I definitely think the FX35 is more luxurious. But in terms of performance, is the XT the bettery buy?

If you get the 5-speed, yes. Going by the magazine numbers anyway, as I have driven neither.

The Forester should hand the FX its rump roast, which would make the choice easy for me. I drive 14- and 17- year old cars around without A/C in FL and have a blast doing it, so anything with more luxury than a Citroen 2CV is good for me, therefore I wouldn't be a good judge of luxury.

 

But go with the Scoob. It'll be more fun