I purchased the exact configuration (V6, base, color and options) minus the AWD in NJ for 23,750. Prices seem comparable with a slight edge in your favor since AW is worth a thousand or less. Funny, how when you find (after some difficulty) the color and configuration you want, you are going to be pretty much stuck with whatever silly options it shows up with. When I added up the total cost of the roof rails, covers, nets and carpets (+$800) and realized how easily I could live w/o all of them, and would have much preferred to use the money on an upgraded sound system (which the base model could sorely use).
Very nicely written review, btw. I think we all cross shopped the same vehicles and came to the same conclusion. I do regret however, having to buy before seeing the new CRV and Acura RDX this summer. They will be (though the RDX is in another price category altogether) more worthy competition than anything out there now, and will drive these prices we paid way down.