need for AWD in N. Texas?
Personally speaking, I'm in awe of the new(er) Acura MDX [2nd gen' 2007+ models]. Lots of cabin space, great storage, good seating for 8, and many high-tech' features/equipment. Not to mention it's hella' fun to drive, considering it's an S.U.V.! Also, the styling isn't
as polarizing as other current/late-model Acura vehicles.
If I had the need for an "S.U.V. -meets- C.U.V. -meets- minivan -meets- wagon" type of vehicle, I believe the current Toyota Highlander is truly difficult to beat for it's combo' of reliability/dependability, comfort/space, refinement/ergonomics, performance/safety, V6 & fuel-economy, 7-person seating, and price-point.
If interior-space/storage-capacity are paramount, than a late-model minivan (Odyssey, Sienna, etc) or full-size S.U.V. (Toyota Sequoia, Nissan Armada / Infiniti QX-56, etc) are perhaps the best bet.
Otherwise, I love the look of Hummer H2's
D). Though, the fuel-economy would likely give me convulsions (and make me long for a C.N.G. or diesel conversion).