Introduction
Driving in winter is a specialty that requires the proper features and abilities in a car. Cars that can offer good traction, stability, and comfort are needed when it is snowy, icy, and cold.
It is not only in the middle of a snowstorm that you find yourself having the right car, making the difference between feeling safe behind the wheel and being scared by the snow and cold.
The most suitable winter driving cars include the necessary safety features, such as all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and convenient features, such as heated seats that heat, sufficient clearance, and sophisticated traction systems.
These cars do not only assist in getting you through winter but also assist in doing so comfortably and safely.
What Makes a Car Great for Winter Driving
In the process of gauging the most suitable cars in snow, some main forces identify the performance of a vehicle on snow:
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) model offers four-wheel drive power on demand when needed to enhance traction on slippery roads significantly better than any two-wheel drive vehicle. AWDs automatically allocate power when it is needed throughout the conditions, whereas 4WD requires manual switching.
- Ground Clearance enables vehicles to travel deeper in the snow without getting stuck. Increased clearance also eliminates snow and ice accumulation in the undercarriage.
- Advanced Safety Features It has higher safety systems with traction control, stability control, and anti-lock braking systems that combine to ensure control during times when roads are not friendly.
- Comfort Features Winter driving is more comfortable with comfort features like heated seats, heated steering wheels and remote start which allow you to remain alert and focused on the road.
Top 10 Best Cars for Winter Driving in 2025
1. 2025 Hyundai Palisade
- U.S. News Rating: 9.4/10
- Starting Price: $37,200
- Key Features: All-wheel drive with Snow drive mode, seating for up to eight passengers, heated seats available for all three rows
Our number one vehicle is the Hyundai Palisade, an excellent three-row productivity vehicle that offers excellent value to winter driving families. Its V6 engine is matched with optional all-wheel drive with special Snow drive mode and the ability to lock the center differential to 25 mph.
The interior is spacious and has a three-row capacity of up to eight passengers and optional seats are heated, and the steering wheel can also be heated to ensure that the ride is maximally comfortable, especially on cold weather.
2. 2025 BMW X3
- U.S. News Rating: 9.1/10
- Starting Price: $49,950
- Key Features: Standard all-wheel drive, heated front seats, 31.5 cubic feet of cargo space
The all-wheel drive standard system of the X3 has made the new updated motor vehicle to be luxurious and winter-capable. The X3 M50 comes with a choice of a fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder or a higher-performance turbo inline-six, and an optional M-Sport Differential that provides the car with better rear-axle traction on slippery roads. The interior has lots of space with standard equipment comprising of synthetic leather upholstery and heated front seats.
3. 2025 Mercedes E-Class
- U.S. News Rating: 9.1/10
- Starting Price: $62,450
- Key Features: 4Matic all-wheel drive, up to seven inches of ground clearance with air suspension, heated front seats
The Mercedes E-Class is available in both sedan and wagon versions, and it has advanced winter driving. The All-Terrain wagon model has the advantage of air suspension that gives it up to seven inches of ground clearance, underbody protection plates, and hill descent control. All-Terrain models are equipped with a turbocharged inline-six engine and 4Matic all-wheel drive to enhance the best traction.
4. 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- U.S. News Rating: 9.0/10
- Starting Price: $37,035
- Key Features: Multiple four-wheel-drive systems, up to 10.5 inches of ground clearance with air suspension, Snow drive mode
The Jeep Grand Cherokee also has three kinds of four-wheel-drive systems, depending on various winter driving requirements. The Quadra-Drive II system is the highest level that has low-range gearing, automatic and manual engagement choices, and a limited-slip rear differential. Optional air suspension permits up to 10.5 inches of ground clearance with several drive modes, including a Snow mode.
5. 2025 Chevrolet Suburban
- U.S. News Rating: 8.9/10
- Starting Price: $62,000
- Key Features: Four-wheel drive capability, up to 144.7 cubic feet of storage space, heated first- and second-row seats
The re-invented Chevrolet Suburban provides space and winter capability to those families that require it the most. There are two V8 engines and a diesel six-cylinder that all feature four-wheel drive with an automatic engagement and a low-range gearing on select models. Z71 package provides skid plates and off-road tires to make it better in winter.
6. 2025 Ford Bronco Sport
- U.S. News Rating: 8.9/10
- Starting Price: $29,995
- Key Features: Four-wheel drive with multiple drive modes, 8.1 inches of ground clearance, rugged and easy-to-clean interior
Ford Bronco Sport is a unique compact SUV in its authentic off-road nature and suitability during the winter seasons. Each of them has four-wheel drive, various special driving modes in various situations, and 8.1-inch-and-more ground clearance. Rugged interior also has a rubberized cargo floor which is easy to clean after snowy adventures.
7. 2025 Volvo V60
- U.S. News Rating: 8.8/10
- Starting Price: $50,300
- Key Features: All-wheel drive, 8.3 inches of ground clearance with air suspension, off-road drive mode and hill descent control
Volvo V60 Cross Country is a wagon that makes winter driving more manageable: all-wheel drive is a standard feature, and the four-cylinder engine is powered by a turbo. The optional air suspension gives 8.3 inches of ground clearance in its tallest configuration, and special touches such as off-road drive mode and hill descent control enable the Ford Pinto to perform optimally in snow-covered areas.
8. 2025 Audi Q5
Zdiar, Slovakia – 12 October, 2023: Audi Q5 quattro (Volkswagen Group) on a public parking. This model is one of the most popular Audi vehicles in the world.
- U.S. News Rating: 8.7/10
- Starting Price: $45,400
- Key Features: Quattro all-wheel drive, up to 10 inches of ground clearance with air suspension, heated front seats
The Quattro all-wheel drive system of the Audi Q5 offers outstanding winter traction that can be equipped with any of the three engine specifications. Optional air suspension gives as much as 10 inches of ground clearance at low speeds, which are ideal when going through deep snow. The performance-based SQ5 variant will be powered with additional horsepower, and a limited-slip rear axle is optional.
9. 2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid
- U.S. News Rating: 8.4/10
- Starting Price: $36,595
- Key Features: Full-time all-wheel drive, 8.7 inches ground clearance, heated first- and second-row seats
The new Subaru Forester Hybrid is efficient in fuel consumption and features the legendary capability of all-wheel drive by Subaru. The Forester is an all-wheel drive vehicle, independent of the weather, which is opposed to a lot of hybrid systems. Having 8.7 inches of ground clearance and providing heated seats both in the front and back seat, it is a practical package of winter driving.
10. 2025 Subaru WRX
- U.S. News Rating: 8.1/10
- Starting Price: $35,750
- Key Features: Full-time all-wheel drive, turbocharged performance, heated front seats
Based on the rallying heritage of Subaru, the WRX comes to life with its all-wheel drive that is operational full-time with the added turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which makes winter driving an exciting experience. The WRX is available both as a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT transmission with rare performance plus winter in a sedan.
2025 Winter Car Comparison Table
| Vehicle | U.S. News Rating | Starting Price | Drive System | Key Winter Features |
| Hyundai Palisade | 9.4/10 | $37,200 | AWD | Snow mode, 8-passenger seating, heated seats all rows |
| BMW X3 | 9.1/10 | $49,950 | AWD | M-Sport Differential available, heated seats, 31.5 cu ft cargo |
| Mercedes E-Class | 9.1/10 | $62,450 | 4Matic AWD | 7″ ground clearance (air), hill descent, heated seats |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 9.0/10 | $37,035 | Multiple 4WD | 10.5″ ground clearance (air), Snow mode, limited-slip diff |
| Chevrolet Suburban | 8.9/10 | $62,000 | 4WD | 144.7 cu ft cargo, Z71 package available, heated 2 rows |
| Ford Bronco Sport | 8.9/10 | $29,995 | 4WD | Multiple drive modes, 8.1″ clearance, rugged interior |
| Volvo V60 | 8.8/10 | $50,300 | AWD | 8.3″ clearance (air), hill descent, off-road mode |
| Audi Q5 | 8.7/10 | $45,400 | Quattro AWD | 10″ clearance (air), multiple engines, heated seats |
| Subaru Forester Hybrid | 8.4/10 | $36,595 | Full-time AWD | 8.7″ clearance, hybrid efficiency, heated 2 rows |
| Subaru WRX | 8.1/10 | $35,750 | Full-time AWD | Rally heritage, turbocharged, manual available |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most significant characteristics to consider in a car when driving during winter?
The characteristics that are the most crucial in winter driving are all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive to provide better traction, proper ground clearance in order to move through snow, electronic stability control and traction control systems, and quality winter tires. Other comfort amenities, such as remote start and heated seats, are also helpful in winter driving.
What is the benefit of all-wheel drive (AWD) in snowy weather?
All-wheel drive provides improved traction in that all four wheels are automatically powered when the sensors detect traction on the wheels and it also offers more traction than front-wheel and rear-wheel drive cars. This will aid in avoiding snow trap and enhance stability during acceleration, turning and hill climbing on slippery surfaces.
Which tires should one use during winter?
Snow tires (commonly referred to as winter tires) have the most optimal performance during cold, snowy, and icy weather. They have special rubber compounds that are not hard when it is cold and have aggressive treads, which are created to cling to snow and ice. All-season tires would operate during mild winter conditions however, specialized winter tires are safer and higher performing.
What should I do to get my car ready in the winter?
Winter car maintenance will consist of installing winter tires, replacing the battery (it performs worse in cold weather), and making sure that antifreeze is full, the tank is at least half full, and a set of emergency equipment will include blankets, water, non-perishable food, and simple tools. Defrosting and heating systems should also be attended to frequently.
Choose Your Winter Driving Companion Wisely
The choice of the appropriate winter driving vehicle is something that has a lot of influence on the safety and confidence that one has in such weather. The vehicles mentioned above are the most suitable combination of winter ability and safety features with the best value in 2025.
With the family-friendly Hyundai Palisade as well as the performance-oriented Subaru WRX, each of has its merits in relation to different driving requirements in winter.
It is important to remember that even the most suitable winter cars should be prepared with good winter tires, regular care, etc.
The properly trained defensive driving techniques and emergency preparedness will make the right vehicle your reliable friend when it comes to maneuvering your way through the winter roads without any problem or concern.
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