Have you driven an FJ Cruiser? If not, you need to.
The biggest complaint I have is with the blindspots. I have learned to work around them, though it can be a pain in Houston traffic. Yes, it does take premium gas. At $4 a gallon, it is not a pleasure to fill up the tank. Despite what some may say it is a great off-road vehicle. We've towed an 18 foot boat behind it with no problems, like it was not even there. Some people say the seats are not soft enough, but you have to remember this is not a luxury ride. My butt has never fallen asleep and I have rode in it for about 6 hours straight.
Backing up can be difficult at times too. I solved my problem by getting a back-up camera and using the sensors as aids.
It does have power, enough to pull out a Dodge dually which was stuck in the mud and Chevy truck that was stuck on the beach.
My opinion about if this is a good car for a teenager would be no. I would not get one for my teenager.
Oh, my gas mileage is around 16.5 (with modifications - lift, bigger tires, etc.) 4x4.