I have a 2011 EL XLT Premium and have now had it for a year. I'm real happy with what i have. Couple things that are available that mine doesn't have. One is the retractable running boards. From what I've read in this forum, they tend to be one of the things that breaks and is expensive to fix. The other thing is the heated rear passenger seats (2nd row) - available only on the limited and King Ranch. I don't have a need for them with young kids.
Mine came with the NAV system. The downside to the OEM NAV is when you do get updates, they are at least 2 years old and they will cost you $200. You are better off going with an after market NAV like Pioneer (soon to have a SYNC interface) or Kenwood (have a SYNC interface now) that use Garmin maps which are updated quarterly. Otherwise, a portable NAV system will do and be more up to date.
I have the invision headrest DVD entertainment system. Although I would not normally get this option if configuring it myself, it was surprising to me how it's really great with multiple kids. Each one can watch their own DVD or watch what the other is watching. Makes it really nice.
I'd get one with the towing package even if you are not planning on towing anything. It has an upgraded radiator and transmission cooler. Should help make the mechanicals last longer.
Rain sensing wipers - mine has them and they are really nice to have. I leave them on all the time and they come on when they need to and adjust their speed as needed too. If you have a choice, get one with. I wish the rear wiper had this mode too, but it doesn't.
If you are going to keep it for a long time, buy one as new as you can. From my research, I'd go 2010 on up and leave the '07 / '08 alone. I believe I've read where they may have had some issues or there were features the later ones had that I liked. Either way, it's always best to stay away from the first year a new generation was produced. I broke that rule when I bought my '13 Escape, but it wasn't really a new model year as it was known as a Kuga in Europe and the 2.0L echo boost had been out for a while. The 1.6L echo boost was new and it had problems.
I hope this helps you some. Have fun looking!
