What Car? - North East USA

[stevenjhepburn]

It looks pretty certain that my fianceé will be returning home to New Hampshire in July to start a new job. She is going to need a car that can deal with a New England winter, a 2 hour daily commute, and transportation of 2+ dogs for leisure.

Her brother has recommended a Subaru XV Crosstrek.

What other cars in a similar price range should she be considering?