CAR ADVICE PLEASE! Need Mustachian Suggestions

[GratefulBeing]

Hello!  I am selling my 1997 VW Eurovan and want to get a Mustachian type car.  I don't drive much most weeks, but do go across the country a couple times a year.  I am only 4'11", usually only transport myself  or one other person (almost never more than 2 people).  I live in SW Colorado in the mountains - so some snow, mud, dirt roads, potholes and a little bit of short off-roading (e.g. to get to a campsite.)  I bike and walk and can often stay home instead of driving in the snow.  I DO very frequently go SUPing with an inflatable SUP (but I could probably deflate and reinflate every time (even deflated it is big and bulky) or put it on the roof?)  I would love but don't have to have something I could sleep in even if it was just a comfortable reclined seat.  I live in an older condo building - so no obvious way to plug in an EV that I know of.  Ideas?  Suggestions?  Thanks for the help!  :)

[Paper Chaser]

I'd look for a Ford or Toyota hybrid (they used very similar hybrid systems, which are known for strong reliability). The Toyota's may have a slight edge in quality, but the Fords will often be cheaper to purchase initially.

A Ford CMax is a small hatchback hybrid. It has an upright seating position and large greenhouse for increased visibility. It has 5.5" of ground clearance which is about 1.5 inches less than your Eurovan, and offers FWD only.

Could also consider a Toyota Rav4 hybrid. It's dimensionally very similar to the CMax, but sits higher (8.1" of ground clearance in the current generation), and can be had with AWD if that's appealing to you.

[JungYo]

Subaru Forester or Crosstrek (same underlying platform), Forester has plenty of space to sleep in it. The fulltime AWD is worlds better than the reactive AWD of Honda and Toyota, where they only send power to the rear wheels when the fronts slip. A Subaru will be confidence-inspiring in the driving conditions you described, and most importantly get you to your destination. Used models are priced reasonably, and fuel economy is decent.

[dividendman]

If you don't drive much most weeks, and want to do a big trip a couple of times a year.... why own a car at all? Use uber and then rent a van for the trips.

[GratefulBeing]

    Thanks all for your suggestions!  I have been continuing the research and I think looking for a Hybrid is a great idea.  MMM has a couple posts about not needing AWD (that snow tires are much more important) but there ARE times where I am trying to go up a snowy steep slope, just not very often). 
     I had never heard of a Ford CMax but that looks really interesting to me.  And a RAV-4 might be bigger than I need but I was excited to learn it comes in a hybrid - thanks.  As I look around almost everyone in this town has a Suburu (if they don't have a huge truck or SUV!).
    Dividendman- Yes, when I lived in the city I definitely did what you are suggesting (No owned vehicle and used legs, bikes, Uber and Free@Move), but in this town there is only like one part-time Uber Driver and a couple of really unreliable and expensive taxis and I do have a few places I NEED to drive to each week so it doesn't feel like an option right now.

[GilesMM]

If you don't drive much, I would just keep the Eurovan as your savings on gas will be low since your miles are low.

[JAYSLOL]

Do you have a budget in mind?  “Mustachian” vehicle can mean anything from $500 1990s Corolla to a newish hybrid RAV4 to a brand new Tesla.  I’ve always preferred to lean somewhere between the first two.  We have a couple vehicles, the one that might fit the spirit of Mustachianism the best would be a 2012 Hyundai Elantra Touring,i think it’s a great value between upfront price, practicality, reliability and fuel economy for the kind of miles we put on it.  Also have an 2006 Santa Fe, not as great on gas, okish reliability, but fantastic as a cheap SUV for camping/logging road and winter (in Canada) driving.