12 Best Cars for Snow and Winter Driving
Written by
Elizabeth Constantineau, AI Editor
Edited by
Elizabeth Constantineau
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Navigating snowy and icy roads requires a vehicle equipped for challenging winter conditions. From all-wheel-drive systems to advanced safety features, certain cars stand out as the best cars for snow and winter driving. Keep reading to find out which ones.
12 Best Cars for Snow and Winter Driving
When the temperatures drop and the snow starts to fall, having the right car becomes crucial for safe and comfortable driving. Whether you’re navigating city streets or mountain passes, these vehicles stand out for their exceptional performance in winter conditions.
1. 2024 BMW 3 Series xDrive
The BMW 3 Series xDrive offers an all-wheel-drive system across its sedan lineup. Key features include a 255-horsepower engine, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and rain-sensing wipers, making it an ideal choice for winter driving.
2. 2024 Mazda3 Sedan AWD
The Mazda3 Sedan AWD stands out with its i-Activsense suite of safety and driver-assist technologies. These include blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking and automatic high beams. It’s powered by a 191-horsepower engine, making it a reliable choice for snowy conditions.
3. 2023 Dodge Charger AWD
The Dodge Charger blends a muscle car vibe with a performance edge and offers all-wheel drive in its V6-equipped SXT and GT models. Notable features for snow driving include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, heated mirrors and heated front and rear seats.
4. 2024 Toyota Camry AWD
The Toyota Camry AWD includes Safety Sense 2.5+, featuring forward collision warning and automatic front emergency braking. The Cold Weather Package adds a heated steering wheel, heated mirrors and heated front seats, enhancing its suitability for winter.
5. 2024 Nissan Altima AWD
The Nissan Altima offers all-wheel drive in models equipped with the 188-horsepower engine. Standard features beneficial for snow driving include LED headlights, forward collision warning, blind-spot warning and automatic rear braking.
6. 2024 Acura RDX SH-AWD
The Acura RDX features Super Handling All-Wheel Drive and other winter-friendly features like forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking and heated front seats. Its ground clearance and advanced driver aids make it an excellent choice for snowy conditions.
7. 2024 Volvo V90 Cross Country
The Volvo V90 Cross Country comes standard with all-wheel drive, adaptive LED headlights and a suite of safety features, including a blind-spot monitor and front collision mitigation support. Its ground clearance and Climate Package make it one of the best cars for snow.
8. 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD
The Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD is equipped with impressive ground clearance, forward collision warning, front emergency braking and LED headlights. The Driver Alert Package further enhances its capabilities in snow.
9. 2024 Honda CR-V AWD
The Honda CR-V AWD provides forward collision warning, LED headlights and Honda Sensing driver-assist features. Heated front seats and outboard mirrors, along with LED fog lights, make it a reliable option for snow driving.
10. 2024 Ford Bronco Sport
The Ford Bronco Sport offers all-wheel drive, high-beam assist and the Co-Pilot360 driver aids bundle. The Outer Banks model adds heated features and rain-sensing wipers, making it suitable for winter terrain.
11. 2024 Hyundai Kona AWD
The Hyundai Kona AWD features collision warning, automatic emergency braking and high-beam assist. The SEL grade adds heated mirrors and seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control, ideal for cold weather.
12. 2024 Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD
The Hyundai Santa Cruz offers features like LED headlights, high-beam assist and several driver aids, including forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. The SEL model adds heated seats and mirrors, enhancing its winter driving capabilities.
Final Take
Navigating winter roads requires a vehicle that’s up to the challenge. The cars listed above represent some of the best options for tackling snow and ice, offering a blend of safety, stability and comfort. Whether you prefer the ruggedness of an SUV or the sleekness of a sedan, there’s a winter-ready vehicle to suit your needs. Remember, while the right car can make a significant difference, safe winter driving also depends on proper maintenance, cautious driving habits and suitable winter tires.
FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the best cars for winter driving.- What is the best type of vehicle for snow?
- The best type of vehicle for snow typically features the following:
- All-wheel drive or four-wheel drive
- Good ground clearance
- Advanced safety features like anti-lock brakes and stability control
- SUVs and crossovers often fit this description well, but several sedans and wagons are also equipped to handle snowy conditions effectively.
- The best type of vehicle for snow typically features the following:
- Is 4WD or AWD better in snow?
- Both 4WD and AWD are effective in snow, but they serve slightly different purposes. AWD is generally better for on-road use, providing consistent traction and handling on slippery roads. 4WD, on the other hand, is more suited for off-road conditions or deep snow, offering greater power and control. The choice depends on the typical driving conditions you expect to encounter.
- Are cars or SUVs better in snow?
- SUVs are often better equipped for snow due to their higher ground clearance and, in many cases, superior traction control systems. However, cars with AWD and good winter tires can also perform well in snowy conditions. The choice should be based on your specific needs, such as passenger space, fuel efficiency and driving environment.
- Which car is best for black ice?
- The best cars for black ice are those with advanced safety features like electronic stability control, anti-lock braking systems and AWD. These features help maintain control on slippery surfaces. Vehicles with good weight distribution and winter tires also offer better handling on black ice. Examples include sedans and SUVs with AWD systems and high safety ratings.
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- Kelley Blue Book. 2023. "Best Cars and SUVs for Snow: Features You Need."
