Which Toyota car is good for snow?
In snow, the best Toyota choice is one with AWD or 4WD and solid winter traction, such as the RAV4, Highlander, 4Runner, Sequoia, Sienna, and Land Cruiser—especially when paired with proper winter tires.
Snow performance depends on drivetrain, tire grip, ground clearance, weight distribution, and driver-assistance systems. This guide reviews Toyota models commonly recommended for snowy conditions as of 2025 and explains how they perform, so you can pick the right one for your winter routine.
Key factors that make a Toyota snow-ready
Before listing specific models, here is what to look for when evaluating Toyotas for snow days. The most important factors are all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, good traction control, enough ground clearance for light-to-moderate snow, and the availability of winter tires or a tire package compatible with the vehicle.
- All-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) systems that can be engaged in poor conditions.
- Ground clearance sufficient to handle modest snow depth without getting stuck.
- Traction and stability features tuned for winter weather (vehicle stability control, electronic differential, hill-start assist, etc.).
- Compatibility with winter tires or a robust tire package from the factory.
These capabilities help the vehicle grip icy surfaces, manage slush, and maintain steering control in winter conditions. Now, let’s look at specific Toyota models that are well-suited to snow.
Top Toyota models for snow in 2025
Below are popular Toyota options that buyers turn to for winter driving, listed with notes on drivetrain and practical considerations. The list emphasizes AWD/4WD availability along with general winter-use considerations.
- Toyota RAV4 with all-wheel drive (AWD) — compact SUV, widely available with AWD for solid winter traction and good efficiency.
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid with AWD — hybrid option that adds traction and efficiency; heavier drivetrain can aid traction in some conditions; ensure winter tires are used.
- Toyota RAV4 Prime with AWD — plug-in hybrid variant; strong torque and AWD, suitable for winter commutes with ample range on electric modes and gas backup power.
- Toyota Highlander with AWD — mid-size three-row SUV; comfortable and capable in light to moderate snow, with ample interior space.
- Toyota Sienna with AWD — minivan; practical for families needing space and winter capability; AWD available on several trims.
- Toyota 4Runner with 4WD — rugged mid-size SUV; best for deep snow and off-road conditions thanks to true 4WD, high ground clearance, and robust chassis.
- Toyota Sequoia with 4WD — full-size SUV; excellent in heavy snow and extreme conditions thanks to powerful drivetrain and 4WD options.
- Toyota Land Cruiser (where available) — full-size luxury 4WD; top-tier off-road capability and snow performance, often at a premium price.
Note: Availability, trims, and drivetrain configurations can vary by market and model year. For most winter driving, pairing any AWD/4WD Toyota with quality winter tires is the most effective upgrade you can make.
Model-by-model: deeper look at winter capability
Toyota RAV4 (AWD)
The RAV4 with AWD is a staple for winter driving in many regions. It offers confident traction on slick roads, a compact footprint for city parking, and broad service support. In snow, AWD helps distribute power to the wheels with better grip, while traction control and stability systems help prevent slips. Pros: practical, efficient, easy to maneuver; cons: lower ground clearance compared with larger SUVs.
Toyota Highlander (AWD)
With AWD on most trims, the Highlander adds three-row seating and ample cargo space while maintaining reasonable fuel economy for a family SUV. In snow, stability control, hill-start assist, and available dynamic torque vectoring help maintain control on slick surfaces. Pros: roomy and versatile; cons: larger footprint can complicate tight parking.
Toyota Sienna (AWD)
The Sienna minivan with AWD offers winter capability in a practical, family-friendly package. It handles snowy city roads well and provides flexible seating and cargo options. Pros: exceptional practicality; cons: not designed for deep snow or off-road use.
Toyota 4Runner (4WD)
For deeper snow and off-road conditions, the 4Runner’s traditional 4WD system and higher ground clearance excel. It’s less fuel-efficient and has a stiffer ride, but it can outperform lighter crossovers in heavy snow. Pros: rugged capability; cons: aging interior and lower efficiency.
Toyota Sequoia (4WD)
The Sequoia offers serious snow capability with robust 4WD options, a strong chassis, and generous interior space. It excels in winter conditions but is large and costly. Pros: ample space and power; cons: size and price.
Toyota Land Cruiser (4WD)
The Land Cruiser remains a benchmark for winter capability with advanced 4WD systems and refined ride quality. It handles challenging winter roads with ease, though it comes with premium pricing and higher fuel consumption. Pros: extraordinary capability; cons: cost and efficiency.
Summary
When choosing a Toyota for snowy conditions, prioritize models with AWD or 4WD and pair them with quality winter tires. For everyday winter driving, the RAV4 (especially in AWD variants), Highlander, or Sienna offer solid capability with better efficiency and practicality. For deeper snow or off-road requirements, the 4Runner, Sequoia, or Land Cruiser provide enhanced capability, with trade-offs in price, size, and fuel economy. Tailor your choice to typical winter conditions and consider a tire upgrade as the most impactful improvement you can make.
