Smaller SUV good mpg must have moderate bad road capabilities

http://jalopnik.com/subaru-settles-lawsuit-over-oil-burning-cars-1752805682

Unless you can do a compression check have a good mechanic friend, I wlbe wary of Subaru 2.0/2.5l in your price range. My wife's 2012 sucked down most of my synthetic oil reserves, had cold piston slap, and puffed blue smoke at start up. Rugged I'm sure but very utilitarian for sure. Even adding additional window while closing them caused the motors to slow noticeably. She did have a couple of misfire 0300 codes and the coolant leveled dropped once. But the the symptoms never reaccured but I guess head gasket as they seem like a normal repair on older boxer style engines.

My wife's aunts are entering their 2nd, 3-year lease on their Escape's and have not had problems to have them look elsewhere.

We had a a 2004 Forester, a 2010 & 2015 Outback, all with the 2.5 engine (but each was a different version). Forester had about 75K & 1st Outback had 40K when sold. Current 2015 has 25K. So no experience with high mileage cars. I changed oil at 10K in Forester & at 6K in OBs (to keep warranty in force).

Never had to add oil to any of them, none of them were down even a half quart between changes. That is not to say the excess oil usage isn't real for some cars, but I think it is an exception rather thanthe rule. Unfortunately, you won't know until after a purchase (yes do compression test if buying used). One the other hand, dino oil is $2.50 & synthetic 4.50 a quart. So it having to add a quart or two between changs won't break the bank. I had no other mechanica issues with any of them.

The big advantage the Forester has over other cars on your list is full time AWD. The others are front wheel drive until they detect slippage.

"If a driver has to add a quart of oil once per month, that can mean adding up to 7 to 9 quarts of oil between oil changes. Those costs due to excessive oil consumption can add up because automakers more frequently require synthetic oils that can cost upwards of $9 per quart?in addition to the expense of the routine oil changes."
Excessive Oil Consumption Isn't Normal - Consumer Reports

Subaru goes good in the slippery stuff...until you turn the steering wheel.

2016 Mazda CX-5 vs Honda CR-V vs Subaru Forester AWD Snow Traction Mashup Review

The 2011 is the previous gen. I wouldn't get it because the oil consumption issues. It ruins the engine eventually. There have been many owners reporting that they needed an engine replacement or head gasket. This also applies with most Foresters. You also get the old 4-speed auto, which in my opinion is worse than a CVT. I'm not a huge fan of the Forester. Except for off-road ability and visibility, it's usually behind the times compared to its competitors.

I'd go for the Mazda CX-5, which feels newer and is more fun and reliable. Norm listed many videos in the past showing its AWD system is better than the Subaru's. I still think the Subaru's AWD system is better though. The two most reported problems for the CX-5 are ignition coils and premature brake wear. It has a lot of road noise like the Forester and the ride might be a little rougher, but it will handle better. With the 6-speed auto or manual you will have more control with power. The 2014 added a better more powerful engine that is said to have "transformed" the car.

One of the best compact CUVs back then was the RAV4. My mother in law recently bought a 2014 RAV4. She likes how it drives. Easy to see out of and get into. Decent amount of power. Standard backup camera and touchscreen display. Only get the 2013 and newer because those were significantly changed. Less road noise than the Subaru or Mazda. It's the most reliable car on your list.

Certified cars are sort of a rip off, but it feels more like getting a new car, but a new car from in your case 2011. They clean the interior (at least from what I've seen) and replace anything that needs replacing including interior plastics and mechanical parts. Sometimes they have extra warranties. They are generally more expensive than private parties.

Avoid Jeeps and the Nissan Rogue has poor driving dynamics and is old-feeling, but comfortable. NHTSA has 257 complaints about the 2013 Escape's engine. It was recalled three times, twice for engine fires. There have been 4 crashes, 22 fires, and 5 injuries because of these engine issues. And this is a car that is 4 years old.