Definitely go with the Honday CR-V. We had one and traded it in last year. Great gas mileage, perfect size, nice handling, plenty of room (we went to my parent's last year for Christmas with all 4 dogs and the two of us with no problem).

The only reason we traded it in, was because my husband wanted the Honda Pilot, which is bigger. Every time they come out with something new he has to have it.