The Best Cars for Snow: Maximize Winter Performance with the Right Tires and Vehicles
When it comes to winter driving, the ultimate answer to "what’s the best car for snow?" is surprisingly simple: it’s the one equipped with winter tires. Even the most technologically advanced all-wheel-drive (AWD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD) systems won’t perform at their best without proper winter tires.
Why Winter Tires Make All the Difference
Regardless of the vehicle you’re driving, having the right set of winter tires is crucial. Winter tires are specifically designed to handle slippery, slushy, and snowy conditions, significantly improving traction and safety. The days of equipping just two winter tires on the rear axles are long gone; for optimal performance, a full set of four winter tires is essential.
While choosing a vehicle with robust capabilities for snow and ice is essential, the fact remains that about 70% of Americans live in areas that experience these conditions, according to the U.S. Transportation Department. With that in mind, let’s explore some vehicles that perform exceptionally well in wintry conditions and what makes them stand out.
1. Acura RDX
- Key Features: Acura’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system with torque-vectoring enhances both dry-road handling and performance on slippery surfaces. With its higher ground clearance and position in the luxury SUV segment, the RDX is a reliable choice for winter driving.
- Pros: Advanced AWD, enhanced vehicle control, excellent ground clearance.
- Read More: [Acura RDX Review]
2. Audi A4 Allroad
- Key Features: Known for its Quattro AWD system, the Allroad offers impressive agility and a lower center of gravity than most small SUVs. This combination provides greater confidence when navigating slick conditions.
- Pros: Lower center of gravity, agile handling, robust AWD.
- Read More: [Audi A4 Allroad Review]
3. 4×4 Full-Size Trucks
- Key Features: Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Ram 1500, and Ford F-150 offer automated four-wheel-drive (4A mode) systems that allow for optimal power distribution, mimicking AWD capabilities. This reduces wear on vehicle components and enhances driving in snowy conditions.
- Pros: Automated 4WD systems, high ground clearance, powerful performance.
- Read More: Reviews of Ram 1500, Ford F-150, and previews of 2022 Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra.
4. Ford Bronco Sport
- Key Features: The Bronco Sport Badlands trim offers a highly advanced torque-vectoring AWD system, more ground clearance, and a Slippery drive mode optimized for ice and snow.
- Pros: Advanced AWD, high ground clearance, dedicated winter drive modes.
- Read More: [Ford Bronco Sport Review]
5. Honda Pilot
- Key Features: Utilizes a previous-generation torque-vectoring AWD system from Acura, coupled with a Snow mode and responsive inputs, making it a strong contender among three-row SUVs.
- Pros: Effective AWD system, Snow mode, responsive handling.
- Read More: [Honda Pilot Review]
6. Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Key Features: This SUV is equipped with three four-wheel-drive systems, with the Quadra-Drive II offering superior traction through its electronic limited-slip differential. An air suspension increases ride height significantly.
- Pros: Advanced 4WD systems, adjustable air suspension, snow-specific drive modes.
- Read More: [Jeep Grand Cherokee Review]
7. Land Rover Defender
- Key Features: With its adjustable air suspension, off-road camera systems, and high ground clearance, the Defender excels in snow-like few other vehicles in its class.
- Pros: High ground clearance, advanced control inputs, exceptional off-road capability.
- Read More: [Land Rover Defender Review]
8. Land Rover Range Rover
- Key Features: Combining luxury with capability, the Range Rover provides a snow-specific drive mode, height-adjustable suspension, and rugged off-road camera systems for a secure and comfortable winter ride.
- Pros: Elevated ride height, superior handling, luxurious interior.
- Read More: Latest Range Rover Road Test
9. Mazda CX-50
- Key Features: A slightly larger and more stable version of the CX-5, the CX-50 offers impressive ground clearance and Mazda’s signature driving engagement, making winter driving more secure and enjoyable.
- Pros: High ground clearance, engaging driving experience.
- Read More: [Mazda CX-50 Review]
10. Rivian R1T and R1S
- Key Features: These electric vehicles feature multiple motors for unparalleled torque-vectoring control, substantial ride height adjustment, and impressive winter performance.
- Pros: Advanced torque-vectoring, high ground clearance, long electric range.
- Read More: [Rivian R1T Review]
11. Subaru Crosstrek
- Key Features: Standard AWD and nearly 9 inches of ground clearance make the compact Crosstrek a formidable player in snowy conditions. The Sport trim offers a Deep Snow/Mud mode and a more powerful engine.
- Pros: Standard AWD, high ground clearance, fuel efficiency.
- Read More: [Subaru Crosstrek Review]
12. Subaru Forester
- Key Features: The Forester offers responsive steering and standard AWD, and its various trims include a Deep Snow/Mud mode. The Forester Wilderness trim boosts ground clearance even further and adds robust all-terrain tires.
- Pros: High ground clearance, responsive steering, various winter-specific features.
- Read More: [Subaru Forester Review]
13. Toyota RAV4 Adventure, Limited, and TRD Off-Road
- Key Features: These specific trims offer advanced AWD systems, higher ground clearance, capable tires, and snow-specific drive modes, making the RAV4 a practical choice for winter driving.
- Pros: Advanced AWD system, dedicated snow modes, high ground clearance.
- Read More: [Toyota RAV4 Review]
14. Volvo V60 Cross Country
- Key Features: This lifted wagon provides standard AWD and increased ground clearance, combining traditional car handling with enhanced winter capabilities.
- Pros: Standard AWD, Swedish engineering, high ground clearance.
- Read More: [Volvo V60 Cross Country Review]
15. Volvo V90 Cross Country
- Key Features: More refined and spacious than the V60, the V90 offers superior ground clearance and advanced AWD, ensuring it handles snow with ease. Its lower roof makes for easier loading of skis and other gear.
- Pros: Refined interior, high ground clearance, effective AWD.
- Read More: [Volvo V90 Cross Country Review]
Conclusion
Choosing the right winter car involves more than just looking at power and features. It’s crucial to couple your vehicle choice with top-quality winter tires for maximum safety and performance. Whether you’re tackling the daily commute or heading to a winter resort, these vehicles stand out for their exceptional winter capabilities. Stay safe and enjoy the winter roads with confidence!
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