I dont know about snow but vote for FORD SUV's in general and Escape in
particular, reasonably good vehicles.  If you sepnd much time in city
stop/go get a Hybrid model, Hybrid Frontwheel drive might be sluggish in
snow so get ALL-wheel drive but then natuarally fuel efficiency you gain
with Hybrids drops significatl;y in All wheel/more powerful model so up to
you - save fuel/environment or get ridiculouys power.