Winter driving can be challenging, especially in areas with heavy snowfall and icy conditions. Choosing the right SUV can make a significant difference in ensuring safety, comfort, and performance on snowy roads.
The best SUVs for snow and winter driving are equipped with features like all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD), high ground clearance, and advanced safety systems. Additionally, amenities such as heated seats, heated steering wheels, and advanced traction control systems can enhance the driving experience during the colder months.
In this article, we will explore some of the top SUVs for snow and winter driving, highlighting their key features and benefits. Whether you’re looking for a rugged off-roader or a luxurious family vehicle, there’s an SUV on this list that will keep you safe and comfortable all winter long.
1. Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is renowned for its outstanding performance in snowy and icy conditions, making it a top choice for winter driving. Its symmetrical all wheel drive system provides excellent traction and stability, ensuring that the vehicle can handle slippery surfaces with ease.
The Outback features a high ground clearance of 8.7 inches, allowing it to go through deep snow without getting stuck. Additionally, Subaru’s X-Mode optimizes engine output and transmission ratios, enhancing grip and control on challenging terrains.
The interior of the Outback is designed with comfort and convenience in mind. It offers a spacious cabin with heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control, ensuring that passengers stay warm during cold winter drives.
The infotainment system includes a large touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, providing seamless connectivity and entertainment.
Safety is a key focus for the Subaru Outback, which comes equipped with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance system. This includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and pre-collision throttle management. These advanced features enhance driver confidence and ensure a safer driving experience in winter conditions.
With its robust all wheel drive system, high ground clearance, and advanced safety features, the 2024 Subaru Outback is an ideal choice for those seeking a reliable and capable SUV for snow and winter driving. Its combination of performance, comfort, and safety makes it a standout option for challenging winter roads.
2. Toyota Land Cruiser
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a legendary off-roader with a reputation for tackling tough terrains, including snow-covered roads. Its full time four wheel drive system, combined with a powerful V8 engine, ensures that the Land Cruiser can handle challenging winter conditions with ease.
The vehicle’s high ground clearance and robust suspension system provide additional confidence when driving through deep snow and icy patches. Inside, the Land Cruiser offers a luxurious and well-appointed cabin with features designed to enhance comfort and convenience during winter drives.
Heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium audio system create a cozy and enjoyable environment for passengers. The infotainment system includes a large touchscreen display, navigation, and smartphone integration, allowing for easy access to important information and entertainment.
Safety is a priority for the Land Cruiser, which comes equipped with a range of advanced driver-assistance features. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking are all included, helping to enhance driver awareness and reduce the risk of accidents in winter conditions.
The Toyota Land Cruiser’s combination of rugged off-road capabilities, luxurious interior, and advanced safety features make it a top choice for winter driving. Its ability to go through challenging terrains with ease ensures that drivers can confidently tackle snow-covered roads and icy patches, making it a reliable and capable SUV for winter adventures.
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a versatile SUV that excels in snow and winter driving conditions. Its available Quadra-Trac II 4WD system provides exceptional traction and stability on slippery surfaces, ensuring that the vehicle can handle snowy roads with confidence.
The Grand Cherokee also features the Selec-Terrain Traction Management System, which allows drivers to choose from various driving modes, including Snow, to optimize performance based on road conditions.
Inside, the Grand Cherokee offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin with heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. These features help keep passengers warm and comfortable during cold winter drives.
The infotainment system includes a large touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, providing seamless connectivity and access to entertainment options.
Safety is a key focus for the Grand Cherokee, which comes equipped with a range of advanced driver assistance features. Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring are all included, enhancing driver confidence and ensuring a safer driving experience in winter conditions.
With its robust 4WD system, advanced traction management, and safety features, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a reliable and capable choice for snow and winter driving. Its combination of performance, comfort, and safety makes it an excellent option for on challenging winter roads.
4. Volvo XC90
The Volvo XC90 is a luxury SUV that combines elegance with impressive winter driving capabilities. Its all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction and stability on snow-covered roads, making it a reliable choice for winter driving.
The XC90 also features advanced driver-assistance systems, such as Hill Descent Control and Electronic Stability Control, which enhance its performance in winter conditions.
Inside, the XC90 offers a spacious and luxurious cabin with heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a high-quality infotainment system with a large touchscreen display.
These features ensure that passengers stay warm and comfortable during cold winter drives. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, providing seamless connectivity and entertainment options.
Safety is a top priority for the Volvo XC90, which comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring are all included, enhancing driver confidence and ensuring a safer driving experience in winter conditions.
The Volvo XC90’s combination of luxury, advanced safety features, and impressive winter driving capabilities make it a standout choice for those seeking a premium SUV for snow and winter driving.
Its ability to go through challenging winter roads with ease ensures that drivers can confidently tackle snowy and icy conditions.
5. Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer is a popular SUV known for its versatility and capability in various driving conditions, including snow and ice. Its Intelligent 4WD system provides excellent traction and stability, ensuring that the vehicle can handle slippery surfaces with confidence.
The Terrain Management System allows drivers to select different driving modes, including Snow, to optimize performance based on road conditions.
Inside, the Explorer offers a comfortable and well-appointed cabin with heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen display.
These features help keep passengers warm and comfortable during cold winter drives. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, providing seamless connectivity and access to entertainment options.
Safety is a key focus for the Ford Explorer, which comes equipped with a range of advanced driver-assistance features. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring are all included, enhancing driver confidence and ensuring a safer driving experience in winter conditions.
The Ford Explorer’s combination of versatility, advanced safety features, and impressive winter driving capabilities make it a reliable choice for snow and winter driving. Its ability to handle challenging winter roads with ease ensures that drivers can confidently go through snowy and icy conditions.
6. Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 is a luxury SUV that offers a combination of performance, comfort, and advanced technology. Its Quattro all wheel drive system provides excellent traction and stability on snow covered roads, making it a great choice for winter driving. The Q7’s high ground clearance and advanced suspension system ensure a smooth and controlled ride, even in challenging conditions.
Inside, the Q7 offers a luxurious and well-appointed cabin with heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a high-quality infotainment system with a large touchscreen display.
These features ensure that passengers stay warm and comfortable during cold winter drives. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, providing seamless connectivity and entertainment options.
Safety is a top priority for the Audi Q7, which comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring are all included, enhancing driver confidence and ensuring a safer driving experience in winter conditions.
The Audi Q7’s combination of luxury, advanced safety features, and impressive winter driving capabilities make it a standout choice for those seeking a premium SUV for snow and winter driving. Its ability to go through challenging winter roads with ease ensures that drivers can confidently tackle snowy and icy conditions.
7. Land Rover Range Rover
The Land Rover Range Rover is a top-tier luxury SUV known for its exceptional off-road capabilities and performance in winter conditions. Its full-time four-wheel-drive system and Terrain Response 2 system allow the Range Rover to tackle snow and ice with ease.
The vehicle’s high ground clearance and advanced suspension system provide additional confidence when driving through deep snow and icy patches.
Inside, the Range Rover offers an opulent and comfortable cabin with heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium infotainment system with dual touchscreen displays.
These features ensure that passengers stay warm and comfortable during cold winter drives. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, providing seamless connectivity and entertainment options.
Safety is a key focus for the Range Rover, which comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. Adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring are all included, enhancing driver confidence and ensuring a safer driving experience in winter conditions.
The Land Rover Range Rover’s combination of luxury, advanced safety features, and exceptional winter driving capabilities make it a standout choice for those seeking a premium SUV for snow and winter driving. Its ability to go through challenging winter roads with ease ensures that drivers can confidently tackle snowy and icy conditions.
8. Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a spacious and capable SUV that performs well in snow and winter conditions. Its available four wheel drive system provides excellent traction and stability, while the vehicle’s high ground clearance and robust suspension system ensure a smooth ride on snowy roads. The Tahoe also features advanced traction control systems that enhance its performance in slippery conditions.
Inside, the Tahoe offers a comfortable and well-equipped cabin with heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen display.
These features ensure that passengers stay warm and comfortable during cold winter drives. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, providing seamless connectivity and access to entertainment options.
Safety is a key focus for the Chevrolet Tahoe, which comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring are all included, enhancing driver confidence and ensuring a safer driving experience in winter conditions.
The Chevrolet Tahoe’s combination of spaciousness, advanced safety features, and impressive winter driving capabilities make it a reliable choice for snow and winter driving.
Its ability to handle challenging winter roads with ease ensures that drivers can confidently go snowy and icy conditions, making it an excellent option for families and adventurers alike.
9. Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is another excellent option for winter driving, thanks to its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and high ground clearance. The Forester features Subaru’s X-Mode, which optimizes performance on slippery surfaces, making it a reliable choice for snowy conditions. The vehicle’s advanced traction control systems further enhance its stability and control on icy roads.
Inside, the Forester offers a spacious and comfortable cabin with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen display.
These features ensure that passengers stay warm and comfortable during cold winter drives. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, providing seamless connectivity and entertainment options.
Safety is a top priority for the Subaru Forester, which comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring are all included, enhancing driver confidence and ensuring a safer driving experience in winter conditions.
The Subaru Forester’s combination of reliable all wheel drive performance, advanced safety features, and comfortable interior make it a standout choice for those seeking an SUV that can handle winter driving. Its ability to go snowy and icy roads with ease ensures that drivers can confidently tackle challenging winter conditions.
10. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is a luxury SUV with legendary off-road capabilities, making it an excellent choice for winter driving. Its full-time four wheel drive system, combined with a high ground clearance and advanced suspension system, ensures that the G-Class can handle deep snow and icy conditions with ease. The vehicle also features advanced traction control systems that enhance its performance on slippery surfaces.
Inside, the G-Class offers an opulent and well-appointed cabin with heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium infotainment system with a large touchscreen display.
These features ensure that passengers stay warm and comfortable during cold winter drives. The infotainment system includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, providing seamless connectivity and entertainment options.
Safety is a key focus for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class, which comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring are all included, enhancing driver confidence and ensuring a safer driving experience in winter conditions.
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class’s combination of luxury, advanced safety features, and exceptional winter driving capabilities make it a standout choice for those seeking a premium SUV for snow and winter driving. Its ability to go challenging winter roads with ease ensures that drivers can confidently tackle snowy and icy conditions.
These top SUVs for snow and winter driving offer a combination of performance, comfort, and advanced safety features, making them ideal choices for going through challenging winter conditions. Whether you’re looking for a rugged off-roader or a luxurious family vehicle, these SUVs will keep you safe and comfortable all winter long.
