What makes the best cars for snow really the best? It’s a combination of things.
Check out these key features to consider when driving in snow and other wintery conditions. Vehicles need to boast an effective drivetrain — the array of components from the transmission to the tires. Look for safety and driver-assist technologies, such as stability control, blind-spot monitoring, and so forth.
Then, consider comfort or convenience features, such as heated seats and rain-sensing windshield wipers that can make it a lot easier to drive in snowy weather. Use our jump-ahead links below to get to the section you need.
Getting To Know the Best Vehicles in Snow
If a vehicle boasts the appropriate combination of all these elements, even an inexperienced driver can get by when driving in snow. At the same time, the right combination of features can make an experienced Snowbelt driver even safer and more competent. This is true whether it’s a sedan, an SUV, or a pickup truck.
RELATED ARTICLE: 20 Tips for Safe Winter Driving
At the end of the day, the driver becomes the key factor when driving on snow or ice. The less experience a driver has with snow- or ice-covered roads, the more important the components, technologies, and systems designed to aid the driver in foul weather.
But even the most veteran Snowbelt drivers can benefit from features engineered to ease the stress of driving in snow or on ice. We weighed all of this when choosing our picks for the best cars and SUVs in snow. And this year, our top overall pick is the Subaru Outback. Read on to see why this SUV is the best overall pick.
Which Is Better, AWD or 4WD?
Any discussion of the best cars for snow must begin with the drivetrain. There are pros and cons for front-wheel-drive (FWD) and rear-wheel-drive (RWD) systems when driving in snowy or icy conditions. However, we are going to pass over such 2-wheel-drive (2WD) drivetrains.
The inexperienced snow driver will be as likely to get into trouble with either 2WD system. The discussion then turns to all-wheel drive (AWD) or 4-wheel drive (4WD).
What Is AWD?
Many people use the terms AWD and 4WD interchangeably. However, these are not the same systems. All-wheel drive functions with little or no driver input. Most AWD vehicles normally operate as FWD (Honda CR-V) or RWD (Dodge Charger).
On dry pavement, the engine sends all its torque to one axle. With front-wheel-drive cars, power (or torque) is sent to the front wheels. With rear-wheel-drive cars, power is sent to the rear wheels.
Part-Time AWD
With the most common type of AWD system, the moment it senses one or both primary drive wheels slipping, it automatically transfers a percentage of the engine torque to the other axle and its two wheels. You might see a phrase like “on-demand” or “part-time” all-wheel drive that refers to this type of system.
If it’s an on-demand system, it’s set up to work most of the time in 2WD to increase fuel efficiency. This type of system is the most fuel-efficient choice. The fuel-economy penalty with on-demand AWD can be as little as 1-2 mpg.
Full-Time AWD
Some systems, referred to as full-time AWD, will always send some amount of torque to all four wheels. These also automatically adjust torque as needed but are often not as fuel-efficient as on-demand systems. Subaru uses full-time AWD in most of its vehicles. Fortunately, the fuel-economy penalty isn’t severe with this AWD.
With either system, when there’s slippage, there’s a need for more traction, and more power is sent to the wheels that have more grip. So, if you’re driving on an icy patch and one tire can’t get traction, the AWD system will quickly respond, sending power to the other wheels that have more grip.
Most AWD systems are electronically controlled and can actually respond to changing road conditions before a wheel starts to spin. This happens in less than a blink of an eye, usually without the driver being aware. While much more happens here to maximize traction and maintain control, that’s the gist of it.
What Is 4WD?
For most people, AWD is often robust enough to handle inclement weather, including ice and some snow. However, if you often drive on extremely slippery roads or need a vehicle with better off-road capability than AWD can offer, you can look into getting a vehicle with 4WD.
Four-wheel drive still sends power to all four wheels, but it creates a lock between the front and rear axles, keeping the axle speeds the same. This reduces wheel spin when there is low traction — such as gravel and deep snow — but keeps your vehicle from being able to corner as well as when it’s in 2WD. All-wheel drive does not have that issue.
While there are some other 4WD systems out there, the one you will find most often is part-time 4WD. Typically, you will find part-time 4WD on RWD vehicles.
4WD High Range
When the time comes that you need extra traction, you — the driver — can use a lever, dial, or button to put the vehicle into 4-Hi, also known as high range. This is the best setting for snowy conditions and when you’re on trails that are considered easy or moderate. Using high range gives you more traction off-road than AWD does. In most modern 4WD vehicles, you can switch from 2-Hi to 4-Hi without stopping. There are even some 4WD vehicles that will automatically go from 2-Hi to 4-Hi for you.
However, there are some drawbacks. Experts do not recommend high range for on-road use. If you forget to switch the system back to 2WD (or 2-Hi), you risk doing damage to your vehicle after long stretches. In addition, the added weight of this system reduces fuel economy.
4WD Low Range
When things get even more challenging on the trail, or you encounter extremely deep snow, you can choose 4-Lo or low range. This feature is used only at low speeds. In addition to all four wheels being driven, your vehicle also uses a low-gear ratio. Low range gives your truck or SUV the most torque at every wheel, and the vehicle can slowly crawl over an obstacle.
To use low range, you’ll have to stop the vehicle and actively shift into it or select it. And once you’re out of the rough stuff, you’ll have to shift out of 4-Lo. Low range isn’t something most people have to use, but you may find it helpful when driving down a steep, icy road.
Which Should You Choose: AWD or 4WD?
Choosing between AWD and 4WD depends on your needs. However, AWD is likely the best answer for most people. It automatically adjusts to changing road conditions, it’s designed to work in normal snowy and icy conditions, and it has the least negative effect on fuel economy.
What Are the Top Safety Features for Driving in Snow?
You can say goodbye to the days when the top safety feature for the best car in snow equaled a trunk large enough to hold a bag of salt and a shovel. Today’s cars, trucks, and SUVs offer a wide array of safety and driver-assist features.
Since 2013, government mandates required some features like traction control, stability control, and anti-lock brakes to come standard on every passenger vehicle. The lion’s share of newer technologies is available on a wide range of new cars and SUVs. Some may even save you a few bucks on your car insurance.
We compiled a list of features that contribute to better control and safety in snowy or icy conditions. We threw in a few winter comfort/convenience features as well. Our picks for best snow sedans and best snow SUVs offer some or most of them.
The List of Top Safety Features for Cars in Snow
- Adaptive headlights: Headlights that adapt can come in a couple of forms. One actually rotates the headlights to light the area in the direction in which the steering wheel gets turned. The other uses cornering lights mounted more to the side of the headlights. They illuminate the appropriate direction when you turn the steering wheel to the left or right — a great feature for any car driving in snow.
- Anti-lock brakes and stability control: These work hand in hand to first detect when a vehicle makes a sideways slide and then apply braking to whichever wheel or wheels will help bring the slide under control.
- Automatic high beams: By default, auto high beams switch on whenever the headlights come on. A sensor detects the lights of nearby vehicles, switching off the high beams when it detects headlights or taillights.
- Automatic temperature control: We included this on the snow-features list purely for its convenience. A set-it-and-forget-it bit of technology that means one less thing to fret over as you concentrate on your snow driving.
- Blind-spot monitoring: Driving in snow is tricky business. Blind-spot sensors detect vehicles on your flanks that you may not be able to see in your mirrors. This can keep you from swerving into a lane that’s already occupied, including when driving in snow. One of the surest ways to lose control on a slippery road is to make a sudden steering adjustment to avoid a vehicle in the next lane. Another way to create havoc on a slippery road is stomping on the brakes, which that neighboring vehicle will surely do if you attempt to share its lane.
- Forward collision warning and emergency braking: This technology uses a combination of cameras, sensors, and lasers to detect hazards, including stopped vehicles on the road. It employs the anti-lock braking system to stop the vehicle.
- Ground clearance: This is the distance between the pavement and your vehicle’s undercarriage. More ground clearance is an advantage because you are less likely to plow the snow. More clearance also helps avoid hitting unseen hazards on a snow-covered road.
- Headlight washers and wipers: These wipers and washers clear car headlights of snow and road salt, delivering better illumination.
- Head-up display: A head-up display projects speed and other assorted images on the vehicle windshield or a panel just beneath the driver’s line of sight. While it’s an information tool, it’s equally a safety feature. It helps drivers in wintery weather keep their eyes on the road.
- Heated mirrors: A feature that melts ice and snow for a clearer image before driving a car in the snow.
- Heated seats and a heated steering wheel: They won’t save your life, but will make life in freezing weather much more comfortable. Many vehicles even offer heated rear seats.
- Heated windshield and wipers: Neither of these is common, but both will save you time and energy when snow falls or ice forms.
- LED headlights and taillights: These provide brighter illumination than standard halogen ones. You can see farther ahead, and traffic behind you can see your taillights sooner.
- Rain-sensing wipers: The wipers automatically engage when the system detects moisture, including snow, on the windshield.
- Rear cross-traffic alert: This feature warns of approaching traffic from either side when as you back up. Most parking lot fender benders occur when one car backs into an approaching vehicle or into its path. On slippery pavement, coming to a stop gets even more difficult, and this feature provides an advanced warning.
- Remote start: Starting your vehicle remotely won’t help in your efforts for even the best cars to drive in snowy or icy conditions. But getting the engine running, the heater working, and the windshield defroster going before entering your car makes for a more comfortable snow driving experience.
- Snow tires: Car tires geared for driving in snow can save your life, including when driving on ice. When buying a new vehicle for winter driving, typically the bottom line may not include them. Just know you need the right tires because they offer the most important component on your vehicle whether on dry or slippery pavement.
RELATED: Car Tires Guide: Everything You Need to Know
How to Interpret Crash Test Scores
We have included any available Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash-test results for each pick. Currently, the IIHS performs six (in some cases seven) crash tests on most passenger vehicles. Depending on where a vehicle is in its lifecycle, it may not have been subjected to all six tests. Those tests are:
- Small overlap front: driver’s side
- Small overlap front: passenger side
- Moderate overlap front
- Side: original test
- Roof strength
- Head restraints and seats
The seventh test mentioned above is new. It’s “Side: updated.” Only the Honda CR-V and the Subaru Forester on our list were subjected to this test. The IIHS has not tested every one of our picks, and not all of those that the IIHS looked at were tested in all six current main categories.
For each test, the IIHS awards a score of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor.
Beyond scoring the tests, the IIHS evaluates every model it tests for overall safety. Here, the agency scores such features as headlight effectiveness and standard driver aids (forward collision mitigation, and so forth). Vehicles the IIHS judges above average in safety can earn Top Safety Pick (TSP) or Top Safety Pick+ (TSP+). We note the scores below in our picks.
Best Cars for Driving in Snow
2023 BMW 3 Series xDrive
Best Value for Snow: $46,500 | 330i xDrive
Starting Price w/AWD: $45,800 | Expert Rating: 3.8
IIHS Rating: 6/6 Good
Sitting atop the food chain of compact-luxury sedans, the BMW 3 Series offers its xDrive AWD system across its sedan lineup, including its 330e plug-in hybrid sedan. All-wheel drive adds $2,000 to the bottom line of the entry-level 330i. That brings the base price of the 330i xDrive to $45,800. A 255-horsepower 2.0 turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission delivers the go.
Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and rain-sensing wipers come standard on every 3 Series model. Opting for the $700 Driving Assistance Package adds blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and parking sensors. Other available driver-assist features include adaptive LED headlights and automatic high beams.
Because of supply chain issues, you may have difficulty finding a 2023 BMW 330i xDrive. Other than price — which is $43,450 for last year’s 3 Series with all-wheel drive — the 2022 model is essentially the same. Find a BMW 3 Series near you
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2022 Dodge Charger AWD
Best Value for Snow: $36,245 | Charger SXT AWD
Base Price w/AWD: $36,245 | Expert Rating: 3.8
IIHS Rating: 4/5 Good
The Dodge Charger combines a muscle car vibe with a huge cabin and a performance edge. Dodge makes AWD available for the V6-equipped SXT and GT grades. For the entry-level SXT, that option adds $3,600 to the $32,645 base price.
You can pick up blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, heated mirrors, heated front and rear seats, and a heated steering wheel in the $3,095 Plus Group option package. Pony up another $1,895 for the Technology Group package, adding automatic high beams, forward collision warning with full emergency braking, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. Power comes from a 3.6-liter V6 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
As of the publish date of this story, the 2023 model-year Charger has not yet gone on sale. When it does come out, it’s going to be the last year as this version. Find a Dodge Charger near you
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2023 Mazda3 AWD
Best Value for Snow: $28,600 | Mazda3 Carbon Edition AWD
Base Price w/AWD: $28,600 | Expert Rating: 4.0
IIHS Rating: TSP+
For 2023, you must move up to the Carbon Edition among Mazda3 non-turbo models to qualify for AWD. All turbo models have it as standard. Optioning AWD on the Carbon Edition adds $1,400 to the Preferred’s $27,200 base price. Every Mazda3 comes standard with blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, and automatic high beams among other features in its i-Activsense suite of safety/driver-assist technologies — all great for snow driving.
The Carbon Edition also boasts standard LED headlights and taillights, rain-sensing wipers, and heated front seats. Thrust is from a 191-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine. A 6-speed automatic transmission sends engine output to all four wheels.
Because of supply chain issues, you may have difficulty finding a 2023 Mazda3 Carbon Edition AWD. In that case, look for a 2022 Mazda3 Preferred AWD, with a starting price of $26,150. In terms of snow features, it has pretty much everything the 2023 Carbon Edition does, except heated seats. Find a Mazda3 near you
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2023 Nissan Altima AWD
Best Value for Snow: $27,590 | Altima SV AWD
Base Price w/AWD: $27,590 | Expert Rating: 4.1
IIHS Rating: TSP+
Except for the entry-level S grade, every Nissan Altima model with the 188-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine can be fitted with AWD for driving in snow. The most affordable model with AWD is the SV.
The total base price with AWD comes to $27,590. Automatic high beams, LED headlights, remote engine start, forward collision warning, automatic front emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic rear braking are standard. To get heated front seats, heated outboard mirrors, and a bunch of other goodies, you must pony up another $2,390 for the Premium Package.
Because of supply chain issues, you may have difficulty finding a 2023 Nissan Altima SV AWD. The 2022 model is virtually the same, with a starting price of $27,300. Find a Nissan Altima near you
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2023 Toyota Camry AWD
Best Value for Snow: $27,345 | Camry LE AWD
Base Price w/AWD: $27,345 | Expert Rating: 4.6
IIHS Rating: Not yet rated (2022 TSP+)
Toyota only offers AWD in its 4-cylinder models. Getting it on the entry-level LE only adds $1,400 to the $25,945 base price. The Toyota Camry comes standard with Safety Sense 2.5+, a suite that includes forward collision warning, automatic front emergency braking, and automatic high beams, helping make it one of the best cars for driving in snow. Among the Camry LE’s other winter features are LED headlights and LED taillights. Dual-zone automatic climate control is standard, too.
You can add a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert for $680. The $1,290 Cold Weather Package comes with a heated steering wheel, heated mirrors, and heated front seats. This Camry uses a 202-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder matched to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Because of supply chain issues, you may have difficulty finding a 2023 Toyota Camry LE AWD. Other than price — which is $27,245 for last year’s Camry with all-wheel drive — the 2022 model is virtually the same. Find a Toyota Camry near you
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2023 Volvo V90 Cross Country Plus
Best Value for Snow: $60,495 | V90 Cross Country Plus
Base Price w/AWD: $59,745 | Expert Rating: 4.3
IIHS Rating: 6/6 Good
Classified as midsize, the Volvo V90 Cross Country is surprisingly roomy inside. This wagon comes standard with AWD and an impressive 8.3 inches of ground clearance. Also standard are adaptive LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, front collision mitigation support, heated front seats, remote start, and a slippery road alert.
That terrific roster of standard equipment plus this Volvo’s ground clearance is what makes this one of the best cars in snow. We recommend picking up heated rear seats, heated windshield washers, and a heated steering wheel with the $750 Climate Package.
Because of supply chain issues, you may have difficulty finding a 2023 Volvo V90 Cross Country. If that’s the case, you should look for a 2022 Volvo V90 Cross Country B6, which has a starting price of $57,295. Find a Volvo V90 near you
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Best SUVs for Driving in Snow
2022 Acura RDX SH-AWD
Best Value for Snow: $43,550 | RDX SH-AWD
Base Price w/AWD: $43,550 | Expert Rating: 4.5
IIHS Rating: TSP+
When you add AWD to the basic Acura RDX, it boosts the $41,350 bottom line by $2,200. Acura’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) employs several tricks to increase capability and traction. It’s rather complicated, yet the result is also an efficient system. As much as 90% of torque can go to just one rear wheel.
Every new RDX comes with decent ground clearance (8.2 inches) and has forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, LED headlights, heated outboard mirrors, and heated front seats. Moving up to the Technology trim level ($46,200) adds a rear camera washer, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and much more. Check the Advance trim level ($51,350) to add rain-sensing wipers, LED fog lights, windshield wiper de-icer, and more. The engine is a 272-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder mated with a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Because of supply chain issues, you may have difficulty finding a 2023 Acura RDX SH-AWD. In that case, you could look for a 2022 version, which has a starting price of $42,800 with all-wheel drive. Essentially, it will be equipped the same. Find an Acura RDX near you
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2023 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD
Best Value for Snow: $57,200 | 4WD Tahoe LS
Base Price w/4WD: $57,200 | Expert Rating: 4.6
IIHS Rating: Not yet rated
Chevy’s completely redesigned Tahoe comes in six trim levels. All of them can be fitted with 4WD for driving in snow and other hazardous conditions. Adding 4WD to the entry-level LS grade increases the $54,200 bottom line by $3,000.
Comfortable and roomy, the Chevrolet Tahoe LS has impressive ground clearance (7.9 inches). It comes with rain-sensing wipers, forward collision warning, front-emergency braking, LED headlights and taillights, and remote start. Spring for the $495 Driver Alert Package to pick up blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, among other features. Thrust is generated by a 355-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.
Because of supply chain issues, you may have difficulty finding a 4WD 2023 Chevy Tahoe LS. In that case, you should look for a 2022 version, with a starting price of $54,900 with 4WD. The model is essentially the same. Find a Chevrolet Tahoe near you
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2023 Ford Bronco Sport
Best Value for Snow: $35,615 | Bronco Sport Outer Banks
Base Price w/AWD: $29,215 | Expert Rating: 4.6
IIHS Rating: TSP+
The Ford Bronco Sport pops right out of the box with AWD for getting around in snow. Not as off-road capable as its big brother the 4WD Bronco, the Bronco Sport is well suited for battling snow, mud, and dirt. The base model provides five driving modes, LED exterior lights, high-beam assist, and Ford’s Co-Pilot360 driver-aids bundle. It includes forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard as well.
We recommend stepping up to the Outer Banks. It gains you heated outboard mirrors, heated front seats, a rear-camera washer, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Also standard are LED fog lights, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers. A 1.5-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine married to an 8-speed automatic transmission spins the wheels.
Because of supply chain issues, you may have difficulty finding a 2023 Ford Bronco Sport. In this case, you should look for a 2022 version, with a starting price of $28,665. Features are essentially the same, and we still recommend the Outer Banks trim level. Find a Ford Bronco Sport near you
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2023 Honda CR-V AWD
Best Value for Snow: $32,610 | CR-V EX AWD
Base Price w/AWD: $32,610 | Expert Rating: 4.8
IIHS Rating: Not yet rated (2022 TSP)
The CR-V is all-new for 2023, and every trim level is available with AWD. With the new Honda CR-V, the company has changed the trim levels. All-wheel drive is optional with all trims except the Sport Touring Hybrid, where it comes standard. Opting for AWD adds $1,500 to the price. It increases ground clearance to 8.2 inches, too.
For 2023, the EX is the most affordable trim level, and it comes very nicely equipped. It comes standard with forward collision warning and front-emergency braking, among other Honda Sensing driver-assist features. Also standard are LED headlights and taillights.
The changes to the CR-V’s lineup mean that features that were once optional now come standard. These include heated front seats, heated outboard mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. It also includes LED fog lights. Power is generated by a 190-horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine managed through an automatic transmission.
Because of supply chain issues, you may have difficulty finding a 2023 Honda CR-V. In that case, you should look for a 2022 version, which is the previous generation. Look for the EX with AWD for $30,810. Find a Honda CR-V near you
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2023 Hyundai Kona AWD
Best Value for Snow: $25,300 | Kona SEL AWD
Base Price w/AWD: $23,490 | Expert Rating: 4.2
IIHS Rating: 6/6 Good
To opt for all-wheel drive on any Hyundai Kona grade adds $1,500 to the bottom line. With AWD, the base SE is $23,490. This subcompact model has a surprising amount of passenger and cargo space. The Hyundai Kona has 6.7 inches of ground clearance and comes standard with front-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring.
However, spending another $1,810 to move up to the SEL grade adds heated mirrors, remote start, and rear cross-traffic alert. Heated front seats, automatic temperature control, and much more are part of the $2,400 Convenience Package. Power comes from a 147-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Because of supply chain issues, you may have difficulty finding a 2023 Hyundai Kona SEL AWD. In that case, you should look for a 2022 version, which essentially is the same and is $24,600 with AWD. Find a Hyundai Kona near you
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2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz AWD
Best Value for Snow: $29,290 | Santa Cruz SEL AWD
Base Price w/AWD: $26,950 | Expert Rating: 4.2
IIHS Rating: 6/6 Good
No, the all-new Hyundai Santa Cruz isn’t an SUV, but it has an SUV’s comfort and features, and shares its platform with the Tucson SUV. Although generally, pickup trucks aren’t the ideal snow vehicles, we like this small urban truck a lot. All-wheel drive is standard on the upper grades and a $1,500 upcharge on the SE and SEL. Beyond AWD, the base SE isn’t brimming with snow features. It does provide LED taillights, remote keyless entry, high-beam assist, and several driver aids. For example, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic avoidance assist.
However, making the move to the SEL adds heated front seats, heated outboard mirrors, and Bluelink is also included. Picking up LED headlights and rain-sensing wipers entails moving up through the other trim levels. A 191-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine sends output to the wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Because of supply chain issues, you may have difficulty finding a 2023 Hyundai Santa Cruz SEL AWD. In that case, you should look for a 2022 version, which essentially is the same and is $25,940 with AWD. Find a Hyundai Santa Cruz near you
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2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe/Laredo
Best Value for Snow: $59,865 | Grand Cherokee 4xe
Base Price w/4WD: $59,865 | Expert Rating: 4.3
IIHS Rating: Good 4/6
Jeep completely redesigned the Jeep Grand Cherokee for 2022. While it was at it, Jeep also engineered a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version called the Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe. Every bit as off-road capable as the gasoline-only Grand Cherokee, the vehicle comes standard with the Quadra-Trac II active 4WD system with its 2-speed transfer case. In addition to its 4WD system, the entry-level 4xe’s snow creds include LED exterior lights, heated front/rear seats, a heated steering wheel, remote start, and heated outboard mirrors.
Standard driver aids include forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert. Adaptive cruise control and high-beam assist are also included. A 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine and two electric motors generate the thrust, delivering it to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
If the 4xe is beyond your budget, you can also look for the 4WD 2023 Grand Cherokee Laredo. This Grand Cherokee has a starting price of $43,035 with 4-wheel drive.
Because of supply chain issues, you may have difficulty finding a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe or Laredo. If that’s the case, you should look for a 4WD 2022 Grand Cherokee Laredo, which starts at $40,325 with 4-wheel drive. It includes 8.6 inches of ground clearance, heated outboard mirrors, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
To gain heated front seats, heated steering wheel, remote start, and an upgrade to the Quadra-Trac II 4WD system, among lots of other goodies, requires the All-weather Trail Rated Package. It will cost you $1,695. The $875 ProTech II package adds rain-sensing wipers, adaptive cruise control automatic high beams, forward collision warning, and emergency braking. Providing power is a 293-horsepower 3.6-liter V6 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Find a Jeep Grand Cherokee near you
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2023 Kia Telluride AWD
Best Value for Snow: $43,290 | Telluride EX AWD
Base Price w/AWD: $37,690 | Expert Rating: 4.8
IIHS Rating: TSP
Our Expert Rating of 4.8 should tell you something about our opinion of the 3-row Kia Telluride. It blows us away. Kia offers AWD the Telluride lineup for a $2,000 upcharge. Adding it to the $35,690 entry-level LX grade brings the total to $37,690.
It has 8 inches of ground clearance, remote start, heated mirrors, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitor, and rear cross-traffic alert. You must step up to the EX trim ($43,290) to gain or qualify for other features like LED headlights, heated seats, and automatic high beams. The engine is a 291-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. An 8-speed automatic transmission switches the cogs.
Because of supply chain issues, you may have difficulty finding a 2023 Kia Telluride EX AWD. In that case, you should look for a 2022 version, which essentially is the same, and starts at $35,090. Find a Kia Telluride near you
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2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class 4Matic
Best Value for Snow: $39,500 | GLA 250 4Matic
Base Price w/AWD: $39,500 | Expert Rating: 4.6
IIHS Rating: Not yet rated
Redesigned for 2021, the Mercedes-Benz GLA finally looks like the SUV it was intended to be. Serving as the brand’s entry to SUVs, the tidy GLA’s entire trim-level lineup can be upgraded to AWD (4Matic in Mercedes speak) for $2,000. In the case of the GLA 250, that $37,500 starting price goes up to $39,500 for the GLA 250 4Matic.
Among its standard features: heated mirrors, cross-wind assist, front collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. Also included are LED headlights and taillights, rain-sensing wipers, and heated windshield washer nozzles. In addition, Mercedes offers heated seats ($500). Delivering the go is a 221-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine joined to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Because of supply chain issues, you may have difficulty finding a 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLA 250 AWD. If that’s the case, you should look for a 2022 version, which essentially is the same, and has a starting price of $38,400. Find a Mercedes-Benz GLA near you
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2023 Subaru Forester
Best Value for Snow: $29,395 | Forester Premium
Base Price w/AWD: $26,395 | Expert Rating: 4.3
IIHS Rating: TSP+
Every Subaru Forester has standard AWD. It has impressive ground clearance (8.7 inches). Included are adaptive headlights, automatic high beams, a rearview camera washer, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking.
You must move up to the Premium trim to qualify for blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Also included in Premium are fog lights, windshield wiper de-icer, heated front seats, and heated outboard mirrors. A 182-horsepower 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine sends its output to the wheels via an automatic transmission (CVT).
Because of supply chain issues, you may have difficulty finding a 2023 Subaru Forester Premium. If that’s the case, you should look for a 2022 version, which starts at $26,495 for the Base, and is essentially the same. Find a Subaru Forester near you
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2023 Subaru Outback
Best Value for Snow: $30,695 | Outback Premium
Base Price: $28,395 | Expert Rating: 4.6
IIHS Rating: TSP+
Every Subaru Outback comes right out of the box with AWD as standard plus 8.7 inches of ground clearance. That’s what makes this a great — and the best — car for snow. Included are a snow/mud X-Mode transmission setting, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive LED headlights, and automatic high beams. Stepping up to the Premium grade gets you heated front seats, LED fog lights, and automatic climate control. Move up to the Limited grade for heated rear seats.
A blind-spot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert, and other goodies are in a Premium trim option package ($1,165). A 182-horsepower flat 4-cylinder engine uses a CVT to usher power to the wheels.
Because of supply chain issues, you may have difficulty finding a 2023 Subaru Outback Premium. If that’s the case, you can look for a 2022 version, which essentially is the same. Pricing starts at $27,145 and the Outback Premium starts at $29,345. Find a Subaru Outback near you
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2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
Best Value for Snow: $31,735 | RAV4 Hybrid XLE
Base Price w/AWD: $30,225 | Expert Rating: 4.6
IIHS Rating: TSP+
All-wheel drive comes standard on every Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, including the entry-level LE. It has 8.1 inches of ground clearance and comes standard with LED headlights and taillights, forward collision warning with emergency braking, and automatic high beams.
We recommend you step up to the XLE ($31,735). It adds blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, fog lights, heated mirrors, and lots more. Step up to the XLE Premium, and you can add the Weather Package ($1,075) with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and rain-sensing wipers. Other features like heated rear seats and adaptive headlights require moving up the trim-level ladder. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and hybrid system conspire to produce 219 horsepower. An automatic transmission sends power to the wheels. You can even step up to the Hybrid Woodland Edition ($33,025), which adds off-road-tuned suspension, all-terrain tires, and all-season mats.
Because of supply chain issues, you may have difficulty finding a 2023 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid XLE. If that’s what you find when you shop, you can also look for a 2022 version, which essentially is the same. The 2022 RAV4 Hybrid starts at $29,575 and the Hybrid XLE starts at $31,045. Find a Toyota RAV4 near you
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2023 Toyota Sienna AWD
Best Value for Snow: $42,695 | Sienna XLE AWD
Base Price w/AWD: $37,385 | Expert Rating: 4.7
IIHS Rating: Not yet rated (2022 TSP+)
No, the Toyota Sienna isn’t an SUV. However, we do love it, particularly with all-wheel drive. The entire lineup uses a hybrid powertrain, and you can get all trim levels with AWD. The lowest trim level with AWD is the $37,385 LE. Adding AWD costs $2,000 over the $35,385 base price.
However, we recommend stepping up one grade to the XLE AWD. Among our snow-safety features are LED headlights, fog lights, taillights, automatic high beams, and heated mirrors. The XLE comes with remote start, heated front seats, and rain-sensing wipers. Also included are 4-zone automatic climate control and a surround-view camera. To get a heated steering wheel, you’ll have shop for a higher trim level. The Sienna has 6.3 inches of ground clearance. The Woodland Edition increases ground clearance to 6.9 inches.
The Sienna comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense 2.0. It includes pre-collision with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking assist, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. The hybrid system provides 245 combined horsepower.
Because of supply chain issues, you may have difficulty finding a 2023 Toyota Sienna. If that’s the case, you should look for a 2022 XLE, which has a starting price of $40,575. Find a Toyota Sienna near you
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