thank you guys. i lean toward equinox:

equinox competes with CR-V/Escape/RAV4 -- it's V4 2WD models have better mileage than the other three. in addition, it's length is about the same as Highlander.  it's more expensive but more likely i'm buying american ;)

 

thing is the dealers might not have the appropriated models with just the right installed options ... what to do?