getting it right

Your list of Priorities in conjunction with your mileage/age limits and your budget make it tough to suggest a vehicle that meets ALL of those parameters.

One that comes the closest is the Mazda CX-9. No mid-size or larger SUV has good fuel economy and the CX-9 is no exception. But there are plenty of smaller, less powerful and slower SUVs that are a lot worse on fuel than the CX-9.

The CX-9 is considered a "full-size CUV or Crossover" and 3-row seating for 7 is standard. Most CX-9 drivers tend to keep the 3rd row folded down most of the time, making it a very roomy 5-seater with a huge cargo area.

It has a great AWD system for all-weather traction, powerful 3.7L V6 and the most 'car-like' handling of any SUV or CUV around. I have a 2012 FWD model that I bought new here in the U.S. and it is the top-of-the-line Grand Touring model. In Canada, there are only two trim levels- GS and GT. The GS can be FWD or AWD and has cloth interior standard. A Luxury Package is optional on the GS and adds Leather, Moonroof, Keyless Entry and Ignition, Pwr Passenger Seat and Power Tailgate. The GT only comes with AWD and is loaded to the gills with Xenon headlights, Navigation, sharp 20" wheels, 10-spkr Bose Surround Sound, fog lights and backup sensors.

I would suggest test driving a 2012-2013 GS AWD and GT back-to-back to compare. The 18" wheels and tires on the GS are a little quieter than the 20s on the GT. The large wheels and tires also give the GT awesome handling but the ride is a tiny bit stiffer. I managed to eliminate both the noise and ride stiffness on my GT when I replaced the factory tires at 28k miles.

Also be aware that the CX-9 was significantly revised for the 2013 model year. The front fascia was redesigned, rear end updated and the center controls were redesigned. A neat bit of info about 2013-2015 models- you can add Navigation to models which don't have it for less than $600!

The driver's seat is extremely comfy for my 6'2" 240# frame and I can still stand upright after 8-10 hours behind the wheel! I love the performance from the 272hp 3.7L V6 and (the real superstar) the 6-speed Aisin Sport A/T. It's very quick and there's always reserve power available with the press of your right foot.

Take a look, you won't be disappointed!

The only thing I'm not sure of with the Mazda CX-9 is whether it has the desired ground clearance.

I don't personally care for the ride and handling in the Toyota 4Runner, but whenever someone wants an ultra-reliable true SUV it's at the top of the list. They last forever. But they're definitely trucks. A CX-9 is far more car-like.

With seats, there's really no substitute to sitting in them yourself.

As you probably know, living in Canada, for good traction on snow and ice you want winter tires. (I know that at least some provinces mandate them.)

I own a 2011.5 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD and absolutely LOVE it! It meets all of your requirements. We got 16'' of snow where I live and the XC60 was like snow plow pushing through snow drifts thanks to it near 9'' of ground clearance even on Continental All Season Tires. All the while I was sitting the most comfotable heated leather seats EVER. You also wish to use it as a family transporter which means safety will be a concern. The doors on my Volvo are like a bank vault and it scored highest in the new Small Overlap crash test which is very difficult and the Toyota 4-Runner and Mazda CX-9 would both have killed or seriously injured the driver/passengers. After the test the door on the Volvo still opened!! (Go to www.iihs.org to check ratings) I also average good mpg. I have a 304bhp Turbocharged beast under the hood and still manage to easily get 20mpg city and 25mpg highway using 93 octane. (I could only get 18.5mpg city and 24mpg highway on 87 octane.) I've also had the car up to 120mph on a 105 degree day in July with the family and all of our luggage in the car up a hill in rural Oklahoma and the car wasn't even working hard. The car is very quiet due to it's thick laminated side windows and lots of sound absorbant materitals. I have 75,000 miles on mine and it is problem free and runs like it's brand new! Mine has the neat Active bending Bi-Xenon headlamps which is a great safety feature at night time making it easier to spot deer off of the side of the road. Not to mention all XC60 models come standard with City Safety a Intelligent Emergency braking system designed to prevent low-speed collisions.
I say you should go for the XC60. You definately won't be disappionted.