4Runner

[BENZ BOY15]

Pretty much. They're good vehicles. Benzy, take one for a test drive and see how you like it. They'll get through any snow that your GX could.

I'm going to try my neighbors out. I don't really care about the needing an update part, I like the current one a lot as it is.

[Lebowski]

And fuel economy. Especially in the mountains. But, that's going to be any SUV, pretty much.

Yeah fuel economy sucks, I don't drive a ton of miles so don't really care (the % of my monthly budget that goes to gasoline is de minimus).  But if you have a longish commute it's an issue. 

[BENZ BOY15]

I'm pretty sure you might be driving clients around sometimes? So FJ would be pretty sketchy.

For real ice on hills nothing beats a real 4wd over AWD. But good tires (even snow tires!) can make AWD pretty good.

Are Foresters shorter wheelbase than Outback? Seem to have as much real seating area. I always loved the 4Runner, neighbor has one she drives into DC for work (LOL). 4door Jeep or Cherokee might be great options for your area. 

Yeah I drive clients around (not right now due to COVID) but I will in the future. I'm not a fan of the way the FJ looks.

No

There's this one that drives around town that's military green in color. It's so awful. 

[MrH]

Ground clearance. Usable ground clearance. I dunno where Subuaru gets their ground clearance numbers, but I'm pretty sure it's right outta their ass.

Yep, you're right.  Subaru has been lying about it this whole time

[BENZ BOY15]

Yep, you're right.  Subaru has been lying about it this whole time

It's definitely higher than a regular car. Doesn't seem that way when you're driving it, but does when you compare it to something else.

Even still, GX>Outback by far in winter conditions.

[CaminoRacer]

Aren't most solid axle ground clearance numbers measuring to the bottom of the pumpkin? The rest of the vehicle might have a lot more ground clearance and the bottom of the pumpkin is less of an issue. Whereas Subaru doesn't have solid axles so the ground clearance number is actually measuring to the bottom of the car.

[AutobahnSHO]

Yeah I drive clients around (not right now due to COVID) but I will in the future. I'm not a fan of the way the FJ looks.

I love them but the first time I peeked in one- I realized the backseat is okay for kids but that and the half-door would make it a hassle for clients. It's just not a real 4-person vehicle.

[giant_mtb]

Aren't most solid axle ground clearance numbers measuring to the bottom of the pumpkin? The rest of the vehicle might have a lot more ground clearance and the bottom of the pumpkin is less of an issue. Whereas Subaru doesn't have solid axles so the ground clearance number is actually measuring to the bottom of the car.

I believe that is the case, yes.  I did a little Googling and the Outback's ground clearance is measured at a spot on the exhaust, which is the lowest point.

[FoMoJo]

If you want the BEST vehicle for those slippery mountain roads, wait for the new Bronco...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nW3sH5YVhn4

Some pretty clever looking electronics at work.