Best SUVs for Snow. 2022 Ratings

Characteristics of SUVs for Snow

While many drivers will attempt to brave the snow no matter what car they drive, there is no denying that certain types of cars are better at getting the job done than others. Being big certainly helps, which is why pickup trucks and SUVs have a natural advantage, but there is more to it than that. Here are the qualities that set best SUVs for winter snow and ice apart from their more urban siblings:

Drivetrain: The best way to counteract slippery roads is with oodles of traction. Putting power down through every wheel ensures that even if one or two fail to get a good grip, the rest will pick up the slack. At the very least, cars in this category need to have all-wheel drive, but proper 4WD is even better, though far rarer.
Power: Snow does more than just make roads slippery; it can also pile up and exponentially increase resistance on the wheels. To overcome this, you need power, which is why a good V6 engine, preferably with some turbocharging, is the ideal engine. Torque matters more than horsepower, so diesel engines have an even bigger advantage.
Versatility: The customizability of SUVs is one of their best features, and an adaptive suspension that can increase ground clearance in a pinch certainly helps. Most SUVs for snow also have several drive modes that help set the car up to more easily deal with snow, dirt, mud, or any other difficult road conditions.
Comfort: It’s not all about power and ruggedness. Dealing with the cold is more than just plowing through the snow. Comfortable seating is a start but heating is definitely welcome. Remote start with the ability to engage the climate control from the comfort of your home is a handy gimmick, too.
Security: All-wheel drive and special modes help you overcome problems on the road, but there is always going to be the risk of something going wrong. Good safety systems like traction and stability control or hill-descent control are a must, and smarter systems like blind-spot monitoring or forward collision avoidance are certainly not unwelcome.

What to Consider Before Buying an SUV for Snow

Buying a new car can be tricky, with each option offering something different. Some of these differences are good, while others may put some shoppers off. Most cars with AWD are heavier, which has some knock-on effects when it comes to handling and fuel economy. However, there are other trade-offs, too, so make sure that you know what you’re getting into before you sign on the dotted line. Here are the pros and cons of SUVs made for snow:

Pros

Excellent traction in all situations
Highly dependable and reliable
Quite a few comfort and luxury elements
Certain degree of off-roading ability

Cons

Engines can be very thirsty
Heavier than two-wheel-drive cars
Not as cheap as all-weather cars

FAQs

What is the best SUV for snow driving?

Everyone has a different hot take when it comes to the best car in any particular category. Therefore, it helps to look at not only the top-ranking model on any list, but also those around it. If money isn’t a top concern, then the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Volvo XC60 are definitely worth considering, since they combine most of the pros of these cars. If you need even more space, the 3-row Grand Cherokee L is a good option. However, if you’re on a budget, the Honda CR-V or Kia Sportage are good compromises.

Are there any affordable winter crossovers?

From sports cars to snow-plowing SUVs, there will always be certain brands striving to appeal to the cash-strapped masses. It is even more important to make sure you’re getting one of the better options out there when you really don’t have the money to spare on a bad choice. To this end, some sub-$25k cars include the Kia Sportage and Subaru Crosstrek.

Is it worth buying a used 4WD vehicle?

A high price tag is one of the biggest drawbacks to a good SUV made for snow. However, these cars are also designed to be extremely sturdy and dependable, so they stand the test of time very well. Used models are a great way to get all the benefits while skipping over some of those pesky price problems. You’ll still need to be able to afford the heavier fuel bills, though.

Best SUVs for Snow of 2022