I agree but on the other hand, if the weather is like that I wouldn't be hunting anyway. Too much digging out to be done.
I love hatchbacks. They are so versatile. I loved our Mazda6 hatch (2004), until it blew it's engine... twice. We currently have a Malibu Maxx, and it's another good hatch. Decent milage (2007, but not nearly the milage they get now). I wish they still had the Malibu Maxx in their lineup. I'd look at it again when we replace this one. Having said that, we'll probably end up with one of 3 vehicles in the next year or two: Subaru Outback, Buick Enclave or a Wrangler Unlimited
I'll give a last shout out to the tactical prius. It's just a front wheel drive and has 5.75" of ground clearance but I've used it for hunting and hauling. I got it for hauling eggs and produce back when I did the mini-farm thing in Illinois. I could load it with two giant coolers and 600 lbs of squash and still get 45mpg driving up to Chicago and back. I've hauled four deer in it. Made it base camp in the mountains. .. it's been a fun and useful vehicle. Having said that, I'm going to trade my mom the prius for her 4runner. My mom rarely uses her suv and the prius now sits for weeks at a time because 5.75" of ground clearance and utah are a tough combo. If you have truck for trucky needs, you can definitely get by with a decent hatchback most of the rest of the time.
I'll make you a good deal on a mitsubishi endeavor. :D It's been a pretty good vehicle. It's just not quite offroady enough.
Wife was looking for a new vehicle and my only rule was it had to be AWD. We drove just about all manner of AWD crossover/SUV's. Ended up going with a Nissan Rogue. The thing is an absolute beast in the snow. I'm driving a ZR2 s-10 and he's hot around better than mine on snow covered paved and gravel roads. Really liked the Subaru cross trek, but price and how basically plain the interior was knocked it out. The juke ended up being too small. That thing was fun to drive though, lot a gocart on drugs. If you get a juke be warned, the green one looks just like a frog.
We got a RAV4 about a year ago. I never thought much of them based just on looks but being a Tundra guy we gave them a drive. So far we've (wife) been very happy with it and it is AWD. The rear seats fold down and you could get your gear and a deer in there easily. The CRV was a close second for us. When I started looking at reviews the RAV was always down there a ways on therankingst but digging deeper, they always scored real low on the latest and greatest technology, audio, "smart" features. Those weren't necessary for us.
I have a GMC Canyon that gets reasonable mileage....about 20 around town and more highway...last I checked anyway. Bought it used. Been a good truck for me. I am at 140K and going strong. (bought it at 100K) And its a truck
These have intrigued me...however if I go truck I want extended 4 doors and unless I'm wrong none are rated over 20 for day to day mpg. Test drove a Canyon and loved it just not the smart choice I'm thinking.
I drive a Silverado, but my parents bought a 2014 Jeep Latitude about 6 months ago. All the seats fold down and there is plenty of space in the back for all your gear and a deer. We get about 24-27 mpg depending on where we are driving. I drive it a lot now that I wrecked my truck and I love it.