What makes the finest automobiles for snow actually one of the best? It’s multiple factor. Contemplate these key options when driving in snow and different wintery situations.
To qualify for our picks, automobiles must boast an efficient drivetrain — the array of parts 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, think about consolation or comfort options, akin to heated seats and headlight washers, that may make driving loads simpler in snowy climate. Use our jump-ahead hyperlinks under to get to the part you want.
Getting To Know the Greatest 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 fitting 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 Ideas for Protected 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 vital the parts, applied sciences, and methods designed to help the motive force in foul climate.
We weighed these components when making our picks for one of the best automobiles and SUVs within the snow. And this 12 months, our prime general choose is the Subaru Outback. Learn on to see why.
Which Is Higher: AWD or 4WD?
Any dialogue of one of the best automobiles for snow should start with the drivetrain. There are execs and cons for front-wheel-drive (FWD) and rear-wheel-drive (RWD) methods when driving in snowy or icy situations. Nevertheless, we’re going to cross over 2-wheel-drive (2WD) drivetrains as a result of an inexperienced snow driver will likely 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 completely different methods. All-wheel drive features with little or no driver enter. Most all-wheel-drive automobiles sometimes function as front-wheel drive (Honda CR-V) or rear-wheel drive (BMW 3 Sequence) 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 kind of all-wheel-drive system, part-time all-wheel drive, the second it senses one or each main drive wheels slipping, it mechanically transfers a share of the engine torque to the opposite axle and its two wheels. You may 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 gas effectivity. The sort of 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 methods known as full-time all-wheel drive all the time ship a share of torque to all 4 wheels. These methods additionally mechanically alter torque as wanted however are sometimes much less fuel-efficient than on-demand methods. Subaru makes use of a full-time system for many of its automobiles. Thankfully, 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, in case you’re driving on an icy patch and one tire can’t get traction, the system will reply, rapidly sending energy to the opposite wheels with extra grip.
Most all-wheel-drive methods are electronically managed and may reply to altering street situations earlier than a wheel begins to spin. This occurs in lower than a blink of an eye fixed, 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, in case you usually drive on extraordinarily slippery roads or require a automobile with higher off-road functionality than all-wheel drive presents, 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, preserving the axle speeds the identical. This reduces wheel spin when traction is low — akin to gravel and deep snow — however prevents your automobile from with the ability to nook in addition to when it’s in 2-wheel drive. All-wheel drive doesn’t have that subject.
Though there are another 4-wheel-drive methods on the market, the one you can find most frequently is part-time 4-wheel drive. Furthermore, you’ll sometimes discover such methods on automobiles that default to rear-wheel drive.
4-Wheel Drive Excessive Vary
When situations dictate you — the motive force — want additional traction, a lever, dial, or button simply engages 4-Hello, often known as excessive vary. That is one of the best setting for snowy situations and when negotiating trails thought-about straightforward or reasonable. Utilizing excessive vary provides you extra traction off-road than all-wheel drive. In most fashionable 4-wheel-drive automobiles, you’ll be able to swap from 2-Hello to 4-Hello with out stopping. There are even 4-wheel-drive automobiles that may mechanically 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. In case you neglect to modify the system again to 2-wheel drive (or 4-Hello) when street situations enhance, you threat damaging your automobile after lengthy stretches. Moreover, this method’s added weight reduces gas financial system.
4-Wheel Drive Low Vary
When path situations grow to be much more difficult, otherwise you encounter extraordinarily deep snow, you’ll be able to select 4-Lo or low vary. This function 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 possibly crawl over an impediment.
Partaking low vary requires stopping the automobile and manually shifting into or choosing it. And when you’ve conquered the tough stuff, you’ll must cease and manually shift out of 4-Lo. Low vary isn’t essential 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 mechanically and seamlessly adjusts to altering street situations. It’s particularly engineered to perform in regular snowy and icy conditions. Moreover, its impact on gas financial system is lower than 4-wheel drive.
What Are the High Security Options for Driving in Snow?
You possibly can say goodbye to the times when the highest security function for one of the best automotive within the snow was a trunk massive sufficient to carry a bag of salt and a shovel. Right now’s automobiles, vans, and SUVs supply a wide selection of security and driver-assist options. Many of those support snow driving whereas decreasing stress.
Since 2013, authorities mandates required options like traction management, stability management, and anti-lock brakes to be customary on each passenger automobile. The lion’s share of newer applied sciences is on the market on a variety of latest automobiles and SUVs. Some could even prevent a couple of bucks in your automotive insurance coverage.
We compiled an inventory 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 properly. Our picks for finest snow sedans and snow SUVs supply some or most of them.
The Listing of High Security Options for Vehicles in Snow
- Adaptive headlights: Headlights that adapt can are available a few kinds. One really rotates the headlights to mild the world within the course 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 course if you flip the steering wheel to the left or proper — an awesome function for any automotive driving in snow.
- Anti-lock brakes and stability management: These work hand in hand to assist a automobile preserve 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 beneath 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 automobiles, switching off the excessive beams when it detects headlights or taillights.
- Computerized temperature management: We included this on the snow options record purely for its comfort. A set-it-and-forget-it little bit of expertise which means 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 chances are you’ll not be capable of 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 street is to make a sudden steering adjustment to keep away from a automobile within the subsequent lane. One other approach to create havoc on a slippery street is stomping on the brakes, which that neighboring automobile will certainly do in case you 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 street. It employs the anti-lock braking system to cease the automotive. Extra superior methods 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 prone to plow the snow. Extra clearance additionally helps keep away from hitting unseen hazards on a snow-covered street.
- Headlight washers and wipers: These wipers and washers clear automotive headlights of snow and street salt, delivering higher illumination.
- Head-up show: A head-up show tasks pace and different assorted photos on the automobile windshield or a panel simply beneath the motive force’s line of sight. Though it’s an data software, it’s equally a security function, serving to drivers maintain their eyes on the street in wintery climate.
- Heated mirrors: A function 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 snug. Many automobiles even supply heated rear seats.
- Heated windshield and wipers: Neither of those is frequent, however each will prevent time and power when snow falls or ice kinds.
- LED headlights and taillights: These present brighter illumination than customary 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 mechanically interact when the system detects moisture, together with snow, on the windshield.
- Rear cross-traffic alert: This function warns of approaching visitors from both aspect if 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 function supplies a complicated warning.
- Distant begin: Beginning your automobile remotely received’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 automotive 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. If you’re 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.
Observe: Tires are a very powerful security element 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 Check Scores
Though we didn’t base our picks for one of the best snow automobiles on crash check outcomes, we did embody the check 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 that you must 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 general rating. The NHTSA assessments:
- Frontal crash
- Facet crash
- Rollover crash
IIHS
The IIHS presently experiences on 4 predominant crash assessments for automobiles, mild vans, minivans, and SUVs.
- Small overlap entrance: driver-side
- Small overlap entrance: passenger-side
- Reasonable overlap entrance: up to date check
- Facet: up to date check
The side-test protocol contains each the fitting and left sides; consequently, the aspect protocol may technically be referred to as two assessments for a complete of 5. Nevertheless, the IIHS lumps the aspect assessments right into a single end result 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 previously couple of years, 2023 is the primary 12 months the IIHS figured these outcomes right into a automobile’s scoring. Furthermore, the “Reasonable overlap entrance: up to date check” additionally simply grew to become 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 Primary. Furthermore, the LATCH child-seat anchors are additionally assessed.
Relatively than reproducing all the crash check information right here, we’re condensing it to a easy ratio of Good/All Exams. So, if a automotive acquired 5 Good outcomes and one Acceptable, it will obtain a 5/6 end result — 5 Good/6 Whole Exams.
Fashions getting the very best marks in each the crash assessments and the opposite evaluations earn the IIHS highest security awards of High Security Decide (TSP) and High Security Decide+ (TSP+). We received’t embody the numerical ratios on these prime finishers.
All IIHS testing displays 2024 fashions until in any other case specified.
Greatest Vehicles for Driving in Snow
2025 Audi A5 Sportback
Greatest Worth for Snow: $49,695 | Premium
Beginning Value w/AWD: $49,695 | Knowledgeable Score: 4.3
IIHS Score: 3/3 Good
The Audi A5 Sportback is sensible, delivers excellent driving dynamics, and appears nice doing it. Its customary all-wheel drive and array of our winter-weather options made it a no brainer for this record. Even in its entry-level trim, the A5 Sportback supplies rain-sensing wipers, LED headlights with washers, power-adjustable, heated aspect mirrors, heated entrance seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone computerized local weather management.
It additionally has a complete record of superior security expertise, 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 journey. Nevertheless, when you have extra room in your finances, 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 Sequence
Greatest Worth for Snow: $49,125 | 330i xDrive
Beginning Value w/AWD: $49,125 | Knowledgeable Score: 4.4
IIHS Score: 3/3 Good
Sitting atop the meals chain of compact luxurious sedans, the BMW 3 Sequence 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 customary on each 3 Sequence 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 accessible driver-assist options embody adaptive LED headlights and computerized excessive beams. Discover a BMW 3 Sequence close to you
2025 Cadillac CT4
Greatest Worth for Snow: $38,990 | Luxurious AWD
Beginning Value w/AWD: $38,990 | Knowledgeable Score: 3.7
IIHS Score: Not rated
We just like the CT4 for its accessibility — it is likely one of the extra reasonably priced compact luxurious sedans. Furthermore, when shod with its accessible all-wheel-drive system, it handles snow and dust with one of the 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 computerized local weather management, and distant begin. Additionally customary 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’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 computerized braking. Shifting up a trim additionally makes accessible a higher-performance 310-hp turbocharged engine instead of the usual 237-hp turbocharged mill. We’d follow 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 Value w/AWD: $30,595 | Knowledgeable 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 customary. Each Mazda3 comes customary 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 customary 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 Value w/AWD: $30,070 | Knowledgeable 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. 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 customary. To get heated entrance seats, heated outboard mirrors, and a bunch of different goodies, you could 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 Value w/AWD: $31,360 | Knowledgeable Score: 4.8
IIHS Score: TSP+
Toyota completely redesigned the Camry for 2025 with all-wheel drive accessible on each grade. Getting it on the entry-level LE solely provides $1,525 to the $29,835 base value. The Toyota Camry comes customary with Security Sense 3.0, a collection that features ahead collision warning, computerized entrance emergency braking, lane-departure alert, lane-tracing help, computerized excessive beams, and extra. Additionally customary 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 computerized local weather management. If you wish to add heated entrance seats and steering wheel, you’ll be able to 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 Value w/AWD: $61,995 | Knowledgeable Score: 4.3
IIHS Score: 3/3 Good
Categorized as midsize, the Volvo V90 Cross Nation is surprisingly roomy inside. This wagon comes customary with all-wheel drive and a formidable 7.9 inches of floor clearance. Additionally customary 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 computerized local weather management, distant begin, and a slippery street alert.
That terrific roster of normal gear plus this Volvo’s floor clearance makes this top-of-the-line automobiles for snow. We advocate 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 Value w/AWD: $46,050 | Knowledgeable 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 quite sophisticated, 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 first rate floor clearance (8.2 inches). Commonplace are ahead collision warning, computerized 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 digicam washer, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rather more. Examine 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 Value w/4WD: $63,495 | Knowledgeable Score: 4.7
IIHS Score: 2/4 (2024)
Chevy’s Tahoe is available in six trim ranges. All of them could be fitted with (customary 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 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 computerized transmission. If the 2025 mannequin hasn’t gone on sale but in your space, the 2024 can also be an awesome selection. Discover a Chevrolet Tahoe close to you
2025 Ford Bronco Sport
Greatest Worth for Snow: $36,790 | Outer Banks
Beginning Value w/AWD: $31,590 | Knowledgeable 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 massive brother, the 4-wheel-drive Bronco, the Bronco Sport is properly fitted to battling snow, mud, and grime. The bottom mannequin supplies 5 driving modes, LED exterior lights, high-beam help, and Ford’s Co-Pilot360 driver aids bundle. It contains ahead collision warning with computerized braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping help. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are customary as properly.
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 computerized local weather management. Additionally customary 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 Value w/AWD: $32,995 | Knowledgeable Score: 4.8
IIHS Score: TSP
Each CR-V trim stage is on the market with all-wheel drive ($1,500), besides the Sport Touring Hybrid, on which it’s customary. 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 geared up. Ahead collision warning and front-emergency braking are customary, as are different Honda Sensing driver-assist options. Additionally customary 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 contains LED fog lights. Energy is generated by a 190-hp 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine managed by means of an computerized transmission. Discover a Honda CR-V close to you
2025 Hyundai Kona
Greatest Worth for Snow: $28,750 | SEL AWD
Beginning Value w/AWD: $27,400 | Knowledgeable Score: 4.8
IIHS Score: TSP+
We named the Kona because the Kelley Blue E-book 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 house. All-wheel-drive variations have 8.1 inches of floor clearance and are available customary with entrance collision warning, computerized emergency braking, lane-keeping help, blind-spot monitoring, and extra. One other winter function 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 rather 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 Value w/AWD: $31,600 | Knowledgeable 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 loads. All-wheel drive is customary 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 through 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 Value w/4WD: $40,830 | Knowledgeable 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 customary 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 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 through an 8-speed computerized transmission.
If the 4xe is past your finances, you can too 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 customary 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 Value w/AWD: $42,805 | Knowledgeable Score: 4.8
IIHS Score: TSP+
Kia refreshed the Telluride final 12 months. Our Knowledgeable Score of 4.8 and that we named it the Greatest 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 presents 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, computerized 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 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 Value w/AWD: $46,150 | Knowledgeable 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 converse) for $2,000. Consequently, the GLA 250 goes from $44,150 to $46,150 with the 4Matic system.
Amongst its customary 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 Value w/AWD: $31,230 | Knowledgeable Score: 4.4
IIHS Score: TSP+
Each Subaru Forester boasts customary 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 predict transferring up is value it. A 182-hp 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine sends its output to the wheels through an computerized transmission (CVT). Discover a Subaru Forester close to you
2025 Subaru Outback
Greatest Worth for Snow: $32,730 | Premium
Beginning Value: $30,430 | Knowledgeable Score: 4.6
IIHS Score: TSP
Each Subaru Outback comes proper out of the field with AWD as customary, together with 8.7 inches of floor clearance. That’s what makes this an awesome — and one of the best — automotive 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 advocate 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 possibility 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 Value w/AWD: $33,295 | Knowledgeable Score: 4.6
IIHS Score: TSP (2023)
All-wheel drive comes customary on each Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, together with the entry-level LE. It has 8.1 inches of floor clearance and comes customary with LED headlights and taillights, ahead collision warning with emergency braking, and computerized 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 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 transferring 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 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
Greatest Worth for Snow: $47,445 | XLE AWD
Base Value w/AWD: $42,635 | Knowledgeable Score: 4.7
IIHS Score: TSP
No, the Toyota Sienna isn’t an SUV. Nevertheless, we do find it irresistible, significantly with all-wheel drive. Your entire 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, 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 customary with the Toyota Security Sense 2.0. It contains 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 supplies 245 mixed horsepower. Discover a Toyota Sienna close to you