Thank you both!

I didn't know about the different final drive. I was aware, though, that the roof rack capacity on the Limited and the XT that I drove was something wimpy ... 75 pounds, if I remember correctly.

I suspect the lower final drive ratio has something to do with the slightly larger tires. I haven't done the math though to see how many turns of the engine move it forward 100 feet. (I actually did do that math when I got my last mountain bike. I'm getting old, and I wanted to make sure that it would pedal at least as easily as my last one. I'm such a geek....)

Aeteocles does have the roof rack info right too. I'm not a roof tent guy (reference the "old" statement above, combined with need to more frequently get up at night - and don't suggest Gatorade bottle), but I will be carrying my mountain bike, kayak, Thule box, skis, etc.

Added plus - the back, with the seats folded down, is long enough for me to comfortably sleep in. And there are several places that make camp mattresses to fit, with wheel well cutouts, etc.