RE: jeep liberty or escape
We just got rid of our 2002 Liberty, to small, poor mileage, never got better than (20mpg, averaged 18to19). It had an excellent four wheel drive system, real transfer case and real low range, but just not a good choice for travel.
We bought an 05 4runner, more room, smoother, quieter ride, 21 to 22 mpg. But not the 4x4 of the jeep.
See what dealers you have near you, Hyundai is nice and price is tolerable, a used 4 runner, but they hold thier value, maybe a tacoma?