As temperatures drop and snow begins to fall, preparing your vehicle for winter becomes crucial, especially in areas known for harsh weather. Winter driving requires more than caution; it requires the right kind of vehicle.
SUVs with features like all-wheel drive (AWD), heated seats, and ample ground clearance are particularly well-suited for tackling cold-weather conditions. To make winter driving safer and more comfortable, a curated list of the top 10 SUVs has been compiled.
These 2024 and 2025 models were selected for their strong performance, reliability, affordability, and a range of winter-friendly features designed to enhance both safety and comfort in snowy environments.
1. Land Rover Discovery: High Clearance and Classic Capability
The 2024 Land Rover Discovery is a strong contender for winter driving, thanks to its impressive 11.1-inch ground clearance and full-time four-wheel drive (4WD) system. Designed to handle harsh conditions and rugged terrain, it performs well on snow-covered roads.
Cold-weather features such as heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and even a heated windshield and washer nozzles boost comfort during frigid commutes.
With engine options that include a turbocharged inline-4 or inline-6, and backed by Land Rover’s legacy in off-road and all-weather performance, the Discovery is built to take on winter’s toughest challenges with confidence.
2. Toyota Land Cruiser: Rugged Hybrid Reliability
Revived and redesigned, the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser blends rugged off-road ability with modern efficiency, making it a stellar snow SUV. Its 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid engine delivers ample torque through a standard 4WD system with a locking center differential.
With ground clearance ranging from 8.0 to 8.4 inches, it’s capable of handling light to moderate snow with ease. Toyota rounds out the Land Cruiser with heated seats and triple-zone climate control, ensuring comfort during icy mornings.
While pricier than some rivals, the Land Cruiser’s reputation for reliability and winter-readiness justifies its place on this list.
3. Audi Q5: Winter-Ready Elegance
The 2024 Audi Q5 pairs premium comfort with practical winter capabilities, thanks to its standard Quattro AWD system and 8.2-inch ground clearance. Available as a plug-in hybrid, it offers 23 miles of electric driving—ideal for short trips in freezing conditions.
The Q5’s remote start and vehicle pre-conditioning features make cold starts more bearable. Inside, heated seats and high-quality materials create a luxurious atmosphere, even on frosty mornings.
While it’s not built for deep snow or off-roading, its refined engineering and solid traction system make it a dependable option for urban snow driving.
4. Jeep Grand Cherokee: Snow-Crushing Confidence
The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee earns its snow cred with an available 4WD system and adjustable air suspension that boosts ground clearance to nearly 11 inches. While base models start with rear-wheel drive (RWD), the Overland and Trailhawk trims offer winter-ready setups.
The Grand Cherokee also supports comfort with optional heated rear seats and a remote start system. Its 3.6-liter V6 engine delivers reliable performance in cold weather, and the SUV’s rugged heritage makes it well-suited for snow-covered suburban or rural roads. Versatile and powerful, it’s a snow-savvy SUV with classic Jeep DNA.
5. Volvo XC60: Scandinavian Snow Solution
The 2024 Volvo XC60 stands out with its thoughtful blend of technology, safety, and winter resilience. With 8.5 inches of ground clearance and standard AWD, it’s ready for light snow and slick surfaces. Available as a plug-in hybrid, the XC60 offers 35 miles of electric range, minimizing trips to the pump during frigid days.
Key features like heated front seats and Volvo’s robust safety suite make it a smart, family-friendly winter vehicle. As a Scandinavian brand, Volvo knows winter, and the XC60 channels that expertise into a capable, comfortable SUV ideal for snowy commutes.
Also Read: 10 Best Hybrid Cars of 2025 That Balance Fuel Efficiency, Reliability, and Everyday Comfort
6. Mercedes-Benz GLS: Luxury Meets Winter Function
Luxury and winter capability meet in the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLS. While it comes with a premium price tag, it’s packed with cold-weather comforts like AWD, heated and massaging seats, and four-zone climate control.
Ground clearance ranges from 7.9 to 8.5 inches, aided by adaptive air suspension for a smooth ride over snowy terrain. Though it leans more toward luxury cruising than rugged off-roading, the GLS handles slick roads with confidence.
Optional heated cupholders and a refined interior add to its cold-weather charm. For those prioritizing comfort and style in winter conditions, the GLS is a standout choice.
7. Subaru Outback: The All-Weather Icon
A perennial favorite for snow driving, the 2025 Subaru Outback delivers everything you’d want in a winter-ready SUV. It comes equipped with Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical AWD and offers at least 8.7 inches of ground clearance.
This crossover-wagon hybrid includes cold-weather features like windshield wiper deicers and water-resistant upholstery. Its two flat-4 engine options provide solid performance, while the rugged design reinforces its reputation for handling snowy conditions with ease.
From mountain passes to slushy city streets, the Outback’s dependable traction, affordability, and all-weather reliability make it a standout choice for winter driving.
8. Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Efficiency in the Cold
With an impressive 39 MPG combined fuel rating, the 2024 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid stands out as both fuel-efficient and winter-capable. Its standard AWD, powered by an electric rear motor, provides reliable traction in snowy conditions, while 8.1 inches of ground clearance allows it to handle moderate snow with ease.
Features like heated side mirrors and a digital rearview mirror boost visibility and safety during cold-weather drives. For those seeking an SUV that blends eco-conscious efficiency with solid winter performance, the RAV4 Hybrid offers exceptional value, especially for everyday commuters facing snowy roads.
9. Subaru Forester: Snow Mode Standard
The 2025 Subaru Forester, all-new and still impressively affordable, continues Subaru’s legacy of snow-ready vehicles. With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and AWD across all trims, it’s built to handle winter roads.
New driving modes like “Snow” and “Deep Snow” enhance traction, while torque vectoring distributes power intelligently. Standard adaptive LED headlights boost nighttime visibility, and higher trims add heated mirrors and a heated steering wheel.
This makes the Forester a top pick for winter, especially in rural or mountainous areas. Practical, tech-savvy, and robust, it’s built for year-round confidence.
10. Ford Bronco Sport: Winter Warrior Champion
Topping the list is the 2025 Ford Bronco Sport, which blends affordability, utility, and off-road flair into a winter-ready package. Standard AWD, up to 8.6 inches of ground clearance, and G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) drive modes ensure it’s well-prepared for slippery roads and deep snow alike.
It also features an engine block heater for extreme cold and rugged styling to match its adventurous spirit. The Bronco Sport proves that you don’t need a full-size SUV to get serious winter performance. It’s the perfect companion for snow-covered roads and weekend getaways alike.
Selecting the right SUV for snow driving goes beyond looks—it’s about confidence, comfort, and capability. From luxury models like the Mercedes-Benz GLS to rugged icons like the Ford Bronco Sport, the vehicles on this list provide a wide range of options for different budgets and preferences.
Whether you prioritize fuel economy, ground clearance, or heated amenities, there’s a winter SUV ready to meet your needs. With the right vehicle, snowy commutes and icy roads don’t have to be daunting. Instead, they can become just another part of the adventure—handled with ease and peace of mind.
Also Read: 10 Best and 10 Worst Cars for Cold Climates & Harsh Climate
