What 4x4 would be best?

Suggestions welcomed...

In the past I've owned two old Willys Jeeps (2A and a 3A) and loved them, but with a family now, I need more (like a heater!):  must have room for 2 adults+ 2 kids + 2 dogs, get 20-25mpg, real selectable 4x4 (with low/high, lim slip diff), and ability to tow a small boat or our Quads.  I'm finding if a vehicle can meet most of this criteria, it gets only 15mpg.  I must be missing something...

Any ideas for a real 4x4 that might meet my needs?  Used is fine, in the 40-60K range, thinking around $8-$12K but with longer to save, could go higher.

Any ideas, or do I just bite the bullet and give up the mileage issue?  Work car is a '07 Ford Explorer, and with the recent snow storm, I was very impressed.  Despite an advertised 15-19mpg, I'm getting 19-21 consistently (mostly hwy) which is acceptable.  Maybe the answer is right in front of me and I don't want to see it!

Thanks everyone for your thoughts!

Dave
Bainbridge Island, WA  

If you are looking for all this and 25 MPG you are not going to find it. Maybe Explorer is right for you but do remember that MPG will drop towing and loaded with A/C on. There is a price to pay and that is fuel used to move load. Generally bigger engined vehicles take a smaller MPG hit with small towed loads too.  

Thanks for the thoughts, Snoman.  The 25MPG was more a wish, at the high end.  I'd be happy with 18-20, and understand under load, or even with 4x4 engaged, this will go down.  Just talked with a '96 Toyota 4-Runner owner who said he gets about 20 in mixed fwy and in-town driving, and a Nissan Xterra owner who gets 22 on his freeway commute, so I guess there ARE some other models out there that might work besides the Explorer.  Thanks again!  

If you already have an Explorer, why not just use the Explorer and use the money you saved by not buying another vehicle to put toward gas to make up for that 4-6 mpg difference? The Explorer, depending on what options it has, should tow small trailers just fine. Basically, anything with a V6 motor, moderate axle gears, and somewhat lightweight should net you 15-20 mpg.  
My current ride:
1992 Ford Explorer

toyota 4runner it does not meet the gas prob but it will out last your ford and does better off road & handels bettter on the road  

"If you already have an Explorer"

He said it's a company car.  
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ive got a 99 chevy Tahoe as my daily driver and it gives about 18 to 19 on the interstate with the cruse at 65. its the older body style with the 5.7 350 in it. it has plenty of room for passengers and pretty good trailering options.  
[X] Give Er Hell [X]

19 mpg? Wow. What do you get driving it around city/'wheeling? My 'Rango is only averaging 10-11 with the way I drive it.  
My current ride:
1992 Ford Explorer

xj-xj-xj. i have an 01 w/3in lift and 31in bighorns and average 20mpg. the rear seat is a little tight but for kids its ok. if you can get an xj from a state service they come w/heavy duty shox hd cooling and factory installed lsd.  

Dana 44 rear axle, too, right?

And not about XJs but still relevant to this thread: just got 14 mpg average in the 'Rango. Woo hoo!  
My current ride:
1992 Ford Explorer