I don't actually rave about our CRV but I think it's a good compromise. We need a good highway car, with decent cargo room, that can get up that steep driveway at the end of drive.
To me....being somewhat gas mileage obsessed....the choice has always been between the Outback and the CRV. We are actually on our second CRV and I think the old one was easier to get up the driveway. It was really underpowered, which made it less likely that the wheels would break loose if you hit the gas too hard.
If I actually LIVED in the North Country full time...it would be Outback all the way. The Outback AWD system is definitely better than the system in the CRV if traction is the primary concern.
The CRV sacrifices some traction for fuel efficiency. Essentially it's a bigger car with the same MPGs as an Outback and significantly more cargo room. If I didn't have to truck the family from NJ to North River 20 times a year...it would be Outback all the way. The last 150 feet up that steep slick driveway....in the CRV...it's just a little too much excitement for my taste. The Subies make it up with more confidence.