the escape (still do), and that was the car I had picked out to begin with, but wanted to do my homework. I scoured many publications, reviews, etc before even going out for a test drive. I drove the escape, and it was pretty nice (with the SEL and 2.0L), but for supposedly having ~270 HP, it did not seem real peppy.
I drove the crv, but it sucked, and was expensive once you got a few options, I did not like the rav-4, as I have heard many bad things about them, and left it out. I then drove - Kia Sportage and Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe and Tuscon, Nissan Rogue, Chevy Equinox, Mazda Cx-5, and even the mits (cant remember the name).
I really like the price on the Rogue (dealer was going to do their top line model fully decked for 25), but it just wasn't big enough and I did not like the way the cvt ran.
My 3 main goals - Better gas mileage, more room and AWD (compared to my HHR), plus I wanted Leather and Bluetooth Audio streaming. I quickly whittled it down to the CX-5, Santa Fe, and Forrester (which I could not even drive cause the dealer had none). My wife drove the CX-5 and within 2 minutes said, I dont like this at all. She could not even say what it was, she just didnt like it. I think it may have been the visibility, as it is horrible.
We both liked the Santa Fe, but in the end, the gas mileage, safety, reliability of the Foz won over all. The visibility is odd when you first get in a Foz, cause the windows are so BIG! I dont think I will ever want to go to a vehicle with less visibility, as it is just so nice to be able to see everything, with virtually no blindspots. Adding to that, it is actually fun to drive (coming from another econobox), and the safety ratings are as good as it gets.
I can honestly say I have not had any remorse about this purchase at all. I do wish I would have gone up to the touring, but that would have been a bit more money, and hard to find, so I am fine with what I have. So far there is no other car I would want.