5 Most Affordable 2024 SUVs That Handle All Weather Conditions

When you’re up against changing weather conditions, being behind the wheel of an SUV that keeps you in control is a must. Features like solid ground clearance, all-wheel drive and dependable safety systems are non-negotiable. The best part? It’s possible to get everything you need in an affordable package without breaking your budget. 

Here are five reasonably priced SUVs that will keep you rolling no matter the weather.

• Starting price: $41,795

The 2024 Volvo XC40 is designed for winter driving with standard all-wheel drive, which is new for this year’s model. Lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist comes standard, as well as other traffic- and pedestrian-related safety features. 

With 8.3 inches of ground clearance, the XC40 is one of the few subcompact SUVs that can manage snowy roads without issue. Heated seats and rain-sensing wipers come standard, but you can upgrade to add a heated steering wheel and rear seats for extra comfort. Its 2-liter turbocharged engine delivers 246 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It also has a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, which is an exception to the rule in its class.

• Starting price: $33,120

The 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid is known for its impressive fuel efficiency — 41 miles per gallon (mpg) city, 38 mpg highway — and solid handling in all conditions. Under the hood, the 2.5-liter engine paired with three electric motors delivers 219 horsepower. With 8.1 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive, this compact SUV performs well in snow and rain. Additionally, dual-zone automatic climate control keeps the cabin cozy, even when temperatures drop.

Unlike the Volvo XC40, heated seats and rain-sensing wipers do not come standard. Instead, to get these features, you’ll have to spring for the higher-priced Woodland Edition with the optional Weather Package, which starts at at still-affordable $36,340. 

• Starting price: $28,875

The 2024 Hyundai Tucson comes packed with safety features that make it ideal for winter driving. You get automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and driver attention monitoring, all of which can be useful in bad weather. While front-wheel drive is standard, upgrading to all-wheel drive will help you steer through all sorts of weather conditions.

The Tucson is powered by a 2.5-liter engine that delivers 187 horsepower and is adequately responsive. For added safety and comfort, opt for the SEL Convenience trim to add blind-spot monitoring and heated front seats.

• Starting price: $30,850

The 2024 Honda CR-V remains a popular pick for its value and reliability. With 8 inches of ground clearance, the CR-V has the capability to handle snowy and wet roads well. However, two-wheel drive comes standard, so if you plan to drive in snow, adding the all-wheel drive option is worth the extra $1,500. Standard safety features include radar cruise control, automatic high beams and emergency braking.

If you opt for the Sport Touring Hybrid model, you’ll gain extra power and improved fuel efficiency, with 204 horsepower — compared to the base model’s 190 hp — and 43 mpg in the city versus the EXL all-wheel drive model’s 31 mpg.

• Starting price: $28,440

The Subaru Forester’s base model doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some of the other compact SUVs on this list, but it comes standard with the most important feature for weather conditions: all-wheel drive. Plus, it has the highest ground clearance — 8.7 inches — which provides plenty of room for navigating in snowy conditions. And if you opt for the more expensive Wilderness trim, you’ll get 9.2 inches of ground clearance. Heated seats, dual-zone automatic climate control and a heated steering wheel are available in more expensive trim options if you’re looking for extra comfort.

Additionally, every Forester comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance package, which includes automated emergency braking, lane-departure warning and adaptive cruise control.

^{*Car details were sourced from either CarandDriver.com or U.S. News and World Report.}