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Hi Could you advice me which would be a better choice? I am currently driving a 2008 Suzuki SX4 2.0 manual 4x4, and I would like to upgrade to a bigger car. I still need 4wd as driving on gravel occasionally. Want something under $42k mark. Been looking at the following: Ford Kuga Trend / Titanium (love that sunroof and leather seats), Subaru Forester, Nissan X-Trail Ti (sunroof again ). Personally Ford Kuga is top of my list, and also which engine to choose Petrol or Diesel, as I travelled 77,000km in the 3 years I had my SX4 .

The Ford Kuga and Subaru Forester are good choices but you should also consider the Mazda CX-5 as it is a popular choice in this segment. The Nissan X-Trail is a larger SUV and it's showing its age these days but thankfully it is due for replacement soon - the new X-Trail has a modern design.

The diesel option is the better choice but it might exceed the budget.

Either the Ford Kuga, Subaru Forester or the Mazda CX-5 will be a good choice but for purely off-road stuff the Forester is competent while on the road the Kuga and CX-5 have car like handling.