Subarus are a nice option as mentioned above, but in my experience the big no-nos when compared to the other choices are:
-Fuel Economy as full time AWD just eats gas
-Actual price since they're so popular in the northeast/northwest that discounts are rare. Maybe midwest where OP is they fare better
-Ergonomics - this is a very personal opinion but almost every Subaru I've ever been in has been off in some way. Mirror and pillar placements, hood and fender locations, seat comfort and shape - all off for some reason or another.
-Interior fit/finish is spartan but a little lacking compared to competitors, but that might be in matching their brand identity.
And while I usually hate SUVs and CUVs the economics for purchasing a new vehicle are clearly pointed towards them since sedans and wagons with similar features are either impossible to find or priced way outside the mid-20's entry point in most cases. Or they're the WRX ........
