older couple looking for a newer car

Unless you particularly find the seats uncomfortable, the Honda Fit would be good for your needs. It is cheap ( you can afford new) has great interior space and is very reliable. Also the new Honda hr-v is a fit platform vehicle, but is a little larger if that is what you're looking for. The new Impreza is a good car too. Unless you're both overweight diabetic smokers, a Cruze or Focus will probably not be your last car. Although with the ignition failure fatalities, those GM vehicles do have a reputation for being peoples last cars.

If you want to go with a sedan, a Corolla, Civic or Mazda 3 would be better.

Cruze may suits your needs for long runs ... more comfortable and quite nice milleage on gas ! Mazda 3 with skyactive engine may be a good pick either. For long runs avoid sub-compacts.