Here in Ireland, and indeed Europe generally, people who want this type of SUV will absolutely have to have a diesel engine, and usually with manual gearbox.
Which makes it strange that Subaru are still persisting with petrol, and no diesel in the range. Particularly as they are long-time champions of the 4wd cause.
Considering how difficult it is to survive in the world auto market, they are missing a serious trick here. I know it's different in the US market. You guys have had cheap petrol for so long, you seem to be totally unafraid of high consuming or inefficient vehicles.
I am willing to bet as your gas prices drift inexorably upwards towards the silly prices we pay over here, that your market will go the same way. You will start buying modern efficient turbodiesels.
In the BMW and Audi ranges in particular, top of the range diesel engines are actually faster than the petrol equivalents, and still deliver 10 to 20 mpg better than the petrol.
It is the way of the future for a while. Hybrids are good, but are a fad for the present, not a real alternative like the diesel models.
Joe