Moving from a sedan to a X-Over or SUV

I'm very unsure about the reliability of the Jeep. Otherwise it's a great vehicle.

With the Crosstrek and CX-5, I'm not sure they're much zippier than your CR-V, since they have a similar amount of power. But their transmission programming could make them seem more responsive. I guess test drive them and see what you think.

If you want a seriously quick compact SUV, see if you can find a 2014+ Subaru Forester XT in your price range.

The 2013+ Ford Escape with the 2.0T engine is also quite quick. Reliability has been about average in our stats.

The 2007-2014 Edge is a middle-of-the-road vehicle in pretty much all respects: reliability, performance, handling, fuel economy, etc.

With the Murano, I'd suggest the 2010 and up. The main thing people tend to mind with these is the operation of the CVT transmission.

I'd only spend the extra money (or get an older vehicle) for the above if the Forester and Escape aren't large enough for you. The Forester is roomier than the Escape.

The 2016 Buick Envision Premium 2.0T would be close to your $28,000 limit and include much more content than any Honda cuv. It has the latest Twinster AWD (think BMW xdrive but about half the price) includes torque vectoring rear end that sends power to the outside wheel in a turn while other brake the inside wheel.