SUBARU FORESTER vs ?

I'm in the market, unfortunately, for a new car, (my Sequoia nearly killed myself
and daughter due to an unknown frame rot- whole different story)- anyway, he
was advised Forester was the way to go, safety, reliability, yada yada yada.  He
purchased from Costco's auto program, got a good deal.  My trusted
mechanic, and a few others I called, have said to not buy a Subaru  due to #1-
head gasket; leak oil;  parts $$$$  and have to get them from Subaru which
means without car for days; take engine apart; timing components;plus other
things; #2 don't like CVT transmissions.
are these valid points not to get a Forester even if its a new 2015-2016?
I can't spend more than $25k.
Costco and some dealers have prices within my range for this car or a few
others.
I'm looking for a SUV/Van, with a  bench type 2nd row-(no bucket seats, need
the middle seat) and a 3rd row.
Cannot afford Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot.
May have to look at a Hyundai Sante Fe 6+ seater.

any opinions on topic questions and opinions on Sant Fe 6+ seaters:
*safety in a crash ( very important as I've had 3 children -devastatingly our son
died, in 2 horrific car accidents)
*safety in rain/wet roads,
*safety in roll overs
*good power in accelerating, etc.
* reliability in power, maintenance, engine, etc.,

any other suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Thanks:)