Winter driving conditions across the United States can be severe, from snow-covered roads in the Midwest to icy streets on the East Coast. While vehicles with all-wheel drive (AWD) are often seen as ideal for these conditions, there are other vehicles equipped to handle winter’s challenges, such as front-wheel drive (FWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD) options. The key to surviving winter roads lies in vehicle preparedness and proper tires. Here’s a guide to some of the best vehicles for winter driving, covering a range of categories from compact crossovers to full-size trucks and sporty cars.
1. Compact Crossover: Toyota RAV4
The Toyota RAV4 is a strong contender for winter driving. Available in both FWD and AWD variants, the RAV4 has been a favorite for snowy conditions since its debut in 1996. It’s a versatile vehicle that performs well with standard all-season tires, but the addition of winter tires significantly improves stopping distances in icy conditions. The RAV4 Hybrid Woodland Edition is particularly noted for its balance of fuel efficiency and winter readiness, making it a top pick for handling snow and slush.
2. Midsize Crossover: Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is another great option for winter driving, especially after its 2023 redesign. Equipped with a 285-horsepower V6 engine and a suite of standard safety features, the Pilot is designed for tough winter conditions, especially in colder regions like the Northeast. While its high starting price might be a concern, the Pilot offers excellent value with its spacious interior and reliable performance. Its 10-speed automatic transmission and AWD capabilities ensure a smooth ride through snowy terrain.
3. Three-Row Crossover: Subaru Ascent
The Subaru Ascent stands out for its standard symmetrical AWD system, making it a great choice for winter weather. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, it can handle deeper snow and tough conditions. Although Ascent’s factory tires—Falken ZIEX ZE001 A/S all-season tires—don’t perform as well in snow, replacing them with winter tires can improve their performance significantly. The Ascent’s size and AWD make it a solid family vehicle for snow-prone areas.
4. Full-Size SUV: Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe, with its robust 4WD system, is built to tackle mountainous terrain and harsh winter conditions. Although its factory-installed Michelin Energy Saver tires are not ideal for winter, the Tahoe’s impressive interior features like heated seats and advanced HVAC systems ensure comfort while driving through the cold. With proper winter tires, the Tahoe is a capable vehicle for both daily driving and off-road winter adventures.
5. Compact Sedan: Honda Civic
The Honda Civic, though not often considered a winter vehicle, proves itself as a reliable option for snowy conditions. With its well-equipped Sport and Touring trims, the Civic offers good snow traction thanks to its standard Goodyear Eagle Sport all-season tires. For those living in areas with lighter snow, the Civic provides an affordable, fuel-efficient option that performs admirably during winter, especially when equipped with heated seats in the higher trims.
6. Full-Size Sedan: Audi A6
The Audi A6 is a luxury sedan that combines performance and winter readiness with its Quattro AWD system. The A6’s heated leather seats, heated steering wheel, and dual-clutch automatic transmission enhance its comfort and drivability in snowy conditions. Though its fuel economy may not be the best in its class, the A6’s turbocharged engine options and sophisticated features make it a top choice for those who want both luxury and winter capability.
7. Luxury Sedan: Genesis G90
The Genesis G90 stands out as a luxury sedan that offers both style and winter performance. Standard AWD ensures excellent traction on snowy roads, while its 375-hp V6 engine provides the necessary power for tough driving conditions. The G90 is packed with high-end features such as power-reclining rear seats with massage and a premium sound system, making it ideal for those who want winter driving comfort with a luxury touch.
8. Midsize Truck: Toyota Tacoma
The Toyota Tacoma, a midsize truck with a reputation for ruggedness, is a top pick for winter driving, particularly in its 4WD configuration. Equipped with BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A tires or similar all-terrain tires, the Tacoma performs well on snowy roads. While it may not offer heated seats as standard in its lower trims, the Tacoma remains a reliable and tough choice for those looking for a vehicle that can handle winter’s worst.
9. Full-Size Truck: RAM 1500
The RAM 1500 offers excellent winter performance, especially in the Big Horn North Edition trim. This version includes winter-ready features such as heated seats, heated mirrors, an engine block heater, and tires equipped with the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, indicating their capability in snow. The Rebel trim is a versatile choice for those who want a full-size truck with both ruggedness and comfort for winter conditions.
10. Sporty Car: Volkswagen Golf GTI
While sporty cars are often seen as unsuitable for winter, the Volkswagen Golf GTI challenges this notion. Though it lacks AWD, the GTI’s well-tuned chassis and great braking performance make it a competent choice for snowy roads, especially in areas with lighter snow. The Golf GTI’s interior features, like its plaid cloth seats and upscale feel, ensure that drivers can enjoy both winter driving and style. However, it’s important to equip the GTI with winter tires for optimal performance.
No matter which vehicle you choose, ensuring it’s equipped with proper tires is crucial for winter driving. All-season tires can perform decently in light snow, but winter tires significantly improve traction and stopping distances on icy or snowy roads. Investing in a good set of winter tires can make a substantial difference, regardless of whether your car is AWD, FWD, or RWD.
Preparing your vehicle for winter conditions is essential to ensure safety and comfort on the road. From compact crossovers to full-size trucks, there are numerous options available that can handle winter’s challenges. While AWD vehicles are often favored, FWD and RWD vehicles, when properly equipped with winter tires, can also perform admirably. By considering factors like drivetrain, tire quality, and additional features like heated seats and mirrors, drivers can make an informed choice that ensures a safe and smooth ride through winter’s worst conditions.