Top 10 SUVs For Dealing With Snow
Winter is either around the corner or already unleashing its full, snow-spewing furry. There’s no escaping its cold embrace. But life doesn’t stop just because it’s frosty and slippery outside.
We have busy lives, with places to go and people to see. Regardless of the worst winter has in store for us, we must still venture out. So being equipped to best handle the elements is key. Like, for instance, having a proper winter-ready vehicle.
Although nearly any vehicle can be driven through the winter with the proper tires and due care taken behind the wheel, many turn to SUVs as their winter weapons of choice. But what is the best SUV for snow and ice? It’s tough to narrow it down as nearly every manufacturer now offers a sophisticated all-wheel drive system on their various crossovers and SUVs. But we have combed through the field and highlighted 10 great choices below.
Mazda CX-30
The Mazda CX-30 may appear to be just another small SUV, but it has an ace up its sleeve. That ace is the number 320; as in 320 lb-ft. of torque. While many in this segment have adequate power at best, the CX-30 can be equipped with a turbocharged engine good for 250 hp and the aforementioned ridiculous levels of torque. Does this help you get through the snow? No, but the CX-30’s all-wheel drive system is more than up to that task and all that power is waiting for the day the snow melts.
See Also: The Best Snow Tire Choices
Promoted Product: What Is 3PMS?
There are tires that are designed for specific tasks, like driving through deep, sloppy mud, or gripping pavement at high speeds. One of the most-specialized tire designs, however, are snow tires. If you find yourself driving your SUV on wintery roads often, and especially in areas where winter can be a very serious affair, you want a snow tire like SAILUN’s Ice Blazer WSTX. It is a performance winter tire that is 3 Peak Mountain SnowFlake (3PMSF) rated. What does 3PMSF mean? Glad you asked! The 3PMSF rating means the tires are made with a special rubber compound that stays pliable in colder conditions (at or below 40º F), giving the tire better grip on snow and ice-covered roads. The U.S. Tire Manufacturer Association certifies that tires that carry the designation will perform in severe winter weather.
The Ice Blazer WSTX tires use the special rubber compound with extra siping to increase grip. These tires are studdable, too, so if you live in an area where studded tires are allowed, these are a great option. These tires come in a staggering amount of size options, ranging from 14-inch wheels, up to 20 inches. You will be able to get the right set for your SUV.
Subaru Crosstrek
For outright snow conquering in a small SUV package, take a look at the Subaru Crosstrek. Roughly the same size as the CX-30, the Crosstrek may be missing the power of the little Mazda, but it makes up for it in capability. Available only with all-wheel drive, every Crosstrek comes standard with 8.7-inches of ground clearance.
Ford Bronco Sport
Think of the Ford Bronco Sport as a mix between the CX-30’s power and Crosstrek’s capability, just one size bigger. New this year, the Bronco Sport features a new Sasquatch package. Two engines are available, including a potent 245 hp turbocharged 2.0-liter. As should be expected by something wearing the Bronco name, the Sport is fully capable in the deep messy snow thanks to 8.8 inches of ground clearance and selectable drive modes.
Toyota RAV4 PHEV
A completely different take on a compact SUV is the Toyota RAV4 PHEV. A plug-in hybrid, the RAV4 is good for roughly 42 miles of all-electric, all-wheel drive travel. Open the windows in EV mode and you’ll hear nothing but the snow crunching under the tires. Once depleted, the hybrid system consists of a 2.5-liter engine and no fewer than three electric motors. This is good for a combined output of 302 hp and quoted 0-60 mph time of just 5.7-seconds.
See Also: How To Prepare Your Car For Winter
Subaru Outback
Can’t decide between a traditional wagon and a SUV for your next winter warrior? Why not have both? The Subaru Outback is essentially a Legacy Wagon raised up to offer the ground clearance and capability of a SUV. This isn’t a pretender either. It sports the same 8.7-inches of ground clearance as its Crosstrek and Forester siblings, with standard all-wheel drive and X-Mode. The longer wheelbase of the Outback also helps improve straight-line stability in slipper-conditions.
Kia Sorento PHEV
The second plug-in hybrid on our list is the Kia Sorento PHEV. Refreshed for 2024, the Sorento has a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine hooked up to an electric motor, this six-passenger SUV can go up to 32 miles on just electric propulsion. Whether on full electric or hybrid power, the Sorento is always in all-wheel drive mode. Kia’s all-wheel drive system has been greatly improved over the past several years and will have no trouble handling winter’s fury. The Plug-In Hybrid drivetrain is offered in more than one trim level which is a plus for potential shoppers.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
If you want something about the size of the Sorento, but don’t need the third row and are looking for even more capability, there is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. An O.G. in the SUV world, the Grand Cherokee is known for its slippery condition capability while coddling passengers. The amount of choice with the Grand Cherokee is staggering, offering several drivetrain configurations, including a plug-in hybrid.
See Also: Top 10 Best Cars for Snow
Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot, and its arch rival the Toyota Highlander, are what we would call the minivans of the SUV world. And that is not meant to be an insult in the slightest. The Pilot is nearly as practical, comfortable and spacious as those small-van people haulers, but with the added benefits of an SUV. With the option to carry upwards of eight people, the Pilot features good ground clearance, smooth V6 power and available all-wheel drive for every trim level.
Genesis GV80
If you want all the advantages of the Pilot, but in a more premium package, may we suggest the Genesis GV80. A relative new comer to the market, the GV80 can seat three rows of passengers in an elegant, upscale interior. It battles head-to-head with the likes of the Acura MDX and Infiniti GX60. Power comes from either a 300 hp 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 375 hp 3.5-liter unit. All-wheel drive is standard with the larger engine and optional on the smaller one.
Chevrolet Suburban
If towing capacity and passenger space are the two highest priorities on your shopping list, the Chevrolet Suburban will fit the bill. The only true old-school SUV on the list, the Suburban can seat up to nine passengers and tow 8,100 lbs when equipped with all-wheel drive. It is offered with a choice of two V8 engines or a six-cylinder turbo diesel, all paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission. With a generous 8.0-inches of ground clearance and available all-wheel drive on every trim level, the Suburban is well equipped to deal with snow and ice.
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A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
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I've owned a fair number of SUVs and must say that one of the best for winter driving (living in Ottawa) is the S-AWC system on my Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, certainly better than the weak rear motor driving the rear axle of the RAV-4 that you listed.
For the Subaru All-wheel Drive, I believe the word "symmetrical" is missing -- the boxer engine offers a Symmetrical AWD vehicle. 👍️
The Subaru AWD system doesn’t wait for specific wheels to lose traction to send power to them. Instead, it continuously sends power to all four wheels at once, creating more consistency in power distribution. The Subaru AWD system also offers a center differential to allow the front and rear driveshafts to rotate at different speeds during cornering.
That center differential is why the Subaru AWD system is known as “Symmetrical AWD.”
How is Subaru AWD different?
Subaru AWD is different because it provides power to all wheels at all times and is also capable of moving power from the left to right side wheels instead of just from the front axle to the rear axle, which is a drawback of many other AWD systems. Subaru AWD is also designed with a symmetrical drivetrain layout to provide consistent strength.
Source: https://www.quantrellsubaru.com/subaru-awd-system/