Ski Patroller needs Subaru upgrade

I really like the new Twin Clutch design by GM. It allows one wheel with traction to pull the vehicle forward while the other three slip. And it allows you to do that function with the steering wheel turned, something Subaru does not.

My choice at $30,000 for used 2016 Buick Envision Premium that comes with 8-way power adjustable front seats that also offer 4-way power lumbar adjustment. For colder climates the Premium offers heat front and rear seats along with heated steering wheel. The tri-zone climate control allows separate temperature control for rear seat passengers and individual control for front seats. I measured 8-inches of ground clearance which is similar to most Subaru's.

Our 2016 has over 6,000 miles on it and is seeing 30+ on highway drives at the speed limit. The 2.0T turbocharged engine has plenty of pep and won't run out of breath at higher alitudes.

The Toyota RAV4 is the more off-road worthy than the Mazda CX-5, which is rated as one of the worst performing winter cars. I would test the RAV4 SE non-hybrid AWD before you make a purchase. It has an AWD system with dynamic torque control and Limited Slip Differential. It'll give you more for your money than a used Volvo or Audi.

The Jeep Cherokee will likely fall apart within the first five years of ownership. They are super unreliable and have horrible seats.

I've heard the Volvo seats are amazing, but you'll have to buy a used one for your budget and the car is outdated for a luxury car.

Also, you said that you prefer truck-based vehicles, but your selections are all unibody platforms. It's kind of hard to recommend good winter driving cars when eliminating Subaru because they are the best at winter driving by far and many say they like their seats.

For a truck based SUV, the Toyota 4Runner has comfortable seats and is one of the best cars for off-roading. I had a 1996 Toyota 4Runner that I sold a long time ago because the ride was unbearably rough. Although it's improved in the latest model, it's still not a smooth ride.

Perhaps the Envision would work for you because it has AWD and it's comfortable.

My number 1 choice is the Mazda CX-5. It has comfortable seats and is not rated well for snowy roads, but if you liked how it performed on your test drive on a snowy road then go for it. It's a great car.

The Mother of uphill snow covered driveway with a any steering input really shows how the Subaru Symmetrical AWD fails and the CX-5 prevails.

https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/222752-which-compact-suv-has-the-best-all-wheel-drive-system-for-snow-and-ice

Watching YouTube videos the older Q5 quattro systems fails some tests and the new models finally pass incline roller tests. So I'd only consider late model Q5.

The BMW xDrive system is another good one that has one wheel capibilty like the Envision, Acadia, and XT5. But the prices go up and personally wouldn't own one out of warranty.