What vehicles are best for winter?

The best winter vehicles are those with all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive paired with winter tires. These setups provide the most reliable traction on snow and ice, especially when paired with attentive driving and proper maintenance.

Beyond that, the choice depends on your climate, daily mileage, and preference for a sedan, SUV, or truck. This article outlines the most winter-capable vehicle categories, the features to prioritize, and practical tips to stay safe on wintry roads.

Categories that perform well in winter

Below are the vehicle types that generally deliver the best winter traction and control when equipped with proper tires and cautious driving:

• All-wheel-drive sedans and hatchbacks: These offer strong on-road traction and easy handling in snow, especially when fitted with dedicated winter tires. Examples include models with AWD like Subaru Outback (wagon), Audi A4 quattro, and BMW 3 Series xDrive variants.


• SUVs and crossovers with AWD: A higher ride height plus AWD helps with light to moderate snow and slush. Popular choices include Toyota RAV4 AWD, Honda CR-V AWD, Subaru Forester, and Mazda CX-5 AWD.


• Pickup trucks with 4x4: Four-wheel-drive pickups provide robust traction for deeper snow and challenging conditions, especially when paired with winter tires. Models include Ford F-150 4x4, Ram 1500 4x4, and Chevrolet Silverado 4x4.


• Electric vehicles with AWD: Dual-motor AWD EVs offer strong grip and smooth power delivery, though cold weather can reduce range. Examples include Tesla Model 3/Y AWD, Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD, Hyundai Ioniq 5 AWD, and Kia EV6 AWD.

In brief, the common thread is AWD/4WD paired with proper winter tires and careful driving, because ground clearance alone cannot compensate for icy surfaces.

Key features that boost winter performance

To maximize winter capability, prioritize the following features that improve grip, control, and safety on snow and ice:

• All-wheel or four-wheel drive with effective torque distribution, and, when available, low-range gearing for steep grades and deep snow.


• Electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, and, on some models, hill-descent control and hill-start assist.


• Moderate ground clearance (roughly 6–8 inches) that helps in light snow without compromising handling and braking on clear roads.


• Quality winter tires on all wheels; studded tires may be legal in some regions but can wear faster and affect road noise and tread life.


• Comfort and visibility features such as heated seats, a heated steering wheel, reliable defogging, heated mirrors, and effective wipers with winter washer fluid.


• For electric vehicles: efficient battery management, the ability to precondition the battery while plugged in, and charging options that suit winter travel plans.

Together, these features improve traction, braking, steering feedback, and overall confidence in cold weather driving.

Electric vehicles in winter

Electric vehicles can perform very well in winter with proper preparation, but cold weather naturally reduces battery range and charging speed. Planning ahead and using winter tires are key advantages for EVs in snow-country driving.

Range and efficiency in cold weather

Expect shorter real-world ranges due to battery chemistry and cabin heating demands. Preconditioning the battery while the vehicle is plugged in can help preserve range for the first leg of a trip.

Traction and charging considerations

Dual-motor AWD layouts improve winter traction, and having reliable charging along planned routes is essential. Winter tires remain recommended for ice and packed snow, even on EVs.

Overall, winter-ready EVs shine when range planning, charging infrastructure, and tire choice align with local conditions.

Tire readiness and winter tires

Even the best AWD system struggles without suitable tires. Here’s a quick guide to tire choices and seasonal preparations:

• Winter tires provide dramatically better grip on snow and ice than all-season tires, and it’s best to equip all four wheels for balanced handling.


• Studded tires can offer extra traction on ice in some regions but may be restricted by law or road wear concerns; check local regulations before using them.


• Some drivers use dedicated winter wheels so tires can be swapped seasonally without affecting their daily wheels.

Choosing proper winter tires is often the most impactful upgrade for safety and confidence on wintry roads.

Winter driving and safety tips

Practical advice for staying safe on wintry roads:

• Increase following distance, accelerate and brake gently to avoid wheel spin on slick surfaces.


• Keep headlights, taillights, and windows clear; ensure wipers and washers are winter-ready and fluids are rated for low temperatures.


• Maintain an emergency kit in the vehicle, including a blanket, water, snacks, a flashlight, a shovel, traction aids, and a charged phone.


• Schedule routine checks of tires, brakes, battery health (for EVs), and fluid levels before the worst weather hits.

With preparation and prudent driving, you can navigate winter roads more safely and comfortably, even in severe conditions.

Summary

For winter readiness, the most reliable choice is an AWD or 4WD vehicle equipped with dedicated winter tires, complemented by solid tires and safety features. Sedans and hatchbacks with AWD, capable SUVs, and 4x4 pickups all perform well in snow when tires are appropriate for the season. Electric vehicles can also handle winter well, provided you account for range changes and charging needs. Prioritize tire quality, traction systems, and winter-ready comfort features to maximize safety and confidence on winter roads.

What is the best vehicle to travel on ice and snow?

For most people the best practical winter vehicle is an AWD crossover (Subaru Outback/Forester or similar) fitted with high‐quality winter tires; for extreme or remote conditions, a 4WD SUV or truck with low range and locking differentials is superior.

What cars can drive in the snow without chains?

Requirement 1 (R-1): Chains are required on all vehicles except passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks under 6,000 pounds gross weight and equipped with snow tires on at least two drive wheels. Chains must be carried by vehicles using snow tires.

What vehicles are best for winter driving?

SUVs, trucks, and specialty off-road vehicles often have the best ground clearance. Many Subaru vehicles have 8.7 inches (or more), making them ideally suited for driving through snow.

Is 4WD or AWD better for winter?

For most drivers, AWD is better for daily driving in snow on plowed roads because it operates automatically and seamlessly to improve traction. 4WD is better for extreme conditions like deep, unplowed snow, rough terrain, or steep, icy hills, as it provides more power and control at lower speeds. 
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

• Best for: Paved roads with occasional snow and ice, city and suburban driving, and everyday commuting. 
• How it works: It automatically sends power to all four wheels as needed, providing enhanced traction and handling without driver intervention. 
• Pros: Seamless and automatic, better fuel efficiency, and works well in a variety of conditions. 

Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

• Best for: Deep snow, unpaved roads, steep hills, and off-roading. 
• How it works: It typically requires a driver to manually engage, sending power to all four wheels for maximum traction at lower speeds. Some systems also have a low-range gear for heavy-duty tasks. 
• Pros: Provides brute force and maximum traction for extreme conditions. 
• Cons: Less efficient, and can be detrimental to handling on dry pavement, as it can cause binding if not disengaged. 

Which one should you choose?

• Choose AWD if: You primarily drive on roads that are regularly cleared of snow.
• Choose 4WD if: You frequently drive in rural areas, experience very heavy snowfall, or need to navigate rough terrain. 

Important considerations

• Winter tires are non-negotiable: Regardless of whether you have AWD or 4WD, a good set of winter or snow tires is the single most important factor for safe winter driving. 
• AWD is not four-wheel-drive: Many modern AWD systems have a center differential, allowing the front and rear wheels to turn at different speeds, which is beneficial for cornering on dry or wet roads. 
• 4WD is for low-speed, high-traction situations: Avoid driving in 4WD on dry or paved roads, as it can damage the drivetrain.