What makes the finest automobiles for snow actually the very best? It’s a couple of factor. Think about these key options when driving in snow and different wintery situations.
To qualify for our picks, automobiles have to boast an efficient drivetrain — the array of parts from the transmission to the tires. Search for security and driver-assist applied sciences, equivalent to rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitoring, and so forth. Then, think about consolation or comfort options, equivalent to heated seats and headlight washers, that may make driving so much simpler in snowy climate. Use our jump-ahead hyperlinks under to get to the part you want.
Getting To Know the Finest Automobiles in Snow
If a automobile boasts the suitable mixture of our most popular parts, even an inexperienced driver can get by when driving in snow. On the similar time, the proper 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 motive 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 vital the parts, applied sciences, and programs designed to help the motive force in foul climate.
We weighed these components when making our picks for the very best automobiles and SUVs within the snow. And this yr, our high total choose is the Subaru Outback. Learn on to see why.
Which Is Higher: AWD or 4WD?
Any dialogue of the very best automobiles for snow should start with the drivetrain. There are execs and cons for front-wheel-drive (FWD) and rear-wheel-drive (RWD) programs when driving in snowy or icy situations. Nevertheless, we’re going to move over 2-wheel-drive (2WD) drivetrains as a result of an inexperienced snow driver can be as prone to get into bother 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 programs. All-wheel drive features with little or no driver enter. Most all-wheel-drive automobiles usually 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 automobiles, energy (or torque) goes to the entrance wheels. With rear-wheel-drive automobiles, energy goes to the rear wheels.
Half-Time AWD
With the most typical sort of all-wheel-drive system, part-time all-wheel drive, the second it senses one or each major drive wheels slipping, it routinely transfers a share 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 technique.
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. Any such system is probably the most fuel-efficient selection. The fuel-economy penalty with on-demand all-wheel drive could be as little as 1-2 mpg.
Full-Time AWD
Some programs known as full-time all-wheel drive all the time ship a share of torque to all 4 wheels. These programs additionally routinely regulate torque as wanted however are sometimes much less fuel-efficient than on-demand programs. Subaru makes use of a full-time system for many of its automobiles. 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 added traction, the system sends extra energy to the wheels with extra grip. So, for those who’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 programs are electronically managed and might 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 motive force’s consciousness. Though rather more occurs right here to maximise traction and preserve 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, for those who typically drive on extraordinarily slippery roads or require a automobile with higher off-road functionality than all-wheel drive gives, you’ll be able to look into automobiles with 4-wheel drive.
Nonetheless sending energy to all 4 wheels, 4-wheel drive creates a lock between the entrance and rear axles, holding the axle speeds the identical. This reduces wheel spin when traction is low — equivalent 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 programs on the market, the one you can find most frequently is part-time 4-wheel drive. Furthermore, you’ll usually discover such programs on automobiles that default to rear-wheel drive.
4-Wheel Drive Excessive Vary
When situations dictate you — the motive force — want further traction, a lever, dial, or button simply engages 4-Hello, also referred to as excessive vary. That is the very best setting for snowy situations and when negotiating trails thought-about simple or average. Utilizing excessive vary offers you extra traction off-road than all-wheel drive. In most fashionable 4-wheel-drive automobiles, you’ll be able to change from 2-Hello to 4-Hello with out stopping. There are even 4-wheel-drive automobiles that may routinely go from 2-Hello to 4-Hello for you.
Nevertheless, there are just a few drawbacks. Consultants don’t advocate excessive vary for regular on-road use. When you overlook 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 technique’s added weight reduces gasoline economic system.
4-Wheel Drive Low Vary
When path situations turn into much more difficult, otherwise you encounter extraordinarily deep snow, you’ll be able to 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 could crawl over an impediment.
Participating low vary requires stopping the automobile and manually shifting into or deciding on 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 needed for many ice and snow conditions; nevertheless, 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 possibly can choose all-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive, relying in your wants. Nevertheless, we advocate all-wheel drive for most individuals confronted with ice and snow conditions as a result of it routinely 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 possibly can say goodbye to the times when the highest security characteristic for the very best automotive within the snow was a trunk massive sufficient to carry a bag of salt and a shovel. Immediately’s automobiles, vans, and SUVs provide a wide selection of security and driver-assist options. Many of those help snow driving whereas decreasing stress.
Since 2013, authorities mandates required options like traction management, stability management, and anti-lock brakes to be normal on each passenger automobile. The lion’s share of newer applied sciences is offered on a variety of recent automobiles and SUVs. Some might even prevent a couple of dollars in your automotive insurance coverage.
We compiled a listing of options contributing to raised management and security in snowy or icy situations. Moreover, we threw in just a few winter consolation/comfort options, as nicely. Our picks for finest snow sedans and snow SUVs provide some or most of them.
The Record of Prime Security Options for Vehicles in Snow
- Adaptive headlights: Headlights that adapt can are available a few kinds. One really rotates the headlights to gentle the realm within the route wherein the steering wheel will get turned. The opposite makes use of cornering lights mounted extra to the aspect of the headlights. They illuminate the suitable route once you flip the steering wheel to the left or proper — an important characteristic for any automotive driving in snow.
- Anti-lock brakes and stability management: These work hand in hand to assist a automobile preserve the meant course. Stability management detects when a automobile veers from the deliberate course, making use of the brake to whichever wheel or wheels will assist carry the automobile beneath management and return it to its meant path.
- Automated excessive beams: By default, auto excessive beams change on at any time when the headlights come on. A sensor detects the lights of close by automobiles, switching off the excessive beams when it detects headlights or taillights.
- Automated temperature management: We included this on the snow options listing purely for its comfort. A set-it-and-forget-it little bit of expertise meaning one much less factor to worry over as you focus in your snow driving.
- Blind-spot monitoring: Driving in snow is difficult enterprise. Blind-spot sensors detect automobiles in your flanks it’s possible you’ll not have the ability to see in your mirrors. This could maintain 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 method to create havoc on a slippery highway is stomping on the brakes, which that neighboring automobile will certainly do for those who try to share its lane.
- Ahead collision warning and emergency braking: This expertise makes use of a mixture of cameras, sensors, and lasers to detect hazards, together with stopped automobiles on the highway. It employs the anti-lock braking system to cease the automotive. Extra superior programs may detect pedestrians and cyclists.
- Floor clearance: That is the gap between the pavement and your automobile’s undercarriage. Extra floor clearance is a bonus since you are much less prone 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 automotive headlights of snow and highway salt, delivering higher illumination.
- Head-up show: A head-up show tasks velocity and different assorted photographs on the automobile windshield or a panel simply beneath the motive force’s line of sight. Though it’s an data instrument, it’s equally a security characteristic, serving to drivers maintain 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 automotive within the snow.
- Heated seats and a heated steering wheel: They received’t save your life however will make life in freezing climate rather more comfy. Many automobiles even provide heated rear seats.
- Heated windshield and wipers: Neither of those is frequent, however each will prevent time and vitality when snow falls or ice kinds.
- LED headlights and taillights: These present brighter illumination than normal halogen ones. You possibly can see farther forward, and visitors behind you’ll be able to see your taillights sooner.
- Rain-sensing wipers: The wipers routinely 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 aspect once you again up. Most car parking zone fender benders happen when one automotive 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 received’t assist in your efforts to drive in snowy or icy situations. However getting the engine operating, the heater working, and the windshield defroster going earlier than getting into your automotive makes for a extra comfy snow-driving expertise.
- Snow tires: Automobile tires geared for driving in snow can save your life, together with when driving on ice. If you’re shopping for a brand new automobile for winter driving, usually, the underside line might not embody them. The supplies composing the tire and the tread sample can tremendously have an effect on a tire’s resistance to sliding.
Notice: Tires are crucial security part in your automobile, whether or not on dry or slippery pavement.
RELATED: Automobile Tires Information: The whole lot You Must Know
How To Interpret Crash Take a look at Scores
Though we didn’t base our picks for the very best snow automobiles on crash check outcomes, we did embody the check outcomes from the federal government’s Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance coverage Institute for Site visitors Security (IIHS). Right here’s what it’s worthwhile to know.
NHTSA
NHTSA experiences on three assessments, scoring every utilizing a system of stars. The very best rating is 5 stars, and the worst is 1 star. NHTSA scores every check individually after which additionally points an total rating. The NHTSA assessments:
- Frontal crash
- Aspect crash
- Rollover crash
IIHS
The IIHS presently experiences on 4 important crash assessments for automobiles, gentle vans, minivans, and SUVs.
- Small overlap entrance: driver-side
- Small overlap entrance: passenger-side
- Reasonable overlap entrance: up to date check
- Aspect: up to date check
The side-test protocol consists of each the proper and left sides; consequently, the aspect protocol may technically be known as two assessments for a complete of 5. Nevertheless, the IIHS lumps the aspect assessments right into a single outcome for scoring functions.
The IIHS scoring on every crash check is Good, Acceptable, Marginal, and Poor in descending order.
TIP: IIHS modified its aspect crash-test protocol in 2021, specifying a heavier ram. Though the outcomes of this new model of the check had been proven in some automobiles’ outcomes up to now couple of years, 2023 is the primary yr the IIHS figured these outcomes right into a automobile’s scoring. Furthermore, the “Reasonable overlap entrance: up to date check” 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 selected automobile’s check 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.
Moderately than reproducing the entire crash check knowledge right here, we’re condensing it to a easy ratio of Good/All Checks. So, if a automotive acquired 5 Good outcomes and one Acceptable, it will obtain a 5/6 outcome — 5 Good/6 Complete Checks.
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 received’t embody the numerical ratios on these high finishers.
All IIHS testing displays 2024 fashions until in any other case specified.
Finest Vehicles for Driving in Snow
2025 Audi A5 Sportback
Finest Worth for Snow: $49,695 | Premium
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $49,695 | Professional Score: 4.3
IIHS Score: 3/3 Good
The Audi A5 Sportback is sensible, delivers excellent driving dynamics, and appears nice doing it. Its normal all-wheel drive and array of our winter-weather options made it a no brainer for this listing. Even in its entry-level trim, the A5 Sportback gives rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights with washers, power-adjustable, heated aspect mirrors, heated entrance seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone automated local weather management.
It additionally has a complete listing of superior security expertise, like automated emergency braking, lane-centering help, lane-departure warning, and high-beam help. We submit that the bottom Premium trim has ample content material to make the A5 Sportback a really perfect winter experience. Nevertheless, when you’ve got extra room in your funds, the Premium Plus provides a surround-view digital camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. A 201-horsepower 4-cylinder engine mated to a 7-speed automated transmission rotates the wheels. Discover an Audi A5 Sportback close to you
2025 BMW 3 Collection
Finest Worth for Snow: $49,125 | 330i xDrive
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $49,125 | Professional Score: 4.4
IIHS Score: 3/3 Good
Sitting atop the meals chain of compact luxurious sedans, the BMW 3 Collection gives 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 automated transmission delivers the go.
Ahead collision warning, automated emergency braking, and rain-sensing wipers come normal on each 3 Collection mannequin. Choosing the $1,700 Driving Help Skilled Bundle 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 automated excessive beams. Discover a BMW 3 Collection close to you
2025 Cadillac CT4
Finest Worth for Snow: $38,990 | Luxurious AWD
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $38,990 | Professional Score: 3.7
IIHS Score: Not rated
We just like the CT4 for its accessibility — it is among the extra inexpensive compact luxurious sedans. Furthermore, when shod with its obtainable all-wheel-drive system, it handles snow and dirt with the very best of them. Including all-wheel drive to the entry-level Luxurious trim brings the overall to $38,990. At that value level, the CT4 delivers heated outboard mirrors, LED headlights, dual-zone automated local weather management, and distant begin. Additionally normal 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 Bundle, which provides heated entrance seats and steering wheel, is bundled with the AWD Luxurious trim stage.
For about $5,000 extra you’ll be able to transfer as much as the Premium Luxurious trim. Amongst its good points are entrance/rear park help, rain-sensing wipers, and reverse automated braking. Shifting 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 Bundle. Discover a Cadillac CT4 close to you
2025 Mazda3 Sedan
Finest Worth for Snow: $30,595 | 2.5 S Carbon Version AWD
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $30,595 | Professional Score: 4.1
IIHS Score: 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 normal. Each Mazda3 comes normal with blind-spot monitoring, automated emergency braking, and automated 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 normal 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 automated transmission sends engine output to all 4 wheels. Discover a Mazda3 close to you
2025 Nissan Altima
Finest Worth for Snow: $30,070 | Altima SV AWD
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $30,070 | Professional Score: 4.1
IIHS Score: 4/5 Good
Aside from the entry-level S grade, each Nissan Altima mannequin with the 188-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine could be fitted with all-wheel drive for driving in snow. Nevertheless, you lose some horses because the engine’s output drops to 182 hp. Essentially the most inexpensive mannequin with all-wheel drive is the SV.
The whole base value with all-wheel drive involves $30,070. Automated excessive beams, LED headlights, distant engine begin, ahead collision warning, automated entrance emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automated rear braking are normal. To get heated entrance seats, heated outboard mirrors, and a bunch of different goodies, you could pony up $2,390 for the Premium Bundle. Discover a Nissan Altima close to you
2025 Toyota Camry
Finest Worth for Snow: $31,360 | LE AWD
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $31,360 | Professional Score: 4.8
IIHS Score: 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 normal with Security Sense 3.0, a collection that features ahead collision warning, automated entrance emergency braking, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing help, automated excessive beams, and extra. Additionally normal are blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Serving to make it one of many higher automobiles for driving in snow, the Camry LE’s different winter options are LED headlights. LED taillights, and dual-zone automated local weather management. If you wish to add heated entrance seats and steering wheel, you’ll be able to add the Chilly Climate Bundle, which comes bundled with the Comfort Bundle, 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 constantly variable automated transmission. Discover a Toyota Camry close to you
2025 Volvo V90 Cross Nation
Finest Worth for Snow: $61,745 | Plus + Local weather Bundle
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $61,995 | Professional Score: 4.3
IIHS Score: 3/3 Good
Categorised as midsize, the Volvo V90 Cross Nation is surprisingly roomy inside. This wagon comes normal with all-wheel drive and a powerful 7.9 inches of floor clearance. Additionally normal are adaptive LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitor with steering help, rear cross-traffic alert, entrance collision mitigation assist, heated entrance seats, quad-zone automated local weather management, distant begin, and a slippery highway alert.
That terrific roster of normal tools plus this Volvo’s floor clearance makes this among the best automobiles for snow. We advocate choosing up heated rear seats, heated windshield washers, and a heated steering wheel with the $750 Local weather Bundle. Discover a Volvo V90 close to you
Finest SUVs for Driving in Snow
2025 Acura RDX
Finest Worth for Snow: $46,050 | RDX
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $46,050 | Professional Score: 4.6
IIHS Score: TSP
Each RDX comes with Acura’s Tremendous Dealing with All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD). It employs a number of tips to extend functionality and traction. It’s fairly sophisticated, but the outcome can 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 first rate floor clearance (8.2 inches). Commonplace are ahead collision warning, automated emergency braking, LED headlights, heated outboard mirrors, and heated entrance seats. Shifting as much as the Know-how trim stage ($48,650) provides a rear digital camera washer, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rather more. Verify 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 automated transmission. Discover an Acura RDX close to you
2025 Chevrolet Tahoe
Finest Worth for Snow: $63,495 | 4WD Tahoe LS
Beginning Worth w/4WD: $63,495 | Professional Score: 4.7
IIHS Score: 2/4 (2024)
Chevy’s Tahoe is available in six trim ranges. All of them could be fitted with (normal 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 Bundle to choose 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 automated transmission. If the 2025 mannequin hasn’t gone on sale but in your space, the 2024 can be an important selection. Discover a Chevrolet Tahoe close to you
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
Finest Worth for Snow: $36,790 | Outer Banks
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $31,590 | Professional Score: 4.6
IIHS Score: 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 nicely suited to battling snow, mud, and grime. 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 automated braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping help. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are normal as nicely.
We advocate stepping as much as the Outer Banks. It good points you heated outboard mirrors, heated entrance seats, a rear-camera washer, and dual-zone automated local weather management. Additionally normal 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 automated transmission spins the wheels. Discover a Ford Bronco Sport close to you
2025 Honda CR-V
Finest Worth for Snow: $35,245 | EX AWD
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $32,995 | Professional Score: 4.8
IIHS Score: TSP
Each CR-V trim stage is offered with all-wheel drive ($1,500), besides the Sport Touring Hybrid, on which it’s normal. Including all-wheel drive will increase floor clearance to eight.2 inches.
The EX is the second most inexpensive trim stage, and it comes very properly outfitted. Ahead collision warning and front-emergency braking are normal, as are different Honda Sensing driver-assist options. Additionally normal 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 by means of an automated transmission. Discover a Honda CR-V close to you
2025 Hyundai Kona
Finest Worth for Snow: $28,750 | SEL AWD
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $27,400 | Professional Score: 4.8
IIHS Score: TSP+
We named the Kona because the Kelley Blue Ebook Finest 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 shocking quantity of passenger and cargo house. All-wheel-drive variations have 8.1 inches of floor clearance and are available normal with entrance collision warning, automated 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 automated local weather management, and rather more. Energy comes from a 147-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine related to an automated transmission. Discover a Hyundai Kona close to you
2025 Hyundai Santa Cruz
Finest Worth for Snow: $33,300 | SEL AWD
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $31,600 | Professional Score: 4.2
IIHS Score: TSP
No, the Hyundai Santa Cruz isn’t an SUV; nevertheless, sharing its platform with the Tucson SUV, it has an SUV’s consolation and options. Though pickup vans aren’t the perfect snow automobiles, we like this small city truck so much. All-wheel drive is normal 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 automated 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 automated 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 automated transmission. Discover a Hyundai Santa Cruz close to you
2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo/4xe
Finest Worth for Snow: $42,625 | Laredo + Bundle
Beginning Worth w/4WD: $40,830 | Professional Score: 4.3
IIHS Score: TSP
For the Grand Cherokee, there are two nice decisions. 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 normal 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.
Commonplace driver aids embody ahead collision warning with automated 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 automated transmission.
If the 4xe is past your funds, you may also 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 normal with the 4xe. Offering energy is a 293-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 mated to an 8-speed automated transmission. Discover a Jeep Grand Cherokee close to you
2025 Kia Telluride
Finest Worth for Snow: $45,505 | EX AWD
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $42,805 | Professional Score: 4.8
IIHS Score: TSP+
Kia refreshed the Telluride final yr. Our Professional Score of 4.8 and that we named it the Finest Purchase Midsize SUV for 2025 ought to inform you one thing about our opinion of the 3-row Kia Telluride. It blows us away. Kia gives all-wheel drive all through the Telluride lineup (besides the bottom LX). That makes the S trim the start line for all-wheel drive at $42,805.
It has eight inches of floor clearance, distant begin, heated mirrors, ahead collision warning, automated emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. It’s essential to step as much as the EX trim, which we advocate, to achieve or qualify for different options like LED headlights, heated seats, and automated excessive beams. The engine is a 291-hp 3.6-liter V6. An 8-speed automated transmission switches the cogs. Discover a Kia Telluride close to you
2025 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250
Finest Worth for Snow: $46,150 | GLA 250 4Matic
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $46,150 | Professional Score: 4.5
IIHS Score: Not rated
Serving because the model’s entry to SUVs, the Mercedes-Benz GLA’s one mannequin could be upgraded to AWD (4Matic in Mercedes communicate) for $2,000. Consequently, the GLA 250 goes from $44,150 to $46,150 with the 4Matic system.
Amongst its normal options: heated mirrors, cross-wind help, entrance collision warning, automated emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Additionally included are LED headlights and taillights, and rain-sensing wipers. As well as, Mercedes gives heated seats for $500, and a Winter Bundle 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 automated transmission. Discover a Mercedes-Benz GLA close to you
2025 Subaru Forester
Finest Worth for Snow: $33,530 | Premium
Beginning Worth w/AWD: $31,230 | Professional Score: 4.4
IIHS Score: TSP+
Each Subaru Forester boasts normal AWD with spectacular floor clearance (8.7 inches). LED adaptive headlights, automated excessive beams, automated local weather management, a rearview digital camera washer, and ahead collision warning with automated 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 transferring up is value it. A 182-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine sends its output to the wheels by way of an automated transmission (CVT). Discover a Subaru Forester close to you
2025 Subaru Outback
Finest Worth for Snow: $32,730 | Premium
Beginning Worth: $30,430 | Professional Score: 4.6
IIHS Score: TSP
Each Subaru Outback comes proper out of the field with AWD as normal, together with 8.7 inches of floor clearance. That’s what makes this an important — and the very best — automotive for snow. Included are a snow/mud X-Mode transmission setting, ahead collision warning with automated emergency braking, adaptive LED headlights, and automated excessive beams. We advocate stepping as much as the Premium grade to achieve heated entrance seats, windshield wiper de-icers, LED fog lights, and automated 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
Finest Worth for Snow: $34,805 | Hybrid XLE
Base Worth w/AWD: $33,295 | Professional Score: 4.6
IIHS Score: TSP (2023)
All-wheel drive comes normal on each Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, together with the entry-level LE. It has 8.1 inches of floor clearance and comes normal with LED headlights and taillights, ahead collision warning with emergency braking, and automated excessive beams.
We advocate 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’ll add the Climate Bundle ($1,075) with heated entrance seats, a heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers. Different options like heated rear seats and adaptive headlights require transferring up the trim-level ladder. The two.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and hybrid system conspire to supply 219 hp. An automated transmission sends energy to the wheels. You possibly can 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
Finest Worth for Snow: $47,445 | XLE AWD
Base Worth w/AWD: $42,635 | Professional Score: 4.7
IIHS Score: TSP
No, the Toyota Sienna isn’t an SUV. Nevertheless, we do find it irresistible, notably with all-wheel drive. Your complete lineup makes use of a hybrid powertrain, and you may get all trim ranges with all-wheel drive ($2,000). The entry-level LE trim with AWD begins at $42,635.
Nevertheless, we advocate stepping up one grade to the 7-passenger XLE AWD. Amongst our snow-safety options are LED headlights, fog lights, taillights, automated excessive beams, and heated mirrors. The XLE comes with distant begin, heated entrance seats, and rain-sensing wipers. Additionally included are 4-zone automated local weather management and a surround-view digital camera. You’ll have to buy a better 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 normal 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
