i own a 2004 4Runner with 79k on it.
It is very good in the snow, gets fairly shitty gas mileage(18ish MPG), and i can throw my mtb andd/or skis in the back whenever i want to have some fun. I can also take the back seats out, throw a futon mattress in the back and use that to camp out in parking lots, or trailheads. Its actually a really nice perk.
The maintenace is easy and cheap, and they dont really ever have issues.
Also, i am a bigger guy 6'4" and the WRX feels super cramped when i drive one, but the 4Runner, while not as big as a euro or american SUV does feel pretty open.
How often are you really going to be driving in snow and ice? and do you really want a car that is going to make you want to drive fast and careless?