Best Vehicles To Drive In the Snow

As snowy season approaches, you might wonder if your car is really the best vehicle to keep you out of the ditch this winter. Adding winter tires will do wonders for any vehicle on snow, but there are some vehicles that really shine in snowy conditions. Whether you’re ready to buy now or your research has just begun, these vehicles are worth checking out.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a vehicle for winter driving.

• Handling: All-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) handle the best in snow. AWD is always active and 4WD is usually something the driver has to turn on.
• Ground clearance: You want good ground clearance to make sure you’re not getting stuck in deep snow.
• Safety features: Many cars offer various safety features that provide additional security in less-than-ideal conditions:
  • Electronic stability control and traction control work together to regain traction when the car senses the wheels are slipping.
  • Hill descent control uses traction control and anti-lock brakes to control the speed when descending a hill.
  • Lane keeping assist detects when your vehicle drifts out of the driving lane and steers you back into the center. Note: This does not work if the lines on the road aren’t visible due to snow.
  • Collision avoidance system detects the potential for a crash and steers or applies brakes to avoid it.
  • Snow mode adjusts the transmission and accelerator for more control in the snow.
• Exterior heating: Features that battle freezing make visibility easier: heated/defrosting side mirrors, heated washer nozzles and heated windshield wipers.
• Convenience features: Although these don’t help with driving in the snow, these options make your ride more comfortable when temperatures drop: heated seats, heated steering wheel and remote start.
• Cargo space: If you’re going to be hauling oversized equipment, such as skis or a snowboard, you’ll probably need either a roof rack for a rooftop carrier or split-fold seats, so your valuable equipment isn’t being damaged by salt and slush from the road.

Whether you’re looking for a sedan, truck or SUV, these are the top performers in each category. Some features mentioned are only available with certain packages, so make sure you’re getting the options you want. Also, be aware that some remote start features are only offered through an app and may have additional costs.

Sedans: As long as you aren’t driving in deep snow, one of these sedans with AWD and heated seats will provide a comfortable ride this winter.

• Subaru WRX: Special drive modes, electronic stability control, traction control, wiper deicer, heated mirrors, lane keeping assist, 60/40 split-fold seat
• Volvo S90: Heated steering wheel, headlight cleaners, remote start
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Heated steering wheel, heated windshield washers, agility control
• Toyota Camry: Heated mirrors, heated steering wheel, vehicle stability control, traction control
• Mazda3: 60/40 split-fold seats, dynamic stability control, traction control, lane keeping assist
• BMW 3 Series: Active driving assistant, remote start, heated steering wheel

Trucks: With higher ground clearance, heavier weight and bigger tires, trucks with AWD or 4WD option excel in the snow.

• Ford Ranger: 4x4 option, heated mirrors, lane keeping assist, terrain management system
• Honda Ridgeline: AWD, snow driving mode, heated seats, lane keeping assist, vehicle stability assist, traction control, remote start, heated steering wheel, heated mirrors
• GMC Sierra: 4WD, electronic stability control, traction control, heated seats, heated steering wheel, remote start

SUVs: With higher ground clearance, heavier weight and either AWD or 4WD, SUVs are a solid choice for winter driving.

• Subaru Outback/Forester/Ascent/Crosstrek: Subarus are almost always at the top of the list for recommended SUVs for snow. All of their models have AWD, snow mode, electronic stability control, traction control, 8.7-inch ground clearance, wiper deicers, heated mirrors, heated seats, heated steering wheels, 60/40 split-fold seats and lane keeping assist.
• Jeep Grand Cherokee/Wrangler: Both models have 4WD, heated mirrors, heated seats, heated steering wheel, remote start and stability control with the Grand Cherokee having 60/40 split-fold seats.
• Volvo XC40/XC90: Both models have AWD, lane keeping assist, split-fold seats, heated seats and heated steering wheel.
• Audi A4 Allroad: AWD, split-fold seats, heated seats, heated steering wheel and lane keeping assist.
• Ford Bronco Sport: 4WD, lane keeping assist, traction control, heated mirrors, terrain management with driving modes, heated seats, heated steering wheel and 60/40 split-fold seats.
• Honda Pilot: AWD, snow mode, lane keeping assist, stability assist, traction control, remote start, heated steering wheel, 60/40 split-fold seats and heated seats.
• Hyundai Tucson/Kona: Both models have optional AWD, heated mirrors, heated front seats, 60/40 split-fold seats, lane keeping assist, electronic stability control, traction control, heated steering wheel, remote start and snow mode.
• Mercedes-Benz GLE: AWD, heated front seats, 40/20/40 split-fold seats, heated steering wheel, heated windshield washer system, heated armrests and upper door panels and lane keeping assist.
• Kia Seltos/Telluride: Both models have AWD, lane keeping assist, 60/40 split-fold seats, electronic stability control, heated mirrors, heated seats, heated steering wheel, remote start and snow mode.
• Land Rover Defender: AWD, heated steering wheel, heated seats, heated washer jets, headlight power wash, heated windshield, 40/20/40 split-fold seats, heated mirrors, heated rear window, lane keeping assist, stability control and traction control.
• Toyota RAV4/4Runner: Both models have heated mirrors, windshield wiper deicer, heated steering wheel, heated seats, stability control, traction control, higher ground clearance and split-fold seats.
  • RAV4: AWD, snow mode
  • 4Runner: 4WD option
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 4WD, driving modes, heated steering wheel, remote start, heated seats and heated mirrors.
• Acura RDX: AWD, snow mode, 60/40 split-fold seats, lane keeping assist, heated seats, heated steering wheel, windshield wiper deicer, stability assist and traction control.

With the right car, you’ll be more confident driving in snow, but always drive in control and allow extra space, especially since other drivers may not drive cautiously. If the weather report is showing heavy snow, no matter what you drive, it’s a good idea to carry a shovel and other emergency supplies, such as WeatherTech’s Kinetic Recovery Rope System to help if you get stuck.