For what it's worth, peacefulpigeon, I am an occasional contributor - usually with the CUV comparison tests. We have a bunch of them out - e.g.
http://www.autotrader.ca/expert/20170510/comparison-test-2017-compact-suvs-part-1-35-000/http://www.autotrader.ca/expert/20170515/comparison-test-2017-compact-suvs-part-2-40-000/...but the reason why there's no one best 'vehicle' out there is because different folks have different priorities.
So I want a SUV/CUV because I really want the all wheel drive.
I don't have kids - do not anticipate any soon, so that's why cargo space is meh.
So, based on the above, I understand yours to be AWD (and by extension, maybe ground clearance?). You want something reasonably inexpensive to buy and operate, that is also 'reliable'. Reliability is an interesting term these days...some cars will have issues, but they may not be exhibited until after 150,000km. Most (if not all) new cars will be fairly trouble-free so long as you maintain them well and treat them with some respect (i.e. not posting YouTube videos of shenanigans or doing mods you have no expertise in doing - like changing the brakes on a 2011 Forester XT...
).
What is the issue with the Hyundai DCT transmission?
My thoughts are listed in the second link above:
Second only to the CR-V in fuel economy, the 1.6L turbo paired with the seven-speed DCT was shockingly good at using minimum gas without making us feel like we were driving a slug. Noah Shapiro was astounded. “When did the Koreans learn to turbocharge so well?” he cried. “It was so smooth, unlike Honda's 1.5T.”
He went on to bemoan the jerkiness of the seven-speed DCT off the line, but I found myself enamoured with its positive response to a hefty prod of the accelerator pedal.
I am told that Hyundai has addressed the problem, but I am also told that it's not completely gone. The concern is with low-speed operation (i.e. when you're stopped and press the gas pedal, there's hesitation before you get movement. I found it very concerning, but I haven't driven a unit recently to see if there are any changes). You'll have to test-drive one for yourself to determine if you're OK with its operation, but the engine is a thing of beauty and has been around since at least 2013 - it's a good mill.
Since you're driving in the hills, you may want something that is turbocharged - less affected by altitude (air thinning) than naturally-aspirated engines.
Honda's 1.5T is a bit gruff in the CR-V, but it returns fantastic fuel economy and is far from 'slow'. It's a decent little motor. I personally was not enamored by the CR-V, but you may be. Give it a test drive.
The Crosstrek may prove too 'pokey' and slow for you.
Honestly, take a look at a Subaru Legacy. I quite like it as an AWD sedan and found that it's a great value for the price. The 3.6R will be quicker, but uses more gas (obviously) and is pricier to buy. You won't be hurting for cargo space unless you move bigger boxes in any event. Tons of space inside.
The Ford Fusion is also a great little ride, albeit getting older (that just means you can get better deals on it). Same idea with the Escape - a great little 'ute, but also getting a bit older. Read in the second link above (it came in 9th place, but that was mostly because of the option package sent to us, which raised its price without justification and hurt its "value" score).
Honestly, check out the new Hyundai Kona - brand new model, comes with the 1.6T, smaller, more nimble, and is different/new.
I wouldn't be so worried about buying "new model years" since the cars come with warranties. If they end up being "lemons", offload it just before the warranty expires and try again - worrying about the unknowns may save you money, or it may not. Do not buy extended warranties unless they're really discounted (I got a 7 year ECP for my old Corolla for $599 - unheard of, but that was the 'deal' they offered that day).
I think the Kona is a good idea for you. Loaded, it's only $31k and offers a lot of really good features.
