My SEL is fully loaded and so worth it. Now, I am not new to fords either. It is a switch going from dual cam but it gets great mpg. Now it is peppy once you get going. However, it is not a puncher. My SEL has the lumbar, the cool steering wheel, heated leather seats with power adjustments. I traded in my Escape because it was not comfortable, and I drive the state of Texas for work so I am no stranger to windshield time. If your wife to be has issues with comfort, you need to see how long she needs to be in the car. If it is hour or so okay, longer not sure. Yes the SEL I got up over to 95 and not notice it. Again it does have the pep. But I only get 37.1 mpg right now. Also I live in the hill country so I get crappy mileage out here at home.