If you reside in one of the snowy regions of the country, having a vehicle that’s built for all-season driving is essential. The ideal car should be able to sit high off the ground, endure harsh winter conditions, and withstand the extreme cold.
Additionally, it’s important to prioritize cars that offer excellent heating features for maximum comfort during those frigid days.
When it comes to driving in cold, snowy climates, the right vehicle can make all the difference. While some cars are built to conquer icy roads and harsh winter conditions with ease, others struggle when the temperature drops and the snow starts to fall.
In this article, we’ll explore five cars that are beloved in cold states for their exceptional winter performance, as well as five that just can’t handle the snow.
Whether you’re braving blizzards or simply navigating through frosty mornings, choosing the right car is key to staying safe and comfortable in winter’s chill. Let’s dive into which vehicles truly excel in cold weather and which ones you might want to reconsider when the snow begins to accumulate.
Cars That Perform Well in Snowy Weather
The best vehicles for snowy weather are those that instill confidence while driving, even in the most severe winter conditions. So, what vehicles are best suited for snowy places?
1. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a reliable midsize SUV, especially for those living in areas that experience harsh weather conditions. With its smooth and confident ride, particularly when equipped with four-wheel drive, it stands out as a solid choice for driving in snow and ice.
The base model, the Laredo A, comes with rear-wheel drive, but to benefit from its full snow-handling capabilities, you’ll need to upgrade to the Laredo and select 4×4.
The Grand Cherokee offers multiple 4×4 systems, including Quadra-Trac I, a full-time automatic 4×4 system, Quadra-Trac II with a two-speed transfer case, and Quadra-Drive II, which includes a limited-slip rear differential for optimal traction in tough conditions.
Whether you’re dealing with deep snow or slippery roads, the Grand Cherokee’s advanced 4×4 systems give you the confidence to tackle winter driving.
2. Mazda3
The Mazda3 is an exceptional compact car, offering a well-rounded and enjoyable driving experience. Available in both sedan and hatchback versions, the Mazda3 delivers agile handling with responsive braking and steering, complemented by a peppy engine.
Its top-tier performance and premium interior distinguish it from competitors in the compact car segment. Unlike rivals such as the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, the Mazda3 offers an all-wheel-drive option.
The ride remains smooth and comfortable, even on rough surfaces, and the car strikes a balance between acceleration and fuel efficiency thanks to its 186-hp engine.
For added comfort and safety, the Mazda3 includes dual-zone automatic climate control, blind-spot monitoring, a moonroof, heated front seats, and a head-up display. The head-up display is especially useful in snowy conditions, allowing you to focus on the road without having to shift your attention to the dashboard or infotainment screen.
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3. Ford Ranger
The Ford Ranger is a small truck that offers just about everything you could need: a robust turbocharged engine, impressive fuel efficiency, strong towing and hauling capabilities, and an array of high-tech features, including an easy-to-use infotainment system.
While the interior may seem a bit outdated due to the subpar quality of its materials, the Ranger compensates with its comfortable front and rear seating, which adds to the overall appeal.
The truck comes standard with rear-wheel drive, but you can upgrade to four-wheel drive on any trim. The Ranger also boasts a range of features that make it one of the top choices for winter driving, such as underbody skid plates, heated seats, crawl control, a terrain management system, an off-road-tuned suspension, and a locking rear differential.
4. Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is a well-rounded three-row SUV that delivers an upscale interior, generous cargo space, and a roomy cabin that accommodates up to 8 passengers. It’s a comfortable and easy vehicle to drive, no matter the weather. Its refined V6 engine provides added confidence on the road.
Adding all-wheel drive is a relatively affordable upgrade, costing only an additional $2,000 across all trim levels, which is quite reasonable.
The Telluride also comes with enticing features such as a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, automatic high-beam headlights, a surround-view camera, rain-sensing wipers, and six USB ports throughout the cabin.
5. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a reliable companion for tackling even the snowiest of days. It offers a smooth and comfortable ride, strong off-road capabilities, a cabin outfitted with high-quality materials, and ample cargo space.
As one of the few vehicles in the wagon segment, it comes equipped with standard all-wheel drive, ensuring better traction in harsh conditions.
In addition, the Outback offers seven trim levels, each well-suited for winter driving. Some of its key standard features include hill-descent control, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and X-Mode, which is perfect for off-pavement adventures.
Cars That Struggle in Snowy Weather
When it comes to driving in winter conditions, not all vehicles are built the same. Some cars are designed to handle icy roads, snow, and slush with ease, while others can make even the most seasoned drivers uneasy behind the wheel.
While safety features are often a key focus, it’s important to acknowledge that certain cars simply aren’t up to the challenge of harsh winter weather.
From poor traction to sluggish handling, some models can increase the risk of accidents during the colder months. A recent study by MNH Injury Lawyers identified the five most dangerous vehicles to drive in winter.
1. Chevrolet Silverado 1500
At the top of the list of most dangerous vehicles for winter roads is the Chevrolet Silverado 1500. This popular truck, commonly chosen for its reliability as a workhorse, recorded the highest number of fatal crashes in winter conditions, with 127 fatal accidents per 100,000 units sold.
Its safety system rating is 76%, and its composite score is 88, underscoring its struggles, especially in icy and snowy conditions. The Silverado 1500’s heavy frame and slower braking times make it harder to handle in challenging winter environments, posing a greater risk for drivers.
Safety-wise, the Silverado 1500 offers a range of features, including standard front and rear-view cameras, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, and automatic emergency braking. However, its safety ratings are not as strong as some competitors, especially in winter driving conditions.
The truck’s heavy frame and slower braking times can make it more challenging to maneuver on icy roads, and its safety system rating of 76% and composite score of 88 indicate it may not perform as well in harsh winter weather.
That said, with the proper winter tires and four-wheel drive, the Silverado 1500 can still handle snowy conditions with relative ease.
2. Ford F-150
The Ford F-150 follows closely behind the Chevrolet Silverado 1500, ranking second on the list. Although it has a slightly better safety record, the F-150 still faces difficulties when navigating snow and ice-covered roads.
With 70 fatal crashes per 100,000 units sold, the F-150’s composite score is 63, and it receives an 82% safety rating for child occupants. However, its pedestrian protection score is only 70%, indicating it’s not well-equipped to safeguard vulnerable road users, making it less than ideal for winter driving.
The Ford F-150 is a versatile and highly popular full-size pickup truck that has been a staple in the American automotive market for decades. Known for its powerful performance, durability, and advanced features, the F-150 is designed to meet the needs of both work and leisure.
It offers a range of engine options, from efficient V6 models to the robust V8, providing consumers with choices for towing, payload capacity, and fuel economy.
The truck is built to withstand tough conditions, with a strong steel frame and advanced safety features. Inside, the F-150 provides a comfortable and tech-savvy cabin, with features such as a large touchscreen interface, smartphone integration, and available leather seating.
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3. Honda Accord
Sedans like the Honda Accord often struggle to maintain safety on slippery roads during the winter months. The Accord ranks as the third most dangerous vehicle for driving in winter conditions, with 69 fatal crashes per 100,000 vehicles sold.
Its vulnerable road user safety score is a mere 54%, and its composite score of 62 further highlights its shortcomings in harsh winter conditions.
While the Honda Accord is known for its reliability, it falls short in terms of performance and safety when dealing with the demands of winter weather, making it a less-than-ideal choice for snowy and icy roads.
The Honda Accord is a well-regarded midsize sedan known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and smooth driving experience. For decades, it has been a favorite among drivers who value practicality and comfort, while also seeking a bit of luxury and style.
The Accord offers a range of engine options, including efficient four-cylinder and more powerful turbocharged variants, providing a good balance of performance and fuel economy.
Its sleek design features a spacious and well-appointed interior, with high-quality materials, a user-friendly infotainment system, and advanced safety features like Honda Sensing, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking.
The Accord is known for its comfortable ride, precise handling, and a reputation for long-term durability.
4. Hyundai Elantra
The Hyundai Elantra takes the fourth spot on the list of most dangerous vehicles for winter driving. Despite being a popular compact sedan, the Elantra faces significant safety challenges in winter conditions. It earns the lowest occupant safety ratings among all vehicles studied.
Both adult and child occupant safety are rated at just 60%, and with a composite score of 58, it highlights that smaller sedans may not provide the necessary protection when navigating icy roads and unpredictable weather.
The Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that stands out for its modern design, affordability, and strong value proposition.
Over the years, it has evolved into a well-rounded vehicle, offering a blend of style, technology, and efficiency, making it a popular choice in the highly competitive compact car segment.
The Elantra comes with a variety of engine options, including fuel-efficient four-cylinder engines and a more powerful turbocharged variant in higher trims, providing drivers with options for both performance and economy.
Inside, the Elantra offers a spacious cabin with an intuitive infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.
The design is clean and modern, with comfortable seating and a range of standard and available features like wireless charging, a larger touchscreen, and advanced driver assistance features, such as forward-collision warning, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
The Hyundai Elantra is also known for its impressive warranty coverage, which is one of the best in the industry, offering peace of mind to owners.
With its balance of affordability, tech features, and sleek styling, the Elantra remains a top contender for anyone seeking a reliable and efficient compact sedan.
5. Ram 1500
Rounding out the list at fifth place is the Ram 1500, which, despite its reputation as a tough and capable pickup truck, still faces considerable safety issues in winter driving conditions.
The Ram 1500 recorded 36 fatal crashes per 100,000 units sold and has a composite score of just 55, demonstrating that even large and powerful vehicles are not immune to the dangers posed by winter roads.
Additionally, its child occupant safety rating of 64% is among the lowest, raising concerns for families who need reliable protection while driving on slippery, cold-weather roads.
The Ram 1500 is a full-size pickup truck that has earned a reputation for its premium features, smooth ride, and impressive capabilities. It stands out in the competitive pickup segment due to its well-rounded performance, stylish design, and innovative technology.
The Ram 1500 offers a variety of engine options, including a fuel-efficient V6, a powerful V8, and an eco-friendly hybrid option, providing drivers with the flexibility to choose based on their needs for towing, payload, and fuel economy.
One of the Ram 1500’s key features is its refined interior, which includes high-quality materials, a spacious cabin, and advanced infotainment options like a large touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Higher trims, such as the Limited and Laramie, offer luxury features like leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, and premium audio systems.
In terms of performance, the Ram 1500 is known for its smooth ride, thanks to its available air suspension system, which helps to provide comfort, even when the truck is heavily loaded or towing.
The truck also comes equipped with advanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking, making it a well-rounded choice for both work and personal use. Whether you need a truck for heavy-duty tasks or a comfortable daily driver, the Ram 1500 delivers both strength and refinement.