What makes the greatest vehicles for snow actually the perfect? It’s multiple factor. Take into account these key options when driving in snow and different wintery situations.
To qualify for our picks, autos have to boast an efficient drivetrain — the array of elements from the transmission to the tires. Search for security and driver-assist applied sciences, akin to rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and so forth. Then, contemplate consolation or comfort options, akin to heated seats and headlight washers, that may make driving lots simpler in snowy climate. Use our jump-ahead hyperlinks under to get to the part you want.
Getting To Know the Greatest Autos in Snow
If a automobile boasts the suitable mixture of our most popular components, even an inexperienced driver can get by when driving in snow. On the similar time, the precise mixture of options could make even an skilled Snowbelt driver safer and extra competent. That is true whether or not it’s a sedan, an SUV, or a pickup truck.
RELATED ARTICLE: 20 Suggestions for Secure Winter Driving
The driving force is the important thing issue when driving on snow or ice. The much less expertise a driver has with snow- or ice-covered roads, the extra essential the elements, applied sciences, and techniques designed to assist the driving force in foul climate.
We weighed these elements when making our picks for the perfect vehicles and SUVs within the snow. And this yr, our prime general decide is the Subaru Outback. Learn on to see why.
Which Is Higher: AWD or 4WD?
Any dialogue of the perfect vehicles for snow should start with the drivetrain. There are professionals and cons for front-wheel-drive (FWD) and rear-wheel-drive (RWD) techniques when driving in snowy or icy situations. Nevertheless, we’re going to go over 2-wheel-drive (2WD) drivetrains as a result of an inexperienced snow driver will probably be as more likely to get into hassle with both 2-wheel-drive system. Consequently, we flip the dialogue to all-wheel drive (AWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD).
What Is AWD?
Many individuals use the phrases all-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive interchangeably. Nevertheless, they’re totally different techniques. All-wheel drive capabilities with little or no driver enter. Most all-wheel-drive autos sometimes function as front-wheel drive (Honda CR-V) or rear-wheel drive (BMW 3 Collection) till situations demand motion from the passive axle.
On dry pavement, the engine sends all its torque to at least one axle. For front-wheel-drive vehicles, energy (or torque) goes to the entrance wheels. With rear-wheel-drive vehicles, energy goes to the rear wheels.
Half-Time AWD
With the most typical kind of all-wheel-drive system, part-time all-wheel drive, the second it senses one or each main drive wheels slipping, it robotically transfers a proportion of the engine torque to the opposite axle and its two wheels. You would possibly see a phrase like “on-demand” or “part-time” all-wheel drive referring to this method.
If it’s an on-demand system, it’s set as much as work more often than not in 2-wheel drive to extend gasoline effectivity. This kind of system is probably the most fuel-efficient alternative. The fuel-economy penalty with on-demand all-wheel drive will be as little as 1-2 mpg.
Full-Time AWD
Some techniques known as full-time all-wheel drive at all times ship a proportion of torque to all 4 wheels. These techniques additionally robotically modify torque as wanted however are sometimes much less fuel-efficient than on-demand techniques. Subaru makes use of a full-time system for many of its autos. Fortuitously, the fuel-economy penalty is minimal with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system.
With on-demand or full-time all-wheel drive, when wheel slippage happens and causes a necessity for extra traction, the system sends extra energy to the wheels with extra grip. So, when you’re driving on an icy patch and one tire can’t get traction, the system will reply, shortly sending energy to the opposite wheels with extra grip.
Most all-wheel-drive techniques are electronically managed and may reply to altering highway situations earlier than a wheel begins to spin. This occurs in lower than a blink of a watch, normally with out the driving force’s consciousness. Though far more occurs right here to maximise traction and keep management, that’s the gist of it.
What Is 4-Wheel Drive?
Within the majority of inclement climate conditions, together with ice and snow, most individuals discover all-wheel drive adequately sturdy. Nevertheless, when you typically drive on extraordinarily slippery roads or require a automobile with higher off-road functionality than all-wheel drive presents, you possibly can look into autos with 4-wheel drive.
Nonetheless sending energy to all 4 wheels, 4-wheel drive creates a lock between the entrance and rear axles, retaining the axle speeds the identical. This reduces wheel spin when traction is low — akin to gravel and deep snow — however prevents your automobile from having the ability to nook in addition to when it’s in 2-wheel drive. All-wheel drive doesn’t have that problem.
Though there are another 4-wheel-drive techniques on the market, the one you will discover most frequently is part-time 4-wheel drive. Furthermore, you’ll sometimes discover such techniques on autos that default to rear-wheel drive.
4-Wheel Drive Excessive Vary
When situations dictate you — the driving force — want additional traction, a lever, dial, or button simply engages 4-Hello, often known as excessive vary. That is the perfect setting for snowy situations and when negotiating trails thought-about simple or reasonable. Utilizing excessive vary offers you extra traction off-road than all-wheel drive. In most trendy 4-wheel-drive autos, you possibly can swap from 2-Hello to 4-Hello with out stopping. There are even 4-wheel-drive autos that may robotically go from 2-Hello to 4-Hello for you.
Nevertheless, there are a number of drawbacks. Specialists don’t suggest excessive vary for regular on-road use. When you neglect to change the system again to 2-wheel drive (or 4-Hello) when highway situations enhance, you threat damaging your automobile after lengthy stretches. Moreover, this method’s added weight reduces gasoline economic system.
4-Wheel Drive Low Vary
When path situations turn out to be much more difficult, otherwise you encounter extraordinarily deep snow, you possibly can select 4-Lo or low vary. This characteristic is strictly for low speeds. Along with placing energy to all 4 wheels, this setting additionally makes use of a low gear ratio. Low vary arms your truck or SUV with the utmost torque at each wheel; consequently, it will possibly crawl over an impediment.
Participating low vary requires stopping the automobile and manually shifting into or choosing it. And when you’ve conquered the tough stuff, you’ll have to cease and manually shift out of 4-Lo. Low vary isn’t obligatory for many ice and snow conditions; nonetheless, there could also be excessive climate situations when it will be useful.
Which Ought to You Select: All-Wheel Drive or 4-Wheel Drive?
You’ll be able to decide all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive, relying in your wants. Nevertheless, we suggest all-wheel drive for most individuals confronted with ice and snow conditions as a result of it robotically and seamlessly adjusts to altering highway situations. It’s particularly engineered to operate in regular snowy and icy conditions. Moreover, its impact on gasoline economic system is lower than 4-wheel drive.
What Are the Prime Security Options for Driving in Snow?
You’ll be able to say goodbye to the times when the highest security characteristic for the perfect automobile within the snow was a trunk giant sufficient to carry a bag of salt and a shovel. In the present day’s vehicles, vehicles, and SUVs provide a big selection of security and driver-assist options. Many of those help snow driving whereas reducing stress.
Since 2013, authorities mandates required options like traction management, stability management, and anti-lock brakes to be commonplace on each passenger automobile. The lion’s share of newer applied sciences is out there on a variety of latest vehicles and SUVs. Some could even prevent a couple of bucks in your automobile insurance coverage.
We compiled an inventory of options contributing to higher management and security in snowy or icy situations. Moreover, we threw in a number of winter consolation/comfort options, as properly. Our picks for greatest snow sedans and snow SUVs provide some or most of them.
The Checklist of Prime Security Options for Automobiles in Snow
- Adaptive headlights: Headlights that adapt can are available in a few types. One truly rotates the headlights to mild the realm within the path wherein the steering wheel will get turned. The opposite makes use of cornering lights mounted extra to the facet of the headlights. They illuminate the suitable path once you flip the steering wheel to the left or proper — an excellent characteristic for any automobile driving in snow.
- Anti-lock brakes and stability management: These work hand in hand to assist a automobile keep the supposed course. Stability management detects when a automobile veers from the deliberate course, making use of the brake to whichever wheel or wheels will assist convey the automobile underneath management and return it to its supposed path.
- Computerized excessive beams: By default, auto excessive beams swap on each time the headlights come on. A sensor detects the lights of close by autos, switching off the excessive beams when it detects headlights or taillights.
- Computerized temperature management: We included this on the snow options checklist purely for its comfort. A set-it-and-forget-it little bit of know-how meaning one much less factor to stress over as you focus in your snow driving.
- Blind-spot monitoring: Driving in snow is difficult enterprise. Blind-spot sensors detect autos in your flanks you might not be capable of see in your mirrors. This could hold you from swerving into an already occupied lane, together with when driving in snow. One of many surest methods to lose management on a slippery highway is to make a sudden steering adjustment to keep away from a automobile within the subsequent lane. One other solution to create havoc on a slippery highway is stomping on the brakes, which that neighboring automobile will certainly do when you try to share its lane.
- Ahead collision warning and emergency braking: This know-how makes use of a mixture of cameras, sensors, and lasers to detect hazards, together with stopped autos on the highway. It employs the anti-lock braking system to cease the automobile. Extra superior techniques may detect pedestrians and cyclists.
- Floor clearance: That is the space between the pavement and your automobile’s undercarriage. Extra floor clearance is a bonus since you are much less more likely to plow the snow. Extra clearance additionally helps keep away from hitting unseen hazards on a snow-covered highway.
- Headlight washers and wipers: These wipers and washers clear automobile headlights of snow and highway salt, delivering higher illumination.
- Head-up show: A head-up show initiatives pace and different assorted photographs on the automobile windshield or a panel simply beneath the driving force’s line of sight. Though it’s an data instrument, it’s equally a security characteristic, serving to drivers hold their eyes on the highway in wintery climate.
- Heated mirrors: A characteristic that melts fog, ice, and snow for a clearer picture earlier than driving a automobile within the snow.
- Heated seats and a heated steering wheel: They gained’t save your life however will make life in freezing climate far more snug. Many autos even provide heated rear seats.
- Heated windshield and wipers: Neither of those is widespread, however each will prevent time and vitality when snow falls or ice types.
- LED headlights and taillights: These present brighter illumination than commonplace halogen ones. You’ll be able to see farther forward, and visitors behind you possibly can see your taillights sooner.
- Rain-sensing wipers: The wipers robotically have interaction when the system detects moisture, together with snow, on the windshield.
- Rear cross-traffic alert: This characteristic warns of approaching visitors from both facet once you again up. Most car parking zone fender benders happen when one automobile backs into an approaching automobile or into its path. On slippery pavement, coming to a cease will get much more tough, and this characteristic gives a sophisticated warning.
- Distant begin: Beginning your automobile remotely gained’t assist in your efforts to drive in snowy or icy situations. However getting the engine working, the heater working, and the windshield defroster going earlier than coming into your automobile makes for a extra snug snow-driving expertise.
- Snow tires: Automobile tires geared for driving in snow can save your life, together with when driving on ice. In case you are shopping for a brand new automobile for winter driving, sometimes, the underside line could not embody them. The supplies composing the tire and the tread sample can tremendously have an effect on a tire’s resistance to sliding.
Be aware: Tires are a very powerful security element in your automobile, whether or not on dry or slippery pavement.
RELATED: Automobile Tires Information: All the pieces You Must Know
How To Interpret Crash Check Scores
Though we didn’t base our picks for the perfect snow vehicles on crash take a look at outcomes, we did embody the take a look at outcomes from the federal government’s Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance coverage Institute for Visitors Security (IIHS). Right here’s what you have to know.
NHTSA
NHTSA reviews on three assessments, scoring every utilizing a system of stars. The most effective rating is 5 stars, and the worst is 1 star. NHTSA scores every take a look at individually after which additionally points an general rating. The NHTSA assessments:
- Frontal crash
- Aspect crash
- Rollover crash
IIHS
The IIHS at present reviews on 4 primary crash assessments for vehicles, mild vehicles, minivans, and SUVs.
- Small overlap entrance: driver-side
- Small overlap entrance: passenger-side
- Average overlap entrance: up to date take a look at
- Aspect: up to date take a look at
The side-test protocol consists of each the precise and left sides; consequently, the facet protocol might technically be known as two assessments for a complete of 5. Nevertheless, the IIHS lumps the facet assessments right into a single end result for scoring functions.
The IIHS scoring on every crash take a look at is Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor in descending order.
TIP: IIHS modified its facet crash-test protocol in 2021, specifying a heavier ram. Though the outcomes of this new model of the take a look at have been proven in some autos’ outcomes prior to now couple of years, 2023 is the primary yr the IIHS figured these outcomes right into a automobile’s scoring. Furthermore, the “Average overlap entrance: up to date take a look at” additionally simply turned a part of the scoring protocol in 2023. Earlier than 2024, the IIHS carried out six or extra assessments, the scores of which can nonetheless seem on a particular automobile’s take a look at outcomes web page. Going ahead, the IIHS will solely rating the 4 assessments listed above.
Past the crash assessments, the IIHS evaluates headlights and vehicle-to-pedestrian entrance crash safety. Right here, the scoring is Superior, Superior, and Fundamental. Furthermore, the LATCH child-seat anchors are additionally assessed.
Reasonably than reproducing all the crash take a look at knowledge right here, we’re condensing it to a easy ratio of Good/All Assessments. So, if a automobile received 5 Good outcomes and one Acceptable, it will obtain a 5/6 end result — 5 Good/6 Whole Assessments.
Fashions getting the very best marks in each the crash assessments and the opposite evaluations earn the IIHS highest security awards of Prime Security Decide (TSP) and Prime Security Decide+ (TSP+). We gained’t embody the numerical ratios on these prime finishers.
All IIHS testing displays 2024 fashions until in any other case specified.
Greatest Automobiles for Driving in Snow
2025 Audi A5 Sportback
Greatest Worth for Snow: $49,695 | Premium
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $49,695 | Skilled Ranking: 4.3
IIHS Ranking: 3/3 Good
The Audi A5 Sportback is sensible, delivers excellent driving dynamics, and appears nice doing it. Its commonplace all-wheel drive and array of our winter-weather options made it a no brainer for this checklist. Even in its entry-level trim, the A5 Sportback gives rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights with washers, power-adjustable, heated facet mirrors, heated entrance seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone computerized local weather management.
It additionally has a complete checklist of superior security know-how, like computerized emergency braking, lane-centering help, lane-departure warning, and high-beam help. We submit that the bottom Premium trim has adequate content material to make the A5 Sportback a really perfect winter trip. Nevertheless, if in case you have extra room in your funds, the Premium Plus provides a surround-view digicam, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. A 201-horsepower 4-cylinder engine mated to a 7-speed computerized transmission rotates the wheels. Discover an Audi A5 Sportback close to you
2025 BMW 3 Collection
Greatest Worth for Snow: $49,125 | 330i xDrive
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $49,125 | Skilled Ranking: 4.4
IIHS Ranking: 3/3 Good
Sitting atop the meals chain of compact luxurious sedans, the BMW 3 Collection presents its xDrive all-wheel-drive system throughout its sedan lineup, together with its 330e plug-in hybrid sedan. All-wheel drive provides $2,000 to the underside line of the entry-level 330i. That makes the bottom value of the 330i xDrive $49,125. A 255-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed computerized transmission delivers the go.
Ahead collision warning, computerized emergency braking, and rain-sensing wipers come commonplace on each 3 Collection mannequin. Choosing the $1,700 Driving Help Skilled Package deal provides adaptive cruise management, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping help, and extra. Different obtainable driver-assist options embody adaptive LED headlights and computerized excessive beams. Discover a BMW 3 Collection close to you
2025 Cadillac CT4
Greatest Worth for Snow: $38,990 | Luxurious AWD
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $38,990 | Skilled Ranking: 3.7
IIHS Ranking: Not rated
We just like the CT4 for its accessibility — it is among the extra reasonably priced compact luxurious sedans. Furthermore, when shod with its obtainable all-wheel-drive system, it handles snow and dust with the perfect of them. Including all-wheel drive to the entry-level Luxurious trim brings the full to $38,990. At that value level, the CT4 delivers heated outboard mirrors, LED headlights, dual-zone computerized local weather management, and distant begin. Additionally commonplace is a bundle of superior security tech like lane-keeping help, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and high-beam help. A $600 Chilly Climate Package deal, which provides heated entrance seats and steering wheel, is bundled with the AWD Luxurious trim stage.
For about $5,000 extra you possibly can transfer as much as the Premium Luxurious trim. Amongst its positive aspects are entrance/rear park help, rain-sensing wipers, and reverse computerized braking. Transferring up a trim additionally makes obtainable a higher-performance 310-hp turbocharged engine instead of the usual 237-hp turbocharged mill. We’d stick to the Luxurious trim with the Chilly Climate Package deal. Discover a Cadillac CT4 close to you
2025 Mazda3 Sedan
Greatest Worth for Snow: $30,595 | 2.5 S Carbon Version AWD
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $30,595 | Skilled Ranking: 4.1
IIHS Ranking: TSP+
It’s essential to transfer as much as the Carbon Version amongst Mazda3 non-turbo fashions to get AWD. The two.5 S Carbon and all turbo fashions have it as commonplace. Each Mazda3 comes commonplace with blind-spot monitoring, computerized emergency braking, and computerized excessive beams, amongst different options in its i-Activsense suite of security/driver-assist applied sciences — all nice for snow driving.
The Carbon Version additionally boasts commonplace LED headlights, taillights, rain-sensing wipers, and heated entrance seats. Thrust is from a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 6-speed computerized transmission sends engine output to all 4 wheels. Discover a Mazda3 close to you
2025 Nissan Altima
Greatest Worth for Snow: $30,070 | Altima SV AWD
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $30,070 | Skilled Ranking: 4.1
IIHS Ranking: 4/5 Good
Aside from the entry-level S grade, each Nissan Altima mannequin with the 188-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine will be fitted with all-wheel drive for driving in snow. Nevertheless, you lose some horses because the engine’s output drops to 182 hp. Probably the most reasonably priced mannequin with all-wheel drive is the SV.
The full base value with all-wheel drive involves $30,070. Computerized excessive beams, LED headlights, distant engine begin, ahead collision warning, computerized entrance emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and computerized rear braking are commonplace. To get heated entrance seats, heated outboard mirrors, and a bunch of different goodies, you will need to pony up $2,390 for the Premium Package deal. Discover a Nissan Altima close to you
2025 Toyota Camry
Greatest Worth for Snow: $31,360 | LE AWD
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $31,360 | Skilled Ranking: 4.8
IIHS Ranking: TSP+
Toyota completely redesigned the Camry for 2025 with all-wheel drive obtainable on each grade. Getting it on the entry-level LE solely provides $1,525 to the $29,835 base value. The Toyota Camry comes commonplace with Security Sense 3.0, a set that features ahead collision warning, computerized entrance emergency braking, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing help, computerized excessive beams, and extra. Additionally commonplace are blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Serving to make it one of many higher vehicles for driving in snow, the Camry LE’s different winter options are LED headlights. LED taillights, and dual-zone computerized local weather management. If you wish to add heated entrance seats and steering wheel, you possibly can add the Chilly Climate Package deal, which comes bundled with the Comfort Package deal, for $1,660.
Each new Camry arrives as a hybrid with a 225-hp (232-hp with all-wheel drive) 4-cylinder hybrid system matched to a repeatedly variable computerized transmission. Discover a Toyota Camry close to you
2025 Volvo V90 Cross Nation
Greatest Worth for Snow: $61,745 | Plus + Local weather Package deal
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $61,995 | Skilled Ranking: 4.3
IIHS Ranking: 3/3 Good
Categorised as midsize, the Volvo V90 Cross Nation is surprisingly roomy inside. This wagon comes commonplace with all-wheel drive and a formidable 7.9 inches of floor clearance. Additionally commonplace are adaptive LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitor with steering help, rear cross-traffic alert, entrance collision mitigation help, heated entrance seats, quad-zone computerized local weather management, distant begin, and a slippery highway alert.
That terrific roster of normal tools plus this Volvo’s floor clearance makes this the most effective vehicles for snow. We suggest selecting up heated rear seats, heated windshield washers, and a heated steering wheel with the $750 Local weather Package deal. Discover a Volvo V90 close to you
Greatest SUVs for Driving in Snow
2025 Acura RDX
Greatest Worth for Snow: $46,050 | RDX
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $46,050 | Skilled Ranking: 4.6
IIHS Ranking: TSP
Each RDX comes with Acura’s Tremendous Dealing with All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). It employs a number of methods to extend functionality and traction. It’s fairly difficult, but the end result can also be an environment friendly system. As a lot as 90% of torque can go to only one rear wheel.
Additionally featured on each new RDX is respectable floor clearance (8.2 inches). Normal are ahead collision warning, computerized emergency braking, LED headlights, heated outboard mirrors, and heated entrance seats. Transferring as much as the Know-how trim stage ($48,650) provides a rear digicam washer, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and far more. Test the Advance trim stage ($53,800) so as to add rain-sensing wipers, LED fog lights, windshield wiper de-icer, and extra. The engine is a 272-hp 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder mated with a 10-speed computerized transmission. Discover an Acura RDX close to you
2025 Chevrolet Tahoe
Greatest Worth for Snow: $63,495 | 4WD Tahoe LS
Beginning Worth w/4WD: $63,495 | Skilled Ranking: 4.7
IIHS Ranking: 2/4 (2024)
Chevy’s Tahoe is available in six trim ranges. All of them will be fitted with (commonplace within the Z71) 4-wheel drive for driving in snow and different hazardous situations. Including it to the entry-level LS grade will increase the $60,495 backside line by $3,000.
Snug and roomy, the Chevrolet Tahoe LS has spectacular floor clearance (7.9 inches). It comes with rain-sensing wipers, ahead collision warning, front-emergency braking, LED headlights and taillights, and distant begin. Spring for the $495 Driver Alert Package deal to select up blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, amongst different options. Thrust is generated by a 355-hp 5.3-liter V8 mated to a 10-speed computerized transmission. If the 2025 mannequin hasn’t gone on sale but in your space, the 2024 can also be an excellent alternative. Discover a Chevrolet Tahoe close to you
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
Greatest Worth for Snow: $36,790 | Outer Banks
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $31,590 | Skilled Ranking: 4.6
IIHS Ranking: 3/3 Good
The Ford Bronco Sport pops proper out of the field with all-wheel drive for getting round within the snow. Not as off-road succesful as its huge brother, the 4-wheel-drive Bronco, the Bronco Sport is properly suited to battling snow, mud, and dust. The bottom mannequin gives 5 driving modes, LED exterior lights, high-beam help, and Ford’s Co-Pilot360 driver aids bundle. It consists of ahead collision warning with computerized braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping help. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are commonplace as properly.
We suggest stepping as much as the Outer Banks. It positive aspects you heated outboard mirrors, heated entrance seats, a rear-camera washer, and dual-zone computerized local weather management. Additionally commonplace are LED fog lights, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers. A 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine married to an 8-speed computerized transmission spins the wheels. Discover a Ford Bronco Sport close to you
2025 Honda CR-V
Greatest Worth for Snow: $35,245 | EX AWD
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $32,995 | Skilled Ranking: 4.8
IIHS Ranking: TSP
Each CR-V trim stage is out there with all-wheel drive ($1,500), besides the Sport Touring Hybrid, on which it’s commonplace. Including all-wheel drive will increase floor clearance to eight.2 inches.
The EX is the second most reasonably priced trim stage, and it comes very properly outfitted. Ahead collision warning and front-emergency braking are commonplace, as are different Honda Sensing driver-assist options. Additionally commonplace are LED headlights and taillights.
This trim stage comes with heated entrance seats, heated outboard mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It additionally consists of LED fog lights. Energy is generated by a 190-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine managed via an computerized transmission. Discover a Honda CR-V close to you
2025 Hyundai Kona
Greatest Worth for Snow: $28,750 | SEL AWD
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $27,400 | Skilled Ranking: 4.8
IIHS Ranking: TSP+
We named the Kona because the Kelley Blue Ebook Greatest Purchase in its class. To go for all-wheel drive on any Hyundai Kona grade provides $1,500 to the underside line, making the bottom SE all-wheel drive $27,400. This subcompact mannequin has a stunning quantity of passenger and cargo area. All-wheel-drive variations have 8.1 inches of floor clearance and are available commonplace with entrance collision warning, computerized emergency braking, lane-keeping help, blind-spot monitoring, and extra. One other winter characteristic on the bottom Kona is LED headlights with high-beam help.
Nevertheless, spending one other $1,350 to maneuver as much as the SEL grade provides heated mirrors with built-in flip indicators, heated entrance seats, dual-zone computerized local weather management, and far more. Energy comes from a 147-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine related to an computerized transmission. Discover a Hyundai Kona close to you
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Greatest Worth for Snow: $33,300 | SEL AWD
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $31,600 | Skilled Ranking: 4.2
IIHS Ranking: TSP
No, the Hyundai Santa Cruz isn’t an SUV; nonetheless, sharing its platform with the Tucson SUV, it has an SUV’s consolation and options. Though pickup vehicles aren’t the best snow autos, we like this small city truck lots. All-wheel drive is commonplace on the higher grades, and a $1,500 upcharge on the SE and SEL. Past AWD, the bottom SE isn’t brimming with snow options. It does present LED taillights, distant keyless entry, LED headlights with high-beam help, and several other driver aids, together with ahead collision warning with computerized emergency braking, lane-keeping help, rear cross-traffic avoidance help, and extra.
Nevertheless, making the $1,700 transfer to the SEL provides heated entrance seats, heated outboard mirrors, dual-zone computerized local weather management, distant engine begin, and extra. A 191-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine sends output to the wheels by way of an 8-speed computerized transmission. Discover a Hyundai Santa Cruz close to you
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo/4xe
Greatest Worth for Snow: $42,625 | Laredo + Package deal
Beginning Worth w/4WD: $40,830 | Skilled Ranking: 4.3
IIHS Ranking: TSP
For the Grand Cherokee, there are two nice selections. Not solely is there the Jeep Grand Cherokee, however there may be additionally the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. Each bit as off-road succesful because the gas-only Grand Cherokee, the automobile comes commonplace with the Quadra-Trac II lively 4WD system with its 2-speed switch case. Along with its 4-wheel drive system, the entry-level 4xe’s snow creds embody LED exterior lights, heated entrance/rear seats, a heated steering wheel, distant begin, and heated outboard mirrors. It begins at $62,285.
Normal driver aids embody ahead collision warning with computerized emergency braking, lane-keeping help, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise management and high-beam help are additionally included. A 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and two electrical motors generate the thrust, delivering it to all 4 wheels by way of an 8-speed computerized transmission.
If the 4xe is past your funds, it’s also possible to search for the 4-wheel-drive 2024 Grand Cherokee Laredo. This Grand Cherokee has a beginning value of $40,830 with 4-wheel drive.
To achieve heated entrance seats and steering wheel, amongst different goodies, search for the Luxurious Tech Group I ($1,795) on the Laredo. Heated seats and steering wheel are commonplace with the 4xe. Offering energy is a 293-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 mated to an 8-speed computerized transmission. Discover a Jeep Grand Cherokee close to you
2025 Kia Telluride
Greatest Worth for Snow: $45,505 | EX AWD
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $42,805 | Skilled Ranking: 4.8
IIHS Ranking: TSP+
Kia refreshed the Telluride final yr. Our Skilled Ranking of 4.8 and that we named it the Greatest Purchase Midsize SUV for 2025 ought to let you know one thing about our opinion of the 3-row Kia Telluride. It blows us away. Kia presents all-wheel drive all through the Telluride lineup (besides the bottom LX). That makes the S trim the place to begin for all-wheel drive at $42,805.
It has eight inches of floor clearance, distant begin, heated mirrors, ahead collision warning, computerized emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. It’s essential to step as much as the EX trim, which we suggest, to achieve or qualify for different options like LED headlights, heated seats, and computerized excessive beams. The engine is a 291-hp 3.6-liter V6. An 8-speed computerized transmission switches the cogs. Discover a Kia Telluride close to you
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
Greatest Worth for Snow: $46,150 | GLA 250 4Matic
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $46,150 | Skilled Ranking: 4.5
IIHS Ranking: Not rated
Serving because the model’s entry to SUVs, the Mercedes-Benz GLA’s one mannequin will be upgraded to AWD (4Matic in Mercedes converse) for $2,000. Consequently, the GLA 250 goes from $44,150 to $46,150 with the 4Matic system.
Amongst its commonplace options: heated mirrors, cross-wind help, entrance collision warning, computerized emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Additionally included are LED headlights and taillights, and rain-sensing wipers. As well as, Mercedes presents heated seats for $500, and a Winter Package deal with heated steering wheel and windshield washer nozzles for $450. Delivering the go is a 221-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine joined to an 8-speed computerized transmission. Discover a Mercedes-Benz GLA close to you
2025 Subaru Forester
Greatest Worth for Snow: $33,530 | Premium
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $31,230 | Skilled Ranking: 4.4
IIHS Ranking: TSP+
Each Subaru Forester boasts commonplace AWD with spectacular floor clearance (8.7 inches). LED adaptive headlights, computerized excessive beams, computerized local weather management, a rearview digicam washer, and ahead collision warning with computerized emergency braking are included.
It’s essential to transfer as much as the Premium trim to qualify for blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Additionally included within the Premium are fog lights, windshield wiper de-icer, heated entrance seats, and heated outboard mirrors. We expect shifting up is price it. A 182-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine sends its output to the wheels by way of an computerized transmission (CVT). Discover a Subaru Forester close to you
2025 Subaru Outback
Greatest Worth for Snow: $32,730 | Premium
Beginning Worth: $30,430 | Skilled Ranking: 4.6
IIHS Ranking: TSP
Each Subaru Outback comes proper out of the field with AWD as commonplace, together with 8.7 inches of floor clearance. That’s what makes this an excellent — and the perfect — automobile for snow. Included are a snow/mud X-Mode transmission setting, ahead collision warning with computerized emergency braking, adaptive LED headlights, and computerized excessive beams. We suggest stepping as much as the Premium grade to achieve heated entrance seats, windshield wiper de-icers, LED fog lights, and computerized local weather management. Transfer as much as the Restricted grade for heated rear seats.
A blind-spot monitor, rear-cross visitors alert, and different goodies are in a Premium trim choice package deal (OP 13 $1,400). A 182-hp flat 4-cylinder engine makes use of a CVT to usher energy to the wheels. Discover a Subaru Outback close to you
2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Greatest Worth for Snow: $34,805 | Hybrid XLE
Base Worth w/AWD: $33,295 | Skilled Ranking: 4.6
IIHS Ranking: TSP (2023)
All-wheel drive comes commonplace on each Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, together with the entry-level LE. It has 8.1 inches of floor clearance and comes commonplace with LED headlights and taillights, ahead collision warning with emergency braking, and computerized excessive beams.
We suggest you step as much as the XLE ($34,805). It provides blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, heated mirrors, and extra. Step as much as the XLE Premium ($37,695), and you may add the Climate Package deal ($1,075) with heated entrance seats, a heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers. Different options like heated rear seats and adaptive headlights require shifting up the trim-level ladder. The two.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and hybrid system conspire to supply 219 hp. An computerized transmission sends energy to the wheels. You’ll be able to even step as much as the Hybrid Woodland Version ($36,515), which provides off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and all-season mats. Discover a Toyota RAV4 close to you
2025 Toyota Sienna
Greatest Worth for Snow: $47,445 | XLE AWD
Base Worth w/AWD: $42,635 | Skilled Ranking: 4.7
IIHS Ranking: TSP
No, the Toyota Sienna isn’t an SUV. Nevertheless, we do find it irresistible, significantly with all-wheel drive. All the lineup makes use of a hybrid powertrain, and you will get all trim ranges with all-wheel drive ($2,000). The entry-level LE trim with AWD begins at $42,635.
Nevertheless, we suggest stepping up one grade to the 7-passenger XLE AWD. Amongst our snow-safety options are LED headlights, fog lights, taillights, computerized excessive beams, and heated mirrors. The XLE comes with distant begin, heated entrance seats, and rain-sensing wipers. Additionally included are 4-zone computerized local weather management and a surround-view digicam. You’ll have to buy the next trim stage to get a heated steering wheel. The Sienna has 6.3 inches of floor clearance. The Woodland Version will increase floor clearance to six.9 inches.
The Sienna comes commonplace with the Toyota Security Sense 2.0. It consists of pre-collision with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, entrance and rear parking help, adaptive cruise management, and lane-departure warning. The hybrid system gives 245 mixed horsepower. Discover a Toyota Sienna close to you
