Saving & Spending Home & Auto

15 Best Cars for Driving in Snow

These vehicles are built to handle winter weather conditions.

man driving car on snowy road
Updated Sept. 24, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

Winter can be a challenge for any driver, especially if you don't have the right car to handle the difficult conditions.

Cars that work well in winter may need all-wheel drive or anti-lock brakes for safety. You also may want heated seats or a heated steering wheel for comfort.

These vehicles are perfect to get you around all year long, especially if you live somewhere cold. And if you shop around, you might get them at a price that will keep more money in your wallet.

If you’re over 50, take advantage of massive discounts and financial resources

Over 50? Join AARP today — because if you’re not a member you could be missing out on huge perks. When you start your membership today, you can get discounts on things like travel, meal deliveries, eyeglasses, prescriptions that aren’t covered by insurance and more.

How to become a member today:

  • Go here, select your free gift, and click “Join Today”
  • Create your account (important!) by answering a few simple questions
  • Start enjoying your discounts and perks!

Important: Start your membership by creating an account here and filling in all of the information (Do not skip this step!) Doing so will allow you to take up 25% off your AARP membership, making it just $12 per year with auto-renewal.

Become an AARP member now

Subaru Forester

Courtesy of Subaru subaru forester

The Subaru Forester has 8.7 inches of ground clearance, making it a good option if you have to drive through several inches of snow.

All-wheel drive is standard, which can help you get through treacherous conditions.

Volvo XC40

Courtesy of Volvo volvo xc40

The Volvo XC40 comes with standard all-wheel drive to help you stay on the road in winter conditions.

Over the years, this model also has received high marks for safety from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Ford Bronco Sport

Courtesy of Ford ford bronco sport

The iconic Ford Bronco has 8.8 inches of ground clearance, making it a great option to get over snow in the winter or take it off-roading in the summer.

The Bronco also has standard 4x4 capabilities to keep you on the road through wintery conditions.

Jeep Wrangler

Courtesy of Jeep jeep wrangler

The Jeep Wrangler is well-known for its off-road capabilities, which can help you out when you are driving in the snow.

The Wrangler includes 4x4 options and a four-wheel anti-lock braking system. It also features traction control to help the vehicle gain traction on slippery roads.

BMW 3 Series

Courtesy of BMW bmw 3 series

You don’t need an SUV to have a vehicle that works in less-than-ideal weather conditions. A BMW 3 Series sedan will get you through winter weather.

The BMW 3 Series includes all-wheel drive on its xDrive models to help steer you through great conditions and not-so-great conditions.

Mazda CX-50

Courtesy of Mazda mazda cx 50

The Mazda CX-50 is a good option if you’re worried about ground clearance, as it offers a full 8.6 inches.

The SUV also includes standard all-wheel drive, so you can take it into snow with confidence.

Honda CR-V

Courtesy of Honda honda crv

Check out the Honda CR-V for its all-wheel drive capabilities.

Honda’s Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System sends power to the rear wheels when you need it.

Nissan Altima

Courtesy of Nissan nissan altima

The Nissan Altima has Intelligent AWD, which allows the car to automatically adapt to winter conditions.

Over the years, the Altima has consistently earned top safety marks from the IIHS.

Audi A4

Courtesy of Audi audi a4

Another option if you want a sedan is the Audi A4, which offers standard all-wheel drive for the winter.

You can also choose some luxury winter options, such as heated seats and a heated steering wheel.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!1

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Toyota Camry

Courtesy of Toyota toyota camry

Toyota cars have a reputation for reliability, and the Toyota Camry also has the option of all-wheel drive.

Toyota says its all-wheel drive sends 50% of the torque to the rear wheels, which can help you grip the road in less-than-ideal conditions.

Mercedes-Benz GLE

Courtesy of Mercedes Benz mercedes benz

Looking for a luxury SUV for a cold climate? Try the Mercedes-Benz GLE.

The GLE has a ground clearance of around eight inches to get you through snowy conditions. It also gets strong marks from the IIHS for safety.

Kia Seltos

Courtesy of Kia kia seltos

The Kia Seltos features LED headlights that can help you both see better and be seen by other drivers in the snow.

The Seltos also offers the option of all-wheel drive to help you maneuver through treacherous winter conditions.

GMC Sierra 1500

Courtesy of GMC GMC

Pickup trucks can also be good options in the snow, especially with their ground clearance.

The GMC Sierra has a ground clearance of about 8 inches, although the precise number varies depending on the type of Sierra you choose. Automatic emergency braking also is standard.

As an added plus, pickup trucks are considered one of the cars the most attractive people drive.

Acura RDX

Courtesy of Acura acura rdx

The Acura RDX has a ground clearance of 8.2 inches so you’ll be able to clear inches of snow in the winter.

It also has safety features such as four-wheel anti-lock brakes to handle slippery surfaces when you are on the road in bad weather.

Hyundai Tucson

Courtesy of Hyundai hyundai tuscon

The Hyundai Tucson features all-wheel drive and earns good safety ratings from the IIHS. Its LED highlights are also helpful when driving in snow.

Bottom line

Taina Sohlman/Adobe White Tesla Model 3

Snowy weather can be challenging to drive in, but you can find a car that gives you extra power in winter weather conditions.

So, look for one of these vehicles and try to score a great deal when you buy it. Comparing quotes from various companies can also help you save on car insurance and reduce your costs.

  • You could save up to $600 with some companies
  • Compare dozens of providers in under 5 minutes
  • Fast, free and easy way to shop for insurance
  • Quickly find the perfect rate for you