Last updated on October 10th, 2023 at 02:18 pm

Driving in the snow can be a complex task at times. As the road gets slippery, friction decreases and makes your car work harder in thick and heavy snow. 

It is tough to maneuver your vehicle in snow, but it presents unique challenges such as impairing tire traction to a greater degree than rain can. 

If you have to tackle the snow regularly, you might want to purchase your next car as one that can manage it without any trouble. Here, we have discussed some of the best cars for snow. 

Top 10 Best Cars For Snow

1. Subaru Outback

The Japanese automaker, Subaru, has become an expert in capable, balanced AWD vehicles. The Outback is a wonderful example of the brand’s avid understanding of manufacturing such a car. It is a mid-size crossover vehicle with a minimum ground clearance of 9.5 inches, making it quite difficult to get stuck in the snow while driving. 

The Subaru Outback has a body style of a 5-door station wagon and offers plenty of cargo space and is also equipped with many standard tech features. It is available only with the 182-hp four-cylinder engine as standard, and upgrading would cost extra. A total of 5 passengers can sit in the car comfortably. 

Features:

  • 4-wheel anti-lock braking system.
  • The maximum towing capacity is 3500 pounds.
  • The gas tank size is 18.5 liters.
  • Cruise-control steering assist. 
  • Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

2. Land Rover Discovery Sport

The Land Rover Discovery Sport is a good choice if you are searching for a vehicle as strong as it is lavish. Off-road capability is like an afterthought for many compact SUVs. Still, the Discovery Sport does not face any difficulties while plowing through heaps of snow and scrambling up the slippery slopes. Its battle-hardened exterior melds with an altogether plush and grand interior. 

The Discovery Sport offers a third row of seats which means it can accommodate up to 7 passengers altogether. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system lights up the interior, which can connect with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirror Link. The car also offers Wi-Fi connectivity. 

Features:

  • Power steering.
  • Automatic climate control.
  • Front fog lights.
  • Number of engine cylinders – 4
  • Driver and passenger-side airbags. 

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3. Nissan Altima AWD

The Nissan Altima AWD is a sedan that offers all-wheel drive as optional equipment, making it a strong contender for “top best cars for the snow.” The AWD system only engages the rear axle when enough steering input or wheelspin is detected. Other times, it runs in FWD, making for predictable handling in snowy conditions.

Nissan’s smooth power delivery prevents any abrupt changes in wheel torque from upsetting the car while trying to find traction. The Altima runs on a regular unleaded l-4 4-cylinder engine which puts out 182 hp at 6000 RPM. Ground clearance of the Altima ranges from 4.9 to 5.4 inches but varies depending on the model year and trim. 

Features:

  • Optional sun and moon roof. 
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel. 
  • Intermittent Wipers.
  • Keyless entry.
  • Wireless cell phone hookup. 

4. Fiat Panda Cross

The Fiat Panda Cross is a more rugged four-wheel-drive version of the Panda hatchback. Sitting underneath is a trick 4×4 system that provides a real off-road might. The rugged looks aren’t for show; the chunky plastic bumpers and silver door protectors are present to protect the vehicle’s bodywork. This car is surprisingly capable off-road, but the interior feels relatively cheap. 

You can get the Panda Cross with a powerful 1.2-liter 4-cylinder engine or a city-friendly 0.9-liter 2-cylinder engine. This vehicle can accelerate from 0 to 60 mpg within 12.4 seconds, which is impressive. Standard dimensions of the Panda Cross include a length of 3705 mm and a width of 1882 mm.

Features:

  • Heated electric door mirrors.
  • Split rear seat with rear head restraints. 
  • Remote central locking. 
  • A satellite navigation dock.
  • Optional heated front seats and windshield. 

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5. Jeep Grand Cherokee AWD

A Jeep managing to make to the list of best vehicles for driving in the snow should not come as a surprise. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with three different 4×4 drivetrains and many powertrains plus a first-ever plug-in hybrid. The Quadra-Lift suspension can elevate the ground clearance to 11.3 inches, making shoveling snow out of the driveway optional. 

The Cherokee AWD features a regular unleaded V-6 engine with a maximum horsepower of 293 hp at 6400 RPM and eight automatic transmission speeds. The EPA combined fuel economy of the vehicle is 22 mpg. This vehicle offers a seating capacity of 5 people and a total passenger volume of 144.6 cubic feet. 

Features:

  • Rear defrost and privacy glass. 
  • Compact spare tire.
  • Vehicle anti-theft system.
  • Driver illuminated vanity mirror.
  • Satellite radio. 

6. Dodge Charger AWD

All-wheel drive is unnecessary for practical snow driving, but it is pretty nice. Its availability on the current generation Dodge Charger upgrades the vehicle from a fair-weather car to a year-round daily driver. With the Charger’s relative heft and predictable handling, the framework of the car is a great companion for its system, making it one of the best cars for snow driving.  

The Charger provides an engine power of 300-hp at 6350 RPM with an 8-speed automatic transmission system. It runs on regular unleaded fuel, and the induction is automatic. Passenger capacity for this vehicle is five people at once and there is enough space in the trunk to carry all items, 16.1 cubic feet. 

Features:

  • Back-up camera.
  • Rear parking aid. 
  • Auto-off headlights.
  • Remote engine start.
  • Electronic stability control. 

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7. Volvo XC90

Volvo’s four-wheel-drive system channels the power of Thor’s legendary hammer, and the XC90 faces no problems leveling mountains of snow. Its Run Off-Road system prepares the vehicle for a crash if it senses swerving off the tarmac due to snow, and the energy-absorbing seats will impact a big hit. The car’s passenger compartments are made of high-strength steel named ‘boron.’

The Volvo XC90 is a three-row SUV, best suited for shuttling families, even though the far-back seats are not spacious enough. This vehicle is also offered with a plug-in hybrid option and more horsepower. The base momentum model of the XC90 features standard built-in navigation and many features along with revised option packages. 

Features:

  • Roll stability control. 
  • Engine protection plate. 
  • Alcohol lock preparation.
  • Care key.
  • Temporary mobility kit. 

8. Acura RDX SH-AWD

The Acura RDX is a compact luxury crossover from Honda’s premium brand and was completely redesigned for its 2019 model year. One of the notable changes is the inclusion of the All-Wheel-Drive system AWD, which is perfect for those concerned with winter-weather handling. The AWD system can vector almost 70% of the available torque to the rear axle. 

The car can put out as much twisting force as required to each rear wheel specifically to help the driver take a turn in snowy conditions. Standard heated front seats along with available heated outboard rear seats and steering wheel keep the conditions inside well heated even while outside temperatures are dropping. 

Features:

  • Dual front side-mounted airbags.
  • Engine immobilizer.
  • Pre-collision safety system.
  • 4-wheel ABS.
  • 350 Watts Stereo Output.

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9. Skoda Kodiaq Estate

Skoda is renowned for manufacturing cheap and practical cars, so you don’t have to break the bank to purchase an all-wheel-drive equipped Kodiaq with a set of tires fit for the snow. Excellent ground clearance of 192 mm and a clever traction control system makes this car a must-have for people searching for a vehicle with easy handling within budget. 

It has slightly larger dimensions than average vehicles, perfect for families. You can fit in the third row of seats with plenty of space for your weekly grocery purchases. This vehicle offers a fuel economy of 30.1 to 52.3 mpg. The Kodiaq runs on one petrol engine with 1984 CC and is available with automatic transmission. 

Features:

  • Safety reflectors on the front and rear doors.
  • Ticket holder.
  • Three rear height adjustable headrests.
  • Cloth upholstery.
  • Pollen filter. 

10. Toyota RAV4 AWD

The Toyota RAV4 was redesigned for its 2018 model, and its optioned all-wheel drive makes for a fantastic winter companion. Its limited trim levels and highest adventure features a torque-vectoring AWD system, which can send more or less torque to the individual rear wheels depending on what’s called for. As a result, you will get confidence-filled driving dynamics in the snow. 

A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive are standard for the RAV4. It offers a comfortable ride and rugged style. The infotainment system of this vehicle includes a 4G LTE mobile hotspot, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay compatibility. You will also get a JBL premium audio system, a wireless charging pad, and navigation. 

Features:

  • Adaptive cruise control. 
  • Power door locks. 
  • Universal garage door opener. 
  • Trip computer. 
  • Interior cargo shade.

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