with high ground clearance and all- or four-wheel drive.
SUVs, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Hyundai Tucson, and Mazda CX-9 are some of the best cars for driving in snow.
Sedans lack the ground clearance necessary to dominate in deep snow, but when equipped with all-wheel drive, they’re still great options for getting around on slippery roads.
When selecting the best cars for snow, look for high ground clearance and/or all- or four-wheel drive.
What are the best cars for driving in snow?
The best cars to drive in the snow need a high ground clearance and an effective drivetrain with all- or four-wheel drive.
High ground clearance: Look for a car with at least eight inches of ground clearance.
AWD: Cars with all-wheel-drive (AWD) can automatically redirect torque to the front or rear wheels to stabilize grip on slippery roads.
4WD: Four-wheel drive (4WD) locks front and rear wheel axles so that all wheels are operating at the same speed, which in turn reduces wheel spin when traction is low.
While ground clearance and drivetrain are necessities, the advancement of current car technology has brought a lot of additional safety features to improve snow driving. Here are some features that can improve your car’s safety in snow, as well as your comfort:
comes with three different options for AWD, but the Quadra-Trac II 4WD is best for tackling the snow. Better yet, the Trailhawk comes with just about every additional safety and comfort feature you could want for harsh winter driving.
Pro tip: For the most cost-effective option, upgrade the base-trim
with the all-weather Trail Rated Package to get 4WD and comfort features. However, you’ll lose most of the safety features and about 2.5 inches of ground clearance—though 8.7 inches is still good for snow.
comes equipped with an X-mode transmission setting to tune the vehicle for snow and mud. You won’t have to upgrade much—these Subarus come standard with plenty of desirable winter-weather features.
is an approachable SUV with an optional Sports mode for extra rear-wheel support in more challenging terrains. You may lack some additional features and conveniences, but the performance won’t disappoint on snow and ice.
luxury wagon performs like an SUV with standard AWD and Volvo’a B6 hybrid powertrain. Packing 295 horsepower will make getting out of a snow pile easier, and you can rely on plenty of standard safety features including:
favors front-wheel driving for the most part, but can immediately balance out for maximum grip when slipping ensues. Better yet, its refined, impressive powertrain gives this larger SUV the feel of a smaller sports sedan, making winter-weather driving feel effortless.
Best sedans for driving in snow
SUVs are the safest options when it comes to driving in snow, but an AWD sedan will get you around in a pinch. Some of the best sedans with standard or optional AWD include: