As a Subaru Baja owner, I disagree with your opinion. I’ve been able to safely haul 100 lbs propane tanks, as I feel much safer placing the tanks in the small bed than keeping it in the enclosed cabin of an Outback (or Odyssey). Upgraded the rear strut assemblies to mitigate the sag while carrying 20 bags of 40 lbs of wood pellets. The small bed lets me throw down a tarp and carry a reasonable amount of compost/manure without smelling up the cabin.
It also goes like a raped ape in snow. I find myself having a “snickers craving” during a winter snowstorm, just for the excuse to go driving to the grocery store (if they’re still open), hopefully finding someone to pull out of the ditch along the way.
I much prefer the boxer engine in the Subaru over the setup in the Honda (or Hyundai), but to each their own.