I've driven the Volvo and various Subarus in ICY conditions. For pure snow, any FWD vehicle with proper tires should have no problems (snow is actually pretty grippy). For ice, I have been very impressed with Subaru's AWD + traction control. Note that the traction control system is not included in all AWD vehicles. With studded tires I have driven in conditions that have had 4WD pickup trucks + chains sitting in ditches. My family had multiple mechanical issues with our Volvo back in the early 80s and we have avoided the company since (the one I drove was a friend's).

Subaru's 4 cyl engines will start to leak oil after awhile but the leaks come from the valve cover gaskets (cheap fix), not the head gasket (very $$$ fix). The Forrester is going to have more storage than the Outback.

Having said all of that, I use a rack to haul my skis and bikes around. If you want to carry your bike in the car, I'd look at something like a Honda Element (car engine with tons of room behind the front seats).