What type of SUV am I looking for?

So time has come to trade in our current Holden Capitva Maxx and look for a replacement.  Now the list of what we are looking for would full into the following:

1. Cost, we are looking to keep the budget at under $40,000
2. Coming from an SUV like the Captiva, we want to remain in the SUV models, however there is one thing to keep in mind, my wife is starting to learn to drive.  Therefore I do not want to get her behind the wheel of a V6, hence why I am comfortable with what manufacturers are offering in the compact SUV market (e.g. 4 cylinder/diesel)
3. I am open to any manufacturer.  This segment of the market seems to be flooded with options, so happy to see what is on offer. The vehicle however must offer maximum safety and we are in search of any vehicle that will offer better fuel economy than the Captiva (rated Fuel Combined l/100km @ 11.6)
4. Comfort of the ride is important, right down to noise within the cabin and the technology on offer.

So with the list set above, I have spent the last few weeks reviewing compact SUV vehicles.  Everyone out there I am sure has their own wish list for what they want, so I know not everyone will agree with what I write here.  What I am hoping to achieve though, is to give everyone more information to make their own decisions if they are reviewing these type of vehicles.