The Best SUVs for Snow and Winter Weather

Last Updated on August 22, 2024

As winter approaches, many drivers find themselves searching for vehicles that can handle the challenges of snow and ice. Not everyone can turn a snow tractor into their daily driver, after all, so what’s the most practical car for driving in snow?

SUVs have long been popular choices for winter driving, thanks to their robust build, higher ground clearance, and standard all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive systems. SUVs are built for stability, safety, and style, designed for off-roading and harsh conditions. A little snow can’t stop them– and behind the wheel of one of these cars, it won’t stop you, either.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best SUVs for snow. We’ll dive into what makes each SUV stand out, as well as how they can make your winter driving experience safer and more enjoyable.

Overview

Here’s a brief overview of the best SUVs for snow and winter weather, with a comparison of their features.

Top Picks: The Best SUVs for Snow

No matter how you slice it, SUVs are some of the best cars you can get for driving in snow. Let’s look at some of the top contenders. These are the best SUVs for winter driving in various categories.

Best Overall: Subaru Forester

The Subaru Forester consistently ranks as one of the best SUVs for snow, and for good reason. It comes standard with Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides excellent traction in all conditions.

The Forester also boasts impressive ground clearance. Combine that with its suite of advanced safety features, and it’s a top choice for winter driving.

Key Features:

• Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

• 8.7 inches of ground clearance

• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology

• X-MODE for enhanced traction in deep snow
  

Best Luxury Option: Audi Q5

Photo by Albert Stoynov

For those seeking a more upscale experience without sacrificing winter performance, the Audi Q5 is an excellent choice. Its Quattro all-wheel drive system is legendary for its capability in snow and ice. The Q5 also offers a comfortable interior and advanced technology features, making it a well-rounded choice for year-round driving. It’s definitely one of the best SUVs for snow.

Key Features:

• Quattro all-wheel drive

• Adaptive suspension for varying road conditions

• Available winter tire packages

• Advanced driver assistance systems

Best for Deep Snow: Jeep Wrangler

When it comes to tackling deep snow and challenging terrain, few vehicles can match the Jeep Wrangler. Its robust four-wheel drive system, high ground clearance, and rugged construction make it a top performer in extreme winter conditions. While it may not be the most comfortable daily driver, the Wrangler is hard to beat for those who frequently encounter severe winter weather.

Key Features:

• Selec-Trac 4×4 system

• Up to 10.8 inches of ground clearance

• Available locking differentials

• Removable doors and roof for summer fun

Best Three-Row SUV: Toyota Highlander

Photo by Zoshua Colah

For families needing extra space without sacrificing winter performance, the Toyota Highlander is an excellent choice. Available with all-wheel drive, the Highlander offers a spacious interior with three rows of seating. Its advanced safety features and reputation for reliability make it a popular choice for winter family adventures.

Key Features:

• Available all-wheel drive

• Three rows of seating

• Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ standard

• Spacious cargo area

Ford Explorer: Intelligent 4WD for Winter Mastery

The Ford Explorer is a versatile SUV that shines in winter conditions, thanks to its Intelligent 4WD system. This system is designed to provide optimal traction by distributing power between the front and rear axles as needed. The Explorer also features a snow/slippery drive mode, which adjusts the vehicle’s settings to enhance traction on icy surfaces.

Key Features:

• Intelligent 4WD system with real-time power distribution

• Snow/slippery drive mode for enhanced traction

• Available third-row seating for added passenger capacity

• Spacious cargo area for winter gear

Equipped with the right winter tires, the Explorer can handle deep snow and icy roads with ease, making it a reliable choice for those living in areas with harsh winter weather. Make sure to choose the right model– the Ford Explorer has had different features over the years, and some years were better than others!

Chevrolet Tahoe: Stability and Confidence in Snow

The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV known for its robust performance and stability in snow. With its Snow Drive Mode, the Tahoe adjusts traction control, stability control, and transmission settings to optimize handling in snowy and slippery conditions. This feature is particularly beneficial for drivers navigating mountain roads or areas with heavy snowfall.

Key Features:

• Snow Drive Mode for enhanced winter performance

• Spacious interior with available three rows of seating

• Advanced traction control system

• Ample cargo space for winter activities

The Tahoe’s combination of power and technology makes it an excellent choice for families and adventurers alike, providing a secure and comfortable ride in winter conditions.

If you’re trying to decide between a Ford Explorer or a Chevrolet Tahoe, you might want to check out our article comparing the two companies. While we don’t directly compare their SUV offerings, it’s useful to see how they’re alike and how they’re different.

Dodge Durango: Power and Precision in Snow

The Dodge Durango offers a blend of power and precision, making it a strong contender for winter driving. Its snow mode adjusts the differential to a 50/50 power split, ensuring that the vehicle maintains traction even in challenging conditions. With the right set of winter tires, the Durango can confidently tackle snow and ice.

Key Features:

• Snow mode for balanced power distribution

• Available all-wheel drive for improved traction

• Spacious interior with optional third-row seating

• Strong towing capacity for winter adventures

The Durango’s capability in snow is enhanced by its robust powertrain and advanced traction systems, making it a reliable choice for those facing severe winter weather.

Ford Expedition: A Winter-Ready Powerhouse

The Ford Expedition is a large SUV that excels in winter conditions, thanks to its powerful engine options and advanced 4WD system. The Expedition’s four-wheel adaptive independent suspension and electro-mechanical limited-slip differential provide exceptional stability and traction on snow and ice.

Key Features:

• Four-wheel adaptive independent suspension for superior handling

• Electro-mechanical limited-slip differential for enhanced traction

• Spacious interior with three rows of seating

• Large cargo capacity for winter gear

With its impressive ground clearance and advanced safety features, the Expedition is well-equipped to handle the challenges of winter driving, making it a top choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

What Makes an SUV Great for Snow?

If you’re still trying to decide what SUV works best for snow, let’s break down the key features that make an SUV excel in snowy conditions.

All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

One of the most crucial features for snow driving is a capable wheel drive system. All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive systems provide power to all four wheels, greatly improving traction in slippery conditions. While front-wheel drive vehicles can perform adequately with proper winter tires, AWD and 4WD systems offer superior performance when the snow gets deep.

Ground Clearance

Higher ground clearance allows an SUV to navigate through deep snow without getting stuck. This feature is particularly important when dealing with unplowed roads or parking lots.

Winter Tires

Your SUV’s drive system may be capable, but proper winter tires make all the difference in snow and ice. Winter tires are designed with special compounds and tread patterns that provide superior grip. This makes them ideal for driving in cold temperatures, in deep snow, and on slippery surfaces.

Advanced Safety Features

Modern SUVs often come equipped with advanced safety features, including traction control, stability control, and anti-lock brakes. These systems work together to help maintain control in challenging winter conditions.

Driver Assist Technology

Many modern SUVs include technologies designed to assist drivers while driving and parking, such as forward collision warnings, high beam headlights, and automatic emergency braking. These features can help anyone who has to drive an SUV in snow– they keep you safe when visibility is low and help keep you from slipping in dangerous conditions.

The Importance of Winter Tires

While choosing the right SUV is crucial for winter driving, it’s equally important to equip your vehicle with proper winter tires. Even the most capable AWD or 4WD system can’t overcome the limitations of all-season tires in snow and ice.

Winter tires are designed with special rubber compounds that remain flexible in cold temperatures, allowing them to maintain grip on icy surfaces. Their unique tread patterns also help channel snow and slush away from the tire, improving traction and reducing the risk of hydroplaning.

Snow chains can also help your car retain its grip on icy surfaces. Tire chains give you more traction, and are best for extremely snowy conditions or for winter offroading.

Some popular winter tire options include:

• Bridgestone Blizzak

• Michelin X-Ice

• Nokian Hakkapeliitta

• Continental VikingContact

Investing in a set of quality winter tires can make a big difference in your SUV’s performance and safety during the winter months.

Conclusion

Choosing the right SUV for snow driving can make winter travel safer and more enjoyable. Whether you opt for the versatile Subaru Forester, the luxurious Audi Q5, the rugged Jeep Wrangler, or the family-friendly Toyota Highlander, pairing your vehicle with quality winter tires and safe driving practices will help you conquer winter roads with confidence.

Remember, no vehicle is invincible in winter conditions. Always exercise caution, stay informed about weather and road conditions, and be prepared for unexpected situations.

With the right SUV, proper equipment, and a cautious approach, you’ll be well-equipped to handle whatever winter throws your way.

Looking for a gently used, winter-ready SUV? Municibild’s got you covered with the best SUVs for snow, sourced from government surplus.