OK, so the consensus here is generally for Toyota and Honda, and for good reason.  You should be able to swing a Rav4 or CRV for that.  The new CRV is quite nice, more pleasant place to put in hours than a Rav4.  A Camry also would probably be a nice ride, but IDK if the AWD camry, Venza, or new Crown is in your budget.

Other Japanese makes are also solid.  The Subaru Crosstrek is the gold standard for a foul-weather car, and they hold up to high miles quite well (my daughter's 2018 is closing in on 130,000 miles without any major problems).  Mazda likely has some good options too (the Mazda3 comes in AWD and should be under your budget).

I probably wouldn't waste $ on a hybrid or electric.  Those are better options for short commutes in stop-and-go driving.  Stick with regular power trains.

For new, I'd probably avoid anything from the big 3 or Korea.  Maybe the Bronco Sport (the TFL guys gave it a good review) would be OK, though not great.  Hard "no" on the Jeep cherokee and renegade.

I would start by asking to refine what your commute is. There will be a big difference in southern Connecticut and northern Vermont. Are you traveling a large area with different roads?

With long rides, you might as well splurge for a more comfortable car, if you can afford it. Toyota or Honda, test out the seats. See which one is most comfortable for you. Honda’s seems to have a slight edge in lower trim models on comfort, but that is subjective. 

Welcome new member!  Lots of options, but what is best depends a lot on your priorities.  Obviously, it should be comfortable, good in snow, get good gas mileage, be reliable, and affordable.  But those are all relative terms.

Are you looking new or used?  Big or small?  Do you have a fuel economy target?  What are you going to do with it?  How many people do you need to carry?  What is your estimated budget?  How much service & repair do you intend to do yourself (versus paying a mechanic)?

And what things are essential, and what things are just "nice to have"?