How about an all wheel drive Subaru? I know a few people who have these or have had them and enjoy them a great deal. No complaints and they can go anywhere. Not sure about the mileage though…
@SNJ For what it’s worth, I ovinced an Englishman by email to look at the Mazda CX-5. I sent him the Consumer Reports buying guide as well as my observation that this model was selling well here. The gentleman in question is well off and has an older E-Class Mercedes wagon.
Because of his back condition he wanted something taller and his wife wanted that as well since she is short and wanted better visibility. He was considering an Audi but when I showed him the repair reord, which apparently no one in England bothers to publish, he immediately rejected that model.