
When the snow blankets the ground and icy winds chill the air, having the right car can make all the difference. Whether you’re commuting to work, going on a ski trip, or simply trying to navigate your daily life, a snow-ready vehicle ensures safety, stability, and peace of mind. In this short list, we explore the top cars that excel in snowy conditions, combining performance, safety, and comfort. No matter what features you value most, there is a vehicle here for you. We have listed below 8 of our best cars for snow this year and some of the features that earned them a spot on this list.
1. Subaru WRX
- All-Wheel Drive: The WRX’s standard all-wheel drive provides exceptional traction on slippery surfaces for a vehicle of its size. It is one of our best luxury cars for winter driving. In our opinion it just tops the Subaru Forester. Each car is impressive when it comes to snow driving, safety features, traction, and overall car reviews in general.
- Turbocharged Engine: The turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivers power even in challenging conditions. This is what we believe makes the WRX such a fun car even in the winter weather. What is lacks in ground clearance, it makes up for in power while still maintaining good stability for a smaller vehicle.
- Plastic Body Cladding: While the average consumer may think it is a car that is controversial in style, it is truly beneficial on snowy, salty roads providing the vehicle and its passengers with extra protection.
2. Subaru Ascent
- Standard All-Wheel Drive: The Ascent’s all-wheel drive ensures stability and gives it a similar feel to a Subaru Outback, when it comes to deep snow driving no matter what kind of tires you have.
- Generous Ground Clearance: With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, this vehicle conquers bumps, debris, and snow no matter the road condition. Ground clearance is a popular topic when it comes to snow, and is valued by many car buyers alike.
- Spacious Interior: Plenty of room across three rows of seating that makes it ideal for family outings.
3. Volvo V90
- Safety: Volvo’s reputation shines in the V90, with advanced safety features. The Volvo v90 cross country is great even without snow tires. While the V90 does come with a hybrid option, it is far and away a better choice than any electric vehicles on the market today in regards to winter driving for a new car.
- Ground Clearance: Having increased ground clearance makes it a more than adequate height for snowy roads.
- Luxurious Interior: The V90 is a comfortable vehicle even in freezing winter conditions with optional features like heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and automatic emergency braking.
4. Honda CR V
- All-Wheel Drive Option: The CR-V tackles snow and slush with ease. It is one of our top picks for best suv beating out another top vehicle like the Jeep Grand Cherokee. It has great ground clearance for a car of its size.
- Spacious Cabin: Ideal for family trips or hauling winter gear or even winter tires. While a new CR-V is not going to be as cheap as an old Dacia Duster, it will give you everything your family needs to confidently tackle whatever conditions you come across on the roads, for years to come.
5. Nissan Altima
- Optional All-Wheel Drive: Having AWD in an Altima makes it a versatile choice for winter driving even without winter tires. It is a great vehicle for any lifestyle and provides confidence even with limited ground clearance.
- Fuel Efficiency: This is a car that is definitely suitable for daily commutes even in icy conditions regardless of what tires you have.
6. Toyota Camry
- New All-Wheel Drive Option: Toyota’s most reliable sedan now offers all-wheel drive. This car is another sedan with limited ground clearance but proves time and time again that many of its other strengths help overcome its small shortcomings.
- Advanced Safety Features: The Camry is a smart choice for winter safety as it has many options of tires to choose from. Having many safety options on a trusted vehicle like a Camry makes it a popular choice year after year. Upgraded models also can include better tires, steering wheel, and heated seats helping combat the cold temperatures.
7. Ford Bronco Sport
- Off-Road Capability: The terrain management system in the Ford Bronco Sport makes it one of the best cars for snow, mud, or rocky trails. With four wheel drive and all wheel drive capabilities it is known by some as the best car for the snow. With great ground clearance, it is comparable to the land rover or jeep grand cherokee when it comes to the winter weather.
- Compact Dimensions: With its city-friendly style yet rugged features, it is equipped for winter weather even if you don’t have snow tires.
8. Toyota Sienna
- Family Minivan: The new Toyota Sienna has a spacious interior with available all-wheel drive. The all-wheel drive is a safety feature that helps with traction control whether you are traveling in a big-city winter storm or on a small-town snowy road.
- Stability: Handles winter conditions confidently with or without snow tires. For a minivan it handles the winter just as well as a land rover or its well known relative the toyota land cruiser.
These are some of our best cars for snow covered roads. Another 5 honorable mentions for the snow include Ford F 150, Jeep Wrangler, Toyota Rav4, Land Rover Defender, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Remember, when choosing a snow-worthy car, consider factors like ground clearance, tires, and safety features. Having quality car insurance, tire chains, winter tires, Whichever vehicle you pick, make sure it’s equipped to handle the frosty challenges of winter driving. Stay safe, stay warm, and enjoy the snowy wonderland!