The challenges of driving in harsh winter conditions place unique demands on SUVs, affecting performance, safety, and reliability.
Some models are designed and engineered to manage cold temperatures, snow, and ice with ease, offering drivers confidence and control during difficult weather.
These SUVs feature robust four-wheel or all-wheel-drive systems, durable tires, advanced traction control, and effective heating mechanisms that together help them tackle winter roads successfully.
Conversely, other SUVs struggle when faced with freezing temperatures, slick surfaces, and heavy snowfall.
Performance issues, inconsistent traction, electrical malfunctions, and longer warm-up times can make driving these vehicles in cold climates frustrating and potentially hazardous.
Understanding which SUVs excel in harsh winters and which tend to falter is valuable for buyers and current owners living in cold regions or planning seasonal trips.
This overview will first examine five SUVs known for their winter-ready capabilities, explaining why they perform well despite adverse conditions.
It will then describe five SUVs that have difficulties in cold weather, discussing the factors that limit their effectiveness and reliability. By comparing both groups, one can make more knowledgeable decisions about vehicle suitability and safety during winter months.
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5 SUVs That Survive Harsh Winters
When selecting an SUV for cold climates, reliability, traction, and mechanical resilience are top priorities. SUVs surviving harsh winters usually come equipped with advanced drivetrain systems such as full-time all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive that ensure power is distributed efficiently, minimizing wheel spin on ice or snow.
They also possess strong heating systems that rapidly warm the cabin and defrost windows. Tires designed for traction on snowy or icy roads play a crucial role as well. Furthermore, vehicles with higher ground clearance can better navigate through snow accumulations without getting stuck.
This introduction sets the stage to review five exemplary SUVs that demonstrate strong winter performance due to these attributes. The goal is to help consumers identify models that maintain safety and control in challenging weather, providing peace of mind and year-round utility.
Understanding the engineering and feature sets behind their winter toughness supports more confident purchasing decisions where harsh winters are a factor.
1. 2025 Chevrolet Equinox
The 2025 Chevrolet Equinox is a compelling option for those seeking an SUV that offers dependable performance during harsh winters. A standout feature is its 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which provides a reliable balance of power and efficiency essential in cold weather scenarios.
This engine delivers 175 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, enabling the vehicle to handle slippery or snow-covered surfaces with confidence.
Drivers can choose between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive, with the all-wheel-drive package offering specialized driving modes such as Off-Road and Snow to optimize traction and stability on challenging surfaces.
Safety technology in the Equinox is comprehensive, featuring the Chevy Safety Assist package.
This includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert each enhancing driver control and reducing the risk of collisions in winter conditions. These assistive systems provide added reassurance when navigating icy roads or sudden weather changes.
Inside the cabin, comfort is prioritized with heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, crucial when facing freezing temperatures. The interior’s spaciousness and equipped infotainment system enhance the driving experience during winter journeys.
Additionally, all-LED exterior lighting boosts visibility in low-light or snowy conditions, further improving safety. Overall, the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox blends technology, comfort, and capable performance to meet the demands of cold-weather driving, making it a strong contender in the winter-ready SUV segment.
2. 2025 Buick Enclave
The 2025 Buick Enclave is a midsize luxury SUV that stands out for its winter-ready features and capable performance in cold environments.
Under the hood, it offers a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-4 engine producing 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque, providing sufficient power for snowy and icy conditions.
The availability of an intelligent all-wheel-drive system enhances traction and stability, distributing power dynamically between wheels to prevent slipping and to maintain control on slick roads.
Winter performance is further bolstered by the Enclave’s Snow/Ice drive mode, which adjusts throttle response and traction control settings to optimize grip on slippery surfaces, reducing wheel spin and improving driver confidence.
Safety is enhanced with technologies like Forward Collision Alert, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and Lane Departure Warning, helping to prevent accidents in challenging winter conditions.
Inside, the Enclave offers numerous comfort features tailored for cold weather, such as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel to keep occupants warm during frigid drives.
The cabin is also equipped with Smart Climate Control, allowing individual temperature settings for different zones, ensuring personalized comfort.
Visibility aids include heated mirrors and a head-up display, which help maintain clear sightlines during snowy or icy weather.
The Enclave’s combination of power, safety features, and winter comfort makes it a reliable choice for drivers facing harsh climates. Its versatility and thoughtful engineering provide both assurance and convenience for long winter trips or daily commutes in cold regions.
3. 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan is highly regarded for its robust winter performance, making it a dependable choice for cold climate driving. Equipped with an advanced 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, the Tiguan delivers excellent traction and control on slippery, snow-covered roads.
This technology intelligently distributes torque to the wheels that need it most, helping prevent slip and maintaining stability on ice and snow. To complement this, the Tiguan uses a refined suspension system that smoothens the ride even on uneven and icy surfaces.
In terms of safety, the Tiguan is equipped with features such as Forward Collision Warning, Automatic Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Lane Keeping Assist, all of which contribute to safer winter driving by assisting the driver in maintaining control and avoiding hazards.
These safety technologies are highly appreciated in winter conditions where visibility can be low and road traction unpredictable.
The cabin is both spacious and comfortable, with amenities such as heated front seats and a heated steering wheel that provide warmth during freezing temperatures. A digital cockpit displays critical information clearly, minimizing distractions.
The infotainment system includes a user-friendly 15-inch touchscreen with seamless smartphone integration, making navigation and entertainment easier during long winter trips.
Overall, the Volkswagen Tiguan combines advanced traction control, safety technologies, and comfort features to deliver a confident and secure driving experience in harsh winter conditions, making it an excellent SUV for snow and ice.
4. 2025 BMW X5
The 2025 BMW X5 is a luxe SUV well-suited to winter conditions, combining powerful performance and intelligent safety systems tailored for cold and snowy environments.
The heart of its capability lies in the 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine paired with BMW’s renowned xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
This setup produces a robust 375 horsepower and automatically adjusts torque distribution for optimal grip on icy roads or deep snow, ensuring stability and control.
Additionally, BMW offers the xOffroad package, which includes specialized terrain modes for sand, rocks, gravel, and snow to tailor the vehicle’s handling to varied winter surfaces.
Handling is further enhanced by the Adaptive 2-Axle Air Suspension, which provides smooth rides over uneven winter roads and adjusts the vehicle’s height for better ground clearance in snow. Inside, the X5 offers a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated seats, and multi-zone climate control, all essential for comfort in freezing weather.
For safety, the X5 features an array of advanced driver assistance technologies, including collision mitigation, blind-spot detection, lane-keeping assist, and cornering brake control, providing comprehensive protection in challenging winter driving scenarios.
Its premium 20-inch wheels wrapped in winter-capable tires provide excellent traction to complement the sophisticated drivetrain.
With its blend of power, technology, and luxury, the 2025 BMW X5 offers confident and composed performance on winter roads while keeping driver and passengers warm and safe.
5. 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe
The 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV designed to conquer harsh winter conditions with a combination of brute strength and modern technology.
It offers powerful engine options, including a 5.3-liter V8 and a more muscular 6.2-liter V8, providing ample power and torque for plunging through snow and ice. Paired with a fully capable four-wheel-drive system, the Tahoe delivers commanding traction and control on slippery and uneven winter roads.
This SUV features advanced safety technologies such as Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist, and Automatic Emergency Braking to mitigate accident risks in poor weather and low visibility conditions. Its sturdy frame and reinforced underbody provide extra durability on rugged winter terrains.
Inside, the Tahoe boasts a spacious, comfortable cabin with premium materials and winter-friendly amenities like heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and tri-zone automatic climate control.
These features ensure that occupants remain warm during extended winter drives or while stuck in traffic caused by snowy conditions.
The Tahoe’s high ground clearance and robust suspension allow it to navigate through deep snow and slippery surfaces effectively. Additionally, its large size and solid construction contribute to occupant confidence and vehicle stability in adverse weather.
With a blend of power, comfort, and safety features, the 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe stands out as a winter-ready SUV suitable for families or individuals who face tough winter driving regularly.
5 SUVs That Struggle in Cold
While many SUVs handle harsh winters with ease, some models face challenges that make cold-weather driving more difficult and less safe. Such SUVs often suffer from inadequate traction systems, low ground clearance, or less effective heating and defrosting features.
Front-wheel-drive or base trims lacking all-wheel or four-wheel drive, common in certain models, struggle on icy roads where reliable traction is crucial.
Additionally, some SUVs have engines and transmissions not optimized for cold starts or maintaining power in freezing temperatures, leading to sluggish performance and increased fuel consumption.
Poor insulation and less effective cabin heating can also contribute to discomfort for occupants, especially during long winter drives. Electrical systems in some SUVs are prone to failures in extreme cold, reducing reliability when it matters most.
Furthermore, vehicles with smaller tires or those equipped with all-season tires rather than dedicated winter tires may encounter difficulties maintaining control on snow and ice.
Recognizing these shortcomings in specific models informs potential buyers about risks, ensuring they select SUVs better suited to harsh conditions.
This section will focus on five SUVs known for struggling in cold weather, detailing why these challenges exist and how they impact winter driving safety and comfort.
1. 2025 Ford Explorer
The 2025 Ford Explorer, despite its popularity, is often criticized for less-than-ideal winter performance, particularly in base trims that come with rear-wheel drive rather than all-wheel drive.
Rear-wheel drive can be problematic on icy or snowy roads, as it tends to provide less traction compared to all-wheel-drive systems, increasing the risk of wheel spin and slipping. Buyers seeking good winter capability must opt for higher trims with all-wheel drive, which adds to the vehicle’s overall cost.
Moreover, the Explorer’s ground clearance is average for its class, limiting its ability to navigate through deep snow without getting stuck.
Some drivers have reported sluggish acceleration in cold weather, which can be attributed to the vehicle’s weight and engine tuning that isn’t optimized for frigid temperatures. The SUV’s fuel economy also tends to suffer in winter conditions, further highlighting its less efficient cold-weather adaptation.
Comfort features essential for cold weather, like heated seats and steering wheels, are often reserved for higher trim levels, which might not be accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
Additionally, the Explorer’s cabin insulation has received mixed reviews, with some owners noting that it struggles to retain heat efficiently in freezing environments.
Overall, while the Ford Explorer offers several strengths, its base winter performance drawbacks and lack of standard AWD in all trims make it a less reliable pick for those frequently driving in harsh winter conditions.
2. 2025 Kia Sportage
The 2025 Kia Sportage, though stylish and well-equipped, faces some winter-driving limitations that prospective buyers should consider.
Most notably, front-wheel drive is standard on lower trims, which can struggle on ice and snow without the enhanced traction of all-wheel drive.
While the higher X-Pro trim offers AWD and several terrain modes including snow, these features aren’t available in the base model, potentially leaving some drivers vulnerable in winter conditions if they don’t invest in the upgrade.
The Sportage’s ground clearance is modest, making it less suitable for areas with heavy snowfall or unplowed roads. Additionally, the vehicle’s curb weight is relatively light for an SUV, which can limit traction and stability on slippery surfaces.
The standard tires generally are all-season rather than dedicated winter tires, which reduces grip in icy or deep snow conditions.
Heating features such as heated seats and steering wheels, crucial for driver comfort in cold weather, tend to appear mainly on mid-to-high trims, rather than across the entire lineup. This means that budget models might lack these amenities, making winter driving less comfortable.
While the Sportage offers modern tech and a smooth ride, its winter performance is somewhat compromised by standard drivetrain and tire choices.
Drivers in areas with severe winters should strongly consider AWD-equipped trims and winter tires to mitigate these issues and ensure safer, warmer winter driving experiences.
3. 2025 Acura MDX
The 2025 Acura MDX is a luxury midsize SUV that, although advanced in technology and safety features, experiences certain drawbacks in winter driving depending on the trim.
The base MDX comes standard with front-wheel drive, which offers limited traction and control on icy or snowy roads compared to the available Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system. Those who opt for base or lower trims without AWD may find the vehicle less sure-footed during winter.
Although the SH-AWD system on higher trims offers excellent power distribution and cornering capabilities to improve traction in snow, steep price increases accompany these upgrades, making them less accessible to all buyers.
The MDX’s weight and engine performance are generally capable, but cold starts and thick snow can challenge its responsiveness without appropriate traction support.
Heated seats and steering wheels, important for cold-weather comfort, are typically included on more expensive trims rather than universally across the lineup.
Cabin insulation and climate control are effective but may not compensate for the handling difficulties experienced on front-wheel-drive models.
The MDX also lacks a dedicated off-road trim, which limits its appeal to drivers needing robust winter capabilities without additional package costs.
While the vehicle shines in many areas, those frequently facing harsh winters should consider higher trims or aftermarket traction aids to ensure safe and confident driving during challenging winter conditions.
4. 2025 Nissan Murano
The 2025 Nissan Murano offers a blend of comfort, style, and moderate winter capability, making it a popular midsize SUV choice. It features a new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 241 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission that delivers confident acceleration in varied conditions.
Standard front-wheel drive comes with an option for intelligent all-wheel drive, which dynamically adjusts power distribution to improve traction on slippery surfaces such as snow and ice.
Murano’s driving modes include a Snow mode that enhances stability and control during winter driving by managing throttle response and traction control more effectively.
This system helps the vehicle maintain grip on icy roads, although the Murano is not specialized for deep snow or extreme off-road winter conditions.
Its ground clearance is moderate, appropriate for typical urban and suburban winter use but less suited for heavy snow or rugged terrain.
Safety is a priority with Nissan Safety Shield 360, a suite of advanced driver assistance technologies.
Key features include Intelligent Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, and Blind Spot Warning, all contributing to safer driving experiences when visibility or traction is compromised by winter weather.
Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel add comfort during cold starts, making the cabin warm and inviting.
While the Murano handles typical winter conditions competently, it may not provide the level of ruggedness or extreme cold-weather performance found in more off-road-oriented SUVs. Nevertheless, it strikes a balance between comfort, technology, and practicality for moderate winter climates.
5. 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe
The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is a midsize SUV that delivers solid winter performance combined with upscale interior features and modern technology. This SUV offers an optional all-wheel-drive system designed to enhance traction and stability on icy or snowy roads.
The AWD system can split power dynamically between the front and rear wheels, helping maintain control during slippery winter conditions. Its driving modes include settings tailored for snow, improving throttle response and minimizing wheel slip to provide steady handling on ice and snow-covered surfaces.
Under the hood, the Santa Fe offers diverse engine options, including a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine capable of generating enough power to handle winter challenges without sacrificing fuel efficiency.
Ground clearance is comfortable for snowy environments, allowing the SUV to traverse snow-covered streets and roadways with confidence.
Winter-friendly features abound in the Santa Fe, including heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
These make cold-weather driving much more comfortable, especially during long commutes or trips in freezing temperatures. Visibility is enhanced by available LED headlights and heated side mirrors, which help prevent frost buildup and improve safety.
Advanced safety technologies, such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, add extra protection during winter driving when road conditions are less predictable.
Overall, the 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe is an excellent option for those seeking an all-season vehicle that performs respectably in winter while delivering upscale appointments and safety.
SUVs designed for winter driving vary widely in how well they handle cold, snow, and ice. Models like the 2025 Chevrolet Equinox, Buick Enclave, Volkswagen Tiguan, BMW X5, and Chevrolet Tahoe excel in harsh winter conditions thanks to advanced all-wheel or four-wheel drive systems, winter-friendly driving modes, and robust safety features.
They offer comfortable heated interiors, higher ground clearance, and technologies that enhance traction and stability on slippery roads, making them strong contenders for snowy climates.
Conversely, SUVs such as the 2025 Ford Explorer, Kia Sportage, Acura MDX, Nissan Murano, and Hyundai Santa Fe face challenges in winter.
Common issues include base models with rear- or front-wheel drive that struggle for traction without all-wheel drive, lower ground clearance hindering snow navigation, and heating or cabin comfort features available only on higher trims.
These weaknesses can lead to compromised safety, reduced control, and less warmth for occupants during cold weather.
Selecting an SUV for winter involves balancing drivetrain capabilities, safety technologies, and comfort features. Awareness of a model’s performance in cold conditions is critical for ensuring safety and an enjoyable driving experience amid harsh winter environments.
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