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Any time someone is looking for a "Small SUV" I always question what they will use it for.
I don't mean to criticize, but I have always been part of the school of thought that a car is there for a reason, to serve a purpose. I never saw a purpose to small SUVs. If you need a vehicle for it's towing capacity, a larger truck is needed. If you plan to do any off-roading, they are simply not strong enough. If you need good gas mileage, they weigh too much. If you need to carry a lot of people, a station wagon or mini-van is a way better option for the price, comfort, and gas mileage.
The only use I have found for a small SUV was for someone who is commonly transporting tall, light cargo, such as a field technician, or other such mobile-tradesman.
If, after evaluating why you want one in the first place, you still actually want one, I would base my buying more off of the reason you still want it. If it is purely for the esthetic value, the Cherokee will do nicely, and even give you the ability to do some light off-roading and towing, which a Santa-Fe really wouldn't.
If you are looking for more of a mid-size SUV, the Toyota 4-Runner would be among my top picks. Unfortunately, since it is such a good vehicle, it has recently been priced appropriately.
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