i've had a outback since 15, it gets 26mpg all around, seats 4 comfortably, can haul at least one deer and a bunch of hunting clothes and 8 foot pieces of lumber. it will go through snow like no other 4x4 that i have owned or driven, including jeeps. no idea on the towing part though. my subie is a great vehicle. 29k OTD.
The outback is great in the snow, almost unstoppable if not too deep. I also know you can fit a bull elk in the back of one if you leave the hatch up! Not sure if Birdie needs to consider those options though, hot in Texas!
