Conquer Winter’s Wrath With These 6 Best Cars for Snow

Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can turn a basic drive into a full-blown mission. If your car can’t keep up, winter will win. This guide breaks down the best cars for snow, built to grip, glide, and power through the cold with ease.  

What Makes a Car Great in Snow?

Not all cars are built for blizzards. When you’re choosing a winter warrior, the specs matter more than the badge. First up: All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) is nonnegotiable. These systems distribute power to all four wheels, giving you better grip when roads turn slick or icy. 

Ground clearance also plays a big role — more clearance means less chance of snow building up under your vehicle and slowing you down. Pair that with traction control, electronic stability and even descent control and you’ve got a machine that’s thinking ahead while you drive. Modern snow beasts come with heated mirrors, heated seats and remote start — small luxuries that go a long way when it’s -10 degrees and dark by 5 p.m.

Don’t forget about visibility. LED fog lights, automatic high beams and heated wiper blades may sound like small upgrades, but they make a massive difference when you’re driving through a whiteout. Safety isn’t just about what’s under the hood — it’s also about what you can see in front of you. If you’re looking for a way to easily remove snow from your driveway before you even start driving, an electric snow shovel might be your best bet. 

The Best Cars for Snow

From off-road brutes to family haulers, here are the best cars for snow built to power through snow like it’s fluff.  

1. Subaru Outback

The Outback has built its reputation on winter readiness. Its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is a beast in the snow, and the X-Mode feature boosts traction when conditions get really icy. It’s not just rugged — it’s roomy, reliable and surprisingly fuel-efficient for a snow-capable crossover. 

2. Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road 

Don’t let the “family SUV” label fool you — this RAV4 means business. With Multi-Terrain Select, Dynamic Torque Vectoring AWD and solid clearance, it handles ice and slush with ease. It’s also got a durable interior that laughs in the face of muddy boots and wet gloves. 

3. Jeep Grand Cherokee 

If you want muscle and finesse, the Grand Cherokee delivers. Jeep’s Quadra-Trac 4×4 systems are built to dominate snow and slippery slopes, especially with Snow Mode activated. Add in luxury-level comfort and this SUV becomes a top pick for those who want strength without sacrificing style. 

4. Volvo XC90

The XC90 brings Scandinavian calm to winter chaos. Its intelligent AWD, advanced driver-assist tech and pristine safety ratings make it one of the smartest snow SUVs around. You’ll also get heated everything — seats, mirrors, steering wheel — and a clean, upscale cabin that’s road-trip ready. 

5. Ford Bronco Sport 

This compact version of the Bronco is a cold-weather gem. With G.O.A.T. modes — yes, Goes Over Any Terrain — serious clearance and a boxy build that eats up snowy trails, it’s ideal for adventurous types who don’t want to compromise city comfort for trail grit. 

6. Audi Q5 Quattro 

Refined but ready, the Q5 Quattro combines permanent AWD with a turbocharged punch that makes snow driving feel smooth, not stressful. It’s got a tech-forward cabin, heated everything and surprisingly nimble handling — proving luxury and winter don’t have to be mutually exclusive. 

Of course, there are honorable mentions that deserve a shoutout — like the Chevrolet Tahoe, Mazda CX-50, or even the Tesla Model Y with winter tires. However, these six hit the perfect balance of performance, price and snow-savvy design. 

Used vs. New: Is It Worth Buying a Snow Car Just for Winter? 

Buying a snow-ready car is a serious flex — especially if you live in a region where winter hits hard. But if you’re not facing a full-on polar vortex every year, you might be wondering if it’s worth the investment. 

Here’s the deal: used snow-capable vehicles are a smart play. Models like the Subaru Forester, older Jeep Wranglers or even a well-kept Honda CR-V with AWD hold their value and offer reliable winter performance without breaking the bank. You also skip the depreciation hit that comes with buying new. 

If you already have a summer-friendly sedan or truck, consider buying a second-hand winter car — especially if you’re in places like upstate New York or the Rockies, where snow is the rule rather than the exception. Alternatively, a good lease deal on a winter-specific SUV could get you through the season in comfort. Don’t forget to check local resale platforms in your area — snow-ready cars tend to move fast in the winter months and good deals won’t stick around for long. 

Snow Tires: The Unsung Heroes

Even the best snow car is only as good as the tires it’s riding on. A vehicle with AWD and great clearance won’t mean much if your tires are slipping and sliding. Winter tires use special rubber compounds that stay soft in cold temperatures, offering way better grip than all-seasons. 

Look for tires with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol — that means they’ve been tested for legit snow conditions. Also, pay attention to tread depth and pattern. Deep grooves and biting edges channel slush away and dig into ice better. 

Swapping out your regular tires for winter ones each season is a smarter move than trading your car. Try to stay away from brands like Douglas, Cooper and Westlake as they are some of the worst-rated brands on the market. 

A snow-ready car is a great start — but it’s only part of the equation. Here are a few quick tips to level up your winter driving game: 

• Pack an emergency kit with a blanket, shovel, jumper cables, snacks and flares. 
• Invest in remote start — no more scraping ice with frozen fingers. 
• Clear your whole car, not just the windshield. Snow flying off your roof spells serious danger. 
• Check your battery, coolant and wiper fluid before the season kicks in. 

Being prepared is just as important as what you’re driving. Keeping some jumper cables handy can be a great way to mitigate the risk of not being able to get to where you need to go because your car won’t start. 

Drive It Like You Snow It 

If you’re tired of white-knuckling every snowy drive, it’s time to upgrade. Whether you’re heading to the mountains, hauling the family through a storm, or just trying to survive your icy morning commute, these are the best cars for snow that will have your back.