The Best Cars and SUVs for Snow and Winter Driving

Winter is here

Now that bad weather is in full swing, even before it’s officially winter, it’s time to set your car shopping focus on some of the best vehicles that can handle the cold, wet, and icy stuff better than most. When temperatures drop and roads turn slick, the right vehicle can make the difference between frustration and confidence, between getting stuck and getting there.

Winter driving demands excellent traction, decent ground clearance, vehicle stability, safety, and comfort, and some cars and SUVs manage those aspects better than others. Just because a vehicle has all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive doesn’t make it ideal for winter. Below is a guide to the best cars and SUVs for snow and winter driving in 2025, chosen for their all-wheel-drive systems, snow-mode technology, and cold-weather comfort and usability.

2026 Subaru Forester

Subaru has a long reputation for building cars that thrive in bad weather, and the redesigned Forester ($29,995) is the most accessible and most popular model in the brand’s all-wheel drive lineup. The 2026 Forester comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, a system designed for balanced traction and predictable handling in snow and ice. Combined with standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, Active Torque Vectoring, Vehicle Dynamics Control, and impressive crash test scores, the Forester is one of the best foul-weather vehicles sold today.

With 8.7 inches of ground clearance (9.3 on the Wilderness trim), the Forester can handle unplowed driveways, slushy roads, and even snowy trails without drama. Subaru’s X-Mode automatically adjusts throttle response, transmission mapping, and traction control to keep the vehicle composed on snow or mud, providing surefootedness in difficult situations. The tall windows provide remarkable 360-visibility, and the manageable size makes the Subaru Forester an excellent vehicle in the uncertainty of snowy parking lots.

2026 Toyota RAV4

The 2026 Toyota RAV4 ($33,350) has been fully redesigned, prepared to take the mantle of the best-selling crossover in America. The new 6th-generation RAV4 is now hybrid only and continues to be one of the most winter-ready compact crossovers available. It comes in a mind-boggling seven trims, including LE, SE, XLE Premium, Woodland, XSE, and Limited. There’s even an SE PHEV. All-wheel drive models get two electric motors mated to a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine good for 236 horsepower.

The 2026 RAV4 will introduce a more advanced Dynamic Torque Vectoring All-Wheel Drive (TV-AWD) system that can send power to individual rear wheels for improved traction and cornering stability. Designed for confidence on rough terrain and in poor weather, this upgraded setup also features enhanced terrain management modes for smarter, more adaptable all-weather performance. With 8.6 inches of ground clearance and selectable drive modes for snow and mud, the RAV4 stays composed even when conditions are crappy. The available heated seats, steering wheel, and dual-zone climate control make cold starts far more comfortable, too.

2026 Honda CR-V

The 2026 Honda CR-V ($30,920 has become one of the most well-rounded crossovers for year-round use. It’s not just comfy to ride in and sporty to drive, but it’s also prepared for the snowy stuff. Whether you choose a gas (190 horsepower) or hybrid (204 horsepower) trim, the CR-V’s available Real Time AWD system continuously monitors traction and can send up to half of the engine’s power to the rear wheels when needed. AWD comes standard on the TrailSport Hybrid and the Sport Touring Hybrid, but as a $1,600 add-on for the other trims, it’s not much coin.

Snow mode helps prevent wheelspin by adjusting throttle response and transmission behavior. The cabin is also designed for winter practicality with large, glove-friendly controls and available heated seats and steering wheel. The CR-V Hybrid delivers the same winter confidence with better fuel economy, making it a great choice for long commutes or weekend trips in cold weather.

2026 Toyota Grand Highlander

The Toyota Grand Highlander ($41,360) is an excellent family SUV for tough winters. Toyota’s much-praised three-row hauler offers available all-wheel drive for just $1,600 on lower trims and as standard equipment on higher trims, along with strong ground clearance, and a Multi-Terrain Select system (Platinum trim and above) that includes Snow and Mud modes. This means less time spent digging out of difficult winter driving conditions and more time enjoying the superb three-row legroom that’s made the Grand Highlander such a hit with families.

The Grand Highlander is also remarkably easy to drive for a three-row SUV, and it provides great visibility in bad conditions. On top of that, it’s comfortable, quiet, and stable on slippery highways. Features like available heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start make cold mornings easier. The Grand Highlander Hybrid also provides the same traction benefits with superior 36 mpg city and 32 mpg highway fuel efficiency.

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee ($40,730) gets a facelift, better tech, and a new turbo-four engine choice, but remains one of the most capable SUVs for snow and ice. You can choose between a 293-hp V6 (standard), a 324-hp turbo four, and the 4xe PHEV with 375 horsepower. It offers four-wheel-drive systems, from the automatic Quadra-Trac I to the advanced Quadra-Drive II with a locking rear differential. A Selec-Terrain system lets the driver choose Snow, Mud, Sand, or Auto modes for optimized traction. When equipped with the Quadra Lift air suspension, ride height can increase to nearly 11 inches, providing excellent clearance for deep snow or unplowed roads.

The interior is roomy and well-appointed, including standard heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and remote start on the 3rd-tier Altitude trim and higher. You can also upgrade to the Grand Cherokee L, which provides a third row of seating and more cargo space than the already capacious Grand Cherokee. The max towing capacity of 6,200 pounds is another reason to check out the Grand Cherokee.

2026 Subaru WRX

If it’s winter driving thrills you crave, it’s hard to beat the powerful and tractable 2026 Subaru WRX ($37,750). Drivers who want sedan performance and winter confidence should consider the Subaru WRX because of its standard all-wheel drive and 271-horsepower turbocharged engine that make it one of the most balanced and sure-footed cars in bad weather. With great steering, a low center of gravity, a limited-slip differential, and an available six-speed manual transmission, it’s hard to beat when it comes to controlled cornering in the snow.

The WRX’s compact dimensions, good balance, and symmetrical AWD system allow it to stay stable on snowy roads while still providing engaging handling. With a set of proper snow tires, it becomes an impressive year-round performer that combines daily drivability with rally-inspired fun. Standard EyeSight safety tech keeps things in check, and available heated front seats mean you don’t have to suffer in the cold. It might not be your first choice for a winter commuter, but it’s one of the most entertainig.

2026 Toyota 4Runner

When conditions turn severe, the 2026 Toyota 4Runner ($41,570) is a proven performer, and you don’t have to get a top trim TRD Pro or Trailhunter model in order to reap the benefits. Available in gas or hybrid trims, the 4Runner’s rugged body-on-frame construction, available part-time or full-time four-wheel drive, and up to 9.6 inches of ground clearance make it ideal for heavy snow and unpredictable terrain. Even the base SR5 trim gets you 278 horsepower and 6,000 pounds of towing capacity. The top trim TRD Pro benefits from a turbocharged hybrid powertrain with 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.

Go just one level up from the base SR5 to the TRD Sport trim, and the cabin provides heated front row seats. Moving up the ladder, the cold weather comfort only increases with features like heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. The A-TRAC traction-control system limits wheelspin to maintain control on slippery surfaces, and TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models include all-terrain tires and skid plates for added protection. The 4Runner remains one of the most dependable choices for areas with deep snow or unplowed roads.

2026 Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon

The big boys in this set are excellent for winter if you need a bigger body-on-frame SUV to tow with and manage the arctic tundra of your poorly plowed neighborhoods. For large families driving through snow-covered roads, the Chevrolet Tahoe ($65,095) and GMC Yukon ($69,200) are reliable full-size options with gas or turbodiesel engine choices and seating for up to 8. Both offer advanced 4WD systems, selectable drive modes, and 8 inches of ground clearance. The rugged Yukon AT4 has a standard ground clearance of 8 inches, which can be increased to 10 inches with the available Air Ride Adaptive Suspension in its off-road mode.

The cabins of both vehicles are anything but rough, providing creature comforts that a luxury sedan would envy. Even the base Elevation trim for the Yukon provides heated front and second-row seats, as well as a heated steering wheel. For the Tahoe, you do have to step up one level from base to the LT trim to get heated front seats, but at least the entire trim line above base has these features as standard. When it comes to the driving experience, both big SUVs manage their weight well, and available traction management systems make them surprisingly easy to live with in harsh winters.

2026 Ford Bronco Sport

The Ford Bronco Sport ($31,695) might not be as big and burly as its Bronco sibling, but it’s the one we’d choose for daily winter duties. The Sport combines rugged looks with practical capability in a compact package. You can choose between a 181-hp 3-cylinder engine or a 250-hp 4-cylinder. Its standard all-wheel drive and G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) modes include settings for Sand, Slippery, and Snow, giving it strong traction when conditions get tricky. Ground clearance varies by trim but can reach up to 8.8 inches, which is more than enough for most winter driving. The Bronco Sport’s upright stance, short overhangs, and boxy body help it handle deeper snow better than most small crossovers.

Due to its size, it’s also a very manageable ride in winter, and it’s pretty fun to drive with communicative steering and good reflexes. Inside, the Bronco Sport is comfortable and functional, with easy-to-clean materials and available heated front seats and steering wheel on the Outer Banks trim and higher. It’s an excellent choice for drivers who want winter confidence and weekend adventure potential without committing to a full-size SUV.

Final thoughts

The best cars and SUVs for snow and winter driving in 2025 depend on your needs and environment. The good news is that they can range from sporty compact sedans all the way to full-size SUVs. No matter which vehicle you choose, pairing it with a set of winter tires will make the biggest difference in safety and control. With the right combination of traction, clearance, and preparation, winter driving can be not only manageable but enjoyable.