Trying to make a short list Honda, Toyota, Subaru or?

Just my personal opinion, of course, but I would not own a Honda or Toyota.
IMO, the best on your list is the Subaru, either the Forester or the Outback. Of course, for sheer fun, the WRX is hard to beat!
I once had an Outback SUS (Sport Utility Sedan). I wish I still had it, it was a great four door sedan.

However, even though it is not on the list, I agree the best toad is a Jeep Wrangler. Preferably the Rubicon model.

Jeep.

We've towed two Toyota automatic 4WD RAV4's for over 40,000 miles combined. I first installed a Remco transmission pump in our 2002 RAV and towed it for about 30,000 miles, and then transferred the pump to our then new 2011 RAV, and have towed that one for 10,000 plus miles so far with zero pump related problems. The pump kit only fits specific Toyota transmissions though, so check with Remco before buying the car. There's a code on the driver's door frame tag that will tell you which transmission was installed.

I have towed Subarus for many years. There are no limitations on speed, mileage etc. It must be a manual shift, automatics cannot be towed.

We have had five Hondas. No problems, great resale, great toads.

You can drive them all and decide.

If you want an automatic trans CRV in either 2wd or awd. I like our 2013 CRV awd. Rav4 & Subaru needs to be manual trans. 2014 is the last year CRV are towable 4 down. Dick