Top Vehicles for Conquering Snow and Ice in 2023 and 2024

Driving in the snow and ice can be treacherous, but there are things you can do as a car owner to ensure safe driving. As the old adage goes: The best car for snow is the one with winter tires. What this implies is that even the finest, most advanced all-wheel-drive system or four-wheel drive won’t perform as well without winter tires. A vehicle with a good set of winter tires is what matters most when driving in slippery, slushy, or snowy road conditions. Tire Rack offers a variety of winter tires for your vehicle so you can tackle any winter road conditions. Keep in mind that a full set of four snow tires is necessary for maximum safety and performance, regardless of the vehicle you are driving.

The automotive market offers a range of choices for cars that perform well in snowy and icy conditions. Among those choices, the Acura RDX is a fitting selection, as its Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive system provides excellent handling in slick conditions. Similarly, the Audi A4 Allroad, with Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, offers confidence and agility in snowy conditions. For those who may need a full-size truck, opting for a truck with an automated four-wheel-drive system, such as the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, or RAM 1500, is advised for day-to-day driving in snow.

Vehicles with advanced torque-vectoring all-wheel drive systems will also perform well in winter conditions. The Ford Bronco Sport and Honda Pilot both offer such systems, with the Honda Pilot additionally providing a dedicated Snow mode. The Jeep Grand Cherokee offers advanced four-wheel drive systems and includes snow-specific driving modes to tackle even the most extreme winter conditions. The Land Rover Defender and Range Rover showcase superior off-road capabilities and snow-specific drive modes, providing an extra layer of confidence in snowy conditions.

For a vehicle with a bit more size and ground clearance, the Mazda CX-50 presents a stable and engaging option for winter driving. And for those interested in an electric alternative, the Rivian R1T truck and R1S SUV, with individual motors at each wheel, offer advanced torque-vectoring capabilities suitable for navigating through challenging winter road conditions.

When it comes to driving in snow and ice, the limit is not the car, but the tires and proper preparation you put into it. With the right set of winter tires and a reliable all-wheel-drive system, any car can tackle even the most challenging winter road conditions. So, before heading out on your next winter drive, make sure you have the right equipment installed to ensure a safe and comfortable ride.