Thank you again golucky66 and idosubaru. I went to local subaru dealer yesterday and test drove impreza 5mt, they didnt have crosstrek in mt and the forester with 6mt. I can say from experience that the crosstrek is slower then the mitsubishi outlander sport 2012-5 (cvt) and my 2010 mazda5 (cvt). The mazda 5 had 2.3 or 2.5 and filled to absolute brim was able to get to highway speed and pass. Due to the bigger engine I would compare to forester. The forester was fun to drive, maybe a little slower, but i would be confident getting on highway with it.
Sadly the crosstrek is probably the slowest car I ever drove. The outlander sport had same size engine and loaded to brim and with 1500 pound trailer I had confidence going up steep hills etc.
Took my wife to see them and she shot down both. Not "sexy enough" for third car. She did like the sti that just came off the truck.
Idosubaru, they are descent at clearing roads here, but do to work, I may need to get out before they get to them. After discussing with the wife, leaning towards wrx and just putting sti spoiler on it. She wasn't big fan of how regular wrx looks. Her head turn is the only one that matters to me. I used to be about the sleeper vehicle, but at this point in my life, I'm no racer and can accept that. We think we should be able keep my truck and do wrx, no chance with sti. Would you recommend studded snow tires or would performance snow tires be adequate. I think I am leaning towards studded to help with any black ice I may encounter. If forecast calls for anything over 3 inches Ill just drive truck until roads are clear. Thank you guys again for your input.